James Behan

James Behan is the Music Minister for the University of New Orleans Newman Center.  He has over 20 years of experience in music ministry in parishes and college campus ministries.  He holds a BS in Communication Arts and an MA in Pastoral Theology from St. John’s University, Queens, NY, where he was a campus minister and music minister for nearly 10 years. James is also currently the Associate Director for Mission and Ministry in the Office of Religious Education for the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

James has composed pieces throughout his music ministry career and has performed his songs with diocesan World Youth Day groups.  In October 2017, his composition, “Thanks Be To God,” was selected by a panel of judges as the official hymn of the Archdiocese of New Orleans commemorating the Tricentennial of the City of New Orleans.

Originally from Brooklyn, NY, James currently resides in Mandeville, LA, with his wife, Allison, and their two daughters. He is a member of Mary, Queen of Peace parish.