Right now, Gen Z and young adults are driving a massive resurgence in Catholicism across New York City. From tripling numbers in conversion and standing-room only Masses to thriving social events and community gatherings, a new generation is revitalizing the Catholic faith.

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YCP Brooklyn recently celebrated its highly anticipated launch party, drawing 201 attendees made up of young adults, diocesan leaders, and supporters eager to help foster a stronger Catholic professional community across Brooklyn and Queens. 

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Leading the effort is YCP Brooklyn President Kiana Carrington, who said launching the chapter felt like a calling shaped by both faith and action.

“It was one of those moments where I truly felt the Holy Spirit move,” Carrington said. “I had been looking for something for people in my age range. I was past the college-age groups, but not quite ready for the older parish organizations either.” After being encouraged by her pastor at St. Francis de Sales and St. Blaise Parish in Brooklyn to explore YCP leadership, Carrington said learning that YCP was part of a larger national movement gave her confidence in the mission.

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“I’ve seen ministries burn out when it’s just a few people trying to sustain something alone,” she said. “Seeing there was already a national structure behind YCP made it much easier to say yes.”

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YCP Brooklyn will work hand-in-hand with its neighboring chapter, YCP New York City. “At YCP NYC, we regularly host attendees from all over the city and its extended geographic area — evidence that there is a real hunger among Catholic young adults in and around NYC for the high caliber events, community, and programming that YCP offers,” said Alison Gould, President of YCP New York. “As a team, we’re thrilled for the launch of YCP Brooklyn in our neighboring Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens — another YCP chapter in the city to help serve young adults is a blessing!” 

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Gould noted that the two chapters are positioned to work together in expanding opportunities throughout the region. “Similar to the Dallas and Fort Worth chapters, I think we're uniquely positioned to be able to leverage each other's networks and ideas to grow the mission of YCP,” she said. “I'm looking forward to dreaming big and finding opportunities for cross-chapter collaboration.”

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The launch was made possible in part through a $25,000 sponsorship from the Catholic Foundation of Brooklyn & Queens, whose leadership saw the organization as an opportunity to engage a younger generation of Catholics in the Diocese.

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“Initially, we at the Foundation were moved by Bishop Brennan's enthusiasm about getting the chapter started based on his prior experience in the Diocese of Columbus,” said John Notaro, Executive Director of the Catholic Foundation of Brooklyn & Queens. “Once we learned more ourselves, we saw an incredible opportunity to connect with the younger generation and promote their involvement in the Catholic Church in Brooklyn and Queens.”

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For Very Reverend James A. Kuroly of the Diocese of Brooklyn Youth and Young Adult Office, the launch represented an answer to a growing need among young Catholics searching for both faith formation and authentic relationships. 

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“What excited me most was the opportunity to have a community where young adult Catholics can connect their faith with others,” Kuroly said. “Brooklyn and Queens is filled with talented and faithful young adults who are looking for meaningful relationships, mentorship, and opportunities to grow.”

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Kuroly said he was especially inspired by the widespread support the initiative received from both clergy and lay leaders throughout the Diocese. 

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“I have been inspired by the enthusiasm and generosity of so many people who wanted to help make this vision a reality,” he said. “It has been encouraging to see how many people recognize the need for a strong Catholic young adult community and are willing to invest their time and talents to help it grow.” 

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Ra’shaad Pridgeon, Director of Technology for YCP Brooklyn, said the chapter was built around the desire to create an authentic community among Catholic professionals navigating modern life. 

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“I was inspired to get involved with YCP Brooklyn because I saw a tremendous opportunity to create a community where young professionals could grow in their faith while also developing meaningful personal and professional relationships,” Pridgeon said.

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Pridgeon described the launch party as an exciting reflection of the community already forming around the organization.

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“One of the biggest highlights was witnessing new connections being formed throughout the evening and seeing the excitement around creating a vibrant community for young Catholic professionals in Brooklyn,” he said.

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Throughout the night, attendees networked, shared faith journeys, and celebrated what organizers hope will become a lasting home for Catholic young adults seeking fellowship, leadership, and purpose in New York City. 

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A new chapter in Catholic young adult life has officially begun in Brooklyn.