CYA & DYAMC - What's the difference?

In the Diocese of Tulsa, the term Catholic Young Adults (CYA) consists of every young adults, ages 18-39, married or single, in the Catholic Diocese of Tulsa.

The Diocese Young Adult Ministry Council (DYAMC) is the oversight committee for the CYA.

The CYA was not used in the Diocese of Tulsa until 2008, when the way that Young Adult Ministry is handled began to be reorganized.

The Origins of the Diocese Young Adult Ministry Council

The DYAMC was re-established in 2002 from a group that previously existed. The small band of young adults initiated meetings and events that made an organization run by, and in service to, the young adults of the Diocese of Tulsa. Various committees within the DYAMC were created to address the needs of young adults, and the organization has adjusted to best fit the needs of its members over the years.

The DYAMC saw large growth when it began a local series of the national Theology on Tap movement. Kilkenny's and McNellie's became homes to this very popular summer gathering. Because of its success, a Holy Grounds program was later instituted as a winter counterpart. To extend the discussion on particularly interesting Theology on Tap talks, a supplement called Last Call was created.

With growth coming from Theology on Tap and other events, leaders of the DYAMC began to realize that the group was no longer just of interest to a few dedicated members, but that it was an established facet of the diocese with the ability to reach even more people. The need to have an official governing body (serving at the leisure of the Bishop), while also including the hundreds of young adults in the diocese led to a reorganization that used the term CYA to become the public face of the organization, including all young adults in the diocese.

The transition to a new leadership structure and more official place in the diocese is currently ongoing. More recent changes have included giving the immediate past president of the organization an official role as guide to the DYAMC, and liaison to the Bishop.

DYAMC Presidents:
Seth Smith – 2002-03
Peter Klein – 2003-04
Candice Calhoun – 2004-05
Jarrett Auschwitz – 2005
Michele Clancy – 2006-2007
Erik Grayless and Chris Guglielmo (Co-presidents)– 2007-09
Stephanie Sullivan - 2009-current

To Find Out More...

If you would like to know more about the CYA or DYAMC, please contact use through email at catholicyoungadults@gmail.com, or continue to browse our website.