About Guardian Angel · Brooklyn, New York
Guardian Angel Roman Catholic Church is a small, vibrant parish at 2978 Ocean Parkway in the Brighton Beach neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. Founded in 1880, it is the only Roman Catholic church in Brighton Beach and, as the parish itself notes, a 'pure microcosm' of the Diocese of Brooklyn in its ethnic diversity — drawing worshippers from English-, Spanish-, Polish-, Ukrainian-, Filipino-, and Malayalam-speaking (Syro-Malabar) communities. The parish is led today by Rev. Hugues Berrette (Parish Administrator) and operates a multilingual Mass schedule, a CCD religious education program for children, RCIA for adults, an active Filipino Bible Study, a Spanish Charismatic prayer group (Círculo de Oración), and the devotion of the Novena of the Miraculous Medal. A previous pastor, Fr. Sergiy, welcomed visitors on the website, describing the parish as a place of immigrant Catholics sharing the Good News for nearly a century.
- Established
- 1880
- Patron
- Guardian Angels
- Rector
- Rev. Hugues Berrette (Parish Administrator)
- Diocese
- Diocese of Brooklyn
Why belong here
Guardian Angel is one of the most multicultural Catholic parishes in Brooklyn, with Mass celebrated in English, Spanish, Polish, Ukrainian, Filipino, and Malayalam (Syro-Malabar) — making it a true 'microcosm' of the diocese's immigrant character. Worshippers can join a Bible Study every Saturday at 4:30pm through the Filipino community, pray with the Spanish-language Charismatic Ministry (Círculo de Oración), walk the Novena of the Miraculous Medal with the parish's devotional ministries, or enroll children in the CCD program (K–8) and Confirmation classes (grades 9–10). It is a small, intimate parish where newcomers are warmly welcomed and can find a spiritual home in their own language and tradition.
Mass times at Guardian Angel
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Available — see parish for current schedule (listed under 'Confession Times' on the parish website; check before visiting)
Adoration times
- Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament — hours posted on the parish's Mass Times page
Parish History
Guardian Angel was carved out of St. Rose of Lima Parish in 1880 by Bishop John Loughlin, with Father James McKiverkin overseeing the new Brighton Beach mission. The original church — dedicated July 18, 1880 — still stands as the Parish Hall. The present brick-and-terra-cotta church was built under Father John J. Cullen (pastor 1893–1918); Bishop McDonnell laid its cornerstone on December 1, 1900 and dedicated it August 5, 1905, at a total cost of $65,000. The parish weathered major territorial losses when Ss. Simon and Jude (1897) and Our Lady of Solace (1901) were carved out, and again in the 1960s when the Trump family developments absorbed more than half of Guardian Angel's territory.
- Founded 1880; present church dedicated 1905
- 100th anniversary Mass presided by Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, October 9, 2005
- Major 2000 restoration led by architect Anthony Properzio, with Ambrosio Ecclesiastical Art Studios, Durhan Studios, Monte Brothers, and G & E Mechanical Corporation
- Solemnly rededicated by Bishop Thomas V. Daily, November 5, 2000
Architecture, Art & Furnishings
The present church is built of red and gray brick with decorative terra cotta highlights. It measures 125 feet long, 65 feet wide, and 75 feet high, with the original architect's plan calling for twin spires (never completed; inner walls still visible above the side entrances). The interior features antique quartered oak altars (three), confessionals, and pews; stained glass windows by the Josef Mayer studios of Munich; a rose window replaced after 1950 storm damage; ceiling murals by Jean-Charles Charuest/Jean-Louis Quiviger of Montreal (1981); triptychs by John Breglia; and a main altar and lectern by Decoration Andrea of Montreal.
- Stations of the Cross imported from Munich as life-sized figures
- Original 1921 Jardine organ; current Rodgers organ installed 2002
- Vienna crystal chandeliers (replaced at a later date)
- 200-year-old church bell in its own gazebo, restored by Verdin, Inc. in 2001
- Stained glass transom over the center door depicting Guardian Angels (Gargiulo Brothers)
Clergy & Parish Staff
The parish is currently administered by Rev. Hugues Berrette, who was appointed Administrator effective July 14, 2025, having transferred from parochial vicar at Our Lady of Miracles in Canarsie. He resides at St. Mark–St. Margaret Mary, Sheepshead Bay. He is supported by a dedicated lay staff in the parish office and music ministry.
- Rev. Hugues Berrette — Parish Administrator (since July 14, 2025)
- Mrs. Liliana Cazar — Parish Secretary
- Mrs. Nain Merino — Director of Religious Education
- Mr. Robert Dacchille — Director of Music Ministry/Organist
- Mrs. Lyubov Shchybchyk — Organist
- Mr. John John — Trustee
- Mr. David Ball — Trustee
Faith Formation & Religious Education
Religious Education for the children of Guardian Angel Parish takes place on Sundays between 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Enrollment begins in September and classes run throughout the school year. The CCD program prepares children for the sacraments of the Eucharist, Reconciliation, and Confirmation. Originally staffed by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood from St. Brendan's in Midwood, the program is now led by laypersons under the Director of Religious Education.
- CCD for kindergarten through 8th grade
- Confirmation classes for 9th and 10th grade
- Eight CCD teachers currently
- Long-term vision of a new school so each age group has its own classroom
RCIA
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) prepares those who wish to enter the Catholic Church as adults — including the never-baptized and those baptized but not yet confirmed. Guidance and instruction are provided throughout the process, culminating in the reception of the Sacraments at the Easter Vigil. Sponsors are needed to share their faith and provide guidance.
Multicultural Ministries
The parish's ministries are organized largely around its six language communities. The Filipino community is affiliated with the Filipino Diocesan Apostolate (FDA), Brooklyn Council, and gathers for Bible Study every Saturday at 4:30 p.m., with an apostolate of visiting jails and hospitals. The Spanish community, the parish's largest, hosts the Charismatic Ministry (Círculo de Oración) and works hard each year to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12. The Syro-Malabar (Malayalam), Polish, and Ukrainian communities each maintain their own liturgical and devotional life at the parish.
- Filipino Diocesan Apostolate — Bible Study Saturdays at 4:30 p.m.
- Spanish Charismatic Ministry (Círculo de Oración)
- Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe — December 12
- May Crowning — Mother's Day, with procession of First Communion CCD class
Devotions & Prayer Life
Beyond Sunday and daily Mass, Guardian Angel sustains an active devotional life. Members of the parish's ministries conduct the Novena of the Miraculous Medal, gather to honor Our Lady on Tuesdays following the 7:30 p.m. Mass, and pray the Holy Rosary with Benediction every Friday at 7:00 p.m., led by the priests. The May Crowning each Mother's Day and the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12 are among the most celebrated annual events.
- Novena of the Miraculous Medal
- Holy Rosary and Benediction — Fridays at 7:00 p.m.
- Our Lady's devotion group — Tuesdays after the 7:30 p.m. Mass
- May Crowning — Mother's Day
- Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe — December 12
Music Ministry
The Music Ministry is led by Director of Music Ministry/Organist Robert Dacchille, with organist Lyubov Shchybchyk. The current Rodgers organ was installed in 2002, replacing a 1973 Rodgers electronic organ that itself replaced a 1921 Jardine organ. The parish's multilingual worship — particularly its Ukrainian, Polish, Spanish, and Filipino liturgies — gives the music ministry a rich and varied repertoire.
- Director of Music Ministry/Organist — Robert Dacchille
- Organist — Lyubov Shchybchyk
- Rodgers organ (current) installed 2002
Visiting & Registering
Newcomers are warmly welcomed at Guardian Angel. The parish office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (the website's contact page lists 9 a.m.–12 p.m. and 3 p.m.–6 p.m.; closed Saturday and Sunday). Parishioners are encouraged to register so the parish can keep their records, send yearly tax receipts, and manage their mail and giving preferences.
- Parish office: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. and 3 p.m.–6 or 7 p.m.
- Closed Saturday and Sunday
- Phone: (347) 295-6125
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: 2978 Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11235
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Father James McKiverkin1880–c. 1884
Appointed by Bishop John Loughlin to establish the new parish; remained stationed at St. Rose of Lima while ministering to Brighton Beach.
- Father Henry O'Loughlin1884–1887
Began sacramental ministry; believed to have established the first rectory around 1885. Died in 1887.
- Father John Heffernan1888–
Assigned to the Brighton Beach/Sheepshead Bay area; provided pastoral care to Guardian Angel faithful.
- Father Matthias Farrelly1891–
First full-time resident pastor of Guardian Angel.
- Father John J. Cullen1893–1918
Long-tenured pastor known for financial acumen; built the present church (cornerstone 1900, dedicated 1905).
- Father Sergiy
Pastor who authored the welcome message on the parish website before Rev. Berrette's 2025 appointment.
- Rev. Hugues Berrette2025–present
Appointed Administrator effective July 14, 2025, transferred from parochial vicar at Our Lady of Miracles, Canarsie; resides at St. Mark–St. Margaret Mary, Sheepshead Bay.