For more than fifty years, youth ministry efforts in the New Albany Deanery have been a collaborative effort of the Catholic Churches in Clark, Floyd, and Harrison counties in Indiana. Beginning with its inception as a branch of the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) in 1965, these efforts have continued to offer generations of young people opportunities to know, love, and serve the Lord.

In the mid-1970s, the effort of the organization changed its goals and functions to be more in line with the 1976 United States bishops’ document, A Vision of Youth Ministry. Additionally, local parishes began hiring lay youth ministers. As such positions were filled and more collaboration took place, the need to develop an overall deanery office of youth ministry emerged.

Over the last five decades, the organization, now known as Catalyst Catholic, has expanded to offer support services and ministry programs that complement thriving parish ministry. By collaboration and sharing of resources, each parish can be more successful at the mission of our organization, to BRING THE YOUNG CHURCH TO CHRIST, ONE SOUL AT A TIME.

Take a look at upcoming athletic ministry, middle school ministry, high school ministry, and ministry to young adults and families in the New Albany Deanery:

 
 

We are a welcoming Catholic community in Clark, Floyd and Harrison counties in Indiana. Situated in southern Indiana along the Ohio River, the New Albany Deanery spans rural countryside and bustling cities. Our Catholic faith unites us into the Body of Christ, while each community maintains its own unique rhythm and style. We invite you to visit the parishes that make up the New Albany Deanery today.

 
 

Looking for quick reference information about our parishes? Look no further! We make every effort to keep our information up-to-date and relevant. Should you spot an error, please contact team@catalystcatholic.org with corrections.

 
 
 

 At its core, Catalyst Catholic is a collaborative effort of parish leadership and enthusiastic volunteers. Studies show that it takes a team of dedicated adults to minister to youth. We are blessed with great community support from pastors, parish staff members, volunteers, advisors, donors, and parents. To learn more about the various groups that are on the front lines of youth and young adult ministry, click below:

  • The staff of Catalyst Catholic brings a passion for the Catholic faith and experience in various areas of ministry to the New Albany Deanery office.

  • These are the ministers “in the trenches” of parish ministry! Whether their title is “youth minister,” “director of faith formation,” or some other similar title, each is dedicated to walking with young people on their faith journey. In addition, these leaders gather together to share resources, learn best practices and collaborate with one another regularly. Catalyst Catholic is grateful for the time, energy, and passion for the Catholic faith that they bring to the table! Check out our deanery parish staff members here.

  • The Deanery Athletic Committee gathers every month, August through June, to oversee the Athletic Ministry of Catalyst Catholic. The group gathers on the second Wednesday of each month from 6:30-8:30 pm. These dedicated volunteers represent and administer athletic ministry in their local parish community. If your parish does not have an athletic director, please contact raymond@catalystcatholic.org for assistance or call 812.923.8355.

  • We are excited to have NET missionaries return for a second year to the New Albany Deanery! This is a one-of-a-kind partnership between Catalyst Catholic and NET Ministries which will provide ongoing youth ministry support to four parishes within the New Albany Deanery. Seven young adult missionaries join the deanery staff annually and challenge young Catholics to love Christ and embrace the life of the Church through evangelistic outreach, life-changing discipleship, and host family ministry. For information on supporting these missionaries, please contact us at team@catalystcatholic.org.

  • Thanks to the generous support of the family and friends of CJ Smith, Catalyst Catholic is able to provide four internships annually to young adults as a way of encouraging individuals to consider a lifelong career or vocation that positively impacts youth. Our CJ Smith Interns assist with media, athletics and evangelization throughout the year.

  • The Catalyst Catholic Advisory Council is made of one member from each parish of the New Albany Deanery. The council members act as liaison to the parish community and parish staff, regarding issues of youth and young adult ministry. Each member serves a two-year term, which is renewable. The board meets on the third Monday of each month (August through June) from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

  • One-third of our annual budget comes from the generosity of our community, through their financial support and in-kind donations. Catalyst Catholic is grateful for our donors and sponsors who make this deanery-wide ministry possible. To join our list of donors, please visit our Become a Catalyst page or contact Michelle Fessel, Executive Director.

  • The men and women of the New Albany Deanery have a long history of sharing their time and talent to benefit youth ministry. These are the folks who inspire with their personal witness, mentor youth on mission trips and small groups, and demonstrate the Catholic faith in service to others. There are many ways to volunteer. Check out the endless opportunities today.