Maronite Youth Organization

Maronite Youth Organization(MYO) is a national youth group for teenagers that go to a Maronite church in the United States. It started in 1970s with the first gathering of MYO members in 1978 at Shrine in North Jackson, Ohio. Since then, every year there has been a national retreat along with many regional retreats.
==Mission Statement==
The young men perseverance Council (YMPC) The primary purpose of this organization shall be to promote the spiritual welfare of its members, to strengthen youth groups in the Christian spiritual faith, to have prayer days, to learn more about each other and to grow socially and intellectually. Our goal is to build a community of teens and adults. We will also provide shelter which will be a safe haven for all the youths. We also will instill guidance as well as self-awareness Within this organization, we hope to strive opportunities for the development of personal faith and service to others and systematic instruction in our religious tradition. The youths will also practice accepting ownership for their actions as well as civic duty. To achieve this goal, we will: 
* participate in liturgies 
* assist the needs of local church"s 
* support youths organizations and activities 
* hold weekly meetings and prayer services 
* organize fundraisers for local churches 
* hold social events to promote trust, honor and tranquility
* understand and promote "Faith Diligence and Obedience.
==Election==
Every year there are elections for who would hold what position. Names go on the ballot during November meeting and the election are held during the December meeting. Positions are President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Sergeant-At-Arms. The President is in charge of the meetings, and everything that goes on during the meeting. The Vice President takes over only if the President can't make it to a meeting. The Secretary takes notes of the meeting and who was attending. The Treasurer is in charge of all the money it makes during the year. Depending on the size of the MYO in certain parishes, a Sergeant-At-Arms might be needed to keep control if things go out of control. A person may not be allowed to serve a term longer than 2 years in a row of an office and are not allowed to run unopposed. 
==Retreats==
Every year there has been a national retreat where the youth come, and enjoy themselves for a week. 
Some of the past retreat were held in:
*2009 Ligonier, Pennsylvania
*2008 St. Louis, Missouri
*2007 St. Louis, Missouri
*2006 Youngstown, Ohio
*2005 Plymouth, Michigan
==External links==
*Maronite Youth website
Category:American Maronites
Category:Maronites
Category:Maronite Church