(NY)
The Tablet [Diocese of Brooklyn NY]
October 14, 2025
By Tablet Staff
Bishop Robert Brennan announced on Oct. 14 the removal from ministry of Deacon Danny Rodriguez, who most recently served at the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Sunset Park, in the wake of an allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor that took place approximately 20 years ago — an allegation that the Diocese of Brooklyn deemed to be credible.
The removal of Deacon Rodriguez, whose legal name is Danny and not Daniel, means that he will no longer be allowed to minister at Mass or exercise any diaconate ministry, and his name will be added to the list of Credibly Accused Clergy on the Diocese of Brooklyn’s website.
The decision to remove him was made on the recommendation of the Diocesan Review Board (DRB), the independent panel that investigates accusations of clergy sex abuse and submits its findings to Bishop Brennan.
The DRB had been investigating claims against Deacon Rodriguez that came to light in a report on July 15, 2025, and “found sufficient information to substantiate” allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor and recommended his removal, a statement from the diocese read.
According to the diocese, the removal from ministry is not a legal determination of guilt, but is “a recognition of the possibility that wrongdoing may have taken place and therefore, out of concern for the safety of the faithful, it was determined necessary to remove the deacon from ministry.”
Deacon Rodriguez was ordained on May 25, 2019, and has worked at Our Lady of Perpetual Help since his ordination.
He also served at St. Agatha Church in Sunset Park from Aug. 1, 2020, to June 30, 2023, and at St. Catharine of Alexandria Church in Borough Park from June 30, 2023, to Nov. 1, 2024.
The diocese adheres to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, passed by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2002, that includes a “zero tolerance” policy stating that any clergy member credibly accused of abuse be removed from ministry and has established a toll-free telephone hotline (1-888-634-4499) for people to report allegations. All calls are forwarded to law enforcement officials.
In addition, the diocese has instituted programs aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse, such as conducting background checks on all employees and volunteers and providing age-appropriate sexual abuse awareness training for children and adults.
The Office of Victim Assistance Ministry provides counseling, referrals to therapy, and pastoral services for victims of sexual abuse. The diocese also hosts an annual Mass of Hope and Healing where the faithful come together to pray for the victims of clergy sexual abuse. This year’s Mass will take place on Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. at St. Finbar Church in Bath Beach.
For information on how the diocese is dealing with sex abuse, visit the Office of Safe Environment and “Protecting our Children” on the diocese’s website.