Brother Michael “Mike” Austin, OFM Conv., has spent much of his Franciscan life helping young people and others discover that they are known, valued, and loved by God.

Youth ministry has been one of the defining threads of Brother Mike’s service. His ability to encourage young people and make them feel welcome became a hallmark of his ministry, and in 1999 he was recognized as a Youth Ministry Leader of the Year by the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. That same gift for accompaniment has followed him throughout his Franciscan life.

Over the years, Brother Mike has served the Church and the Franciscan community through youth and vocation ministry, retreat ministry, parish life, and service to the Province. While those ministries have taken different forms, his approach has remained remarkably consistent: being present to people, encouraging them, and helping create places where they feel they belong.

Most recently, Brother Mike served as Provincial Office Manager for the Province of Our Lady of Consolation, supporting the friars and their ministries through the day-to-day work of the Provincial Office. As he concludes that role, he is entering a quieter chapter of Franciscan life after many years of active ministry and service.

For Brother Mike, Franciscan ministry has never been defined simply by a title or assignment. His witness is found in the relationships he has built and in the steady presence he has offered to generations of people along the way.

Areas of Ministry: Youth Ministry · Vocations · Retreat Ministry · Parish Ministry · Province Service