Catholic Youth Ministry
CYM at 75

The Sixties

Rev. Alex F. Gorski 1959-1964

Father Gorski was succeeded by Father John Masterson as diocesan director in 1964.  During this time, the CYO football and basketball playoff and championship system expanded to accommodate the increasing number of players. Tennis was also added as a CYO sport.

Large delegations of teenagers attended National CYO Conferences. In the late 1960s CYO became a member agency of what is now known as the United Way. Fred Engh succeeded Bill Kapa as the executive director in 1967. Father John O'Brien became the diocesan director in 1968. The athletic officials' organization began in the late 1960s under the direction of Dee Jakotowicz, the CYO Athletic Coordinator.

Rev. John J. Masterson 1964-1968

It was also during this time that two members of the Wilmington CYO, Fran Kardos and Denise Barbieri, were elected to positions of national leadership in the CYO Federation. Additionally, there was increased participation by parishes in CYO sponsored events which led to the creation of CYO deaneries, increased involvement of Diocesan clergy, and the annual diocesan youth conferences.