Young Catholic Professionals

?? SHOWING UP IS HALF THE BATTLE At our October staff retreat, a few of us made the bold decision to meet at 5 AM for a workout led by our teammate, Derek McMonogle. Now, I’ll admit - I’m not a morning person. You’ll usually find me alive and energized in the evenings, but early mornings? Not my thing. Still, I’m committed to exercising, and the idea of working out as a team sounded great. That first morning, though? I didn’t make it. Half asleep in bed, I heard voices outside my window as the team gathered. And then, through the morning stillness, I heard Derek say: "All that matters is that you're here and that you're doing it." He was encouraging the one person who actually showed up. #GoKailey That line stuck with me all day. The next morning, despite every instinct telling me to hit snooze, I remembered Derek’s words. "All that matters is that you're here and that you're doing it." So I got up. And I did it again the morning after that. Now, especially during Lent, those words echo in my mind. Every morning, as I wake up and begin my Lenten commitments, I hear Derek’s voice: "All that matters is that you're here and that you're doing it." Lent can feel like a grind. We start with big aspirations, but soon, resistance creeps in. The small sacrifices feel insignificant. The discipline can sometimes feel exhausting. We wonder: Does it even matter if I show up imperfectly? But the answer is yes. Showing up, even imperfectly, is what changes us. God works through our struggles, not in spite of them. And that’s something I’ve learned not just in my Lenten journey, but through YCP. Being part of this mission has given me peers, coworkers, and friendships that challenge me, push me, and transform me - spiritually, professionally, and personally. People like Derek, whose simple encouragement at 5 AM is something I carry with me every single day. So if you’re struggling with your Lenten commitments today, if you feel like you’re falling short, remember this: "All that matters is that you're here and that you're doing it." -Natasha Lovely, YCP Senior Director of Marketing & Product #Lent #FaithJourney #ShowingUp

St. Ignatius of Loyola created the Daily Examen to help us find God in the midst of our busy lives—whether we're at the office, on a Zoom call, or juggling deadlines. ?? It’s a simple, yet powerful practice: taking time at the end of the day to reflect, be grateful, and discern where God has been present in your work. St. Ignatius developed this tool in the 16th century to help people like you and me recognize moments of grace and areas where we can grow closer to God, even in the professional world. During this season of Lent and reflection, consider adding the examen to your daily prayer routine to deepen your understanding of His will for you! ?? #youngcatholicprofessionals #dailyexamen #workinwitness #lentenpractices

The 2025 YCP Conference is just around the corner! Here’s what you need to know about this year’s conference: National Happy Hour: Pre-conference events will kick off on Thursday evening with a Happy Hour hosted by a local chapter! If you get into town early, come network with our members from across the country. Transformational Keynotes: Not to brag, but our 2025 speaker line-up is pretty ?? Be inspired by world-leaders in leadership training, one of the highest-ranking women in the US Air Force ever, and so many more incredible humans that you didn’t know you needed in your life. Don’t forget your favorite notebook to capture some of their life-changing words! WorkWell Career Fair: Get your resumes and business cards ready for the WorkWell Career fair where you will have the opportunity to network with recruiters from mission-driven companies and workshop your resume with our mentors.? Black-Tie Optional Gala: Saturday night’s Gala is a formal affair! Remember to pack your best suit or tux and pull that gown out of your closet that you’ve been dying to wear. A Sacrament-Filled Weekend: With Mass daily and adoration and confessions available throughout the weekend, the conference is a great way to take a step back and ground yourself spiritually. We know some people will have to catch early flights out on Sunday morning - check the conference program upon arrival for details about our traveler’s Mass on Saturday evening! Omni Frisco Hotel Discount: We have a block of rooms at the Omni Frisco Hotel! Scroll to the bottom of the Conference website to find the link to get our discounted room rate.? So… we’ll see you in Dallas? Register today ???? ??? 2025 YCP Conference: Verso L’Alto ?? April 25-27 ?? Dallas, TX ?? ycpconference.org #youngcatholicprofessionals #ycpconference #professionalconference #spiritualretreat #catholic #community

? The Countdown to Verso L'Alto is on and we are so excited for you to meet one of this year’s speakers, Reinier Cruz! Reinier Cruz is bringing to the Basecamp Experience his powerful message, “Be Not Afraid.” This Skill-Building Workshop will help you tackle workplace challenges with confidence and courage.? After 33 years defending our nation, this national security veteran knows how faith can ascend with hope above your deepest fears. His incredible journey proves that when God says “Do not fear,” He’s walking right beside you with a plan bigger than your wildest dreams! Basecamp participants, this is YOUR moment to learn from a true hero! Get ready to be inspired.? ??? 2025 YCP Conference: Verso L’Alto ?? April 25-27 ?? Dallas, TX ?? ycpconference.org #ycpconference #youngcatholicprofessionals #benotafraid #versolalto

Your journey to becoming better in every aspect of life is within reach. Through YCP, members like Henry from the YCP Washington, D.C. have discovered more than networking—they've found a community that nurtures professional growth, deepens faith, and strengthens personal relationships. Henry's transformative experience at our St. Joseph retreat came at a perfect time as he prepared for fatherhood. "It was just so great to feel that closeness [to St. Joseph]," he shares in our latest video. This Lenten season, our chapters nationwide are hosting similar retreats designed to deepen your relationship with Christ. Whether you're seeking professional development, spiritual growth, or meaningful connections with like-minded Catholics, YCP offers a place where your values and aspirations align. Check out our upcoming events and find your community: ?? https://lnkd.in/eDr3e4yS #YoungCatholicProfessionals #Faith #Career #Lent #StJoseph #RetreatSeason

Four years ago, I felt completely lost. My college friends had left Boston. My grad school friends were moving on to medical school. I had just started a new job in a remote, COVID world where I only knew my colleagues through the computer screen. I had drifted away and gotten lazy with my faith. Mass, confession—things that were once part of my consistent routine—had slowly faded away. I was craving community. Real friendships. A sense of belonging and community. It was an answered prayer in 2021 that Tyler Piazza was building Young Catholic Professionals Boston Chapter and needed one more team member. I hesitated at first. But deep down, I knew I needed something to anchor me. I said yes. Looking back now—on this Ash Wednesday—I had no idea how much that one "yes" would change my life. Through YCP, I’ve found: ?? Friendships that feel like family ?? A way to see my work as a vocational alignment, not just a job ?? A network of young Catholics across the country who working toward the same mission Four years ago, Young Catholic Professionals had fewer than 20 chapters. Today, we have 40+—and I’ve gone from a new member to leadership to serving on the Board of Directors. But more importantly, it’s made me a better professional, a stronger daughter of Christ, a more intentional friend, and, God-willing, a better future spouse. If you’re feeling lost in your faith or your career, searching for real community, or wanting to grow in both—I warmly invite you to come see what YCP is all about. That one "yes" changed everything for me. Maybe it will for you, too. Join YCP Boston and 800+ young Catholics in Dallas, April 24-26 for the YCP National Conference. We’d love to meet you! https://lnkd.in/ef7Vfm-3

As we begin Lent, we are reminded that suffering is an essential part of our journey. Join us next week for our Refiner's Fire Episode where we will be talking with Justin Fatica on the topic of Embracing Suffering: The Path to True Strength.?? This conversation is sure to help you embrace your cross with hope this Lenten season.?? ?? Refiner’s Fire with Justin Fatica ?? Wednesday, March 12 ? 12-12:30 pm CT RSVP using the link below and let us know you’ll be joining us! https://lnkd.in/eyMjTNku #ycp #youngcatholicprofessionals #refinersfire #justinfatica #suffering

"Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.” - 1 Peter 3:15 Scripture tells us to always be ready to give an explanation for your hope and for your faith. Today, wear your ashes proudly to your workplace as a beautiful witness to what matters most in your life! These humble ashes aren't just a smudge—they're a powerful conversation starter that opens doors to share the joy and purpose that guides you. In a world hungry for meaning, your visible faith might be exactly what someone needs to see today. Remember, you're not just heading to work—you're bringing your whole self, faith included! So stand tall, wear your ashes with quiet confidence, and be ready to share with kindness why this season matters to you. Your authentic witness speaks volumes.? #YoungCatholicProfessionals #YCP #AshWednesday #Lent #ashtag

The 2025 YCP Conference is less than 2 months away. Share your insider tips and advice for our 1st-time conference attendees in the comments! Not registered yet? Get your ticket at https://lnkd.in/gnPxaxMS

Each action becomes an offering of thanksgiving. In the month of March, we are focusing on our core value of ‘All for Christ’!? At YCP, our core value ‘All for Christ’ reminds us that when we work in witness for Christ, we can become the light of the world and salt of the earth – our ambitions, struggles, and successes aren’t done in vain. When we work for the Lord with greater purpose and gratitude, we don’t just change ourselves, we change the culture of modern professionalism.? Can you picture your workplace as a sanctuary rather than a secular space? Each meeting, conversation, and interaction becomes a small act of devotion where you can steward God’s gifts that He gave you towards excellence and purpose. In a world that increasingly pushes us to leave our faith aside, bringing it into the workplace becomes truly revolutionary, allowing every moment in our professional lives to become a prayer and every interaction and task, a chance to build God’s Kingdom.? Belong members, keep an eye out for this resource to hit the portal soon! Not a Belong member? Join today at https://lnkd.in/eDUj4K6T #corevalues #allforChrist #youngcatholicprofessionals #ycp #belong