Rev. Mr. James M. Beran ordained to priesthood

What has been most prominent in your heart as you prepare to begin your priestly ministry?

I think the biggest thing for me is a profound sense of gratitude. First of all, to God, for blessing me with the graces that I needed during my time in seminary formation. My faith in Jesus Christ was the rock that helped me when times were tough. Whenever things were difficult, I would turn to Jesus in prayer, and he would see me through any trial. And when things were going well, I knew that was a blessing from him as well. 

I also feel an immense amount of gratitude to all the people that have been there to support me during this journey. Especially to Bishop Hanefeldt and Father Hock, for accepting me into my new home diocese. Ever since I joined the Diocese of Grand Island, everyone, from my brother seminarians to the priests and deacons of the diocese and the lay faithful that I’ve had the privilege to meet at my various parish assignments, has all helped me grow into becoming the man and the priest that God wants me to be.  

I’m also grateful to the faculty and staff at both St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Seward and St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia. Whatever good I’m able to do as a priest will be in large part because of the excellent formation I received at those seminaries. Finally, I’m thankful for all the friends I’ve made at both seminaries. Especially for all of them I met while studying for the Diocese of Lincoln, and who have continued to support me even as I joined a new diocese. 

What do you look forward to in your first assignment?  

I was very excited to hear that I was going to be returning to the cathedral for my first assignment, and I’m looking forward to getting to know the parishioners of the cathedral even better. It was a great assignment to have for my deacon summer, so I’m very happy to be going back. I remember during my last weekend there in August, several people told me that they were sad that I was leaving, and that they hoped that I could return to them as a newly ordained priest next summer. I told them two things. That I would love to come back to them as a priest, but also that I didn’t think it was very likely to happen. I guess this shows how much I know! 

I’m also looking forward to being able to work with the students and staff at Grand Island Central Catholic. While growing up, my parents sent me to Catholic school from kindergarten through high school. Going to Catholic school played a big role in me realizing my vocation to the priesthood. I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact that good Catholic schools can make in their students' lives, regardless of what God is calling them to do. 

How do you hope others will encounter Christ through your priesthood? 

The most obvious way is through me being able to minister to them through the sacraments. To finally be able to celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and to give people the body and blood of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. To be able to hear the confessions of others, and to know that when I speak the words of absolution to them it will really be Jesus working through me and speaking through me. To be there at someone’s bedside in a hospital or nursing home and hearing their final confession, giving them the anointing of the sick, and giving them their last Holy Communion before the Lord calls them home. The thought of doing these things humbles me and fills me with awe that God has chosen me to participate in this ministry. 

Of course, as great as being able to celebrate the sacraments is, it isn’t the only way that people encounter Jesus Christ through their priests. I think that the easiest way for people to encounter Christ through a priest is for him to be Christ-like. To be kind, compassionate and caring towards others. To be a model of the love that Jesus has for all of us, and that he desires that we have for one another. To view the parish you are assigned to in a very real way as an extension of your own family. To take joy in your parishioner’s joyful moments, such as weddings, the birth of a child, and baptisms. And to be there for them in sorrowful moments, when a compassionate voice and an ear open to listening are needed. With God’s help, I hope to be that kind of priest for my people.