FROM THE DIRECTOR
Deborah McDonald, Executive Director
For over 60 years the Office of Youth Ministry/Catholic Youth Organization has proudly served the young church, working with young people who are living witnesses of the truth that faith is alive in the hearts of the youth in the Archdiocese of Washington. The youth that we work with are not only the Church of tomorrow; they are the active and faithful young Church of today.
Our office is here to serve Parishes, Youth and Leaders in the Archdiocese of Washington to come to know and love Jesus Christ, embrace the Catholic faith, and to develop talents in the service of family, parish and community.
CYO History & Mission
The Office of Youth Ministry/Catholic Youth Organization seeks to enable youth of all races and cultures to come to know and love Jesus Christ, to embrace their Catholic faith, and to develop their talents in the service of their family, parish and community. OYM/CYO does so by assisting parishes and leaders in the Archdiocese of Washington in developing effective ministry, education, leadership, athletics, scouting and recreation programs for youth.
The Office of Youth Ministry/Catholic Youth Organization seeks to enable youth of all races and cultures to come to know and love Jesus Christ, to embrace their Catholic faith, and to develop their talents in the service of their family, parish and community. OYM/CYO does so by assisting parishes and leaders in the Archdiocese of Washington in developing effective ministry, education, leadership, athletics, scouting and recreation programs for youth.
RESOURCES & SERVICES
Just for Youth
If you’re just here to see what’s up, welcome! Believe it or not, Christ Himself is calling you to experience His extraordinary life right here in our Archdiocese. If you are a youth leader, Christ Himself has called you into this leadership role. Click on to the links below to find out how we can help you serve those He is asking you to guide, enjoy and appreciate in the community where He has placed you…
“Do not be afraid! Christ knows ‘what is inside a person.’ Only He knows! Today too often people do not know what they carry inside, in the deepest recesses of their soul, in their heart. Too often people are uncertain about a sense of life on earth. Invaded by doubts they are led into despair. Therefore, with humility and trust I beg and implore you—allow Christ to speak to the person in you. Only He has the words of life, yes, eternal life.” - Pope John Paul II, Christifidelis Laici, #34.
If you’re just here to see what’s up, welcome! Believe it or not, Christ Himself is calling you to experience His extraordinary life right here in our Archdiocese. If you are a youth leader, Christ Himself has called you into this leadership role. Click on to the links below to find out how we can help you serve those He is asking you to guide, enjoy and appreciate in the community where He has placed you…
“Do not be afraid! Christ knows ‘what is inside a person.’ Only He knows! Today too often people do not know what they carry inside, in the deepest recesses of their soul, in their heart. Too often people are uncertain about a sense of life on earth. Invaded by doubts they are led into despair. Therefore, with humility and trust I beg and implore you—allow Christ to speak to the person in you. Only He has the words of life, yes, eternal life.” - Pope John Paul II, Christifidelis Laici, #34.
Youth Ministry Programs
The Office of Youth Ministry/Catholic Youth Organization (OYM/CYO) seeks to help young people find true happiness by coming to know and love Jesus Christ in His Church. Through our programs, events and activities, OYM/CYO assists parishes and families in offering young people the full truth about life, love, competition, education, solidarity and security. We seek to foster the personal and spiritual growth of young people in such a way that they will be able to confront the real challenges and sorrows of human life and develop their talents in service of their family, parish, neighborhood and their church.
The Office of Youth Ministry/Catholic Youth Organization (OYM/CYO) seeks to help young people find true happiness by coming to know and love Jesus Christ in His Church. Through our programs, events and activities, OYM/CYO assists parishes and families in offering young people the full truth about life, love, competition, education, solidarity and security. We seek to foster the personal and spiritual growth of young people in such a way that they will be able to confront the real challenges and sorrows of human life and develop their talents in service of their family, parish, neighborhood and their church.
Catholic Committee on Scouting
Promoting and managing Boy Scout, Girl Scout and Camp Fire Boys & Girls programs in the Archdiocese is done by the Catholic Committees which are an integral part of the Archdiocese Office of Youth Ministry. The Committees are responsible for promoting the sponsorship of troops or units by local institutions, assisting them in maintaining full and active programs, promoting and carrying out a strong religious emblems program, planning and carrying out pilgrimages, retreats, days of recollection and vocation awareness programs, providing Catholic chaplain services for summer camps and other special functions, and recruiting qualified adult volunteers to help plan and carry out this important part of youth ministry.
Promoting and managing Boy Scout, Girl Scout and Camp Fire Boys & Girls programs in the Archdiocese is done by the Catholic Committees which are an integral part of the Archdiocese Office of Youth Ministry. The Committees are responsible for promoting the sponsorship of troops or units by local institutions, assisting them in maintaining full and active programs, promoting and carrying out a strong religious emblems program, planning and carrying out pilgrimages, retreats, days of recollection and vocation awareness programs, providing Catholic chaplain services for summer camps and other special functions, and recruiting qualified adult volunteers to help plan and carry out this important part of youth ministry.
Our Lady of Mattaponi Youth Retreat Center
Our Lady of Mattaponi Retreat Center is a beautiful place that offers an extraordinary value for meetings, reunions, retreats, overnight camps, weddings, and camping.
Our Lady of Mattaponi Retreat Center is a beautiful place that offers an extraordinary value for meetings, reunions, retreats, overnight camps, weddings, and camping.
African-American Youth Ministry
Hispanic Youth Ministry