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August 11, 2026 7:00pm at St. Michael - St. Malachi Church. The Young Catholic Professionals Brooklyn Diocese chapter which had their launch party in May of this year, hosted their first YCP Executive Speaker Series and invited Michael Shoule to be their FIRST Executive Speaker.
Michael is a parishioner at American Martyrs in Oakland Gardens, Queens and has participated with United for Life NY Walk and Celebrating Life Luncheon earlier this year.
The YCP Speaker Series is a chance for young professionals to hear from a more "seasoned" one about how they have been able to live their faith in the workplace and the challenges they have faced.
Michael as a Vice President of his family's-fourth generation logistics company JW Hampton, talked about the time when one of their longtime pharmaceutical clients needed help importing carbonprost tromethamine. As part of their due diligence, JW Hampton asked the importer what the drug was used for. The client replied that "carbonprost tromethamine is indicated for aborting pregnancy between the 13th and 20th weeks of gestation..."
Michael's response was that for faith-based reasons, JW Hampton is NOT able to be involved in this shipment and asked that they continue to work together on the importation of their other products which they did.
Michael also shared that prior to joining the K of C, many years ago, he told his pastor that he was pro-choice, the pastor replied, "Don't tell anyone."
That was part of God's perfect plan as today, Michael credits his fellow Knights with his active involvement with the Helpers of God's Precious Infants, praying, the Rosary in front of abortuaries, attending March for Life each year in Washington DC and on the planning committee for United for Life, Inc.
He also talked about his children’s book company Read Together Books. When he reads one of his books, I Love Going to the Bronx Zoo, at elementary schools he talks to the children about using their God-given talents – whether it be writing or drawing or math or science or athletics or whatever - to make the world a better place.
He continued that the whole God-gift thing does not just apply to elementary school kids, but to everyone in the room that evening. And he asked all to reflect on whether we are giving this world our best. Are we using the gifts that God has given us to better the world? If not, why? What little step can we do starting tonight to show God our appreciation for the gifts that He has blessed us with?
Michael finished by reminding the YCP audience that they are the future of the Catholic faith. We are being attacked and persecuted to different extents in our own city, state and country and throughout the world.
The good news is we belong to a Church that has existed for nearly 2,000 years and is not going anywhere. He encouraged guests to invite a friend or family member to go to mass with them this Sunday and plant that seed.
Joyfully he stated that we are a Resurrection people and should not be afraid to talk about it with others. The Resurrection is a true story. It is a historical fact that Jesus rose from the dead. How awesome is that?
Michael closed with “If that is not something to get excited about then I don’t know what is. And if Jesus is not someone worth following, the ONLY ONE worth following, I don’t know who is.”
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