The Catholic Youth Association of Quincy was established in compliance with the will of Elizabeth Oenning, a member of St. Boniface Parish, who died on March 5, 1929. Her will left the remainder of her estate to a corporation of Roman Catholic of Quincy that could be organized within ten years after her death. One of the objectives of this corporation was to erect and maintain a building in Quincy to be used for the physical, social, intellectual, and spiritual welfare of the youth of Quincy. In March of 1933, the Catholic Youth Association (CYA) was incorporated according to the State of Illinois laws and a Board of Directors was appointed. In 1936, Father Link was appointed Spiritual Director and Supervisor of Activities. The next year, the name CYA was changed to Catholic Youth Organization. This year started with Mike Kemler but ended with Bill Barrett as Director of the CYO. Mr. Barrett held this position until 1958. In 1953, the gym was built and the CYO contributed $65,000 and was granted a 99 year lease on the building. In 1975, the School Sisters of Notre Dame signed a mutual agreement which released the title to the CYO. The following year, the current Constitution and By-Laws of the CYO were adopted. They were approved by the pastors and the late Bishop Joseph McNicholas. The Quincy CYO couldn't function without its many volunteers and supporters. In order to give some recognition to those who have volunteered their time and/or their resources, the CYO Hall of Fame was established in 1982. In 2000, the CYO broadened its programs and facilities by purchasing Maranatha Park. The 8.26 acres includes a softball field filled with history and room for future CYO developments. The softball field was renamed in honor of Harry Phillips and his commitment to the youth of our community. The CYO objectives are to promote the physical, social, intellectual, spiritual and general welfare of young men and women in Quincy and Adams County. Physically, the programs seek fitness, good sportsmanship, fair play and teamwork. Socially, it should provide a social atmosphere promoting friendship and recreation. Intellectually, the youth must find their place in the community and the world. Spiritually, they are encouraged into a closer contact with God and the Church. The Catholic Youth Organization occupies a unique position in Adams County. It provides a structural athletic program for the parochial school system. The CYO organizes levels of competition for boys and girls starting in the first grade, as well as adult leagues, tournaments and clinics. The purpose of the extracurricular programs is to teach skills of a game and to foster healthy exercise. Athletic programs which deny to certain students these opportunities or exert undue pressures on children are inconsistent with the purpose of the CYO. The CYO charges a participation fee from individuals to offset the expenses of the programs. The balance of the operating revenue comes from outside sources. The United Way of Adams County was instrumental in providing funding for the CYO's operations, but has not received funding in the past few years. The governing body of the CYO is the Board of Directors which is composed of two representatives from each of the Catholic parishes, selected by their pastors for a two-year term. Also, one priest representing all of the priests in the Quincy Community. The purpose of this Board is to aid and supervise the Executive Director. Other Directors of the CYO over the years include: George Gruendel (1958-60), Ron Peter (1960-67), Pat Haugh (1967-72), Joe Weise (1972-77), Elias Manassah (1977-94), Mark Gassmann (1994-98), and the present Executive Director Jeff Wellman.