The Apostleship of Prayer has appointed Fr. Phillip Hurley, SJ, to serve as youth director beginning July 1, 2009.  The position was created in response to a growing interest among younger Catholics in the spirituality of the organization.

"Our mission is to help people live a Eucharistic life by making a daily offering, praying for the Pope's monthly intentions, and practicing devotion to the Heart of Jesus," said Fr. James Kubicki, National Director.  "Fr. Phil has an extraordinary gift for connecting with youth, from grade school kids to young adults.  They can see he understands their world, their music, their media, and their hunger for God.  They really respond."
 
A Jesuit since 1997, Fr. Hurley has served as philosophy teacher and track coach at Gonzaga High School in Washington, DC, and since his ordination to the priesthood in 2008, as parochial vicar at Old St. Joseph's Church in Philadelphia. He led the music ministry for the Apostleship of Prayer pilgrimage to World Youth Day in Germany.  

"I'm excited to join the Apostleship of Prayer," said Fr. Hurley.  "I am dedicated to its mission to help people encounter Jesus heart to heart and live in that relationship every day.  Young people are hungry for real love, real justice, real beauty, and real freedom.  Only God can fill those hungers."

Fr. Hurley will accept invitations from parishes, schools, campus ministries, and other organizations to speak, teach, and lead retreats.  He will work with the staff in the national office to expand outreach to youth through video and music on its web site (www.apostleshipofprayer.org).  

For more information, please contact:

Apostleship of Prayer
3211 S. Lake Dr., Ste. 216
Milwaukee, WI  53235
414-486-1152