Part networking and part faith-based, Young Catholic Professionals has officially formed a chapter in Louisville.
The group will have a kick-off event March 7 at the Ice House, 226 E. Washington Street. Catholic professionals in their 20s and 30s are invited to take part in the organization.
The aim of the group is to connect young Catholic leaders with more seasoned Catholic professionals who’ve incorporated their faith into all aspects of their life, said Andrew Collins, director of evangelization for Louisville YCP chapter.
“When speaking to young adults, I think the one thing they are hungry for is connecting with others,” he said.
Collins, 27, works as a consulting engineer for CMTA. He and his wife, Claire, who currently teaches at Bethlehem High School in Bardstown, Ky., recently moved to Louisville and hope to connect with other Catholics in their age range. They attend St. Louis Bertrand Church.
“I know right now the church is hurting, even here in Louisville. We want to do something that brings grace to people and build a place of community among young people,” he said.
The organization will host several types of events throughout the year, including happy hours, networking events and panel discussions with veteran professionals.
The group is open to people who work in all types of industries, as well as those whose primary focus is raising their children.
“We want to be a ministry that encompasses everyone age 20 to 40 in the diocese,” he said. “We are looking to engage with people, to be an open door to the church.”
Before beginning his career in science consulting, Collins worked as a FOCUS missionary, sharing the Gospel message on college campuses throughout the country. An opportunity, he said, that “rocked his life.”
“As with FOCUS, our mission with YCP is still trying to bring people to the church and the sacraments and to an encounter with Jesus so he can change their life,” he said.
The group has received direction from Karl Dolson, director of the Archdiocese of Louisville’s Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.
Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz has given his blessing for the group, Dolson said, and Father Adam Carrico, pastor of Ascension Church, is the group’s chaplain.
To learn more about the group or to register for the kick-off event, visit www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/coming_soon_louisville.
