Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Father Anthony L. Cecil Jr. is set to lead the Archdiocese of Louisville’s Office for Youth and Young Adults, beginning July 1, alongside associate director Jonna O’Bryan. They aim to help Gen Z and Gen Alpha engage with religious experiences.

Father Cecil expressed his belief that today's youth are more open to exploring faith than previous generations. "If someone hasn’t encountered Jesus, they don’t care what the catechism says," he stated in a recent interview.

O’Bryan shares this vision, stating her primary goal is to facilitate encounters with Christ for young people. Both will succeed Michal Horace, who retired in March.

Dr. Brian B. Reynolds, chancellor and chief administrative officer for the Archdiocese of Louisville, emphasized the importance of expanding outreach efforts through this dual leadership model. He noted the significant experience both leaders bring: Father Cecil as a high school chaplain and youth minister at St. Raphael Church; O’Bryan as director of youth ministry at St. Patrick Church for nearly a decade.

Father Cecil has been involved with EQ Saints and has extensive experience ministering to high school and college students through programs like St. Meinrad’s One Bread, One Cup. "I am one," he said about young adult ministry, highlighting his age of 32.

O’Bryan's 25-year career in youth ministry includes roles as pastoral associate for Meade County Catholic Youth Ministry and director of youth ministry for parishes in Evansville, Indiana.

Their approach involves supporting those ministering to young people by providing resources and formation opportunities necessary for meaningful encounters with Christ. Father Cecil explained their mission: "All our work as an office — we’re facilitating opportunities to encounter Jesus."

The archdiocese plans participation in November's National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in Indianapolis, where Father Cecil previously attended as a seminarian. He described it as an eye-opening experience showcasing the church's breadth.

For more information on NCYC registration or other inquiries, O’Bryan can be contacted via phone or email provided by the archdiocese.