Catholic Youth Ministry
CYM at 75

The Nineties

Patrick Carroll succeeded Mike Sweeney as coordinator of youth development in 1992 and oversaw NEXUS and KOMMOTION, a similar rally for middle school youth. Patrick primarily worked with the ever increasing numbers of full time paid youth ministers in the parishes, making sure they had the training necessary for success.

Brian McGlinchey succeeded Joe Pennell as associate director in 1996 and secured grants for YM/CYO for new programs like Project Care, a summer program for Wilmington's inner city youth.

Rev. John P. Hopkins 1982-1999

The 1990s saw the celebration of the first 60 years of YM/CYO as well as a special fundraiser with Notre Dame head coach Lou Holtz as the guest of honor. The annual CYO Golf Outing began in 1992 and continues its success today, still guided by some of the same faithful volunteers that first dreamed of the event. NEXUS and KOMMOTION continued to grow and programs like YouthLeader were implemented to provide leadership training for young people. The substance abuse prevention programs continued under the direction of Beverly Williams.

Youth Ministry/CYO logo in the 1980s and 1990s

By the late 1990s YM/CYO programs provided opportunities in organized athletics for more than 7,000 youth in grades 4-12 with more than 1,000 volunteer coaches setting positive examples and instilling the values of teamwork, discipline, and pride.

Patrick Donovan succeeded Father John Hopkins as diocesan director in 1999. As the first layperson to hold the position, he was charged by Bishop Michael Saltarelli with bringing YM/CYO into the new millennium and implementing the U.S. Bishop's directives for youth ministry as outlined in their document, "Renewing the Vision."

This home at 803 N. Broom Street housed the YM/CYO offices through the 1980s and 1990s