James T. Byrnes

Background

James T. Byrnes was born on November 28, 1960, in Manhasset, New York, United States. He is the son of Edwin and Mary Grace Byrnes.

Education

James Byrnes began his studies at Fordham University where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1982. Later on, in 2000 he received a Doctor of Philosophy degree in educational administration there. He also got a Master of Divinity degree at St. Joseph's Seminary and College in 1986.

Career

James Byrnes, after his studies in a conservative diocesan seminary, was ordained for the Archdiocese of New York in 1986. That same year he became parochial vicar of Christ the King School in The Bronx and went to St. Anthony School in Nanuet in 1988 where he served for three years. From 1991 till 2002 he was a teacher and dean of studies at Cardinal Hayes High School. Then he became principal of John S. Burke Catholic High School in Goshen.

Although he was influenced in many ways by the erroneous ideas of the Second Vatican Council, from the time of his ordination Byrnes began to sense that something was lacking in the modern liturgy. He prayed the new Mass as reverently as he could.

After being dismissed as principal in 2012, he took a four-month sabbatical to consider his options. The diocese wanted him to remain inactive in ministry, but that would mean exposing the faithful to a Mass that he knew to be harmful to their Faith. After much prayer, he realized that he could no longer fit in with the Archdiocese of New York. Saddened, but resolute, Byrnes tendered his resignation, which was received in 2014.

Byrnes' break with the archdiocese was not without costs. While he received some support from close friends, the eight priests ordained with him in St. Patrick's Cathedral almost twenty-eight years ago completely turned their backs on him. He now shares his educational and administrative talents with the school at Christ the King parish in Ridgefield.

Besides his main activity, James Byrnes also wrote the book, John Paul II & Educating for Life: Moving Toward a Renewal of Catholic Educational Philosophy (2002). It examines the philosophy and writings of Pope John Paul II as they relate to education.

Achievements

• James Byrnes is considered to be a gifted and talented conciliar priest. He is particularly known for his work as dean of studies at Cardinal Hayes High School and as principal at John S. Burke Catholic High School. He was given the honorary title "monsignor" in 2006 in recognition of his work. He was honored by Cardinal Dolan along with ten other priests of the Archdiocese of New York on the 25th anniversary of his ordination.

Works

More photos

• book

  • John Paul II and Educating for Life: Moving Toward a Renewal of Catholic Educational Philosophy

    (Until the close of the Second Vatican Council, there was ...)

    2002

Membership

James Byrnes is a member of the American Catholic Philosophical Association.

Connections

Father:

Edwin Byrnes

Mother:

Mary Grace Byrnes