The Young Professional Catholics of Toronto (YPCT), a vibrant lay association within the Archdiocese of Toronto, is set to host its first-ever conference on September 26 at the Canada Event Centre in the greater Toronto area. This landmark event, named ARISE, is designed for young professionals and Catholics from all walks of life who are called to be a “light and witness in their workplaces and society.”
The full-day conference will feature keynote speakers, breakout sessions, Mass, benediction, and ample networking opportunities. Among the distinguished speakers are Sister Marie Veritas of the Sisters of Life; Father Charbel Bousamra, a Maronite priest and founder of Assumption Academy in Canada; and Father Marcin Serwin, a Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate and director of Oblate Youth Canada.
YPCT serves as a community for ambitious individuals navigating careers and personal growth while remaining rooted in Catholic values. Through networking events, service initiatives, and faith-centered gatherings, the group provides not only social connection but also purpose and belonging, redefining how Catholic identity thrives among the next generation of leaders.
In an interview with EWTN News, the group’s vice president, Kathleen Muggeridge, and event director Eva Bracho shared that the inspiration for the conference comes from the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus tells the rich young man to arise, sell his possessions, and follow him. Muggeridge explained, “Obviously not everyone can literally sell everything they have and follow him, but in their own vocational path—whether it’s to be a father or mother, to work, and contribute to society—they need to arise and go and follow Our Lord.”
Bracho elaborated on the theme of “arise,” describing it as a “call from spiritual slumber to intentional action. Especially in our society now, it’s that call to live our faith fully in the world and tend to our individual God-given missions, and to become the person that God has created us to be.”
Expecting 600 to 800 attendees, the conference is open to all Catholics. Bracho emphasized what sets this event apart: “That mission focus in your life. A lot of us are called to marriage and professional life. So what does that look like from a professional standpoint, which I think has not really been touched before.” She hopes attendees will leave with “a sense of renewal,” remembering who God created them to be and feeling empowered to pursue their mission with purpose.
Muggeridge added, “The conference will be a reminder to people that God’s grace is in the here and now; it’s right now, and every single moment of life that God wills us to be here is a moment where we can turn it all around. I really believe that it only takes a little bit of goodness on our part for God to do huge things.”
