In July 2013, Ansel Augustine, A’00, was appointed the director for the Office of Black Catholic Ministry in the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

“The office of Black Catholic Ministry is a very important office in New Orleans,” Tom Ryan, director of the Loyola Institute for Ministry, said. “I am proud that a graduate of Loyola has been selected for that office.”

With a ministry career that began at Loyola in early 2000, Augustine worked his way back home to St. Peter Claver Parish.

Known throughout the community as New Orleans’ “Holy Hot Boy”, Augustine described that the nickname originated from his apparent sense of humor.

When Hurricane Katrina hit the city, Augustine dedicated his time to rebuilding his home parish and working as a youth minister.

“I met Ansel in 2005 just right after the storm,” Reverend Etido Jerome, member of the Black Catholic Ministry and resident chaplain at Xavier University, said.

“Since that time, I got to know his interest and his faith, and I know he’s enthusiastic to spread the faith amongst the young people.”

After several years of working for the Catholic Youth Organization/ Youth & Young Adult Ministry office as associate director, Augustine was asked to consider this new position within the archdiocese.

“Previously, my focus was on youth and young adult ministry. And now my focus is widening to incorporate ministries that target all age groups.”

Augustine said that he hopes to raise awareness for the black Catholic ministry without forgetting his roots in youth ministry.

“I think the main focus is to build up the awareness and talents and gifts within our youths and young adults of the black Catholic community because they are not only the future of the church, but they’re the present of the church. And if we can get them excited about the church, then we’re leaving the church in good hands,” Augustine said.

To highlight his new position, Augustine will be presenting a keynote speech at the National Catholic Youth Conference this November in Indianapolis, Ind. The theme of the conference, “Signed, Sealed, Delivered”, was chosen as a reflection of the speakers’ personal experiences with Christ, according to the organization. Augustine’s speech will discuss his Hurricane Katrina experience.

“We in New Orleans are lucky to have Ansel in this position,” Ryan said.

Mary Graci can be reached at [email protected]