The Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) of Brooklyn and Queens has adopted the mantra that “winning isn’t everything.”

To promote this message, the diocesan Office of Parish Giving hosted its fifth annual CYO Golf Classic June 19 at the North Hills Country Club in Manhasset, L.I.

“The CYO is paramount in expressing the values we have in our faith,” said Auxiliary Bishop Octavio Cisneros. “The values of competition go along with being able to understand the other person and to work together, not only just to win but to share your life with one another, to participate and to be social.”

Over 100 golf enthusiasts of all skill levels hit the links and helped raise $125,000 to benefit the athletic and spiritual needs of the youth of the diocese.

These funds are used throughout the year to support the 20,000 children from nearly 100 parishes playing 15 CYO sports.

“The purpose is charitable,” Bishop Cisneros said. “The purpose is to help our young men and women in CYO, so it’s a wonderful day. It’s so important that we develop the body, the mind and the spirit of the young people, so CYO is trying to develop those three.”

Sports can be used as a tool of evangelization for the youth, as Msgr. Jamie Gigantiello, vicar for development, spoke about when he addressed the crowd during the dinner reception that followed golf.

“One of the greatest challenges we have as a Church is to keep the young people connected,” Msgr. Gigantiello said. “I think the CYO does just that.

“It keeps them connected with the Church, but it also teaches them good moral values of teamwork. When we work together, great things happen!”

 

Busy Year for CYO

It’s been a landmark year for CYO thanks to new director Rob Caldera and the diocesan staff. The first-ever CYO Hall of Fame induction ceremony was held in May, and a new CYO summer basketball league just got underway. CYO teams also had the chance to visit Yankee Stadium and play on the court at Barclays Center and Madison Square Garden.

“We’ve accomplished so much as a team with all the members in our office and all the parishes,” Caldera said. “Our programs are growing, and we’re looking forward to continued growth in our diocese.

“I’m extremely grateful for all the support from the people at this golf outing because it truly helps support all the thousands of children we have in our diocese and our programs.”

Msgr. Gigantiello said he’s been very pleased with Caldera’s success in his first year.

“He’s (Caldera) done an excellent job,” Msgr. Gigantiello said. “New life brings new ideas and new energy, and Rob is full of energy!”

Deserving Honoree

Each year, CYO honors an individual who has made it his or her life’s mission to promote the organization’s values. This year’s honoree was retired NYPD Chief of Department Joseph Esposito.

A longtime supporter of CYO, Esposito was the longest-serving NYPD chief of department – holding that rank for 12 years.

“I was humbled and absolutely thrilled,” said Esposito on receiving the honor. “I’m a Brooklyn kid and still live in Brooklyn. The reason behind what I’ve attained in my life is my Catholic upbringing. The CYO sports program was part of it.”

Esposito spoke of how the values he learned playing CYO sports – camaraderie, teamwork, fair play and sportsmanship – helped him build character and gave him a great Catholic foundation to move forward in his life.

“I didn’t attain what I attained by myself,” he said. “It’s a team effort, and CYO taught team effort, team spirit and working together.

For Msgr. Gigantiello, Esposito was an easy choice as the honoree.

“He’s (Esposito) always been community-minded,” the monsignor said. “He’s always been a good friend of the Diocese of Brooklyn, and he’s always looking to give back. He’s a man of service and a good role model for young people and the whole the city.”

Many current and former NYPD police officers showed up to support the former chief.

“Anyone can take a test, but compassion is not something you can study for; the man (Esposito) has it in him,” said Pat Fazio, a retired NYPD police officer. “He’s way more than being a chief. He’s a compassionate, caring individual, and he deserves this honor.”

Through events like the golf classic, CYO has succeeded in spreading its mission to use the realm of sports to teach Catholic values.

“They (the golfers) had a good day playing golf,” Caldera said. “But the main reason they’re here is for the kids and to support the diocese and our programs in CYO.”

Now that’s a real hole-in-one!

[hr]Contact Jim Mancari via email at jmancari@desalesmedia.org.[hr]