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Year for Priests: Reflecting on vocation, ministry

Priest: Father Brian Danner

Born: Feb. 25, 1967

Hometown: Dedham, Iowa

Education: Graduate of Dedham-Willey Parochial Schools, Graduate of Carroll Kuemper High School in 1985, Graduate of Briar-Cliff University in 1990, Graduate of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary; Saint Louis in 1995 and have attended several post- graduate classes, programs and workshops.

Ordination Date: June 3, 1995

Current Assignment: Pastor of Saint Joseph’s Church in Milford, Iowa

Hobbies/interests: Reading, biking, jogging, flower gardening

Describe your call to Priesthood: I began to consider the priesthood in my primary school days, but did not prefer to discuss it much with anyone. Later, in high school the thoughts and consideration toward the priesthood continued and grew. Still, little to no communication about it on my part was sought. During my first year of college at Iowa Central Community College, the consideration and thoughts continued even more. This time, however, I began to discuss the possibility with area clergy, college counselors and my parents. After transferring to Briar Cliff University I began to seek a more active involvement in Campus Ministry and other related volunteer ministerial positions. The more I got involved and enjoyed what I was doing, the more I wanted to pursue the priesthood. Consequently, my call to priesthood evolved quite extensively over five to six years, until I entered Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in Saint Louis, MO.

Did anyone or anything provide you with inspiration to follow the call to priesthood? My first inspirational persons of influence were my parents. I can recall the encouraging words my parents shared with my brother and me often at the evening supper table. They both mentioned how much of a dream it would be to have a son become a priest someday. Their dream came true.

Was it a difficult decision to make? I am the first to admit that it was not a simple decision. With that being said, the decision also evolved over time, making the decision to become a priest more acceptable as the time passed.

What do you enjoy most about being a priest? I thoroughly enjoy celebrating Mass and how the sacraments impact the faithfull’s lives. People often remember who presided at their wedding, children’s baptism, family funerals and other important days in one’s life. Being part of that history is important to me.

Are there any particular devotions or prayers that are dear to your heart? Praying the Liturgy of the Hours is an expected part of a priest’s daily life. It is also one that I look forward to, especially because praying it in unison with the universal church establishes a bonded connection to the purpose and mission I provide to God’s people.

Why do you find priesthood to be a worthy vocation? Knowing that priests exclusively are commissioned through the grace of God to confect the Eucharist is an important ministry not only to the people I serve, but to me too.

What would you say to a young man considering a vocation to the priesthood? I would encourage him to pray about it, keep his options open to whatever the Holy Spirit may be calling him to pursue with his life and to discuss the potential calling with his parents, family, school counselors and priests. All priests carry a plethora of experiences with them wherever they go. Each one is gifted with talents that vary from one to the next. Some priests are more outgoing than others. But all of them are ordained for service to the church to the best of their ability. “To the best of their ability” consequently connotes various interpretations dependent of the priest’s gifts. With that being said, all priests are ordained to serve the church.