(JUNE 5, 2018)
By Peter Jesserer Smith
FORT WORTH, Texas – Five years after its founding, the Troops of St. George achieved a major milestone in its development by becoming a diocesan-approved apostolate for Catholic fathers and sons.
Bishop Michael Olson of the Diocese of Fort Worth, Texas, gave the Catholic organization official ecclesiastical approval May 16, concluding a nearly yearlong vetting process for the Catholic organization, which has now more than 50 troops spread through 23 U.S. states, with a significant contingent located in Texas.
“Congratulations on this important step in the life of the Troops of St. George, and be assured of my prayerful support,” the bishop wrote in his May 16 letter approving its status in the diocese.
The Troops of St. George now joins other diocesan-approved options for Catholic faith formation such as the American Heritage Girls troops, Girl Scout troops and Scouts BSA troops that are chartered by Catholic parishes in the Fort Worth Diocese.
Dr. Jeremy Lustig, national executive director of the Troops of St. George, told the Register that the organization is pleased to have diocesan approval. He said several other dioceses and parishes have requested this diocesan recognition, so they can be assured the organization is a properly vetted Catholic apostolate with canonical oversight.
“This proves who we are, and I expect we will have more growth from this, actually,” Lustig said.
