 He was ordained to the priesthood on May 1, 1963, for the service of the Diocese of Monterey.During his priestly ministry, Brown served as a parochial vicar, pastor, chairman of the Divine Worship Commission, chairman and member of the Presbyterial Council and Priests Pension Committee, and member of the Diocesan Board of Education.He was chancellor, curial moderator, and vicar general of Monterey as well.