YPCT Conference: ARISE

Wake up and live your faith fully in the world. Join 600+ young Catholic professionals called to be a light and witness in their workplaces and society.

Full-Day Conference | Lunch & Dinner provided | Carpool is available

Arise & Wake up.

This is a full day Catholic conference built for young professionals called to be a light and witness in their workplaces and society. ARISE is an invitation to step out of spiritual slumber and into intentional movement.

Hosted at the Canada Event Centre, the day includes world-class keynote speakers, interactive breakout sessions, mass, benediction, and networking structured to challenge how you think and how you live.

With 600 to 800 attendees expected, this is an intentional event bringing together people serious about growth, faith, and direction.

600+

Like-minded Professionals

Event Overview

A targeted experience designed for the modern Catholic professional.

Young Professionals

Those who are early in their professional, entrepreneurial, or vocational journeys.

 

Catholics & Spiritually-Aware

People who are interested in faith-based initiatives: prayer gatherings, theological discussions, retreats, and mentorship opportunities rooted in Catholic teachings.

GROWTH-ORIENTED INDIVIDUALS

Those seeking to live out their faith authentically and confidently, both personally and professionally.

Inspiring excellence in your profession through the strength of your Catholic faith.

Clarity & Direction

Gain clarity on your direction in life and your unique vocation.

Strong Community

Surround yourself with serious, like-minded Catholics on a similar path.

Build Discipline

Learn practical ways to build discipline and structure in your daily life.

Real Conversations

Have meaningful conversations that go far beyond surface-level networking.

tHE eXPERIENCE:
WHAT TO EXPECT

Arrive in the morning to a structured and welcoming environment. Settle in with a keynote that sets the tone, followed by breakout sessions that give you practical, personal insights you can apply immediately. The day continues with networking, lunch, and a networking lunch and dinner.

Inspirational Keynotes

Listen to high-profile speakers combining real world experience with strong Catholic conviction.

Practical Breakouts

Deep dive into specific topics providing insights you can apply immediately.

Intentional Networking

Explore booths from religious orders and Catholic orgs while building lifelong connections.

Fare

Enjoy meals and snacks as you go about the conference.

World-Class Speakers

Hear from leaders who combine real world experience with strong Catholic conviction. Each speaker is selected for credibility, clarity, honesty, and practical insight.

Sr. Marie Veritas, SV

Featured Speaker

Sr. Marie Veritas, SV was born and raised in Alberta, Canada. Deeply moved by the beauty of the truth of God’s love for the human person, and experiencing a profound call to consecration, she entered the Sisters of Life in 2010 after completing her studies in Biology at the University of Alberta. She professed her final vows in 2018, and currently serves as the local superior in Toronto, Canada, caring for vulnerable pregnant women and their unborn children, and also inviting those wounded by past abortions into the healing mercy of Jesus. Sr. Veritas is the editor of the community’s publication, Imprint magazineand is the founding co-host of the Sisters of Life Let Love podcast.

Fr. Charbel Bousamra

FEATURED SPEAKER

Fr. Charbel is a Maronite priest, Principal and Founder of Assumption Academy, and the Parish Priest of St. Elias Maronite Church in London, Ontario. He holds both a Licentiate and Doctorate in Canon Law, with his doctoral thesis focusing on the Particular Law of the Maronite Church. Deeply committed to youth ministry, he leads boys’ youth groups and actively supports the Don Bosco events.

Fr. Marcin Serwin

FEATURED SPEAKER

Fr. Marcin Serwin, OMI is a Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate, Provincial Vicar of the Assumption Province (Canada), Director of Oblate Youth Canada, theologian, and international speaker. He serves at the Holy See, worked as a missionary in Madagascar where he trained and served as a midwife in remote villages, and has spent years accompanying young adults in their search for faith, purpose, and hope. Known for combining humor, self-discipline, powerful storytelling, psychology, and authentic Catholic spirituality, Fr. Marcin delivers dynamic talks that challenge hearts, deepen faith, and remind audiences that following Christ is the greatest adventure of life.

Dr. Patrick Craine

FEATURED SPEAKER

Dr. Patrick Craine is the fifth president of Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College, a Catholic liberal arts college in Ontario. An alumnus of the college, he holds a PhD in Theology from Dominican University College, where his research focused on applying the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas to contemporary questions in ecclesiology, particularly the role of the “signs of the times” in the life of the Church.

He is a frequent speaker on Catholic culture, education, and evangelization, with a particular focus on the formation of young people and the renewal of the Church in a post-Christian context. His work aims to bring together theological depth, practical experience, and a concern for how the faith is lived and transmitted today.

Msgr. Frederick Dolan

FEATURED SPEAKER

Msgr. Frederick Dolan grew up in the Washington, DC area. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and literature from Columbia University in New York City. After two years in sales for Kaiser Steel Corp. in Oakland, California, he moved to Boston to pursue an MBA at Harvard Business School.

Stamford, Connecticut, was the next stop, where Msgr. Dolan worked as a stockbroker for Merrill Lynch way back in the days when the Dow Jones hovered between 700 and 800 (it is now about 50,000). In 1980, he moved to Rome, Italy, to pursue advanced studies in philosophy and theology. He was ordained to the priesthood by Saint John Paul II in June 1983.

Four years ago, he came to Toronto in order to be chaplain at Ernescliff College, right by the campus of the University of Toronto. In addition to providing spiritual direction to people of all ages, he also preaches days of recollection and retreats throughout the year.

More Speakers Coming Soon!

We are curating an excellent lineup of guests.

Sr. Marie Veritas, SV

Featured Speaker

Sr. Marie Veritas, SV was born and raised in Alberta, Canada. Deeply moved by the beauty of the truth of God’s love for the human person, and experiencing a profound call to consecration, she entered the Sisters of Life in 2010 after completing her studies in Biology at the University of Alberta. She professed her final vows in 2018, and currently serves as the local superior in Toronto, Canada, caring for vulnerable pregnant women and their unborn children, and also inviting those wounded by past abortions into the healing mercy of Jesus. Sr. Veritas is the editor of the community’s publication, Imprint magazineand is the founding co-host of the Sisters of Life Let Love podcast.

Fr. Charbel Bousamra

Featured Speaker

Fr. Charbel is a Maronite priest, Principal and Founder of Assumption Academy, and the Parish Priest of St. Elias Maronite Church in London, Ontario. He holds both a Licentiate and Doctorate in Canon Law, with his doctoral thesis focusing on the Particular Law of the Maronite Church. Deeply committed to youth ministry, he leads boys’ youth groups and actively supports the Don Bosco events.

Fr. Marcin Serwin

Featured Speaker

Fr. Marcin Serwin, OMI is a Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate, Provincial Vicar of the Assumption Province (Canada), Director of Oblate Youth Canada, theologian, and international speaker. He serves at the Holy See, worked as a missionary in Madagascar where he trained and served as a midwife in remote villages, and has spent years accompanying young adults in their search for faith, purpose, and hope. Known for combining humor, self-discipline, powerful storytelling, psychology, and authentic Catholic spirituality, Fr. Marcin delivers dynamic talks that challenge hearts, deepen faith, and remind audiences that following Christ is the greatest adventure of life.

Dr. Patrick Craine

Featured Speaker

Dr. Patrick Craine is the fifth president of Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College, a Catholic liberal arts college in Ontario. An alumnus of the college, he holds a PhD in Theology from Dominican University College, where his research focused on applying the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas to contemporary questions in ecclesiology, particularly the role of the “signs of the times” in the life of the Church.

His academic work includes publications and conference presentations across theology, biblical studies, and the theology of history. His first book, *Reassessing the Signs of the Times in the Church’s Life and Practice: A Thomistic Ressourcement*, is currently under review with Word on Fire Publishing.

Dr. Craine is a frequent speaker on Catholic culture, education, and evangelization, with a particular focus on the formation of young people and the renewal of the Church in a post-Christian context. His work aims to bring together theological depth, practical experience, and a concern for how the faith is lived and transmitted today.

Originally from Nova Scotia, he has lived in Barry’s Bay, Ontario, since 2013 with his wife, Jenna, also an alumna of Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College. Together they are the parents of six children.

Msgr. Frederick Dolan

Featured Speaker

Msgr. Frederick Dolan grew up in the Washington, DC area. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and literature from Columbia University in New York City. After two years in sales for Kaiser Steel Corp. in Oakland, California, he moved to Boston to pursue an MBA at Harvard Business School.

Stamford, Connecticut, was the next stop, where Msgr. Dolan worked as a stockbroker for Merrill Lynch way back in the days when the Dow Jones hovered between 700 and 800 (it is now about 50,000). In 1980, he moved to Rome, Italy, to pursue advanced studies in philosophy and theology. He was ordained to the priesthood by Saint John Paul II in June 1983.

After serving as chaplain of a student residence near the University of Notre Dame for several years, he worked at the U.S. headquarters of the Prelature of Opus Dei in New York. His activities during that period included providing spiritual guidance to high school students in the Bronx and students at Yale University.

From 1992 to 1998, Msgr. Dolan worked at the headquarters of Opus Dei in Rome. He then moved to Montreal to serve as Vicar of Opus Dei for Canada.

Four years ago, he came to Toronto in order to be chaplain at Ernescliff College, right by the campus of the University of Toronto. In addition to providing spiritual direction to people of all ages, he also preaches days of recollection and retreats throughout the year.

More Speakers Coming Soon!

We are curating an excellent lineup of guests.

More than an event.

A catalyst for direction.

You are not just attending an event. You are stepping into a full day experience designed to shift your direction.

Early Bird Pricing:

$110

/ person

Save your spot now.
Regular ticket price of $130 will apply by July 22.

Spots are limited. Secure yours early.

More than an event.

A catalyst for direction.

You are not just attending an event. You are stepping into a full day experience designed to shift your direction.

TICKETS OPENING SOON

TBA

/ person

Early-bird pricing & group discounts will be available.

Spots are limited. Secure yours early.

Schedule

A meticulously planned day for maximum impact.

08:00 AM

Volunteer & Vendor Setup

Core team arrives. A/V sound checks, registration desk alphabetized, and vendor tables prepped.

09:00 AM

Registration & Arrivals

Registration, morning coffee, and vendor tables open.

10:00 AM

Welcome & Opening

Opening prayer and introduction to the "ARISE" theme.

10:15 AM

Opening Keynote

Opening keynote speaker (to be announced).

11:10 AM

General Session

Mid-morning session (speaker to be announced).

11:45 AM

Transition

Short break to stretch, grab coffee, and move to the next session.

12:00 PM

Lunch

Grab-and-go lunch, networking, and vendor visits.

01:30 PM

Breakout Session 1

Breakout session (choice of topic available).

02:40 PM

Breakout Session 2

Breakout session (choice of topic available).

04:00 PM

Mass / Adoration

Dedicated spiritual time for prayer together.

05:15 PM

Dinner

Dinner, networking, and final vendor visits.

06:15 PM

General Session Panel (Q&A)

Professional panel discussion with Q&A.

06:45 PM

Closing Keynote

Closing keynote speaker (to be announced).

07:30 PM

Networking & Mocktails

Final socializing time with attendees and guests.

09:00 PM

Event Concludes

Conference ends and attendee departure.

Location & Travel

Everything you need to plan your attendance.

Venue

Canada Event Centre
Whitby, ON (Greater Toronto Area)

Accommodation

We are partnering with hotels in Whitby and Ajax to secure room blocks and discounted rates.

Carpooling

Organized transportation and carpooling will be available from major GTA transit hubs (e.g. Square One, Scarborough Town Centre).

Frequently Asked Questions

Young Catholic professionals who want clarity, discipline, and direction in their lives. Typically ages 20 to 35.

A full day conference with keynote talks, breakout sessions, and structured networking.

Access to all sessions, structured networking opportunities, snacks, lunch, and dinner.

Smart casual. Presentable and respectful.

Yes. Networking is intentionally built into the schedule throughout the entire day.

Canada Event Centre, Whitby (Greater Toronto Area).

Tickets are non-refundable but are transferable to another person up to 7 days before the event.

Ready to shift your direction?

With 600 to 800 attendees expected, this is one of the largest Catholic young professional events in the region. If you are serious about your growth, your direction, and your faith, this is where you need to be.

Spots are limited.

Other ways to be involved

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FEATURED SPEAKER