Priest says Scouting helps youths discern vocations

Published: 2007-01-05

IRVING, Texas (CNS) -- Participating in Boy Scouts is a great way for youths to meet people in all walks of life and help them discern their own vocations, says Msgr. John B. Brady, a 65-year veteran of Scouting. In an interview with Scouting, a family magazine published by the Boy Scouts of America, Msgr. Brady said jamborees -- nine-day national or international gatherings of Scouts and their leaders -- provide opportunities for vocational discernment "not equaled in any other environment." He said the "excitement, enlightenment, reverence and camaraderie" of a jamboree combine to increase youths' openness to thinking about what direction their life should take. Scouting interviewed Msgr. Brady after he received the National Catholic Committee on Scouting's 2006 Silver St. George award, given to Catholic Scouting leaders for "especially significant" accomplishments and service at the national level. A priest of the Washington Archdiocese, Msgr. Brady, 77, was archdiocesan chaplain for Boy Scouting, Girl Scouting and Camp Fire Boys and Girls from 1960 to 1984.

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