The purpose of the Ad Altare Dei (to the altar of God) program is to help Catholic Boy Scouts of the Roman Rite develop a fully Christian way of life in the faith community. The program is organized in chapters based on the seven Sacraments. The seven Sacraments are a primary means toward spiritual growth. Scouts should be in the 7th grade or older.

An adult counselor helps guide the students throughout the program. Training for adult moderators is held twice a year by the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting.

The Ad Altare Dei Scout Manual #33094 is used by each participant and the Ad Altare Dei Counselor's Guide #33072 by the adults working with the program. Both of these books are available from any local Boy Scout shop, or online at ScoutStuff.org.

The award package is ordered from the Catholic Committee on Scouting care of the Office for Catechesis - Ministry to Youth and Young Adults after successful completion of all requirements and passing an Ad Altare Dei Board of Review.

religious_awards_order_form.pdf

Scouts who complete the Ad Altare Dei are also entitled to wear the Religious Emblem Square Knot (silver knot on purple, item #05007) over the left pocket of the BSA uniform.

TheAd Altare Dei emblem is traditionally presented at the Annual Scout Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield after successful completion of the program and certification by the parish.