Young Catholic professionals set to ‘Arise’

Young Professional Catholics of Toronto’s first major conference arrives Sept. 26.

Arise 2026, billed as Canada’s largest conference for young Catholic professionals, promises a full day of spiritual formation, networking and community-building—the pillars of the group’s rapid growth.

Intentionally designed to bring together everything YPCT stands for, Whitby’s Canada Event Centre will see hundreds of young adult Catholics unite for a day that includes keynote speakers, breakout sessions, Holy Mass, benediction, and networking sessions from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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Hopeful to help blossoming professional Catholics deepen their faith and prepare for their mission in society, particularly in the professional world, where many are said to feel isolated in secular workplaces, conference director Eva Bracho spoke about how the event intentionally mixes past YPCT offerings with new elements, centred on the theme of waking from spiritual slumber and moving into action.

With an impressive lineup of speakers spanning various Catholic and faith-based projects and organizations, such as Sam Goodwin, Catholic Answers’ Joe Heschmeyer, Dr. Patrick Craine and Sr. Marie Veritas, Bracho teased the process of assembling such a diverse roster.

“While we are blessed in our rich Catholic faith to have so many amazing voices, the process really started with prayer, asking God, ‘what do You want to come out of this conference, and who are the voices that you want to be heard here that will have an impact for young Catholics in the GTA?’” she said. 

Arise will also offer attendees a professional panel discussion featuring Dr. Althea Burrell, Dan McTeague, Matthew Cressati and Lisa Canning, hopeful that each can share the experience of living their faith boldly in their careers.

Arise follows seven sold-out events in 2025 alone and seeks to build on the group’s success in reaching more than 2,500 people.

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While the team may fall a bit short of its 500 attendee goal later this month, Bracho remains enthused by the interest YPCT continues to gather among its intended audiences. 

“ You really do see the expansion of YPCT and the impact it's having when you go to these events. When we ask, ‘Who's new here?’ And so many hands shoot up, that’s something we love to see. Everyone that's been connected with the organization has been able to benefit in some way, whether spiritually, professionally, community-wise, and so now we are really starting to see that scale,” she said. 

Bracho’s last point on the community aspect of YPCT’s mission has remained a strong point of the group since its inception in early 2024. Beyond the day’s numerous speakers and sessions, the space for relationships and community among young professional Catholics in the 20 to 40 age range is what the team is perhaps most proud of.

“It has always been an anchor of YPCT to be able to remind people that they are not alone, and that (as Catholic professionals) we are facing these different challenges together and that we can help one another from that perspective, too,” the conference director said. 

It’s an impact that she experienced firsthand, having encountered YPCT almost two years ago, participating in events and helping where she could. Brought on more formally to help plan the upcoming Arise event, she shared that planning began as early as April of this year. 

Now, Bracho hopes that the same formative and connective spirit that she experienced through YPCT will be present to those on Sept. 26 for the Arise conference. 

“ My prayer is that people come to be renewed in their faith, their mission in their lives, and energized to go live in the world with their values and faith upfront,” she said. 

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“Whether you're somebody that's intellectually stimulated, spiritually moved, or someone that likes that sense of social connection, we have something for everyone — great speakers, Mass and Adoration, fellowship — there is something at Arise that you are going to love.” 

For tickets and to find the full list of this year's speakers, visit ypct.ca. 

A version of this article appeared in the September 20, 2026 issue of The Catholic Register with the headline "Young Catholic professionals set to ‘Arise’"