[1] Despite his early exposure to the upholstery business, Hurley became the first aspirant in the new American province of the Order of Saint Augustine (Augustinians).

Following his ordination, Hurley was sent back to the United States, where he became an assistant curate to Father Matthew Carr, the pastor at St. Augustine Church in Philadelphia.

[2] Hurley was a friend of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, who commended him for converting a number of high profile people, including her sister-in-law, to Catholicism.

Likewise, Hurley had earlier been praised by the local medical profession for his assistance in the 1805 yellow fever epidemic.

[2] While pastor, Hurley also said mass at the Belle-Air estate owned by Jane and John Rudolph in Radnor Township, Pennsylvania.

His funeral was presided over by Bishop Francis Kenrick, and he was buried in the vault beneath St. Augustine Church alongside Matthew Carr and other Augustinian friars.