The annual Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) Mass, sponsored by the 10 parishes in Queens Deanery No. 5 was celebrated at American Martyrs Church, Bayside, on Saturday, Oct. 21. Father Frank Schwarz, pastor and main celebrant, offered a special blessing to the boys and girls as they began a new CYO season. Father Robert Mema, parochial vicar at St. Kevin Church, Flushing, gave the homily.

Other concelebrants included Father Mark Bristol, parochial vicar at St. Anastasia, Douglaston; Father Szymon Galazyn, parochial vicar at St. Gregory the Great, Bellerose; and Father Kevin McBrien, pastor of Our Lady of the Snows, North Floral Park. Each young athlete received a CYO shirt compliments of Robert Caldera, diocesan CYO director. Parish athletic representatives, parents, coaches and volunteers also attended the Mass.