There are actually three "ribbons" within this emblem, and each ribbon is designed to be earned during a specific stage in the Woodlands Trail. If they choose to do so, Catholics in Trail Life can quite literally be working on a religious emblem nearly the entire time they are in Trail Life.

The "Our Father" ribbon is aimed at boys at ages 5-6; the "His Mercy Endures Forever" ribbon is aimed at boys at ages 7-8; and the "I Shall Not Fear" ribbon is aimed at boys at ages 9-10. The sacramental focus of each ribbon is, respectively, Baptism, Reconciliation, and the Anointing of the Sick. Each ribbon emphasizes a distinct liturgical season: Christmas, Lent, and especially the Passion of Christ.

The scriptural focus of this emblem is on the Ten Commandments and the Prodigal Son, and the theological virtue and corresponding theme that is emphasized are Hope and Mercy. Specific points of emphasis are the Jesus Prayer, Novenas, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, the Corporal Works of Mercy. The emblem emphasizes God the Father, and the social interactive work of this emblem is to introduce the concept of spiritual fatherhood by introducing the young Trailmen to a spiritual father, such as his pastor or his Bishop.

Please see the Trail Life USA Catholic Religious Emblems Program website for additional information and access to materials as they become available.