An American Heritage Girl is Reverent
Central to AHG’s programs is faith. As part of the AHG Creed, each American Heritage Girl promises to be reverent, faithful and honoring to God. To provide a venue for girls to grow stronger in their faith and service to God, and to allow the girls to proudly and publicly show their commitment to their spiritual growth, AHG has established a Religious Recognition program. To learn more, read AHG’s Guide to Religious Recognitions.
Protestant and Independent Christian Churches
For Protestant and independent Christian girls, AHG has adopted Programs of Religious Activities with Youth (P.R.A.Y.) for AHG’s religious recognitions. These are divided among four programs:
Roman Catholic
The AHG National Catholic Committee has developed the Catholic Faith Awards so that Catholic American Heritage Girls can learn more about their faith and develop a stronger relationship with Christ in a fun and hands-on manner. The Catholic Faith Awards were developed for each of the AHG Program Levels. In each Program Level, girls will gain a greater understanding of the AHG Oath, Mission, and Creed.
The Catholic Faith Awards Program are worked on each year for a better comprehension of the fullness of the faith. Each Award is divided into Segments, one Segment for each year of the Program Level:
Tenderheart
Deus et Familia Mea (God and My Family)
This program guides Catholic Tenderhearts through an awareness of who they are as children of God in the family of the Catholic Church. Girls will learn about the Holy Mass, sacraments, traditions and history of the Catholic Church with fun, hands-on activities. Tenderhearts are encouraged to explore and
perform works of charity for their families and neighbors.
Explorer
Deus et Patria Mea (God and My Country)
This program allows Catholic Explorers to learn about various saints representing the United States. 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. The program is thought-provoking, hands-on, and will foster a desire in Explorers to serve Jesus Christ through the Catholic Church.
Pioneer
Deus et Civita Mea (God and My Community)
This program guides Catholic Pioneers to examine service in their community through Sacred Scripture and Catholic Church Tradition. Girls learn the importance of preparing to serve through prayer and learning about people who exemplified service in their lives. Pioneers put what they have learned into practice by serving others and by reflecting on the impact of their service.
Patriot
Deus et Civita Mea (God and My Community)
This program guides Catholic Pioneers to examine service in their community through Sacred Scripture and Catholic Church Tradition. Girls learn the importance of preparing to serve through prayer and learning about people who exemplified service in their lives. Pioneers put what they have learned into practice by serving others and by reflecting on the impact of their service.