James Beran - Mass of Ordination to the Diaconate

   I grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska and was very blessed to be able to attend Catholic schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. Having a Catholic education played an enormous role in getting me interested in the priesthood, and it was something that I began to think about more and more after my confirmation in fourth grade.  
   After graduating from Pius X High School in 2006, I enlisted in the Marines for four years, then attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for another three. I grew in my faith a lot during those years, especially while attending UNL’s Newman Center. As I grew stronger in my faith, and deeper in my relationship with Jesus, the call to the priesthood became too strong to ignore. So, in 2013, I entered St. Gregory the Great Seminary, in Seward. 
   I studied for the Diocese of Lincoln for six years, but in 2019 I made the difficult decision to step away from the seminary. I never stopped praying though, and continued to be as active as I could at my local parish, assisting the priests there with live-stream Masses and Eucharistic processions while the lockdowns happened in 2020.  
   When I reapplied to the Diocese of Lincoln, I was turned away. Though confused by this, I was then encouraged by my spiritual director to see this as an opportunity that God might be leading me to the priesthood in a different location. I reached out to a few different dioceses and eventually settled on Grand Island as my new home. It is a great honor and blessing to be the newest deacon in this diocese, and I look forward to becoming the newest priest next year. 

Can you share your thoughts and feelings from the day you became a transitional deacon?
Looking back on it a month later the whole day seems like a blur. The thing I remember the most was the feeling of immense joy as the ordination Mass approached. Seeing so many priests there who played a role in my journey, as well as many of my brother seminarians, was an incredible blessing. Afterwards, at the reception, being surrounded by family and friends I had an immense feeling of peace. 
In the month since those feelings of joy and peace have only grown. One of the things that surprised me the most was how natural it feels to be doing all the things that are part of a deacon’s ministry. I think I owe that to the excellent formation I received at both of my seminaries, St. Gregory the Great and St. Charles Borromeo. 

Which part of the Mass brought you the most powerful sense of God's presence?
I think two moments really stand out to me. One was kneeling before Bishop Hanefeldt and having him lay his hands on me and praying the Prayer of Ordination. The other was being vested in my stole and dalmatic by Father Jose Chavez. Both of those moments were incredible. Being ordained, and then being allowed to be publicly vested as a member of the clergy. I don’t think I’ll ever forget either one. 

What were your family's words to you on that day?
My entire immediate family and a lot of my extended family made it to the ordination. They all let me know how proud they were and how happy they were for me. A couple of them were making jokes too. One of my uncles asked me if I fell asleep while I was lying prostrate during the Litany of the Saints. I got a pretty good laugh out of that. It was a moment of great joy for my entire family. 

Was the ordination everything you anticipated, or did it exceed your hopes?
It’s so much more than what I was expecting. Every day seems to bring more blessings as I live out my vocation. There are challenges to be sure, but by trusting in God and his providence I know that he will give me whatever I need to overcome them. 
When I look back on my journey to this moment, with all its highs and lows, I can clearly see God working in my life, both with me and through me. And occasionally, when I’m being stubborn, in spite of me. Jesus Christ has called me to follow after him, and for the rest of my life I plan to do just that.