Each spring, since 1989, girls from across the Diocese of Lincoln have been recognized for their achievement in earning a Girls' Religious Award. In March 2003, 125 girls received their awards from Bishop Bruskewitz during a Mass and Awards Ceremony, which was held at the Cathedral of the Risen Christ in Lincoln. Members of Girl Scouts, Campfire Girls, 4-H, Junior Catholic Daughters or Schoenstatt may earn any of the four medals: Family of God, Marian, Spirit Alive or I Live My Faith.
Family of God Medal
The Family of God program is the official religious recognition program of
the Roman Catholic Church in the USA for girls age 7-9, who are enrolled in
the Girl Scouts of the USA, Camp Fire, Inc., Junior Catholic Daughters of
the Americas, 4-H, and other youth organizations. It helps children discover
God in their daily lives as members of their family and parish.
The Spirit Alive
The Spirit Alive program is for Catholic youth in high school in the Senior
level of Girl Scouts and Horizon Club members of Camp Fire, or other youth
organizations, ages 15-18. It assists them in discovering how the Holy Spirit
moves in their lives, calling them to greater participation in the Church's
ministry. The program uses the Bible and Vatican II documents for group or
individual research, dialogue with counselors, and activities.
Saint Anne Medal
The Saint Anne Medal is the highest national recognition for adults who serve
Catholic youth through girls organizations. The award was inaugurated in 1957
to honor the outstanding services of adults who contribute to the spiritual
development of Catholic young people in girls organizations and to further
Catholic adult leadership in youth ministry through national organizations
serving girls.
I Live My Faith
The I Live My Faith program is designed to help the younger girl, ages 9-11,
to appreciate more deeply the place that God and religion occupy in her daily
life. The program activities focus on developing awareness within the individual
girl, or her potential as a person, a friend, a member of her family, a citizen
and a participant in the community of faith.
Marian Medal
The Marian Medal program is written for young Catholic women ages 12-15, to
actively involve them as participants in an understanding of Mary as the model
of openness and spirituality; to be a woman of the Church
Saint Elizabeth Ann
Seton Medal
The Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton recognition was inaugurated in 1980 to recognize
the meritorious contributions of adults who serve Catholic youth through girls
organizations. This medal affirms the work of those who help youth develop
their spiritual lives within the context of girls organizations.
Upon completing the program, please submit your application, along with a
$3.00 application fee, to the Diocesan Youth Ministry Office c/o Cindy Filip,
P.O. Box 80328, Lincoln, NE 68501. To obtain an Application
or Workbook, please contact the Youth Ministry Office at 402-488-2040. Workbooks
are $5.50 each plus $1.00 shipping.
