Dear Jean Marie,

I am inclined to agree with you.  The scout uniform is a great symbol of discipline and self-improvement, and it also represents service to God which is of course what the boys are doing when they serve at the altar.

But the Scout uniform also represents the Scout Law, and part of that law is obedience, and therefore when a scout assists at a Catholic mass, he must also obey liturgical law.  I don't think I need to explain the vesting guidelines here.. :-)

But more important than what the scout uniform or alb/cassock represent is what the scout is DOING and therefore what is the appropriate attire for the scout's function.   You would never see an altar server attend a troop meeting wearing a cassock, and likewise I don't think we should see a uniform at the altar.  I am not aware of any exceptions that allow scout uniforms at the altar, so therefore since the scout is serving the Lord at the altar, he should be dressed for the altar.

With that being said that I don't see any problem identifying the servers as Boy Scouts by way of some public announcement, I think that would be a great way to encourage participation both in the Boy Scout program and in service at the altar.

Mr. Slavek