The Atlanta Archdiocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting awarded four boys from Troop 232 the Ad Altare Dei medal.

Deacon Bill McCarthy, of Holy Spirit Church, led the course, which lasted several weeks.

Along with classroom work and reflection, the Scouts completed a service project. Mary Schaefer, owner of Willow Green garden shop, and a supporter of the Ignatius House Jesuit Retreat Center, suggested they use hydrangeas she would donate from her shop to beautify the retreat grounds.

The Scouts are Edward “Ned” Feininger and William Ross, who attend the Cathedral of Christ the King, and Hamilton “Duvall” Adair and Watson Casal, who attend Holy Spirit Church.

According to the National Catholic Committee on Scouting, the Ad Altare Dei medal “is to help Catholic youth of the Roman Rite develop a fully Christian way of life in the faith community.” The Latin term means “at the altar of God.”