Rev. Dr. Benjamin James Brenkert, EdD, LMSW, LICSW, SIFI, serves as Rector at Saint Ann's Episcopal Church and Cemetery Sayville as a Vicar of Fire Island Ministries, bringing enthusiasm, gratitude, and a deep commitment to the Gospel. A Valley Stream native, he lives in Bayport with his husband, Willian Hernandez Brenkert, and their pets. Inspired by the Good Samaritan ethic, he strives to "Go and do likewise" (Luke 10).

 

A tenured school social worker in Brooklyn, Adjunct Assistant Professor at St. John's University, St. Joseph’s University and author, Rev. Brenkert specializes in school social work and palliative care. He supervises graduate social work students and writes on Ignatian Pedagogy, character formation, teacher training, and ethics. A former Jesuit, he holds graduate degrees from Hofstra University, Saint Louis, University, the General Theological Seminary, Boston College, CUNY Brooklyn College, and a doctorate from Teachers College, Columbia University. 

 

An expert on the Newport Sex Scandal (1919-1921), he has been published in The Advocate, Out Magazine, The Washington Post, The New York Daily News, and more. He is grateful for the love of his husband, Willian, his family, parish, and friends who have supported his journey to priesthood.