Historic reunion for Holy Rosary Catholic Youth Organization returns to Caribou July 4-5

    CARIBOU, Maine — Over 50 years have passed since the inception of the Holy Rosary Church Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) in Caribou, and on July 4 and 5, all former CYO members are encouraged to head to Caribou for a reunion weekend full of reflection, reminiscing and fun.
Through weekly events, charitable initiatives, athletic teams, pageants and state conventions, countless young people throughout the area enjoyed establishing strong bonds and a special camaraderie in their formative years. From the start of the church’s CYO in 1960 until its final year of operation in 1987, the organization was a pillar for community youth — all hailing from a number of different sects of Christianity.
“It’s been quite a process but I am really enjoying it,” said Theresa Dube, the reunion’s organizer. “I’m looking forward to seeing everyone and reconnecting after all these years.”
On July 4, there will be an evening meet and greet for all attendees at the Caribou Inn and Convention Center on 19 Main Street.
On July 5, photos of the past CYO presidents, queens and officers will be taken at Holy Rosary Church on 34 Vaughn Street starting at 9:30 a.m. Later in the day, at the 4 p.m. Mass at Holy Rosary Church, Fr. Richard Ouellette will be the principal celebrant, with Fr. Francis Morin and Fr. Timothy Nadeau concelebrating. The three extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion will be the three original CYO officers from 1960-61. All of the greeters and lectors will also be alumni and the organization’s singing group from the 1960’s and 70’s, Serenity, will reunite to sing at the Mass.
“The group was fabulous,” said Dube. “They won many awards at talent shows and sang at the church.”
After Saturday’s Mass, the reunion will move back to the Caribou Inn and Convention Center for a special dinner, and a night of dancing to the music of the band “Sound Friendship,” also comprised of CYO alumni.
The weekend promises to be filled with memories and friendships remembered, accompanied by a special feeling of pride for all the Holy Rosary Church CYO to those who grew up in it.
“CYO wasn’t about just being Catholic,” said Dube. “We had many people who were not Catholic yet but who were very involved with all aspects of CYO. You joined as a freshman in high school and those were important years. This reunion is all about celebrating this group and all of the memories and fun we had.”
For more information about the reunion, contact Theresa Dube at 498-2767 or by e-mail at theresad@maine.rr.com.