American Heritage Girls and Diocese of Columbus reaffirm ministry relationship

The Diocese of Columbus, Ohio, and American Heritage Girls, a Christian scouting organization for girls, have reaffirmed their ministry relationship through a new memorandum of understanding aimed at supporting faith formation, leadership development, and family life within the diocese.

In a statement emailed Jan. 15, American Heritage Girls said the agreement formalizes a long-standing partnership with the diocese and outlines shared responsibilities for establishing and supporting American Heritage Girls troops in local Catholic parishes and communities.

Under the memorandum, the diocese and the organization will work within their respective policies to encourage the growth of local troops and provide girls with opportunities for service, leadership training, and character development rooted in Christian teaching.

Rachael Culpepper, executive director of American Heritage Girls, said the organization’s goal is to help participants grow in their faith and friendships.  

“Our hope is that the girls within the Diocese of Columbus learn more about their faith, make strong connections within the Church and foster long-lasting friendships,” she said.

Marlon De La Torre, senior director of evangelization and catechesis for the diocese, said the partnership supports the role of families in passing on the faith. 

“From the very beginning of civilization, our Father in heaven made us in his image and likeness to be in communion with Him” she said. “This gift of life is further amplified within the development of the family and the specific role of parents as the primary educators of their children within the family of God. Because the family serves as the primary nucleus of the faith for our children, on behalf of Bishop Earl K. Fernandes I am pleased to express my gratitude for the relationship established between the Diocese of Columbus and American Heritage Girls to promote the important role of the family, to ‘build women of integrity through service to God, family, community, and country.’”

American Heritage Girls, founded in 1995, serves girls aged 5 to 18 and operates more than 1,300 troops nationwide. The organization marks its 30th anniversary this year and reports approximately 70,000 members across all 50 states and several countries abroad, according to the release. 

The Diocese of Columbus has partnered with American Heritage Girls for several years, and diocesan officials said the renewed agreement provides a clearer framework for collaboration as troops continue to operate within parishes and other Catholic settings.