The Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) is a parish-based initiative that nurtures young people in living a Christian community life while preparing them for present and future leadership roles in their families, communities, and various organizations. The CYO of Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish, Juba, is one of the active youth groups within the Archdiocese of Freetown. It welcomes young people transitioning from childhood to young adulthood, a group that makes up the largest percentage of the Church’s population in the diocese.

These youth actively participate in various parish ministries, such as altar servers, choir members, and lectors/wardens, and contribute significantly to the workforce of the parish. Many of them also serve as peer evangelizers, helping to spread the Gospel within their communities.

Brief History of the CYO

The Catholic Youth Organization was founded in 1931 by Bishop Bernard Shiel in the Archdiocese of Chicago, Illinois. During the Great Depression in the 1930s, Bishop Shiel created an extensive athletic program aimed at elementary and high school students, coining the term “Catholic Youth Organization” for this initiative. The original goal of the CYO was to offer young people, particularly those from working-class backgrounds, positive activities and a sense of community, to prevent their involvement in criminal activities. What began as an athletic association evolved into a comprehensive youth program that engages young people in faith, service, and leadership.

Patron Saint of CYO

The patron saint of the CYO is St. John Bosco, also known as Don Bosco. Born on August 16, 1815, in Castelnuovo d’Asti, Italy, John Bosco was deeply influenced by his mother, who instilled in him a strong faith and devotion to the Gospel. At the age of nine, he had a dream that led him to dedicate his life to the education and care of young people, especially the marginalized.

Mission

Rooted in Catholic values and aligned with the mission of the Church, the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) serves children, teens, youth, and families through the following programs and services:

• Youth Ministry Development: Provides training, resources, and consultation to assist parish communities in creating and enhancing youth ministry initiatives.

• Programs for Youth and Families: Offers specific programs for children, teens, and families, including youth ministry, camping, and athletics.

• Christian Leadership Development: Develops Christian leadership skills among teens and provides opportunities for them to apply these skills within the Church and community.

• Inclusivity: Ensures that marginalized children, teens, and families have access to all CYO programs and services.

Vision

Through its programs and services, the Catholic Youth Organization aims to foster a Catholic community where children and teens are recognized as vital members of the Church. As an integral part of today’s Church, they are invited to contribute to the growth and vibrancy of the faith community.

Aim

The primary aim of the CYO is the spiritual development of youth. This is achieved through:

• Personal prayer and Bible study

• Engagement in spiritual readings

• Active participation in the Sacraments and apostolic life of the Church

The scope of Catholic youth work extends to a variety of activities designed to impart the Catholic faith to young people and encourage them to practice and live out their faith in everyday life. Through these efforts, the CYO helps guide the youth in their spiritual journey and fosters their role in building a stronger, more faithful Church community.