Spurred by the Holy Spirit, woman feels chosen to lead Young Catholic Professionals

After appearing as an extra in the television series “The Chosen,” about Christ and the Apostles, Annie Harton was inspired by the Holy Spirit to lead the newly formed Indianapolis chapter of Young Catholic Professionals. (Submitted photo)

By John Shaughnessy

To get a sense of the commitment that Annie Harton is making as the president of a new group called Young Catholic Professionals, consider the dedication she has shown to “The Chosen,” the television series about Christ and the Apostles that has touched her life in a powerful way.

She first became aware of the series just before COVID-19 started to spread globally, when she was hit hard by a respiratory infection that kept her bedridden for 10 days.

“There was this Facebook ad about a Jesus show that continued to nag at me,” recalls Harton, who is 35. “I thought it would just be another cheesy Christian media project, but laying on the couch gave me the time to find out what it was all about.

“I had recently been diagnosed with ADHD [Attention Deficit, Hyperactivity Disorder] and autism so I was particularly touched when Matthew was portrayed as being on the spectrum, too. God knew that I needed Matthew’s character in ‘The Chosen’ to remind me that God can work all things for good, and that he calls people like me to follow him.

“I binged the whole series and soon found myself praying holy hours online with the devout Catholic man who plays Jesus. That group of virtual prayer warriors was an incredible support of getting me through the pandemic as a single person at home alone.”

Fast forward to earlier this year when Harton’s involvement with “The Chosen”—which relies on funds from fans and donors to be produced—added another dimension.

The foundation that financially supports the production of the series held a fundraiser that let people create a profile sharing how “The Chosen” has impacted their lives. Then donors chose which profile most resonated with them and were invited to make a contribution in honor of that impact.

When Harton created a profile and emerged as one of the top earners for the fundraiser, she was invited to come to Utah to be an extra on the show during four days of filming.

“The experience was a dream come true,” says Harton, a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Indianapolis. “The environment on set was incredibly hospitable, and everyone felt connected with not only the mission of the show but the mission of heaven.

“Being around that cast and crew was a glimpse of heaven. I pray that I can bring a piece of that to my work as president of Young Catholic Professionals. If we could all run our businesses or show up to work the way ‘The Chosen’ cast and crew does, this world would most certainly be a better place.”

That’s her goal for the newly formed Indianapolis chapter of Young Catholic Professionals, the largest professional networking organization for Catholic young adults in the United States.

It’s “a group where young people can connect through their faith across different fields of work,” Harton says. “I hope that this will encourage people to know that they are not defined by their work, and they can learn ways to bring their authentic self to the work God has called them to do.”

Harton believes she was called—maybe even chosen—by God to lead the Indianapolis chapter.

‘As the body of Christ, we can make the world a better place’

“I became a business owner in February, around the time the Indy chapter was announced,” says Harton, a marriage and family counselor whose private therapy practice is named You Are More. “I’ve always been in supporting roles, but never in the lead position. I felt a strong urging from the Holy Spirit to apply for president. In the interview, they asked me why I was applying, and I said, ‘because the Holy Spirit said so.’ ”

She has also tapped into the Holy Trinity for her inspiration in leading the group.

“I never want to live in such a way where Christ is not involved or included,” says Harton, a graduate of Saint Mary’s College in northern Indiana who also has a master’s degree in theology from the University of Notre Dame. “As a new entrepreneur, I want Jesus to be the CEO, not me. His way is better than mine.

“As I stepped into this new chapter of my career, I felt called to cultivate leadership skills while making networking connections with other Catholics. As the body of Christ, we can make the world a better place not only by building strong families at home but by building a strong community that serves with love.”

She found that strong community with a group of “virtual prayer warriors” in a time of vulnerability in her life.

She also witnessed that “strong community that serves with love” during her experience on the set of “The Chosen.”

She wants that same foundation of community for this young adult group.

“My work as a counselor will influence my approach to accompanying others, noticing their strengths and encouraging them to accomplish their goals. This is our group.

“As someone who has been pretty self-sufficient my whole life as a single person, I have asked the national team and the local team to keep me accountable in delegating and sharing responsibilities with others. I think that’s the area where I will grow the most as I prepare for a marriage and family of my own.”

Once again, she turns to her Catholic faith for the example she wants to follow, the role models that will lead her to a deeper relationship with Christ.

“Everything that Mary and Joseph did was to serve the Holy Child,” she says.

“Following their example helps me to encounter Christ authentically in my personal life with family and friends, and in my professional life with clients.

“As a counselor, I try to remember that Christ is the ultimate counselor who is present in the room. I want to help encourage other professionals to see the face of Christ in their clients and customers—and to know that their employment is an avenue to be the hands and feet of our Lord.”
 

(For anyone interested in learning more about the Indianapolis chapter of Young Catholic Professionals, send an e-mail to, ycpindianapolis@gmail.com. The group is also seeking a priest to serve as a chaplain for the chapter and board members to help support the group’s mission and to mentor young professionals.) †