International Catholic professional formation program grows in DC

Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Nov 12, 2024 / 09:45 am (CNA).

The Washington, D.C.-based Catholic young professional formation programs of the In Altum Foundation reached the milestone of 1,000 graduates this year. According to Maria Jimena Sánchez, director of admissions, reaching this figure is “a sign of hope” for the future.

The program was founded in 2017 by a group of Portuguese Catholic graduate students in the U.S. who were struck by the American Church’s “clear grasp” of its vocation and role in various areas of the public sphere, such as politics and business.

The students ultimately decided to found the program after realizing that “this clarity and call to excellence were not frequent in their home country,” according to a statement the organization provided to CNA.

Since its founding, participation in the program has grown from 15 in the first edition to 400 this past summer. The association takes its name from St. John Paul II’s apostolic letter Novo Millennio Ineunte, where he quotes Luke 5:4 in the Latin Vulgate: “Duc in altum!” (“Put out into the deep!”).

The program seeks to provide young Catholic professionals with a perspective of reality, the human person, and contemporary challenges according to the faith, thus inspiring the individual vocations of the participants in their work, study, and daily life.

The program is open to English-speaking Catholic participants ages 20-30 from all over the world and consists of guest lectures, prayer, and fellowship, and takes place over the course of five days, including at sites such as The Catholic University of America and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Guest lecturers for the program have included author Tim Carney, Religious Freedom Institute Board Chairman Michael Ortner, and Thomistic Institute Assistant Director Father Gregory Pine, OP, along with officials from other Washington, D.C.-based think tanks, such as the Heritage Foundation.

“Speakers allow participants to engage with some of the most pressing issues of our time and how the Church has coherent answers to the longings of the human heart through different human realities like business, politics, or education,” the organization said.

Participants also partake in daily Mass and have ample opportunities for prayer.

“Our fellowship activities allow participants to build a network of like-minded talented Catholics throughout the world, building true friendships and a real community for both professional and personal growth,” the statement continued. “Prayer is the key component of the program, as we understand each individual’s mission as God-given and encouraged by him.”

Sánchez told ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner, that people from more than 30 countries around the world have participated in the programs.

“Faith gives us tools to understand the value of our own dignity and that of the world around us. It helps us understand our vocation and the purpose of our existence. This is what we try to live and convey at In Altum. It’s important to have this time to pause and reflect on how we are using our talents,” the admissions director said.

In addition, she emphasized that the program is a great opportunity for young Catholic professionals worldwide who share the same desires to grow professionally and intellectually, and to delve deeper into “the communion of Christians and the love of Christ.”

“The essence of In Altum is the people,” Sánchez said. “Those who have demonstrated excellence in some field of their own life and who wish to be leaders with a real impact in their own communities.”

Those interested in applying for the program may access further information at this link. In Altum will host its final session of the year at the beginning of December and has announced opportunities to participate in the program in 2025 in March, May, June, and late July through early August, which may be viewed here.

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.