Deacon Francis McGuinness

If you expect to find Deacon McGuinness strolling around St. Rose of Lima every day, think again. But rest assured that it is not due to a lack of desire! Deacon McGuinness has devoted his life to helping others. From his days in the Police Force to his current role at St. Rose, he has touched the lives of many people. His dedication to his ministry could not be more apparent as he travels throughout Long Island to serve others.

Deacon McGuinness spent his childhood years in Brooklyn where he attended St. Fortunata’s School. He obtained a degree in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and spent 22 years with the New York City Transit Police. He retired as a Lieutenant and was the Commanding Officer of a unit.

While he was in the police force, Deacon McGuinness became involved with the altar servers and lectors at St. Rose. He later began Pastoral Formation and after he retired, he studied at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington. He was ordained in 1994 with Deacon Flood and was assigned to St. Rose. Deacon McGuinness currently serves on the Liturgy Committee and is the co-chairman of the Baptism program with Deacon Forbes. He also supports the Rosary Altar Society.

He had previously spent almost seven years in the same role at St. James’ parish in Seaford when he was asked by Monsignor Daniel Picciano to transfer with him to St. Peter’s. Deacon McGuinness also serves as a Chaplain for the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC). The USNSCC is a youth organization sponsored by the Navy League of the United States and supported by the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard. He spends one day each week at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Amityville where he is actively involved with various outreach programs to support the community.

Deacon McGuinness and his wife were married at St. Fortunata’s and moved to the Massapequa area in 1978. They have two children who attended St. Rose of Lima’s School and St. John the Baptist High School in Islip. Both children now attend Dowling College.

Deacon McGuinness believes it is a great privilege to belong to the diaconate. He says, “serving at the table, preaching the Word, and bringing the Word into the community has been a very fulfilling experience.”