The mission of Catholic Young Organization (CYO) is to provide a high quality Catholic program to young people through sports while developing morals and virtues.  Each season a different sport is played in which Catholic Youth are able to compete with each other while representing Ave Maria Parish in parish competitions.  CYO is targeted for young people from 5-15 years old and both boys and girls compete on the same teams.  Not only does CYO build physical abilities, mental skills, teamwork, confidence, but it also builds a stronger sense of being Catholic.

St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Naples launched Catholic Youth Organization (CYO)/ Catholic Adult Organization (CAO) as an umbrella program to house sports, social/arts activities, and service projects for the youth of Naples.  The main focus is to provide low-cost, persistent, and consistent events and activities that will enliven and engage families and draw them closer to Jesus and the Catholic faith through their relationships and fellowship with each other.  Ave Maria Catholic Church joined the CYO/CAO program in 2018 with an incredibly successful basketball program that attracted 85+ youth on 8 teams with numerous adult volunteers.  The Ave Maria CYO/CAO has recently added an adult men's basketball program and will be starting youth soccer in March 2019.  For more information, contact Charlie Thompson, Ave Maria CYO/CAO Activities Director at: charles.a.thompson(at)pfizer.com.