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Co-founders Francis Odum (front) and Kateryna Shpir (right) join other members of the YPCT organizing committee at 2025's Salt & Light: YPCT Spring Networking Event.
Photo courtesy Young Professional Catholics of Toronto
April 13, 2026
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Young Professional Catholics of Toronto (YPCT) continues to prove that it has moved from a start-up phase into one that’s surging.
After seven sold-out events in 2025 and a reach that now tops 2,500 people, the young Catholic professionals’ group is proceeding with its third event this year, an Integrity at Work panel on April 16, helping Toronto’s faithful navigate their careers without compromise.
Vice president and co-founder Kateryna Shpir was proud to note that the momentum surrounding the not-for-profit has been unmistakable. The team has seen strong demand in 2026, with many young professionals actively seek faith-centred community and practical ways to integrate Catholicism into their work life.
Events have expanded from YPCT’s original launch of networking nights, continuing to routinely sell out, with last year’s offerings packing venues to standing-room-only and reflecting that growing desire that continues to excite Shpir.
“This growth has been something so exciting to see, and it’s coming from all sides. People are finding us organically, they are interacting with genuine excitement,” she said.
“Now, we are really trying to focus this year on how we can add value to those people's lives. It’s great that they are looking for that encounter and that we facilitate it, but how can we keep them engaged and continue to help grow these networks?”
One way will be through YPCT’s latest offering in collaboration with the University of St. Michael’s College Continuing Education Division. Building on last year’s successful panel that focused on practical ways to integrate Catholic faith into daily work life, this year’s delivery provides similar tips, countering the idea that faith has no place at work.
“There is this impression that being Catholic is kind of outside or doesn't have a place in the workplace, but last year opened up this idea that it does have a role in our decision making throughout the day and in the way we express it,” Shpir said. “Even taking a moment at noon to pray the Angelus helps bring back a new breath into what we are doing, being very conscious about what motivates us during the day and allowing space for God in that moment.”
This year, the keynote will be moderated by Dr. Miles Smit, co-director of Petrarch Institute, active with Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice and Catholic Conscience, and Board Member of Mary Mother of God Cchool. Panellists Dr. Althea Burrell, a sleep medicine physician, Matthew Marquardt, executive director and founder of Catholic Conscience, and Dr. Christian Domenic Elia, associate dean of undergraduate studies at Ontario Tech University’s Frazer Faculty of Education and executive director of the Catholic Civil Rights League, will bring their insights to the ongoing discussion.
As with past events, fellowship, networking and light refreshments will follow at St. Michael's Fr. Madden Hall, with closing prayers and remarks to wrap up.
YPCT is hoping to launch further initiatives in 2026 and beyond, including a mentorship program to connect young and seasoned professionals, helping with career growth for younger audiences and legacy-building for seniors.
The team also hopes for expansion beyond Toronto, with conversations already underway in other provinces.
“ People are seeing the YPCT vision and want to bring it to their communities, and charity status would help with that as we would be able to create a package where people in other provinces and communities can recreate what we have been doing across the board,” Shpir said.
The co-founder attributes some of that attention to the overall rise in young adult interest in the Catholic Church and its natural spillover into the professional world. While likely a culmination of factors rather than one single cause, she believes many people are feeling a lack of purpose and deep connection in secular life, despite vast material comfort and convenience.
With the Church providing a meaningful alternative to feelings, it is organizations like YPCT that help translate that into practical, everyday applications, in their case, the professional sphere.
As the team continues to do all it can to meet this rising demand, Shpir hopes attendees leave each event spiritually renewed and more confident in living their faith openly.
“ I want our attendees to be filled with the Holy Spirit after our events to be inspired to grow more confident, because being Catholic is an identity that we should be proud of,” Shpir said.
To register, see https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/integrity-at-work-living-the-faith-without-compromise-tickets-1983835671898?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.
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Photo courtesy Mary's Meals
