Loc.jpg (3703 bytes) Religious Emblems Program
Light of Christ Requirements

Eligibility:

The Light of Christ program was developed by the National Catholic Committee on Scouting under the auspices of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. To be eligible to work on the Light of Christ program your son must be a registered Tiger Cub or Wolf Scout of the Catholic faith. In order to receive the Light of Christ emblem, he must complete all requirement before he starts third grade. This program has been developed for use by Catholics of both Western and Eastern Churches, in communion with Rome. Scouts of those particular churches are eligible to participate in this program.

Purpose:

The purpose of the Light of Christ program is to help the Cub Scout develop a personal relationship with Jesus. With your active assistance and participation in this program, it is hoped that he will come to see Jesus as a real person and his friend.

The Light of Christ program is the first of five religious emblems available for catholic youth involved in Scouting. It is designed to be a stepping stone to the other emblems. These other programs are: the Parvuli Dei program, designed for Bear and Webelos Scouts (3rd through 5th grade); the Ad Altare Dei (for Roman-rite Catholics) and the Light is Life (for Eastern-rite Catholics), available for Boy Scouts in the 7th and 8th grade; and the Pope Pius XII program, available to both Boy Scouts and Explorers who have started the 9th grade.

Requirements:

The Light of Christ is designed to be completed by the Scout, with the assistance of both of his parents. However, if the parent cannot or will not assist your son with this program, you may designate another adult in your family to share this experience with him.

It is suggested that at least a half hour be set aside each week to work on the activities that are described in the Light of Christ workbook. By doing this, your son sees the importance you place in your family life. The time it takes to complete this program will be determined by your son's ability to complete and comprehend the requirements. The average completion time is between 90 and 180 days.

Workbook Activities:

STEP 1: FAMILIES

  1. We are all part of a family. All families are different. Draw a picture of your family. Write the names of the people you have drawn.
  2. Jesus had a family too. His parent's names were Jesus and Mary. Draw a picture of Jesus' family. Show your parent/guardian the picture and tell about it.
  3. Some time ago, your parent/guardian took you to be baptized. Through baptism, you were welcomed into the family of God. Ask someone to tell you the story of what happened to you that day.
  4. Jesus was baptized by His cousin John (John the Baptist). Have your parent/guardian tell you the story about Jesus' Baptism (Matthew 3:13-17). If possible, have your parent/guardian take you to see a Baptism at your church.
  5. Have your parent/guardian teach you the "Sign of the Cross" and the "Glory be to the Father".

STEP 2: GOD'S CALL

  1. Ask your parent or guardian to tell you what they like best about being your parent/guardian. Then tell them what you like about being their son. Write down one thing each of you said.
  2. When Jesus was your age, He had many jobs to do. These included: going to school, doing work for Mary around the house, and helping Joseph with his work. When we do jobs, we help others. Circle the jobs you can do: Sweep, Set the Table, Dust, Study, Homework, Wash Dishes, Empty the Dishwasher, Vacuum, Clean your room, Make toast, Carry out the trash.
  3. Have your parent/guardian tell you about his or her job. Find out about some of the things they have to do at work. Learn to do something that your parent/guardian does at his or her job. What did you learn to do? Draw a picture of one thing that your parent/guardian does at work.
  4. Remember to tell Jesus "Good Morning" and "Good Night" every day. Ask Him to help you to "Do your Best" in carrying out your jobs.

STEP 3: EUCHARIST

  1. Tell your parent/guardian why food is so important to us. Paste or draw some pictures of your favorite foods.
  2. With your parent/guardian's help, write down some of the times during the year when your family gets together for a special meal. Learn the prayers your family uses to thank Jesus before and after meals.
  3. Have your parent/guardian tell you the story of the time when Jesus fed more than 5,000 people (John 6:1-15). Why do you think Jesus fed all those people? Circle all of the feelings you think the boy had during the story: Happy, Worried, Selfish, Sad, Angry, Jealous, Confused, Sick, Silly, Joyful, Loving, Generous, Embarrassed.
  4. When you go to mass this week, with your your family, listen for the priest to say "Do this in memory of Me". Jesus wants us to remember how much He loves us. Write or draw one thing that shows how much Jesus loves you
  5. Make.up a prayer to tell Jesus how much you feel about Him. Have your parent/guardian write it down. Or write it down yourself.

STEP 4: FORGIVENESS

  1. Have your parent/guardian tell you the Bible story about the time that Mary and Joseph thought Jesus was lost in Jerusalem (Luke 2:41-52). How do you think Mary and Joseph felt when they could not find Him? Ask your parent/guardian how he/she would feel if your were lost.
  2. The story you just listened to said that Jesus went with Mary and Joseph and was obedient to them. It is not always easy to obey. For the next week, try to say "YES" whenever your parent/guardian help asks you do something. At the end of the week, have your parent/guardian help you write how you felt doing this.
  3. Think about someone who has hurt you. Then go and tell then that you forgive him/her. Tell your parent/guardian how you felt after you forgave them.
  4. Have your parent/guardian tell you the story of the "Lost Sheep" from the Bible (Matthew 18:10-14). Draw a picture of the story.
  5. Go to someone you have hurt and tell them that you are truly sorry. Write what you did and how it made you feel when they forgave you.

STEP 5: FAMILY OF GOD

  1. Write down the name of the Church you and your family attend to celebrate Jesus' love.
  2. With your parent/guardian, visit your Church on a day, other than Sunday or a Holy Day. Look around at some of the religious symbols that are used in your Church. Find some of these things: Stations of the Cross; Statues; Tabernacle; Alter; Pulpit; Icon Screen; Sanctuary Lamp; Baptismal Font; Reconciliation Room; Icons; Cross; and Holy Water font. Have your parent/guardian tell you why and how some of these are used. Draw a picture of what you liked the best.
  3. Learn the "Our Father", so that you will be able to pray it with your family each time you go to Mass.
  4. List some of the items you saw in your church that are used in the following sacraments: Baptism, Eucharist, Reconciliation.