June 11, 2021

Joseph Austin appointed director of youth and young adult ministry

REGIONAL
Story and photos by Rebecca Drake

SPRINGFIELD – Springfield Bishop William D. Byrne has appointed Longmeadow resident Joseph Austin director of youth and young adult ministry for the Diocese of Springfield.

Austin, a convert to Catholicism, was born and raised in North Carolina and is the son of a Methodist preacher. He holds a degree in philosophy from Boston University. After brief employment as a writer for Catholic News Service, he went on to serve as a Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) missionary at Columbia University in New York City.

While in FOCUS, he recruited, trained, and sent students to the United Nations to participate in the Commission on the Status of Women. He then did five years of pro-life work at both the United Nations in New York City and Geneva, and hosted a yearly Holy Hour for Life in collaboration with the international NGO Observatorio Regional para la Mujer de América Latina y El Caribe A.C.

After FOCUS and while continuing his work at the UN, Austin spent several years in finance and patent law before starting a Catholic real estate business at the onset of COVID. This past December, Austin began the local Young and Catholic Men’s group to provide opportunities for accountability and formation to young Catholic men (ages 22-40) in the diocese.

In a statement to iObserve, Austin noted that in early April, a close friend and member of the men’s group committed suicide. He said, “This was a huge wakeup call,” leading him to realize he needed to do more for the young people in his community.

“Just because the restrictions are being lifted doesn’t mean that the effects of a year in isolation aren’t still there. We need to be wary of the presence of psychological illness within our communities and provide opportunities for youth and young adults to find friendship, hope, and Jesus,” he said. “Young people today are thirsting to be known and loved. They are looking for meaning and direction in a world of infinite possibilities. We have to be there for them and bring them to Jesus.”

Austin and his wife, Samantha, recently moved to the Greater Springfield area to be closer to family. Samantha, whose maiden name is Craig, grew up in East Forest Park, Springfield, where she was a member of Holy Cross Parish and attended the former Cathedral High School. The couple, now members of St. Mary Parish in Longmeadow, met through the Boston University Catholic Center and were married at St. Michael’s Cathedral in Springfield. They have a special devotion to Sts. Patrick, Joseph, Ann and Clare, he said, and share a charism for hospitality, frequently opening their Longmeadow home to ministry events, including a recent backyard Mass, barbecue, and bonfire.

Austin said he believes that hospitality is a vital aspect of ministering to youth,

“Evangelization hinges on hospitality,” he said. “Loneliness has been likened by doctors to smoking a pack of cigarettes every day. It’s a public health issue and we need to be on the frontlines of building Christ-centered communities for our youth and young adults.”

Newly appointed director of youth and young adult ministry Joseph Austin (left) meets in the diocesan Catholic schools office with Daniel Baillargeon (center), superintendent of Catholic schools, and associate superintendent Joshua Agnew.

Austin describes himself as a “Renaissance man,” noting he loves to travel and to photograph “beautiful landscapes.” He plays competitive chess and is a classically trained violinist. He said he also “dabbles in African drumming and Americana bluegrass,” brews his own beer, and enjoys the outdoors. His outdoor activities include kayaking and hiking. He enjoys strong coffee and is “teaching his 4-month-old puppy to swim.”

Daniel Baillargeon, superintendent of diocesan Catholic schools and a member of the search committee that recommended the appointment of Austin, said, “It was clear from the very beginning of his first interview that Joseph had a deep love of his faith and the teaching mission of the Catholic Church. Not only did this love shine through, but also his entrepreneurial spirit, which will make him very successful in building our youth and young adult ministries.”

In his new position, Austin said he hopes to create a vibrant culture for Catholic families.

“So many young Catholic families are asking the question now, ‘Where can we move that has a great Catholic scene?’ My goal is to make Springfield the next Catholic hotspot in the U.S.,” he said.

Austin may be contacted at j.austin@diospringfield.org or (413)276-5134.