Young Catholic Professionals (YCP) is the largest Catholic professional organization in the country, and it's coming to Birmingham. Everyone ages 21 and over is invited to Regions Field Diamonds Direct Ballroom on Thursday, Aug. 10, at 7 p.m. to celebrate the launch of YCP Birmingham. It will be a night of celebration and networking with other Catholic professionals.

Established in 2010, YCP now has over 30 chapters from coast to coast, and the Magic City is rolling out the red carpet for Birmingham to launch as the 34th. The formation of this chapter has been months in the making. After the providential assembly of several of the best young and seasoned Catholic leaders in Birmingham, the formal blessing and endorsement of Bishop Steven J. Raica, and several months of recruiting, fundraising, training, and prayer, the leadership team is finally ready to raise the curtain on YCP Birmingham and offer the Magic City events and resources perfectly suited for networking, fellowship with other like-minded Catholic professionals, and mentorship.

The leadership team consists of nine Birmingham-based young adults from various professions and parishes; the seven-strong Board of Directors is made up of some of the city’s most inspiring business leaders; and the chaplaincy is grounded by Father Kevin Bazzel, Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word Father Leonard Mary, and Dominican Sister Mary Patrick Connor. Together, they felt that while many wonderful ministries for young adults have been serving in the Diocese of Birmingham for many years, and recognized their need to continue, a particular focus on networking and career excellence has the potential to serve as a common interest for Catholics of all different stages of spiritual development, from the very devout to the non-practicing, and thus may have a unique power to inspire young adults to work in witness for Christ. In short, YCP may have an important role to play not just in the continued formation of young adult Catholics, but in the New Evangelization.

The goal of the YCP Birmingham inaugural team is to cast an unprecedented wide net to bring together young adults (20s and 30s) of all professions, single and married, from around the entire diocese with some of Alabama’s most inspiring seasoned professionals who have a heart for mentoring the next generation of Catholic business leaders. In addition to monthly events, members will have access to a mentoring network of Alabama-based men and women that young adults can look up to not only professionally, but spiritually. Furthermore, YCP membership plugs young adults into a national network of peers, executive mentors, career coaching, and vast online resources for job placement and work/faith integration. 

The YCP Birmingham launch party is prepared to host over 300 young and seasoned professionals on the evening of Aug. 10 at Regions Field Ballroom. Complimentary drinks and appetizers will be provided, followed by a cash bar. There is no cost to register or attend, but registration is required. To register, please visit https://ycp.glueup.com/event/82438/register/, and follow them on Instagram and Facebook @ycpbirmingham.