After 18 months of planning, the official launch of the Baltimore chapter of Young Catholic Professionals is ready to go with a party at the Baltimore Museum of Industry Oct. 24.
“I’m very much looking forward to it – very excited and nervous,” said Vince Principe, president of the Baltimore chapter, which will be the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s first chapter of the national nonprofit.
The mission of YCP is to bring young professionals in their 20s and 30s together to network, form friendships and grow in their faith by hosting monthly events and providing access to both spiritual and professional opportunities.
“There are so many things pulling us from faith,” said Matthew Kilmurry, chairman of the YCP Baltimore board. “This is an easy event to go to. It’s not like going to Mass or a retreat. It’s connecting with other like-minded people with careers and with faith.”
A realtor by trade, Principe was impressed with the networking his fellow graduates of The Catholic University of America had with the Washington, D.C., YCP chapter and it was suggested he start one in Baltimore.
“They needed someone on the ground steering,” Principe said, of the Dallas- based nonprofit. “There are so many people involved and more out-of-state.”
Principe had to raise $25,000 to cover the start-up fee and needed to form a board of at least five members. YCP Baltimore has eight board members.
“Once I got a few people, they referred other people. It was the snowball effect,” Principe said. “A few people on the board were very generous. They wanted to get this going. I feel super blessed.”
Father Kevin Ewing, pastor of Catholic Community of South Baltimore, is the chapter’s chaplain. He was unfamiliar with YCP until Principe, a parishioner of CCSB, approached him.
“He is an awesome guy,” Father Ewing said of Principe.
“I help them see where their faith is to help them in their professional lives,” Father Ewing said of his role. “I’m helping them form a positive and meaningful life with Christ and other Catholics.”
After the launch party, YCP Baltimore will host monthly networking events in Baltimore, with possible events in Frederick and Annapolis, too. Members can also attend smaller groups to study the Scripture as well as a yearly, faith-based, retreat.
“We try to make it easy so people can make those decisions when their hearts are ready for that,” said Kimurry, of the additional events to move individuals “closer to God.”
If 75 people become members and attend the monthly events during the first year, Kilmurry will consider it a success.
“It is such a critical time in someone’s faith journey,” Kilmurry said. “The Holy Spirit is working within YCP right now.”
The Young Catholic Professionals Baltimore Launch Party takes place Oct.24, at the Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Highway, Baltimore, 7-9 p.m. Complimentary appetizers, beer and wine. Museum exhibits will be open. The event is free, but registration is required. Go to https://ycp.glueup.com/event/121035/register/.
Email Katie V. Jones at kjones@CatholicReview.org
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