PROVIDENCE — On September 25, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin appointed Father Stephen M. Battey as the new chaplain for Catholic Scouting in the Diocese of Providence.
Father Battey, who also serves as Assistant Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Bristol, will focus on the work of the Bishop’s Catholic Committee on Scouting. He will collaborate with Scouting USA, Girl Scouts, Campfire and American Heritage Girls.
In a letter to Father Battey, Bishop Tobin shared that scouting can be an effective tool of youth ministry and evangelization and encouraged the new chaplain to make every effort to increase the participation of youth in the religious recognition programs of these organizations under the responsibility of the Office of Catholic Youth Ministry.
“I am grateful for your willingness to serve in this important role and am confident that your advocacy among the clergy and lay leaders of our parishes and Catholic schools will benefit the youth of our Diocese,” said Bishop Tobin. “May God continue to bless your priestly ministry.”
Father Battey expressed his gratitude to Bishop Tobin for this appointment and for the work of the priests that served as chaplains in years past.
“I look forward to the opportunity to work with the leadership committee to support the work of the Scouts here in the Diocese of Providence,” said Father Battey. “Please God, may they continue to grow in all aspects of character and the faith.”
Louise Dussault, director of diocesan Youth Ministry shared that she is thrilled that Father Battey, ordained in 2017, was chosen to serve the many Catholic scouts throughout Rhode Island.
“Father Battey brings a youthful energy and a passion for the lord that will be a great asset to our Catholic scouting program,” she said. “His ability to work with both young people and adults is the perfect balance for the role of chaplain.”
