WHAT IS CYX? The
Catholic Youth Xperience is...God3, dynamic, unbelievable music, speakers,
funny, serious, making new friends, connecting with old
friends, Xciting, challenging, profound, fun, learning,
spiritual, eating, praying, thinking, praising, hanging,
dancing, parish time, Liturgy, meeting the Bishop,
celebrating, thought-provoking, very Catholic, and all
that and so much MORE! CYX is grounded in the goals and
components of Renewing the Vision, the US
Bishops’ document on Youth Ministry, and in the
National Directory for Catechesis. CYX is an XPERIENCE to, with,
by, and for teens!
Who is invited? Incoming 9th graders through
newly graduated 12th graders. Teens must be registered
to a parish group. Also, any and all adults working with
youth are encouraged to attend. There are separate
formation sessions for them, too! The adult chaperone
requirement is one adult for no more than ten teens (a
1:7 ratio is even better), and parishes are strongly
encouraged to bring an adult of both sexes.
When and Where? Valparaiso University and the
adjacent St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Student Center.
Check-in begins early morning Saturday, July 24th and the Closing
Mass ends late afternoon on July 25th.
What happened to Friday night? The decision to
eliminate CYX Friday was made due to budget constraints.
CYX's registration costs will be reduced, a welcome
decision for families impacted by the hurting economy.
We vow to make CYX every bit as XCITING- a jam-packed
weekend of Faith & Fun that just starts on Saturday
morning now instead of Friday. An optional pre-CYX
outdoor festival will be held the evening of Friday,
July 23, 7-10pm, at Nativity of Our Savior, Portage (no
overnight).
Cost? See your group leader, as each group sets
its pricing structures, which vary. The per-person rate
charged to parishes by the Diocese of Gary is less than
2009 rates.
Who should go? Because CYX is all about variety,
there is something for every kind of teen in your
parish. (God wants us all!) Your strong leaders
are probably ready for the different types of prayer,
talks, etc. Your “new-to-youth ministry” teens will
likely get caught up in the weekend and CYX will
challenge them to explore their faith at a new level.
Some will leave loving the chance to meet new teens.
Some will like their learning sessions. Some will like
the speakers. Others, the prayer experiences. All of our
youth are different, and CYX reflects that! When it
comes to promotion, personal invitation works best.
What about safety? We take the safety and
well-being of the participants seriously, including
their physical, emotional, and spiritual health. All
adult participants are required to have received
diocesan-mandated VIRTUS training. Campus security and
CYX Security monitor the event 24 hours a day. A
hospital is located adjacent to campus. Further,
priests, a nurse, and a licensed counselor are always on
call.
Why register as a parish/school/organization and not
as individuals? CYX lights a fire for many,
inspiring them to continue the Xperience in their own
local communities. Parish time allows groups to process
the day and reminds teens that when it’s all over, the
challenge is in finding God back home! Plus, it allows
adults a chance to build community with young people on
somewhat neutral ground. Adult youth leaders—whether
they are the “coordinator” or not—will experience
formation on the weekend, so they’re getting something
out of it, too!
I've already been to CYX before? Can I go again?
Yes! Teens can participate in CYX for up to five years
and have a different Xperience each time! Each year
features new keynote presenters, musicians, etc., and
each grade level features a different theme. In theory
an incoming HS freshman could attend CYX before their
first high school class all the way 'til his or her last
CYX after he or she has worn a cap and gown!
What’s new for CYX ’10? • New theme, "I am"
allows teens to spend time reflecting on their identity.
• New 2-day format makes CYX more affordable. • Optional
pre-CYX event on Fri., July 23rd. • Inspiring keynote
speakers and musicians Jorge Rivera & Danielle Rose. •
Bishop & Priest Forum for incoming HS seniors
