The combination of outwardly living the Catholic faith while navigating the corporate ladder may seem impossible for a young professional working in the secular environment. In their third year, the Young Catholic Professionals of Cleveland -- commonly known as YCP -- continues to inspire hundreds of young adults each month.
By providing resources through speaker series, panels, prayerful retreats and sharing stories from the workplace while networking, YCP is dedicated to its mission of “working in witness for Christ.”
“Just because the work day begins does not mean that anyone’s focus has to shift, or that praying before lunch should be uncomfortable and that one’s faith needs to be suppressed,” said Sarah Yantek, president of the Cleveland YCP chapter.
Communicating Catholic values through the lens of a working professional does not have to be challenging or overcomplicated, Yantek said. “We cannot control what happens in the world – or near our cubicle. It could be the reaction to a dreaded malfunction of the copy machine, a stressful sales pitch, or conference room meeting gone wrong -- we do not know what will happen. But we can control where we stand on issues, topics of discussion and what we say in tense moments. We can have integrity, lead conversations with righteousness and be evidence of the role that we are allowing God to play in our lives,” she added.
The YCP leadership team collaborates with a board of directors to develop monthly programming, mentorship opportunities and techniques for spiritual and professional growth within the workplace. Events take place on the second Tuesday of every month. Below is a preview of what’s planned from September through January.
Sept. 10 at 6:30 p.m. (location: St. Mark) / Executive Speaker Series featuring Bob Tayek, voice of the Cleveland Indians. Register HERE.
Oct. 8 at 6:30 p.m. (location: St. Clement) / Executive Speaker Series featuring Tim Needles, president and CEO of Onix Networking Corp. Register HERE.
December - date and location TBD / Networking Happy Hour and St. Joseph Saturday Advent Retreat.
Jan. 14, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. (location: St. Ignatius High School Breen Center) / Executive Speaker Series featuring Bishop Nelson Perez. Registration link to come in Fall 2019.
To learn more or to sign up for the YCP newsletter for upcoming programming registration, visit ycpcleveland.org or follow on Facebook.
YCP is a national organization with 20 local chapters across the United States. Founded in 2010 in Dallas, Texas, the organization is dedicated to supporting Catholic professionals in their 20's and 30's to connect with one another and grow in their faith.