In 1822, Hurley was appointed the vicar general of the Augustinian American province, known at the time as the Province of Our Lady of Good Counsel, a role Carr had held before him. He remained as vicar general of the province until his death. Hurley was also appointed vicar general for the Diocese of Philadelphia during Bishop Henry Conwell's episcopate. 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.
