Bishop Richard F. Stika is shown with Scouts recognized at the Bishop’s Gathering & Adult Awards ceremony held at All Saints Church on March 16.
Photo by Dan McWilliams
The event took place March 16 at All Saints Church in Knoxville and was sponsored by the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting. DCCS lay chairman George LeCrone Sr. and religious-activity chair Giannine Morris emceed the luncheon.
As part of the proceedings, Bishop Stika accepted the diocese’s ninth consecutive Quality Diocese Award, presented by the National Catholic Committee on Scouting.
Jeffery Swanson received the St. George Award at the luncheon. Father Charlie Burton, pastor of St. Jude Parish in Chattanooga, received the St. George Award in a Feb. 17 presentation at St. Jude. The honor goes to members of the laity or clergy “who have made significant and outstanding contributions to the spiritual development of Catholic youths through Scouting.”
Linda Myers accepted the Order of the Golden Bow award, presented to Scouting families at Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Mission in Maynardville.
Mr. LeCrone presented a cross to Doug Armitage, Scoutmaster of Troop 630, which was the service troop for the Bishop’s Gathering.
The luncheon included remarks by the bishop and three professional Scouters: Anna Dirl, site-based coordinator for the Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians; Michael CasaSanta, district executive for the Boy Scouts of America Cumberland Council; and Casey Norwood, director of field service for the BSA Great Smoky Mountain Council.
