Girl Scouts under scrutiny from Catholic bishops

[Tigg]

Except they are sponsored by 100s of Parishes. The question is should the Church have any affiliation with this organization-- a valid concern for the magestrium

I feel I’m in the twilight zone at times. On Saturdays, I stand in front of PP with a sign that reads, “abortion kills children.” (Sometimes our very own pastor joins us.) Then, the very next day I enter my church and there in the narthex are the GS selling their cookies. I understand a portion of these proceeds go to the national level - the very ones complicit in the undermining of church teaching.

I’m with Abby Johnson when she asks, “is the Catholic Church truly pro-life or not?”

 

[Cristiano]

Of course, it’s up to the Bishops, but I would think that they would want to keep the GS in the parishes. Like I said, I have total control over what the girls in my troop do and what we spend money on. I would think a Parish supporting a troop could set up some rules and guidance–especially if the leaders, families, and the girls are all Catholic. I would suspect that removing them from the Parishes would mean the Church would have less influence. Sure, some girls would quit Scouts, but others would just join troops at other Churches or schools–out of the reach of Catholic guidance.

If you have such a total independence and control why do you seek affiliation with the GS when you know that such affiliation tights you to people that support PP? Why do not have your troop drop the “in name only” association to the GS thus removing any association with PP and move them under a parochial association?

 

[Brendan]

I
My take on it is it’s a secular organization and should stay that way.** I don’t see anything anti-Catholic **and the GSUSA denies involvement with Planned Parenthood (and I believe in innocent until proven guilty). My guess is, a lot of the association with Planned Parenthood stems from individual troops associating with them (since we have pretty much freedom to plan our meetings and such). My understanding is that basically, some troops independently used Planned Parenthood’s sex education program and that started this whole mess.

Go read the play “Simply Maria”

It’s gets a great review on pg 51 of the aMuze book (grade 4-5). here is how the author portrays Catholic Marriage

PRIEST. Dearly beloved, we are gathered here, under the Catholic church, in the holy house of God, to unite these two people in holy matrimony. Marriage is sacred. It is the unification of a man and a woman, their love and commitment, forever, and ever, and ever, no matter what! Well, then let’s begin.

María, do you accept José Juan Gonzalez García López as your lawfully wedded husband to love cherish, serve, cook for, clean for, sacrifice for, have his children, keep house, love him, even if he beats you, commits adultery, gets drunk, rapes you, lawfully, denies your identity, money, and in return ask for nothing? (MARIA thinks about it and then turns to her parents who mouth to her “I do.”)

MARIA. I do.

PRIEST. Very good. Now, José. Do you accept María García Gonzalez López as your lawfully wedded wife to support?

JOSE. Simón, que yes.

PRIEST. Good. Well, if there is anyone present who is opposed to the union of these two people, speak now, or forever hold your truth. (RICARDO stands up, takes out a gun, and brandishes it to the audience.) Do you have the ring? (JOSE takes out a golden dog collar. The PRIEST gives it his blessings.) 5, 6, 7, 8. By the power vested in me, under the Catholic church, in the holy house of God, I pronounce you man and wife.

(The THREE GIRLS take away MARIA’s veil and bouquet. They place the dog collar around MARIA’s neck. Then they get the wedding lasso and tie it around her to make the collar seem and work like a leash. PRIEST speaks to JOSE.)(The lasso is given to JOSE. He pulls MARIA, who gets on her hands and knees. They walk down the aisle like dog and master. The wedding march plays, people begin to leave. Lights fade out.)

PRIEST:You may pet the bride.

So you find nothing ‘anti-Catholic’ about the GSUSA promoting this play???

Or the link to the PP\NOW site “WomensMedia Center” pg 71 of the MEdia book

 

[Tigg]

Also, check out the EWTN Women of Grace program. They’ve done a lot to bring this mess to light and recently found what they termed feminist pornography on the GS recommended reading list.

 

[Rich_Olszewski]

FYI, none of Councils are Catholic. Certain troops might be, but none of the Councils.

Yup.

 

[Brendan]

I feel I’m in the twilight zone at times. On Saturdays, I stand in front of PP with a sign that reads, “abortion kills children.” "

If it means anything, not only is the AHG Troop my girls belong to out infront of our local clinic ( in uniform) saying the rosary, they even get service hours for that, since AHG considers that to be an element of community service

 

[Rich_Olszewski]

I would much rather have my girls is a fully Christian, fully pro-life organization. GSUSA is not it.

Good for you. Take your daughter to whatever organization suits you. I know the Catholic women who are Scout leaders at my parish might differ with you.

 

[Brendan]

Good for you. Take your daughter to whatever organization suits you. I know the Catholic women who are Scout leaders at my parish might differ with you.

On preferring that an organization for Catholic girls be Christian and pro-life? Interesting preference for them to take…

 

[jediliz]

oh wow oh wow…that trash is promoted by girl scouts? Its not only anti catholic,but its anti marriage! (and makes assumptions that the husband will commit adultery and abuse the wife) n My mom says that someone that works for the local Catholic conference (and gives updates on legislative news that affects pro life issues) did his own investigation supposedly and said on the local Catholic Radion station that the girl scouts are not affiliated with planned parenthood locally! And its fine to buy their cookies. And that there is misinformation about the girl scouts out there. (yes, there is…but there is also a lot of truth to the facts that they DO PARTNER WITH PLANNED PARENTHOOD and Feminazis)

Sadly, I am saying he did NOT do enough investigation…do you think the local big councils are going to ADMIT they partner with planned parenthood to someone who works for the Catholic diocese(s)? NO!

 

[Rich_Olszewski]

On preferring that an organization for Catholic girls be Christian and pro-life? Interesting…

Every girl in my daughter’s troop were and are Catholics as were and are its leaders. You can support any organization you like; I and she were satisfied with the one at our parish.

 

[Tigg]

If it means anything, not only is the AHG Troop my girls belong to out infront of our local clinic ( in uniform) saying the rosary, they even get service hours for that, since AHG considers that to be an element of community service

More and more are saying AHG is the way to go! Speaking of uniforms, I recently read there are parishes back east which will not allow the GS to wear their uniforms on church property. Out here in the wild and wooly West, we let them process down the aisle in full regalia!

 

[Brendan]

oh wow oh wow…that trash is promoted by girl scouts? Its not only anti catholic,but its anti marriage! (and makes assumptions that the husband will commit adultery and abuse the wife)

Yep. There is another section where other girls are encouraging Maria to ‘touch’ and ‘explore’ herself. I didn’t feel like posting those.

Sadly, I am saying he did NOT do enough investigation…do you think the local big councils are going to ADMIT they partner with planned parenthood to someone who works for the Catholic diocese(s)? NO!

Well, when a lot of this hit, the GSUSA went into damage control. For example, on the women’s media center, they contacted the website and had them remove their list of partner organization ( Planned Parenthood, NOW).

Of course, the website still partners with those organizations, they just removed the link on the website.

And the CEO’s blog entry that linked to the Marie Clare website is now removed.

And GSUSA has said that the next reprint of the Journey books will not contain information about the “Simply Maria” play, nor the links to women’s media center or media matters.

But the fact remains, is that GSUSA saw no problems with putting them in there in the first place. Is an organization that sees no problems with that play, or linking to PP sites in their books really the best organization for our girls?

 

[Brendan]

Here is another excerpt from “Simply Maria”, this scene comes after the ‘marriage’

AT RISE: Lights come on. MARIA goes into labor. JOSE walks her to the hospital. MARIA sits down and spreads her legs wide open. She is covered with a white sheet. THREE NURSES run in. A SALESMAN in a plaid jacket also enters.

SALESMAN. Here we have it. Direct from Mexico. The “Reproducing Machine.” You can have one by calling our toll-free number. Get your pencil. It’s 1-800-AJUU-AAAA!

HEAD NURSE. Now, relax. Just breathe like this. (Exemplifies.) Ahh!!! All in good rhythm. Good! Don’t worry, millions of women have Mexican children, especially Mexican women, they have millions. But you’ll get use to it. After your fourth child they’ll just slide right on out.

MARIA. ¡¡Amá!! ¡¡Mamá!!

HEAD NURSE. There’s nothing she can do. She went through it herself. Now, isn’t that pain great? You’re giving birth! Why it’s the most satisfying feeling a woman can feel. Okay, I think it’s coming! Push, push, push! (A baby pops up, flying into the air. It is caught by one of the NURSES. She presents it to the HEAD NURSE.)

HEAD NURSE (disappointed). Oh, it’s a girl.

NURSE 2 (presents the baby to JOSE). Here’s your baby daughter.

JOSE. A daughter? (To MARIA.) How could you do this to me? I’ll have to call her “Sacrifice.”

MARIA (screams again). There’s another one inside; I can feel it!

HEAD NURSE. Nahhh! Well, I’ll check just in case. (The HEAD NURSE peeps inside the sheet.) Well. I’ll be! Yeah, there’s another one. Push! Push! Push! (Another baby pops into the air. The baby falls to the floor and NURSE 3 chases after it and picks it up. She passes it on to NURSE 2. NURSE 2 presents the baby to JOSE.)

NURSE 2. Here’s another lovely daughter.

JOSE. Another daughter?! I’ll have to call her “Abnegation.”

SALESMAN. Here we have it! The world renowned Reproducing machine! (MARIA screams again.)

HEAD NURSE. What is it?

MARIA. There’s another one!

SALESMAN. Ahh, but if you were watching earlier, you saw the other amazing function. It can also be used as a sex object.

HEAD NURSE. Push! Push! Push! (Another baby pops up.)

NURSE 1. I’ll get it! (The baby lands someplace far.)

SALESMAN. Yes siree! You can be the boss. It’s at your disposal and control. Hours of pleasure. And if it ever does go out of control, a kick and a few punches will do the job, and it will be back to normal.

NURSE 2. Here’s another one.

JOSE (to MARIA). Another girl? Why are you doing this to me? I’ll call her “Obligation.”

SALESMAN. It’s made in Mexico. It’s cheap! It cooks! It cleans! (MARIA screams again.)

HEAD NURSE. Push! Push! Push! (Three babies pop up into the air. Some land in the audience. All the NURSES collect them.)

SALESMAN. Its stretch marks can stretch all the way from here to Tijuana. Not even a Japanese model can beat this one.

NURSE 2 (to JOSE). Guess what?

JOSE. No, don’t tell me; another girl?

NURSE 2. Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!

JOSE. Three girls?! I’ll call them “Frustration,” “Regret,” and “Disappointment.”

SALESMAN. It delivers up to twenty-one children. It feeds on beans, chile, and lies.

HEAD NURSE. Are there any more babies in that Mexican oven of yours?

MARIA. I don’t think so.

HEAD NURSE. See you in nine months for your next Mexican litter.

SALESMAN. You can have your own reproducing machine! 1-800-AJU- AAAA! (Blackout.)

 

[Rich_Olszewski]

More and more are saying AHG is the way to go! Speaking of uniforms, I recently read there are parishes back east which will not allow the GS to wear their uniforms on church property. Out here in the wild and wooly West, we let them process down the aisle in full regalia!

There are only 19,000 members of that organization and aren’t in every state. It’s not a Catholic organization; just has Catholc members like the Girls Scouts have Catholic members. Not any Catholic charity in those parishes’ prejudicial refusal to allow Catholic Girls Scouts be on church property! in uniform.

Which parishes are those BTW? Which dioceses? I’d love to write the bishops there a letter.

 

[Brendan]

There are only 19,000 members of that organization and aren’t in every state. It’s not a Catholic organization; just has Catholc members like the Girls Scouts have Catholic members. .

But unlike the GSUSA, it is a CHRISTIAN organization, and a commitedly PRO-LIFE one.The GSUSA can claim neither

I can, and do, send my girls to the National Convention without having to worry about what the speakers are going say.

I can send my girls to camp with other troops, and won’t have to worry about any troop leaders on the other troops promoting values that are contrary to what we are teaching our girls.

And we won’t have the national leadership tellling my girl’s troop that they have to let a boy in to camp with them because that boy thinks that he’s a girl ( or require that the troop leaders go to ‘sensitivitiy training’ because they said ‘no’ to a boy joining the troop)

That remains a possibility, the GSUSA will only let the Catholic nature of a troop go so far.

 

[Rich_Olszewski]

But unlike the GSUSA, it is a CHRISTIAN organization, and a commitedly PRO-LIFE one.The GSUSA can claim neither

I can, and do, send my girls to the National Convention without having to worry about what the speakers are going say.

I can send my girls to camp with other troops, and won’t have to worry about any troop leaders on the other troops promoting values that are contrary to what we are teaching our girls.

And we won’t have the national leadership tellling my girl’s troop that they have to let a boy in to camp with them because that boy thinks that he’s a girl ( or require that the troop leaders go to ‘sensitivitiy training’ because they said ‘no’ to a boy joining the troop)

That remains a possibility, the GSUSA will only let the Catholic nature of a troop go so far.

Again, you send your daughters to whatever organization you like, as I have done to the organization of our choice.

 

[mellowcalico]

My daughter (and I) are involved in Girl Scouts for a variety of reasons. But basically, I was a Girl Scout and learned a lot from it and my daughter wanted to be one too. It’s also the girl’s club/group in my area. So I lead the troop. I like the Girl scouts because there are a lot of resources at my disposal (a lot of camp grounds, badge work, other troops to work with, etc.) I also understand a lot of the steps and culture having been a Girl Scout myself (thinks like bridging over, Girl Scout songs, etc.)

In my years as a scout and a scout leader and the years my daughter has been a scout we’ve never heard or did anything like sex education, abortion, or that play someone else posted. We have talked about and gone camping, swimming, learned safety, cooking, sewing, learned about Girl Scouts and Girl Guides in other nations and have had sock hop dances done fund raisers for the local homeless children’s center. We also made cards for soldiers who were wounded and in the local military hospital. We wanted to send them cookies but the military told us “no more” (unless you personally knew a solider to send them to). Pretty much all American stuff and again, nothing anti-Catholic.

I’ve heard what I would call hearsay about all the stuff being mentioned in this thread, but never experienced myself. When I try to read it, I get an extreme view, over the top perspective on things on one side and denial from the Girl Scouts. Two extremes almost. So I go by what I’ve personally experienced and I am mainly focused on our troop, then service unit, and then (maybe a little) the counsel where none of these accusations come into play. If a troop here and there halfway across the country did something anti-Catholic, that won’t make me write off the whole organization anymore than I would write off an entire political party because one of their candidates in another state does something I find offensive. Anyway, I am not sure about the national leader of the Girl Scouts… she really has no influence on me or my troop in the slightest.

Someone asked about cookies. This is the first year I did cookies and I can’t remember the exact percentages now, but most of the cookie money went back to Little Brownie Bakers who makes the cookies (as is true with most fund raisers). Most of the remainder went to our troop, some went to our service unit, and some went to the local counsel. We used our cookie money to plan a horseback riding trip and we used it to cover costs of things like materials for crafts, cooking, etc.

 

[Rich_Olszewski]

My daughter (and I) are involved in Girl Scouts for a variety of reasons. But basically, I was a Girl Scout and learned a lot from it and my daughter wanted to be one too. It’s also the girl’s club/group in my area. So I lead the troop. I like the Girl scouts because there are a lot of resources at my disposal (a lot of camp grounds, badge work, other troops to work with, etc.) I also understand a lot of the steps and culture having been a Girl Scout myself (thinks like bridging over, Girl Scout songs, etc.)

In my years as a scout and a scout leader and the years my daughter has been a scout we’ve never heard or did anything like sex education, abortion, or that play someone else posted. We have talked about and gone camping, swimming, learned safety, cooking, sewing, learned about Girl Scouts and Girl Guides in other nations and have had sock hop dances done fund raisers for the local homeless children’s center. We also made cards for soldiers who were wounded and in the local military hospital. We wanted to send them cookies but the military told us “no more” (unless you personally knew a solider to send them to). Pretty much all American stuff and again, nothing anti-Catholic.

I’ve heard what I would call hearsay about all the stuff being mentioned in this thread, but never experienced myself. When I try to read it, I get an extreme view, over the top perspective on things on one side and denial from the Girl Scouts. Two extremes almost. So I go by what I’ve personally experienced and I am mainly focused on our troop, then service unit, and then (maybe a little) the counsel where none of these accusations come into play. If a troop here and there did something anti-Catholic, that won’t make me write off the whole organization. I am not sure about the national leader of the Girl Scouts… she really has no influence on me or my troop in the slightest.

Someone asked about cookies. This is the first year I did cookies and I can’t remember the exact percentages now, but most of the cookie money went back to Little Brownie Bakers who makes the cookies (as is true with most fund raisers). Most of the remainder went to our troop, some went to our service unit, and some went to the local counsel. We used our cookie money to plan a horseback riding trip and we used it to cover costs of things like materials for crafts, cooking, etc.

I could have written virtually the same about my daughter’s Scout troop. And I don’t write off the organization for something a very distant Scout Leader says.

 

[mellowcalico]

I added something to my post after you quoted it (just wanted to clarify that).

“If a troop here and there halfway across the country did something anti-Catholic, that won’t make me write off the whole organization anymore than I would write off an entire political party because one of their candidates in another state does something I find offensive.”

 

[Brendan]

I’ve heard what I would call hearsay about all the stuff being mentioned in this thread, but never experienced myself.

I provided the page numbers in the Journey books. How can that be defined as ‘heresay’
These are the books being offered to your girls.

What was your take on the “Simply Maria” play? I own a copy myself (and it can be purchased on Amazon) so everything can be verified. And, again, I provided page numbers to where the play, and it’s author, recieve praise from the GSUSA

“If a troop here and there halfway across the country did something anti-Catholic, that won’t make me write off the whole organization anymore than I would write off an entire political party because one of their candidates in another state does something I find offensive.”

But when they do something across the nation, and continue to do it, even after the Church asks them to stop it ( such as the links to Marie Clare)