PART1

NAME AND PRIMACY

SECTION 1

NAME OF THE ORGANISATION

The organization shall be Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON), Sacred Heart Parish
“Nkalu”.

SECTION 2

SUPREMACY OF THE CONSTITUTION

1. This constitution shall without prejudices to the provisions of the constitution of the
national provincial and diocesan bodies of the Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria
(CYON), be the prime document of this organization.
2. This constitution is binding on all members of the sacred heart catholic parish youth
Nkalu
3. This constitution provides that the catholic youth of this parish shall not be ruled by any
person or group of persons except in accordance with the provision of this constitution.
4. The power of defining and interpreting the elements of this constitution rests on the
jurisdiction of the executive council, where such is required; an open ballot voting may
be conducted by this same body and shall be presided by the president.
5. To check arbitrary amendments, this constitution shall last for a term of 5years before it
becomes due for its general amendment if need be. A call for amendment shall be
officially made in the general meeting, where the members shall be in support of the
amendment process. Thereafter, a seven-man committee shall be constituted to
oversee the process within three months after which they will be dissolved.
This constitution shall b e public hearing (the members) before adoption.

SECTION 3

MOTTO: The motto of this organization shall remain the same with that of the national body
which is “let your light shine”

LOGO

SLOGAN: For God and for Youth

UNIFORM: White and Black

YOUTH MASS: Third Saturday of every month with the exception of emergency.

GENERAL MEETING: Last Sunday of every month with room for emergency

MISSION WORK: Last Saturday of every month

SECTION 4

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

1. To encourage and promote catholic identity through the inculcation of catholic doctrine
as contained in the teachings of the church.
2. To form a structure and vehicle where catholic youths can imitate sound Christian
relationship that would lead to healthy union in future.
3. To help members become ideal Catholics loyal to God and country and promoting their
physical and spiritual wellbeing through their active participation in the activities of the
organization.

SECTION 5

STRUCTURE

PARISH EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

Parish enlarge executive council: this shall consist of executives from various stations in the
parish and the parish executive council.

SECTION 6

MEMBERSHIP

1. This organization shall be open to all youths in this parish especially those within the age
bracket of 13 years and above.
2. This organization shall also be open to any youth from another parish provided he/she is
willing to abide by this constitution.

SECTION 7

REGISTRATION

1. Every new member shall first get registered in their various stations if any
 2. Every new member shall be subjected to three (3) months probation upon which he/she
shall attend the general meetings for those three months. Failure to observe this will
amount to non registration.
3. Every new member shall register with the sum of #200 and upon registration, shall also
launch the constitution with the sum of #200.

RE-ADMISSION

1. If a cyon member leaves the organization without a genuine reason for over one year
and decides to return, he/she shall pay the sum of one thousand naira as a re-
registration fee
2. Any cyon member from another parish who wants to join this organization shall
undergo the normal registration process

PART 2
OFFICES AND
SECTION 1

GOVERNING BODY

For effective and efficient governance, the organization shall be made up of the following
offices:

1. The president
2. The vice-president
3. Secretary
4. Assistant secretary
5. The treasurer
6. The financial secretary
7. Provost (I II III)
8. Public relation officer (I II III)
9. Director of socials and sports
10. Director of welfare
11. Peace and liturgical officer (I II)

SECTION 2

DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS

i. THE PRESIDENT
 A. RESPONSIBILITIES
1. The president shall be responsible for the general administration of the
organization
2. He shall preside over all the meetings of the organization
3. He shall with his veto power appoint and set up committees in the organization
when need arises.
4. He shall be one of the signatories to the account of the organization
5. The president with his veto power can sanction any executive or member of the
organization.
6. He shall perform all other duties demanded of him by the organization.
B. QUALIFICATIONS AND QUALITIES
1 The president shall posses a minimum of senior school certificate
2 He/she must be dedicated, intelligent, respectful , self motivated, non-
autocratic, influential, outspoken and other qualities of a good leader

ii. VICE PRESIDENT

A. RESPONSIBILITIES
1. The vice president shall act on behalf of the president in his/her absence
2. He/she shall perform all other functions assigned to him by the president
B. QUALIFICATIONS AND QUALITIES
The same as that of the president

iii. GENERAL SECRETARY

A. RESPONSIBILITIES
1. The secretary shall ensure meetings are effectively organized, minuted and read
out to the general body in the next meeting
2. He/she shall in conjunction with the president sign all minutes of the
organization that have adopted
3. He/she shall take custody of all the books and documents of the organization
4. He/she shall receive all the organizations correspondence
5. He/she shall perform other secretarial functions of the organization and assist
the president on other administrative works
B. QUALIFICATIONS AND QUALITIES
1. Must possess good grades in senior school certificate
2. Must be a good commander of English language

iv. ASSISTANT SECRETARY

A. RESPONSIBILITIES
 1. The assistant secretary shall assist the secretary in performing the secretarial
duties
2. He/she shall take down minutes during executives meetings
3. He/she shall act as the secretary in the absence of the general secretary
B. QUALIFICATIONS AND QUALITIES
The same as that of the general secretary

v. FINANCIAL SECRETARY
A. RESPONSIBILITIES
1. The financial secretary shall record all the financial transactions of the
organization
2. He/she shall remit all collected monies/payments to the treasurer within
48hours after collection
3. He/she shall issue receipt for all monies received
4. He/she in conjunction with the treasurer shall prepare and give accurate
financial report to the organization annually
5. Shall keep accurate record of the nominal roll of the organization
B. QUALIFICATIONS AND QUALITIES
1. Must possess a minimum of senior school certificate
2. Must be trustworthy, responsible and capable of the office

vi. TREASURER
A. RESPONSIBILITIES
1. The treasurer shall be the custodian of all funds
2. Sign receipts for all monies given to him/her on behalf of the organization
3. Pay in all monies belonging to the organization within 24hours after collection
4. Shall keep an impress account of ten thousand naira only
5. Shall be signatory to the organizations account in conjunction with the president
and financial secretary
B. QUALIFICATIONS AND QUALITIES
1. Must possess a minimum of O’level certificate
2. Must be trustworthy and capable of the office
3. Must not be idle

vii. PUBLIC RELATION OFFICER - PRO(I)

A. RESPONSIBILITIES
Publicize and circulate all approved information in respect to the organization
B. QUALIFICATION
 1. Must possess a minimum of senior school certificate

viii. PRO (II)

A. RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Assist the PRO I in performing his/her duties
2. Act as the PRO I in his/her absence
B. QUALIFICATIONS
The same as that of the PRO I
ix. PRO III
The PRO III shall possess the same responsibilities and qualifications as that of PRO II

x. CHIEF PROVOST/PROVOSTS
A. RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Keeping order in the gatherings of the organization
2. Organizing and arranging venues for meetings
3. Cautioning and sending erring members out of the meetings at the order of the
president or the presiding officer
4. Collecting fines from erring members and handing it over to the financial
secretary immediately after collection
5. Allocation of duties during manual labour and sharing of food
B. QUALIFICATION AND QUALITIES
1. Must possess a minimum of first school leaving certificate
2. Must be diligent, outspoken, responsible and capable of the office
3. Must have attained the age of 18 years and above
4. Shall not be gluttonous and greedy in nature

xi. DIRECTOR OF SOCIALS

A. RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Shall organize, lead and promote the interest of the organization in recreational
activities
2. Evaluate the recreational areas, facilities and services to determine if they are
producing desired results
B. QUALIFICATION
1. Must be sociable, active and a sports lover

xii. DIRECTOR OF WELFARE

A. RESPONSIBILITIES
 1. Shall be in charge of the welfare committee and other committees set up for the
good of the members
2. Shall foresee the wellbeing of the members more especially the sick and inactive
members
B. QUALIFICATIONS
1. Shall possess a minimum of senior school certificate
2. Must be compassionate and detective

xiii. PEACE AND LITURGICAL OFFICER (S)

A. RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Shall be responsible for the liturgical guidance and peace resolution within and
outside the organization

SECTION 3

ELECTION AND ELECTORIAL COMMITTEE

1. CONDITIONS FOR THE ELECTION OF OFFICES

a. At the expiration of four (4) years, a three (3) man electoral committee shall be set up at
the general meeting two weeks prior to the election day to enable them conduct
orientation and prescribe modalities for the election
b. The electoral committee cannot vote but can be voted for
c. Every election must be conducted in the general meeting and result of the election shall
be announced immediately by the electoral committee
2. ORIENTATION EXERCISE
The electoral committee shall give a full detail or run down on the modalities for the
election which include: Open / secret ballot system, academic qualifications, level of
participation in the organizations activities, level of spirituality and other qualities deemed
necessary by the electoral committee
3. DISSOLUTION OF ELECTORAL COMMITTEE
This committee shall cease to exist after their assignment which: conducting orientation,
election and handover ceremony of the newly elected officers thereafter read and submit
a comprehensive report of their activities to the general assembly

NOTE: No distant member shall hold any office for the organization unless it is an unanimous
decision of the general body due to his/her unique commitment and leadership qualities

An elected officer can only hold a particular office for a maximum of two tenures
SECTION 4

COMMISSIONING INTO OFFICES

All elected executive members shall be commissioned before the parish priest or the chaplain
and the congregation during the mass before the general meeting

SECTION 5

CESSATION OF OFFICE

An officer shall cease to hold an office on the occurrence of any of the following

a. Death
b. Resignation
c. Conviction of any grievous offence after a committee has been set up to examine it
d. Mental and physical disability
e. Abuse of office

PART 3
FINANCIAL MATTERS
SECTION 1

SOURCES OF INCOME

The organization shall raise fund through the following sources

1. Registration / annual dues from the members

2. Proceeds from the gospel band, bus, music and drama If any
3. Proceeds from spots activities
4. Proceeds from levies, fines and donation
5. Proceeds from projects like almanac, magazine and agricultural activities
6. Proceeds from the sales of skill acquisition programs
7. Proceeds from launching of constitution
8. Proceeds from youth week and other legal sources
9. Proceeds from secret bag collection

SECTION 2

ANNUAL DUES

1. Every new member is to register with the sum of two hundred naira (#200) only
2. Every registered member shall an annual dues of #600 i.e. #50 per month
SECTION 3

WITHDRAWAL / PAY-IN

a. The organization shall maintain an account with the traditional bank domiciled in Owerri
Imo State
b. The organization shall keep custody of all her monies in the bank, leaving an impress
account of ten (10) thousand naira only
c. The bank account trustees shall comprise of: the president, financial secretary and the
treasure
d. On the bank account, the mandate clause for withdrawal should be the president and
any other signatory to the account

PART 4
CLARANCE, RIGHTS AND ENTITLEMENT OF A WORTHY MEMBER
AND THE ORGANIZATION
SECTION 1

MARRIAGE CLEARANCE

Any member who wishes to wed must

a. Have been a registered member for a minimum of one (1) year

b. Have been an active member and is financially up to date
c. Notify the body at least a month before the weeding
d. Send an invitation card / letter to the organization with a crate of malt and two (2)
packets of cabin biscuit

NOTE: A pregnancy test must be conducted two days to the weeding; if positive, the
member shall not be entitled to any rite

SECTION 2

RIGHTS OF THE ORGANIZATION

Any wedding member must provide the following to the organization before receiving
his/her entitlement

1. One (1) crate of beta malt and one full medium size cooler of rice “where the couple are
both our members, they shall provide two (2) crates of beta malt and a full cooler of rice,
enough meat and water”
2. For a member who desires the services of the gospel band if any, shall provide half ½
cooler of rice, a crate of malt and one roasted chicken for the group band as well as
providing vehicle to convey the musical instruments to the reception venue
3. The body shall take a group photograph with the couple on the wedding day and a copy
shall be documented by the wedding committee in organizations album
SECTION 3

ENTITLEMENT TO A WEDDING MEMBER

A certified member by the wedding committee shall be entitled to the following

1. Fifteen thousand naira (#15,000) for a floor member and twenty thousand naira
(#20,000) for an active executive
2. Free performance by the youth gospel band if any and only if the person desires
3. Mandatory attendance of all members of the organization and each appearing on the
organizations uniform
4. C.M.O/C.W.O uniform as the case may be and a frame of a holy family picture
5. Double entitlement shall be given to couple who are both members of the organization

NOTE: Any registered member who is wedding outside the Catholic Church will only be
given the stipulated amount of money which is fifteen thousand naira (#15,000) and twenty
thousand naira (#20,000) for an active executive. There shall not be any substitute for other
items such as C.M.O/C.W.O uniform and a frame of holy family picture.

SECTION 4

ENTITLEMENT TO A DISTANT WEDDING MEMBER

Any member whose wedding is outside mbaitoli;

a. a delegate of two (2) persons at least shall be sent as witnesses

b. The celebrant shall within two weeks settle the organization and vice versa
c. Whereby the wedding is outside Imo state and there is no possibility of sending
delegates case (b) shall take its place

SECTION 5

WEDDING OF A NEW MEMBER

Any member, whose wedding comes up while he/she is still under probation (3 months),
shall not be entitled to any rite. However where he/she has lasted up to four (4)
months, a secret bag collection shall be carried out and proceeds shall be given to the
celebrant

NOTE: Any of our parish member who is neither a registered youth or a member of the
Mary league girls association (for the females) during his/her wedding, shall give this
organization the sum of ten thousand naira (#10,000) at which the president will certify
the money paid.

PART 5
 MEMBERS WELFARE
SECTION 1

DEATH

a. The death of a member shall be reported to the organization

b. The general president through the financial secretary authenticates the eligibility of the
deceased for the CYON burial benefits. Where the deceased is found worthy, the
president of both parish and zone will then inform the catechist for announcement and
necessary burial preparations. The parish president is to direct the PRO to place an
announcement and make arrangement for the condolence visit

SECTION 2

BURIAL CLEARANCE

For a member to be eligible for the burial rites, he/she must have:

a. Been a registered member and is financially up to date

b. Been an active member till death
c. The deceased or the station of the deceased must have paid all other outstanding debts.

SECTION 3

EXCEPTION OF RULES

a. Where attendance of meeting is below six (6) months, the deceased will be entitled to
only half of the burial rites
b. Where a member defaulted only in the payment of dues and condolence levy, the zone
shall be sent to pay a condolence visit on behalf of the body and a secret bag collection
shall be conducted in the general meeting to assist such zone for the visit

SECTION 4

RIGHTS OF THE DECEASED

A duly beneficiary shall be entitled to the following

1. Attendance of all the members if the burial is within mbaitoli; where the burial is
outside mbaitoli, an official delegate of thirty two (32) persons shall be sent to attend
the burial
2. A purse of fifteen thousand naira will be given to the family
3. Nine (9) days novena mass is to be booked by the organization for the repose of the soul
of the deceased

SECTION 5

MODALITIES FOR CONDOLENCE VISIT

 1. The peace/liturgical officers shall organize songs and prayers during the period
2. The affected station if any shall use their discretion to plan the condolence visit at its
convenient time and date not to exceed one week from the date of the death
3. A levy of five hundred naira (#500) shall be paid by each member upon the death of a
member

SECTION 6

DEATH OF A MEMBERS PARENT/GUARDIAN

After the organization has been notified,

a. A condolence visit shall be carried out by the general body

b. A token of five thousand naira (#5000) shall be given to the bereaved member on the
burial day
c. On the burial day, the organization shall accept any refreshment given to them

NOTE: In the case of the death of a direct sibling, a condolence visit shall be paid only

SECTION 7

SEVERE ILL HEALTH

If the general body is officially informed of a serious ill-health of its member, the general body
shall pay such member a sick visit and a secret bag collection shall be conducted for that
purpose. Where the secret bag collection is less than two thousand naira (#2000), the body
shall make it up from the purse.

PART 6
OFFENCES AND PENANCE
SECTION 1

THEFT, ROBBERY AND CULTISM

Reported and proved cases of theft, robbery or cultism within or outside the organization shall
attract three (3) months suspension. The case shall be reported to the chaplain or the parish
priest for further investigation.

The member however may be re-admitted after he/she has carried out the necessary penance
and measures directed by the chaplain or parish priest. He/she will have to write an apology
letter to the organization.

SECTION 2

DRUNKENESS/USE OF DRUGS
Reported and proved cases of any member constituting a social nuisance as a result of the
influence of alcohol or any hard drug, shall attract a fine of two thousand naira (#2000). The
member shall be cautioned and a repeat of the offence shall attract expulsion to avoid denting
the good image of the organization

SECTION 3

ABORTION

Reported and proved cases of abortion shall attract six (6) months suspension and during this
period under review, the chaplain or parish priest shall engage him/her in a penance after
which the member shall be re-admitted.

SECTION 4

UNLAWFUL PREGNANCY

This offence shall attract a one (1) year suspension after delivery. After this period, the paish
priest or chaplain shall be consulted for reconciliation.

NOTE: This shall be applicable to a member who sponsored an abortion

SECTION 5

OTHER DISCIPLINARY MATTERS

1. Absence from any approved activity of the forum such as: general meeting, condolence
visit, wedding, mission work e.t.c without a written permission shall attract a fine of fifty
naira (#50) only
2. Lateness to any activity of the forum shall attract a fine of fifty naira (#50) only
3. Absence from general meeting for six (6) consecutive months without a genuine reason
and a written permission will make a member lose his/her membership as it will be
assumed that such a person has lost interest
4. Negligence of one’s duty shall attract a fine of one hundred naira (#100) only for a floor
member but five hundred naira (#500) for an executive
5. Wearing of an unauthorized/incomplete uniform to any occasion that demands wearing
of the organizations uniform shall attract a fine of fifty naira (#50) for a floor member
and one hundred naira (#100) for an executive member
6. Any incident of assault between members shall attract a fine of two hundred naira
(#200) for both parties and due investigation of the matter by the disciplinary
committee, the defector shall pay an additional fine of three hundred naira (#300) only.

SECTION 6

DISTANT MEMBER
 1. A distant member must first present his/her self to the meeting at least three (3) times
in a year. Such a person must from time to time write or send message to the
organization ascertaining the welfare of the organization
2. Whereby such a member is new, he/she must first undergo the three months probation
period before being officially registered
3. Where a distant member cannot meet up with the number of attendance as stated in
number (1), due to some cogent reason, his/her permission will be granted but other
conditions must be met including financial obligations.

PART 7
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT/SUPREMACY
SECTION 1

CONSTITUTIONAL REVIEW

Some elements or part of this constitution is subject to amendment that is addendum and
corrigendum if need be however, the agreement to do so must be reached at the general
meeting. This provision is meant to accommodate the interest, growth and progress of this
organization, her members and the church at large

SECTION 2

APPOINTMENT OF PATRONS AND MATRONS

The organization shall appoint patrons and matrons from the parish with no limitation as to the
number. Those appointed shall be inaugurated and duly intimidated with the activities of the
organization. The organization shall seek periodic meeting with them

APPENDIX I

INTERPRETATION SECTION

 Beneficiary: The rightful person who is due to receive the right of the deceased member.
He/she shall be the deceased parent, sibling or guardian
 Cessation of office: This is the act of relieving an elected officer of his/her duty
 Distant member: A registered member living outside mbaitoli maybe due to transfer,
school, business or any other related matter
 Entitlement: This is the right due to a member

APPENDIX II
CYON ANTHEM

At a time like this, when we come together, from the east and west, from the north and south,
when we come together in the name of Jesus Christ,
oh lord arise and shine (x2)

SIGNATORIES

CYON 2021 constitution of sacred heart Parish Owere Nkalu Mbaitoli L.G.A, Imo State

PARISH EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Bro Paul Bowei Bro Uche Osundu

Parish President Parish Secretary

CONSTITUTION DRAFTING COMMITTEE

Bro Kelechi Onyemaobi Sis Prisca Uba

Chairman Secretary

………………………………

Parish Priest