Father James Brewer

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Father James P. Brewer who went home to the Lord on February 14, 2019.

Fr. Brewer was born in New York City on March 3, 1948, the second oldest of seven children, to Maurice and Rita (Clark) Brewer.  He graduated from Sacred Heart School in the Bronx, New York, and then completed high school studies at Epiphany Apostolic College High School in Newburgh, New York. Attending the University of Dallas, Irving TX, Fr. Brewer earned his BA in history with a minor in philosophy. He entered St. Paul University Seminary in Ottawa, Canada, earnng degrees in theology and canon law. He ws ordained for the priesthood on June 18, 1977, at his family’s home parish of Our Lady of the Snows in North Floral Park, NY.

His assignments in Maine included: St. Joseph, Lewiston; Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Presque Isle; St. Mary of the Assumption, Augusta; St. Charles Borromeo, Brunswick; after which he was granted permission to serve as a chaplain in the U.S. Navy where he was stationed at Philadelphia Naval Base and Governor’s Island, New York Harbor. Lieutenant Commander Brewer was awarded the Coast Guard Commendation medal.

After active Naval duty, Fr. Brewer returned to the diocese and was assigned to St. Mary, Eagle Lake, followed by St. John, Bangor; St. Hyacinth , Westbrook; St. Philip, Lyman and the cluster churches of  Sacred Heart, Yarmouth; Holy Martyrs of North America, Falmouth; St. Jude, Freeport; and St. Gregory, Gray.   Fr. Brewer retired from full-time parish ministry January 2013.  In his retirement, he continued his priestly ministry serving as a chaplain to the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary at Marie Joseph Spiritual Center and assisted in parish ministry.

Father Brewer is survived by his sister Ann and her husband William Fitzpatrick, sister-in-law Diana Brewer, brother Richard Brewer and his wife Elizabeth, brothers Jude Brewer and Joseph Brewer, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and beloved friends. He was predeceased by brothers Robert and Maurce, sister-in-laws Deborah, barbara, and Marianne, and nephew Maurice.

Please prayer for the consolation of Father Brewer's family and friends. May his soul and the soul of all the faithful departed rest in peace.