On the Saturday following Saint George’s Feast Day, Troop 31 started their day with a pilgrimage to St. Peter Catholic Church in Lindsay, Texas, which was founded by German colonists (more information here: http://stpeterlindsay.org/history). After spending the day learning about this historical North Texas parish, Troop 31 made their way back to their home parish, Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church in Lewisville, Texas. Upon arriving 30 minutes early for Mass, they were able to practice the flag ceremony one last time, finish the setup for their after Mass ceremony, and go over the cues in and after Mass.
Father Assaad El-Basha celebrated the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, allowing Troop 31 to process in and sit in the front pews amongst the congregation. Father El-Basha took a moment to comment at the beginning of his homily on the Troops of Saint George and their importance in forming the future Catholic leaders and dads of tomorrow. After Mass, Troop 31 processed out of the Church and over to the parish hall for the Awards Ceremony and celebration.
The Awards Ceremony began with a Flag Ceremony led by Senior Cadet, Sergeant Marincel and an Opening Prayer by Troop Chaplain Mark Omvig. Captain Tim O’Flaherty then addressed the Troop and their guests, outlining what the men and boys had completed overthe past two years since the forming of the Troops of Saint George. With Troop 31 being one of the first troops chartered, he spoke of the vision to continue the mission of the Troops of Saint George. Lieutenant Marincel then conducted a uniform inspection and the Troop presented arms, Rosary and pocket knife. This was immediately followed by a review of the youth cadets’ wood workmanship completed this year. The Junior Cadets were then awarded their promotion to their next TSG rank.
Father El-Basha then addressed the Troop and their guests, which was followed by the Troop presenting him with a special TSG appreciation award for serving as their priest. The Senior Cadets were then awarded their patch and a special plaque for the St. George Dragon Slayers which Captain O’Flaherty designed and built. Captain O’Flaherty then took a moment to show his appreciation for all the Troop leaders and mothers, who had helped in creating the Troop Banner, Troop uniform patches, and designing and making the Troop and Patrol Flags.
The ceremony then closed with a prayer from the troop chaplain, and a flag retreat ceremony. The troop and their guests were then dismissed to a pizza party / ice cream social to end the amazing day.
