The Youth Ministry and Program in the Archdiocese of Cebu began in 1978. His Eminence, Julio Cardinal Rosales, then, the Archbishop of Cebu appointed Rev. Fr. (now Msgr.) Roberto “Boy” Alesna as the Youth Welfare Services Chairperson.
A Youth Convention was held on September 24, 1987. It was initiated and organized through the Youth Welfare Services of Cebu Caritas Incorporated.
The study and situational analysis of the Youth Ministry and Program were then initially made. The result of which was creation of the Cebu Diocesan Youth Coordinating Council (CDYCC). It served as the implementing arm of all Youth Proms in the Archdiocese.
In 1985, the Fourth Diocesan Synod of Cebu was held. It was convoked by His Eminence Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal. It was in preparation of this great event that the Youth Welfare Services became the Commission on Youth (COY).
The COY became an official member of the Pastoral Planning Board and an ex-officio member of the Presbyterial Council since 1986. From then on the Commission on Youth was headed by:
1978-1989 — Rev. Msgr. Roberto A. Alesna, P.A.
1989-1993 — Rev. Msgr. Guillermo D. Gorre, H.P.
1993-2001 — Rev. Msgr. Vicente L. Tupas, Jr. P.C.
2001-2013 — Rev. Msgr. Arturo R. Navales, P.C.
2013-2016 — Rev. Fr. Kit S. Sestoso
2016-2019 — Rev. Fr. Mark Rommel B. Barneso
2019-2025 — Rev. Fr. Andrei R. Ventanilla
2025-present — Rev. Fr. Dave Christopher Cantillas
VISION
A beloved, gifted, empowered, pro-active and synodal community of committed youth members, leaders and ministers in the Catholic Church of the Archdiocese of Cebu concerned with addressing the pastoral issues.
MISSION
- Lead young people to encounter God in a personal way and let them experience a change of mind and heart centered on Jesus, and manifest his/ her newfound faith freely, personally and consciously.
- Provide basic catechetical instructions using the Catechism for Filipino Catholics (CFC), highlighting a Christ-centered spirituality, inspired by the examples of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Pedro Calungsod.
- Build communities within the youth ministry settings anchored on faith, hope and love for their fellow members through activities that promote fellowship and unity.
- Equip young people to effectively respond to moral and social concerns affecting them, their family and their community.
- Develop and train committed youth to become leaders in their own youth ministry setting, preparing them for future leadership challenges in their adult life.
- Animate young people into sincere worship of God in community prayer and personal devotion.
CONTACT US
Facebook: Commission on Youth Cebu
Address: San Pedro Calungsod Youth Center, P. Gomez St. Cebu, Brgy. Sto. Niño, Cebu City 6000
Telephone No: (032) 348-1097
Email Address: coycebuofficial@gmail.com