CYO – PURPOSE AND MISSION

Essentially in CYO sports, the purpose is to foster the total personal and spiritual development of the young person.  CYO sports are for all youth in the Catholic Church, and reflect the diversity of the community, including these with all levels of gifts and abilities.  In CYO sports, Christian values such as fair play, sportsmanship, honesty, respect, loyalty, patience, tolerance, gratitude and humility must be taught in words and actions.

The ultimate responsibility for the success of CYO sports rests with the administrators and coaches at each parish.  The adults selected to provide witness to the young people through the ministry of CYO sports must know that the program exists to foster the Christian growth of young people, only.  These individuals must be held to accountable by the parish community to always model Catholic values and virtues.

CYO sports can be a rewarding ministry to young people, and help them to reach their God-given potential.  CYO sports play a vital role in total youth ministry for our Archdiocese, allowing youth to become responsible members of their faith community.

CYO HISTORY AND EVENTS- SACRED HEART OF JESUS PARISH

Sacred Heart Parish has a vibrant CYO program, with an extensive history and rich tradition, beginning in 1958.  Members of our parish Athletic Committee strive to support our parish youth and families in CYO, within the environment of Catholic, Participation, and Formation.  Members of our parish Athletic Committee are actively involved in community activities such as Christmas Caroling at area long-term care facilities and parishioner homes, and canned food drives to support area organizations.  The Brown Bottle Dinner and Auction, Golf Classic and Sacred Heart Days are annual parish events additionally supported by members of our CYO and Athletic Committee.  Annual parish sports camps and tournaments have also been implemented.  Parish Athletic Committee Members:  Scott Coup, Amy Fangman, Steve Farnsworth, John Hecke, Susan Kubicki, Tillie LaPlante, Ed Mayfield, Dave Menghini, Lisa Terrell, Nick Zych, Carol Farnsworth, Asst. Athletic Director, Kelly O’Malley, Athletic Director, Theresa Schuman, Chairperson.

All children of our parish community from third through eighth grade are welcome to participate.  This includes public school, home schooled children, as well as children attending Sacred Heart School.  The following sports are offered:  Cross Country (3-8th grade boys and girls), Football (5-8th grade boys), Volleyball (3-8th grade girls), Basketball (3-8th grade boys and girls) and Track (3-8th grade boys and girls).

Sacred Heart Parish Athletic Committee sponsors a CYO Awards Night in May of each year for our 3rd and 4th grade CYO participants and their parents, as well as a CYO Athletic Banquet for our 5th through 8th grade CYO participants and their parents.  All CYO participants receive recognition for their participation in CYO sports during the school year.

Jim Finley Award recipients are also announced-this award was established in honor of Jim Finley, who began our CYO athletic program at Sacred Heart Parish.  Mr. Finley was our parish Athletic Director for many years and long-time coach of multiple sports at Sacred Heart.  The Jim Finley award is given to any 8th grade boy or girl who has participated in either CYO Football, Volleyball or Cross Country during the fall season, along with CYO Basketball and CYO Track, from 5th through 8th grade.  Jim Finley Award recipients as well as other special guests are invited to the Awards Night and Athletic Banquet to celebrate our youth in CYO.