Open to all American Heritage Girls registered members in the Explorer level. Non-Catholic AHG Explorers may work on this award with special permission from the Archdiocese.

Notes for Parents

• Youth must work with a GHACCYO registered Mentor (see Mentor Directory).
• See What is a Mentor for details on how to become a Mentor.

Notes for Mentors/POC

• Register Youth before submitting applications.
• Provide opportunities for youth to complete all 4 chapters in the Segment.
• Verify all requirements are met (review workbook).
• Ensure forms are properly filled out and signed.
• Take completed books to the parish designate for signature.
• Arrange parish ceremony (optional - GHACCYO trained advisors only).
• Submit award applications and pay fees.

Required Adult Training

(see Adult Training page for more details)

• Safe Haven
• AHG Catholic Faith Award Training (AHGEquip App) - must be completed prior to doing any GHACCYO training
• GHACCYO General Training
• GHACCYO God and My Country Training
• Adults who are not registered members of AHG must read the Faith Award Overview document rather than completing the training on AHGEquip App

Deus et Patria Mea (God and My Country) allows Catholic Explorers to learn about various saints representing the United States of America. Explorers enrich their faith by exploring Catholic elements that are most important to those saints, including the Eucharist, Corporal Works of Mercy, and missionary work. Deus et Patria Mea is thought-provoking, hands-on, and will foster a desire in Explorers to serve Jesus Christ through the Catholic Church.

The adult guide can be found in the God and My Country workbook (pages 3-4). Adult mentors must be GHACCYO trained. Parents working with their own children must work with a troop CFA mentor who has completed training through the GHACCYO.

There are 3 segments, each with 4 chapters to be completed:

1. My Catholic Identity
2. My Catholic Values
3. My Catholic Tradition
4. Living My Catholic Faith

There are several components per chapter to complete. An adult mentor must sign at the completion of each chapter.

• Learn about US saints
• Learn the history of Catholicism in the US
• Participate in Holy Eucharist, Marian devotions and adoration
• Segment activities (such as making bread, a rosary, a doll)
• Interview a person from another country and an elderly person
• Service projects (such as Corporal works of Mercy, Beatitude service, Making a prayer blanket)
  

Approximate Commitment

2-4 months per segment (year)

Award Received At

Archdiocesan Ceremony
Parish Ceremony
Troop Ceremony

(pin only once all segments are complete - segment completion patches can be received at a Troop award ceremony)

Resources

Email Program Coordinator

GodAndMyCountry@ghaccyo.org

AHG Faith Awards Overview
Purchase Book
Checklists and Helpful Resources
General Help Files
Deadlines and Fees

Mentor Links

Youth Registrations
Award Applications