The Light of Christ Award is intended for First and Second Graders (Tiger and Wolf
Cubs). This program has similarities and enhances the First Communion Program
followed in the Second Grade.
In order to qualify for the Light of Christ A ward, the workbook must be completed by the
end of Second Grade/WolfCub Year.
The Parvuli Dei (Children of God) Award is intended for Third, Fourth, and Fifth
Graders (Bears and Webelos). The program explores a wide range of activities in order
to discover the presence of God in their daily lives as members of their families and
parishes and also to develop a good positive self-image through the contributions that
they make to the community.
The Workbook for Parvuli Dei must be completed before crossing over into Boy Scouts.
The Award fulfills for either the Bear Requirement in the area of God (Requirement 2) or
the Webelos Badge Religious Requirement (Requirement 8).
Both of these awards are set up for a parent to work through the program with their child.
It is not intended as a classroom type activity. Some activities introduce the child to
parish activities like nursing home/rehab care center visits.
The Diocese of Belleville Catholic Committee on Scouting presents the se Religious
Awards each February for completed and signed applications (the last page of the
workbook) turned in by the previous December 15th. Completed applications may be
sent to Luke Rheaume, 816 Alexander Drive, O'Fallon, IL 62269.
Each of these Awards has two parts.
A Knot - worn above the Left Shirt
Pocket1 -is sent to the Scout's parish at the
beginning of February and should be awarded at a Parish Mass to recognize the
Scout's Achievement in the Community.
A Medal- worn above the Left Shirt Pocket for special occasions
- is presented to the
Scout by the Bishop at a Ceremony at the Cathedral on a Sunday afternoon in
February (Details of the Ceremony at the Cathedral are sent out in a letter around the
beginning of February).
Catholic Scouts may earn up to four Religious Awards2 as the go through Scouting.
1. Light of Christ - Tiger and Wolf Cub Scouts
2. Parvuli Dei - Bear and Webelos Scouts
3. Ad Altare Dei - Boy Scout 11 -14
4. Pope Pius XII -Boy Scouts in High School
Each Award is independent and age appropriate.
1 Once the Religious Knot is earned, it may be transferred to any future Scout Uniform, including
Webelos, Boy Scout, and Adult Leader Uniforms.
2 Earning a more than one Religious award is identified by pin(s) worn on the Knot.