PROSPECT HEIGHTS — Bishop Robert Brennan announced on April 1 that he has tapped two priests to serve in key positions in the Diocese of Brooklyn —one as the diocese’s delegate for senior priests and the other as the master of ceremonies.
Father Richard Beuther, pastor of Blessed Sacrament Church in Jackson Heights, was appointed delegate for senior priests, a newly created role in which he will assist retired clergy with their life needs, including health care. He will start his new post immediately and remain pastor of Blessed Sacrament.
Father John Hwang, pastor of St. Anselm Church in Bay Ridge, will begin to serve as the master of ceremonies on June 30. The master of ceremonies assists the bishop at liturgical celebrations and is responsible for ensuring that sacred functions are carried out with decorum and devotion. He will be leaving his post as pastor of St. Anselm.
“This is an exciting new chapter in the history of our diocese being presented to our senior priests,” Father Beuther said. “Being named Bishop Brennan’s new delegate to senior priests also highlights the concern and fatherly care Bishop Brennan has for our priests who have served our diocese so well.”
Father Beuther was ordained in 1996 and has served in many parishes over the years, including as pastor of St. Bartholomew Church in Elmhurst and Divine Mercy Parish in Williamsburg, as well as the dean of Brooklyn Deanery 1. Father Hwang, who was ordained in 2017 and has been active in the Korean Apostolate Youth Ministry, said he appreciated the appointment.
“It is a great honor and a humbling privilege to serve Bishop Brennan and work closely by his side,” he said. “As master of ceremonies, I will assist with preparing and coordinating liturgies, especially those with the bishop, to ensure that they are celebrated with reverence and in keeping with the Church’s tradition.”
“While I feel some sadness stepping away from parish ministry as pastor. I am committed to supporting a smooth transition and have full confidence in the future leadership,” Father Hwang added. “I’m deeply grateful to the parishioners and students for their support, and I look forward to this new role as a way to serve the Church, help renew the liturgical life of our diocese, and grow in faith and service under Bishop Brennan’s guidance.”
Bishop Brennan also named Father Michael Bruno associate vicar for clergy and consecrated life. Father Bruno will leave his post as dean of seminarians at St. Joseph Seminary and College to take his new post on July 1.
The retirements of two deacons were also announced by the diocese on April 1.
Deacon Julio Barreneche, secretary for clergy personnel and coordinator of the hospital and healthcare chaplaincy program, is retiring after nearly 20 years of service. He has served in this capacity since 2006 and served as a deacon at St. Kevin Church in Flushing.
“After 19 years of service in the Diocese of Brooklyn, I leave with deep gratitude and pride. It has been more than a job. It’s been a true calling,” Deacon Barreneche said. “Serving the clergy and the people of God has been an honor … the diocese will always remain close to my heart.”
Deacon Jaime Varela, master of ceremonies and assistant to the ordinary, is retiring from his full-time duties after more than 20 years of service. An assistant to the ordinary is a priest or deacon who assists a bishop.
Deacon Varela, who served as a deacon at Our Lady of the Presentation-Mercy Parish in East New York, will now serve part-time as master of ceremonies. “While I’m saddened to step away from my full-time role, I’m filled with gratitude and joy that God has granted me the blessing of reaching retirement,” he said.
Bishop Brennan expressed his gratitude to Deacon Barreneche and Deacon Varela for their decades of service: “May God continue to bless them as they enter this next step on their life journey.” He also said he is grateful to Father Bruno, Father Beuther, and Father Hwang “for their generosity and assistance in our endeavors to provide effective outreach and ministry to priests, both active and retired.”