WOONSOCKET — The board of directors for the CYO of Northern Rhode Island Inc. Father Marot CYO Center recently welcomed Leo T. Fontaine as the new director of the organization.
Based in their new facility at 174 Harris Ave., the Father Marot Center serves the numerous Northern Rhode Island Catholic parishes in promoting the faith formation of young people in the area.
The CYO has been a central focus for Catholic youth ministry for decades with Father Roger Marot founding the center’s former location on Federal Street in Woonsocket.
The Father Marot Center recently began a new chapter in its history relocating from the Federal Street property to its new location in the former rectory of St. Stanislaus Kostas parish on Harris Avenue in Woonsocket. Along with the move, the board of directors was seeking a new part-time director to help guide the organization in its mission. After a lengthy search, the board was happy to offer the position to Fontaine late last week.
John Boni, board president stated “We believe this is the perfect hire at the perfect time. The entire board of directors is very excited about the skillset Leo brings to our organization. This is a unique opportunity to move the CYO Center forward.”
Fontaine, known throughout the community as the former mayor and longtime City Council President has also been very active in local parishes through his music ministry, currently serving at All Saints Parish as well as Holy Trinity Parish. He had previously been music director at Sacred Heart Parish for many years. He, along with his children, have also been active in CYO activities including the music ministry at the center’s weekly prayer meetings and Masses.
Though maintaining his full-time role in a family operated business, Fontaine looks forward to his new position and the challenge of leading the center in its mission of youth ministry.
“My faith has always been important to me, and I’ve seen, first hand, the wonderful work that the CYO has done in bringing our young people closer to God,” Fontaine said.
He added that he’s looking forward to joining an organization with such a lengthy tradition in the community.
“The CYO has been an amazing resource in serving our young people in their Catholic faith, and I am honored to now be part of this ministry going forward.”
