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August 1 2010
2:29 am

Why is the Duty to God award important?

"The purpose of the program is to help young men prepare for the Melchizedek Priesthood, the temple endowment, a full-time mission, marriage, and fatherhood...
We desire all young men to strive to earn the Eagle Scout and Duty to God Awards. We desire all young women to strive to earn the Young Womanhood Recognition. As youth work on these goals, they will develop skills and attributes that will lead them to the temple and prepare them for a lifetime of service to their families and the Lord."

Gordon B. Hinckley
Thomas S. Monson
James E. Faust
The First Presidency
Source: www.lds.org

"With the challenges that are bombarding young men today, Satan's attempts to weaken them and lead them astray,there has never been a greater need for the blessings that come through achieving the Duty to God Award. A young man who is dedicated to reading the scriptures daily, memorizing the Articles of Faith, and accomplishing the other requirements will not only be more focused on that which is good and right and true, but he will be more prepared to shun evil."

Source: Charles W. Dahlquist II

What can you do as parents to help your young men complete the requirements?

"If you are a parent of a young man in the Aaronic Priesthood, I encourage you to carefully study the appropriate Fulfilling Our Duty to God guidebook, as well as the Guidebook for Parents and Leaders of Youth. Discuss the requirements and purposes of the program with your son, and help him set appropriate goals that will challenge him. You will note that the requirements listed in the guidebooks may be modified according to the individual circumstances, interests, and needs of the young man, with the approval of parents and Aaronic Priesthood leaders.

Checklist for Parents:

1. Get a copy of the Guidebook for Parents and Leaders of Youth (item no. 36415) as well as the appropriate Aaronic Priesthood: Fulfilling Our Duty to God guidebook (item nos. 36412 [deacon], 36413 [teacher], 36414 [priest]). If you don't already have a guidebook, you may wish to show this article to your bishop or branch president or to your son's Aaronic Priesthood adviser and ask when you might expect a visit. (These guidebooks are available at no charge at local distribution centers and through www.ldscatalog.com.)

2. Become familiar with each of the requirements for the appropriate Duty to God certificate.

3. With your son, review the requirements he has completed, and help him select those he still needs to accomplish. You may find the Duty to God Achievement Record (item no. 36720) helpful. Remember, you can modify the requirements or write your own to meet the needs of some young men.

4. Help your son plan when he will work on and complete each goal. Discuss how you and the family can help him. You might also discuss how each of these goals will strengthen the family and help prepare your son to become an effective missionary.

5. Set a regular time to review progress. Have your son keep his guidebook in a safe place. Remember that young men need praise when they have accomplished a goal. Be generous, specific, and sincere in your praise.

6. Repeat steps 3 to 5 above. Have fun working with your son as he strives to complete his requirements."

Source: Charles W. Dahlquist II

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