Girl Scout CEO Attends 2013 Youth Emblem / Adult Recognition Ceremony with Archbishop Timothy Cardinal Dolan

Receives St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Medal in Recognition of Her Commitment to the Formation and Development of Girls in Catholic Troops

NEW YORK, April 8, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Anna Maria Chávez, Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of the USA, on Sunday participated in an annual "Scouting Mass" given by the Archbishop of New York, Timothy Cardinal Dolan at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City.  The mass was held in recognition of both Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts who have earned a Catholic Youth Emblem from the Diocese for completing specially designed Catholic action projects.  Honorees included 27 girls from the Girl Scouts of the Heart of the Hudson and Greater New York Girl Scout councils.

"As a Roman Catholic and a Girl Scout, I am keenly aware of the impact faith can have in a scout's life, and the significant role the church has played in advancing the cause of the Girl Scout Movement around the world," said Ms. Chávez.  "A commitment to religious faith is a foundational element of the Girl Scouts of the USA, one that has played a vital role for millions of girls across our Movement who have drawn inspiration and wisdom from their faith.  The Catholic Church emphasizes the development of the whole person, mind, body and spirit; a goal in keeping with the mission of the Girl Scouts to develop young women with the skills, vision and confidence they will need to be leaders in today's world."

As part of the ceremony, Archbishop Dolan invited Ms. Chávez to join him in presenting the various "emblems" awarded to girls who have completed the age-appropriate curriculums with the help and support of their Girl Scout troops:

• 25 middle school girls received the Marian emblem – earned for "reflective action" projects.
• 2 high school girls received the Spirit Alive emblem, which assists young women in discovering how the Holy Spirit moves in their lives, and calls for greater participation in ministry of the Church.
• In addition, 2 adults received St. Anne emblem, the highest recognition for adults who serve Catholic Youth through scouting.

The Cardinal also presented Ms. Chávez with a St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Medal, an award that recognizes her outstanding contributions to the growth and development of young women in Girl Scouts of the USA.

"The Girl Scout Law calls upon girls to, on their honor, 'serve God and my country,' and to help people at all times," continued Ms. Chávez.  "These principles, so fundamental to the Girl Scout way, are indelibly woven into the fabric of Catholic life and the mission of the Church. The wonderful partnership between the Girl Scouts of the USA and Catholic Church has helped countless girls to truly understand and live by that Law, providing the solid foundation in faith that is the cornerstone on which so many of life's greatest achievements are built.  In Girl Scouting, girls of all religions are encouraged to celebrate and live by the tenets of their faith, and to incorporate those values into their Girl Scout journey, as they acquire the courage, confidence and character that help them make their world a better place."

About Girl Scouts of the USA
Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls, with 3.2 million girl and adult members worldwide. Girl Scouts is the leading authority on girls' healthy development, and builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. The organization serves girls from every corner of the United States and its territories. Girl Scouts of the USA also serves American girls and their classmates attending American or international schools overseas in 90 countries. For more information on how to join, volunteer or reconnect with, or donate to Girl Scouts, call 800-GSUSA-4-U or visit www.girlscouts.org.

SOURCE Girl Scouts of the USA