Catholic Business Journal—Two different Catholic business and faith entities—Young Catholic Professionals (YCP) and Legatus—serve workers at different stages of their careers. That said, the two organizations share a common purpose, namely, helping Catholics live their faith with confidence in the business world.
This shared common purpose has segued into a connection between these two organizations that is taking shape across the country as members of Legatus (called Legates) serve on YCP chapter boards, speak at events and mentor young professionals. Over YCP’s history, more than 100 Legates have served in these and in other roles supporting YCP’s mission.
Peter Blute, Executive Director of YCP, sees the relationship as a natural one. “Legates have years of business experience and a deep commitment to their Catholic faith,” Blute said. “Through YCP, they share that experience with young professionals who are asking how they can grow in their careers while pursuing holiness.”
Formation Foundation
YCP was founded in Dallas in 2010 by Jennifer Baugh, then a 24-year-old financial consultant searching for a way to integrate her Catholic faith with her professional life. She soon discovered that many young 
adults shared the same desire for community, formation and mentorship.
After conducting focus groups and developing a business plan, Baugh hosted the first YCP event. This initial gathering has grown into a national organization with 45 chapters and approximately 3,100 members. In 2025 alone, with YCP hosting around 500 events nationwide.
Blute first encountered YCP as a member and volunteer in 2013. The experience renewed his commitment to the Catholic faith; he joined YCP as an employee in 2014 and became Executive Director in 2024.
“Our main goal is to strengthen YCP chapters and the overall YCP experience so the movement can evangelize more effectively,” Blute said. “We want to help young professionals find community, become equipped to live out their faith and pursue holiness.”
Investing in the Future
Among the Legates supporting that mission are Pittsburgh’s David Misch, Kansas City’s Nick Manning and Portland’s Jeff Thiede. Thiede first learned about YCP as president of Legatus’ Portland Chapter in 2011. After a co-worker recommended YCP founder Jennifer Baugh as a speaker, Thiede met her and later introduced YCP to Archbishop Alexander Sample.
With the archbishop’s support, Thiede helped assemble a board and launch YCP Portland. Thiede said that several yeas later, it is still going strong: “There are now around 100 souls attending each of two retreats at Mount Angel Abbey [an hour’s drive south of Portland].”
Thiede believes YCP provides young Catholics with opportunities for spiritual and professional growth they may not find in their parishes. Its emphasis on Catholic community has also helped young adults discern vocations.
“YCP has facilitated many vocations from young adults, both to religious life and married life,” he said. “This shows how relationship-building with fellow Catholics is crucial for building the future of our Church.”
Blute said Legates contribute not only business knowledge, but also the witness of lives shaped by faith. “
Legatus members can show young professionals what it looks like to lead well, make principled decisions and remain faithful to Christ in the workplace,” Thiede underscored. “That witness can have an impact far beyond a single event or mentoring conversation.”
The relationship has also come full circle, with some young professionals who first encountered YCP as members continuing on to become Legates themselves. They can now pass along the encouragement they received to another generation of Catholic professionals.
YCP Chapters continue to launch in new locations 
With new chapters launching this year in Brooklyn, New York, and Grand Rapids, Michigan, YCP continues to expand. For Legates looking to invest in the future of Catholic business leadership and the Church, YCP is an ideal place to begin.
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Trent Beattie is the author of Scruples and Sainthood (Loreto Publications) and Fit for Heaven (Dynamic Catholic). He is also the editor of Saint Alphonsus Liguori for Every Day (Mediatrix Press), Finding True Happiness (Dynamic Catholic) and Apostolic Athletes (Marian Press).
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