2011 Scholarships - Catholic Youth Foundation USA

Dear Friends of the Young Church,
In 2012 The National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) is celebrating our thirtieth
year of “serving those who serve the young Catholic Church.” We are proud of this achievement in
ministry with, for, by and to young people and we are grateful for the thousands of adults whose
commitment to our young people and whose love for the church makes this possible.
NFCYM is supported in this mission by the Catholic Youth Foundation USA (CYFUSA), which
provides financial resources to enhance youth ministry throughout the church. Our ability to offer
professional development for youth ministry leaders and quality programs and services for the young
church is enriched by the support of CYFUSA. The Foundation works to mobilize the Catholic faith
community into a community of faith on behalf of the young church. We are grateful.
When 23,000 youth and adults gathered for the 2011 National Catholic youth Conference, over 500
participants were there due to the scholarship assistance provided by CYFUSA. Together with the
financial grants provided to creative youth ministry projects at the local, diocesan, and national level,
CYFUSA enables the important work of youth ministry to continue.
As NFCYM begins its next decade, I am keenly aware of the challenges before us. Through the
Partnership on Adolescent Catechesis, we are hoping to “turn the tide” of religious literacy and practice
among our young people. We need to strengthen our Catholic families. We believe the best way to
do that is by building a healthier and holier relationship between parents and children. Our Strong
Catholic Families initiative serves that end. The sports programs our young people are in are a missed
opportunity for character formation. We want to change that through National CYO Sports.
There are massive challenges facing us as we serve the young church in a society that, at times, is
hostile to the faith or, worse, simply dismisses faith as irrelevant. These challenges will require a heroic
response. The CYFUSA is a national network of heroes making it possible for us to respond.
The Board of Directors and their new president, Dr. Donald McCrabb, have been excellent stewards of
the CYFUSA’s generosity and its commitment to our pastoral ministry with young people. This support
is vital to the future of youth ministry in our country. Along with the NFCYM board members, I offer
my deep appreciation for the ongoing support provided by the Catholic Youth Foundation USA.
May the Lord continue to deeply bless CYFUSA, your wonderful donors, and all those committed to
the young Catholic Church.
Sincerely,
Robert J. McCarty, D.Min.
Executive Director
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