Title: Retired Director of the Office of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs and Roman Catholic Priest
Company: Archdiocese of New York
Location: Bronx, New York, United States
Fr. Brian E. McWeeney, DMin, Retired Director of the Office of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs and Roman Catholic Priest at the Archdiocese of New York, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements and leadership in Religious Service and Education.
Fr. McWeeney concluded his distinguished career as a Roman Catholic priest, retiring in 2025 after decades of dedicated service to the Archdiocese of New York. In his most recent role, beginning in 2013, he served as the director of the Office of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs for the Archdiocese of New York. In this capacity, Fr. McWeeney was responsible for fostering dialogue and collaboration among diverse religious communities.
As part of his responsibilities, Fr. McWeeney engaged with ministers, rabbis and imams, participated in interfaith initiatives and represented the cardinal at community service events. His leadership extended to managing interreligious and ecumenical relations at the Chancery’s central offices, where he also assisted with ethnic apostolates, welcomed individuals from diverse backgrounds and facilitated Hispanic masses. Notably, Fr. McWeeney collaborated with Lutheran organizations for over three decades on housing initiatives for those in need, an effort recognized by the establishment of the Brian McWeeney Center for Education and Culture Change by the Lutherans.
From 2011 to 2013, Fr. McWeeney served as the director of adult faith formation at the Archdiocese of New York. He conducted seminars on adult faith education, theology and moral theology, emphasizing active participation in faith and encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their own beliefs and those of others. Fr. McWeeney’s commitment to education was further demonstrated through his work teaching educators in religious education and instructing candidates in the Catholic diaconate program for more than a decade.
Between 2008 and 2011, Fr. McWeeney served as a pastor at Saint Stanislaus Kostka Church. During his tenure, he oversaw church construction projects, including the building and renovation of several churches in line with his vision as a priest and pastor. Fr. McWeeney was dedicated to daily mass and regularly heard confessions, ensuring that parishioners felt connected to their faith community.
Earlier in his career, Fr. McWeeney taught at Monsignor Farrell High School in Staten Island, New York, for two years. He also served as an auditor for Nullman’s and was recommended by Cardinal Egan to visit Rome to become a rescript judge. Although he did not possess all the traditional degrees required for this role, Fr. McWeeney’s qualifications were deemed equivalent, allowing him to judge ecclesiastical cases.
Fr. McWeeney’s academic background provided a strong foundation for his extensive career in ministry and education. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from St. Joseph’s Seminary and College, a Master of Divinity from St. Joseph’s Seminary and College, a master’s degree in education with a focus on pastoral counseling from Iona University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary.
Active in his professional and civic community, Fr. McWeeney’s affiliations include membership in the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and service as a New York State chaplain for the Knights of Columbus. His contributions to interfaith dialogue are further highlighted by his involvement with the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, where he worked closely with rabbis and clergy members to foster relationships between Catholic and Jewish communities. Beyond these affiliations, Fr. McWeeney has been active through board memberships with The Carmelite System and The Lutheran Care Network.
Fr. McWeeney contributed to religious scholarship early on in his career. In 1975, he published “100th Anniversary of Sacred Heart Church in Staten Island” and a 75th-anniversary book chronicling the parish’s history. He also authored “History of Cathedral College” in 1978, offering a comprehensive account of the seminary associated with his alma mater.
Fr. McWeeney’s achievements have been recognized with numerous honors, including induction into the Hall of Fame at Our Lady of Lourdes and being named Man of the Year by both the Knights of Columbus and the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce. Awards were also established in his name, including the Brian McWeeney Award presented by the Knights of Columbus.
Throughout his life, Fr. McWeeney has deeply valued family, drawing inspiration from his parents’ emphasis on education and their Irish heritage. He remains committed to fostering environments where people can come together harmoniously to share ideas free from negativity or discouragement. Fr. McWeeney’s enduring legacy is marked by a steadfast dedication to building community, advancing interfaith understanding and nurturing faith across generations.
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