Our Lady of the Angels Minister Provincial Friar Michael Heine, OFM Conv., has announced that Kristin Austin, a licensed clinical social worker and certified clinical trauma professional, has been retained by the province as its new pastoral advocate. In her role as a consultant to the province, Kristin will respond to anyone who reports abuse or misconduct by a member of the province, receiving their allegation and providing pastoral accompaniment to them throughout the process and the time that they are engaged with the province on the matter.

“I have been thinking about this possibility for several years,” Friar Michael said. “We needed to find the right layperson who can share our Franciscan compassion and understanding with survivors. I believe Kristin fits perfectly. She will be in regular contact with the provincial administration. I pray that we will not need her services in the future but take comfort in knowing that if and when the need arises, we have a well-trained, experienced, compassionate person who will offer pastoral outreach in a way that we pray will bring healing.”

A graduate of St. Joseph’s University, Kristin volunteered for a year in Tacoma, Wash., and later pursued a master’s degree at the University of Maryland.  She currently serves as a pastoral advocate for eight other male religious orders.

“I am sincerely grateful to Friar Michael Heine and Friar Gary Johnson for the opportunity to serve the province,” she said. “I have seen so much healing over the past 15 years in this ministry and look forward to assisting the Our Lady of the Angels Province in bringing more healing to all.”

To contact Kristin, please email her at kaustinlcswc@gmail.com or call 443-462-7787.