Young Catholic Professionals found new chapter to blend faith and work lives

A network of young Catholic professionals are striving to prove that faith and business can indeed mix to benefit themselves, the Church and the society in which they work, live and pray. The Young Catholic Professionals non-profit organization has instituted a chapter in northern New Jersey which aims to, as proclaimed in its mission statement, “work in witness for Christ” as members strive for personal and professional excellence.

YCP invites individuals in their 20s and 30s to “live and share your Catholic faith in the workplace – and find deeper friendships along the way.” Originating in Dallas, Texas, in 2010, YCP now hosts about 40 chapters throughout the U.S., its newest headquartered in northern New Jersey.

Membership in YCP chapters enables young professionals to join in such diverse, faith- and fun-based activities as happy hours, networking events and spiritual formation; access on-demand career and spiritual content, career training and resources; reap the benefits of personal mentorship from local Catholic executives and use YCP job placement resources and portal. The YCP hosts a weekly phone gathering each Wednesday at noon for communal prayer to St. Joseph, the patron saint of workers.

When approached in the planning phase of creating a YCP chapter in northern N.J., Bishop James F. Checchio welcomed and endorsed its establishment. In a June 7 letter to YCP’s national Dallas headquarters, he wrote, “As the YCP ministry helps young adults connect their faith and their work lives to deepen and renew their faith, it will add to the ongoing evangelization efforts in our diocese.

“I am whole-heartedly in favor of a ministry that motivates young people to share the Joy of the Gospel at home and in the workplace,” the bishop continued. “Further, it is my hope that YCP’s focus on young professionals will help them engage in parish life.”

YCP North Jersey’s inaugural event, a June 1 launch party at the Hyatt Regency, Morristown, was a success, drawing more than 250 young Catholic professionals and YCP officers from its Dallas headquarters. Stephanie Schoenster, YCP marketing director for the chapter, called the gathering “just the beginning of many great YCP events,” adding, “we’re excited to see what God has in store for us.”

Also in attendance was Megan Callahan, diocesan director of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, who described her joy in seeing the project begin so smoothly.

“It was beautiful and surreal to see all of the hard work and effort come to fruition,” Callahan said. “This team of young adults saw a need for young Catholic professionals in New Jersey to be able to connect and grow together in faith, and they proactively took it on themselves to fill that need. I am excited to see how they continue to give the Lord their ‘yes’ as they invest in young working Catholics as they bring the joy of the Gospel into their workplaces all across the state.”

At the close of his letter to YCP endorsing its New Jersey chapter, Bishop Checchio declared, “Certainly, the energies, ideas, talents and faith commitments of our young professionals are valuable, sought-after assets and refresh our parish communities. I look forward… to the blessings it will bring to the lives of its members, those they encounter in their daily lives, and the Church.”

Upcoming YCP events include a July 19 happy hour at Ghosthawk Brewing Co., Clifton, from 6:30 - 8:30 PM, and their Aug. 2 Executive Speaker Series at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Ridgewood, from 7 - 9 PM. For further information, scan on the tree QR code or see youngcatholicprofessionals.org.