CYO History

The CYO Mission

The Catholic Youth Organization, a ministry of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, exists to deepen relationships with Jesus Christ and one another, to celebrate the God-given gifts of each individual and to enhance the faith formation and personal development of youth by providing athletic, camping and enrichment activities.

Our History

The Catholic Youth Organization was established by Bishop Joseph E. Ritter in 1939. The first official activity of the CYO was a citywide spring dance in the Cathedral High School gymnasium with about 1,000 youth in attendance, representing every parish in the city. The first athletic leagues organized were baseball and tennis with steps taken in the early days of the CYO to organize the drama contest and other activities.

Almost from the beginning, the CYO was energetically moved forward with the enthusiastic help of young priests in the parishes. The Catholic Church of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis has always taken great interest in the activities of young people. Realizing that the Catholic faith must influence young people in the their development and education, the Church has made every effort to provide wholesome activities that are of interest to youth. These activities are spiritual, cultural, social, athletic and educational in nature.

Currently, the CYO organizes athletic competition in 14 different sports for boys and girls, third grade through high school. The CYO also conducts an extensive summer residential camping program and year-round outdoor education classes at CYO Camp Rancho Framasa in Brown County. A science fair, music contest, honors music recital and chess competition are also on the annual activities calendar.