June 28, 2019

Archbishop praises CYO honorees for letting God’s grace shine through them

By John Shaughnessy

It was an evening marked by joy—a celebration of a special group of youths, men and women who make a difference to the young people who participate in the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) in the archdiocese.

During the CYO’s Volunteer Awards Ceremony on May 7, Archbishop Charles C. Thompson stressed that the joy of the Easter season should be embraced by all Christians.

“We are celebrating the risen Christ, the power of the Holy Spirit, and having that risen Christ in our midst. That’s always a reason to rejoice,” the archbishop said during his homily at SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis.

“That’s what this ceremony and these awards are all about. That sense of rejoicing in the Good News of those who bring us hope, who bring us a great witness in our midst, young and old. And also to recognize that no matter what age we get, we are all children of God, and to never lose sight of that.”

The archbishop also praised the volunteers for focusing on “an inner sense of satisfaction” in their efforts to make a difference in the lives of others.

“What we do tonight is a wonderful thing—to recognize volunteers who have exemplified what we’re about in the CYO, exemplifying how we hold up one another—the dignity of the person, and the well-being of all persons. But I would guarantee you that every one of the people receiving an award tonight, they didn’t get into this saying, ‘Someday, I want one of these awards.’

“They did it for that inner sense of satisfaction, of knowing they’re living out their faith in this very unique and special way.”

In closing, the archbishop said, “We pray in thanksgiving for God’s grace, and for the gift of those who allow that grace to shine through them for the sake of the lives of others they touch.”

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