Catholic Mission In Canada

Ordination a beautiful symbol for the mission of the church

Father James deBeer

FROM SEMINARIAN TO PRIEST

Newly ordained priest Father James deBeer.

Newly ordained priest Father James deBeer, whose formation was supported by Catholic Missions In Canada’s donors, was born in 1981 and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He was part of the community of St. Paul the Apostle parish until he went to the seminary. He attended the University of Winnipeg to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in biology. He writes:

Although I took a major career change, I don’t regard this time studying science as a loss. Indeed, it has only broadened my perspective and helped me to appreciate the essence of theology: faith seeking understanding.

I believe the last time I shared my journey of discernment with Catholic Missions In Canada readers, I had just completed a year of pastoral internship at St. Viator’s Church in Dauphin, Manitoba, and had returned to St. Joseph’s Seminary in Edmonton to complete my studies and formation for ordained ministry.

During those last two years in Edmonton, I successfully completed my Master of Divinity degree from Newman Theological College. Apart from studies and prayer, I was placed at St. Joseph’s Basilica: first, to the R.C.I.A. team, and then as a deacon. It was such a blessing for me to journey with this faith community not only to experience pastoral ministry but also to be nourished by a people who were so supportive.

My time at St. Joseph’s Seminary and Newman Theological College was not without its challenges, but with the support of friends and being part of both communities, I was able to grow and discern that God was calling me to serve the Church as an ordained presbyter.

At Father James deBeer’s ordination at St. Mary’s Cathedral, with Archbishop James Weisgerber of Winnipeg, and new priest Father Geoffrey Angeles.

I was ordained to the ministerial priesthood on May30, 2008, at St. Mary’s Cathedral by Archbishop James Weisgerber, together with Father Geoffrey Angeles. The ritual itself was a beautiful symbol for the mission of the Church: God’s Holy People gathered together as one Body around Christ the Head (the bishop), assisted by His co-workers (the priests) for the unity and building up of the Body, so that the Church may go into the world proclaiming the Good News. There were so many family and friends, brothers and sisters present to join in the celebration that Fr. Geoffrey and I could not help but know God’s Grace and loving presence among us.

After the ordination, I had to return to Newman to do my Comprehensive Exam which, despite much anxiety beforehand, was a very positive experience. My synthesis (a paper in which we try to bring together our theology into one theme) was based upon the Jubilee: God’s call of humanity to freedom through Jesus Christ in the Spirit—a call which is lived out in the mission of the Church even today.

In July 2008, I was appointed as parochial vicar of St. Peter’s Church—a large and very active faith community in the north of Winnipeg. It has been a blessing to be able to live out the first year of my priesthood with this community. There are so many faith-filled people living out their mission to be Christ for the world—and in so many diverse and beautiful ways. It is such a privilege to be able to journey with people in the intimate moments of their lives: baptisms, weddings, funerals, celebrations, simple meals.

As I try to be a living witness to faith, hope and love, in their lives, so they are for me. As I write this, I have received a new assignment to serve St. Jude’s parish in Erickson, Manitoba, Sacred Heart in Elphinstone, and St. Alphonsus in Minnedosa. Although I will miss the community of St. Peter’s, I am excited to serve the faithful of my new parishes. I have already experienced many times in my vocation that ends are also beginnings and there are no goodbyes but rather, “until the next time….”

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