Catholic organization seeks young adults for faith-based networking opportunity
By Brendan Walsh
Young Catholic Professionals is a national organization under the patronage of St. Joseph dedicated to building a network of young Catholic professionals who can deepen their faith, succeed in their careers, and navigate the relationship between the two.
The organization seeks to evangelize through professional connections, with the goals of deepening the faith of those who are already Catholic and connecting with and drawing in those who do not yet know the Church.
According to the organization, Young Catholic Professionals “offers a generation of restless young workers in their 20s and 30s a way to go deeper in faith, life, and work.” The organization “seeks authentic friendships, a richer sense of purpose, and both personal and professional excellence.”
“Above all, we’re here to help inspire modern-day saints,” a spokesperson for the organization said.
The founder of Young Catholic Professionals, Jennifer Baugh, “experienced a season of soul-searching and longing for something more.” Her desire was “to learn how to balance work and faith.”
This is what the organization strives to do in each of its more than 40 locations across the United States. Young Catholic Professionals is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization charged with carrying on this mission: Working in Witness for Christ.
Knoxville and surrounding areas within the Diocese of Knoxville form a rapidly growing, fast-paced, and attractive region. Among its populace is a growing number of Catholics. OCIA is expanding, the pews are full to overflowing, and the parishes are vibrant. The Diocese of Knoxville is experiencing a Catholic rejuvenation.
The faithful of Knoxville, with the support, permission, and prayers of Bishop Mark Beckman, hope to plant a branch of Young Catholic Professionals in the diocese’s see city because of the growing Catholic population in Knoxville and since a large percentage of it is made up of young professionals.
What this means for Knoxville and the surrounding areas is that young Catholic adults will have an opportunity to become part of a large and growing network of young Catholic professionals around the nation. More specifically, it will foster personal and professional relationships among like-minded, devout Catholics and provide mentorship from well-established Catholic professionals who wish to see the next generation thrive.
YCP Knoxville will provide mentoring opportunities, networking events, Q&A sessions, panel discussions, and more. It also will allow those who are not Catholic but wish to be part of a growing Christian organization to explore the Catholic faith and learn more about those who belong to it.
Knoxville’s chapter of Young Catholic Professionals will offer a series of opportunities for Catholic professionals, including:
- Panel discussions with established Catholic professionals within and around Knoxville and clergy/religious, facilitated by a director of YCP Knoxville.
- Keynote speakers, featuring Catholic professionals and at times religious men and women regarding topics of importance for young Catholic professionals.
- Networking happy hours for young and established Catholic professionals to foster professional relationships and continue current and future vibrancy of the Knoxville area.
- A quarterly newsletter, published for members of the organization, featuring a column from a Catholic professional within Knoxville, as well as a column from the chaplain, discussing important items from his point of view for young Catholic professionals (as well as those already established).
- An annual weekend retreat, featuring Mass, networking, and the fostering of community.
Young Catholic Professionals, based in Knoxville, will put in place something that it does not have at this time—a purposeful connection between the Catholic faithful and the secular work that all must do, designed to teach, guide, and elevate the next generation of Catholic professionals to a greater holiness and success, lifting up all of Knoxville with it.
Despite the mission that Young Catholic Professionals has in mind for Knoxville, none of it will be possible without an infusion of capital to finance these goals. The branch of the national Young Catholic Professionals organization needs resources to begin its mission, including: 501(c)(3) formation, marketing materials, website creation and monitoring, social media platforms, e-mail/Google Drive accounts, and other essential administrative resources.
The annual budget is financed by a six-person board of directors. However, there are immediate costs required to get the branch off the ground. These costs associated with launching YCP Knoxville come to $25,000. At this point, the new branch already has raised more than $8,500, leaving it with a residual need of approximately $16,000.
There are several ways that people in the diocese can help make Young Catholic Professionals a reality in Knoxville, including time, talent, and treasure. First, in order to get the organization off the ground, it is in need of capital, which is the easiest and fastest way to support YCP Knoxville at this time to bring the branch to life.
A tiered system for donations (both startup and annual) has been put together for YCP Knoxville. In return for various levels of donations/sponsorships, the local organization will feature businesses and/or individuals with increasing visibility:
- Tier 1: Distinguished Patron: $15,000-plus (annual formal dinner with directors and board).
- Tier 2: Founding Patron: $10,000-plus (vocal event recognition).
- Tier 3: Ambassador: $5,000-plus (printed event recognition).
- Tier 4: Steward: $1,000-plus (quarterly newsletter recognition).
Beyond this, once YCP Knoxville is established, mentors, speakers, panelists, event hosts, and others will be needed.
YCP Knoxville will graciously accept the time, expertise, and resources of those interested in participating. Hosting an event, providing catering or beverages, or offering other forms of assistance are all excellent ways to help the organization bring its plans to fruition.
With the prayers and support of the bishop, clergy, and the faithful throughout the Diocese of Knoxville, Young Catholic Professionals can become a lasting source of fellowship, formation, and opportunity for generations to come. Whether through a financial gift, professional expertise, mentorship, event support, or prayer, every contribution will help young adults unite their faith with their work and live more fully as witnesses for Christ.
Together, YCP Knoxville can get established to strengthen the Catholic community and help form the next generation of faithful professionals who will serve the Church and the wider Knoxville community with excellence, integrity, and charity.
With the help of all who want to participate, YCP Knoxville hopes to “Work in Witness for Christ.”