Denny Beran

As a young boy, I was blessed to have excellent role models like my parents, brother and grandmother. Although I did not realize it at the time, the foundation of my life was being formed.  I still remember them sharing their stories which had a profound impact on me.  My mom and dad came from large families, 7 and 13 respectively.  They shared what it was like growing up during the Depression and how it felt to be so poor. 

They taught me:

• to treat all people with respect and dignity regardless of their race, creed or color.  And I can assure you, these were not just words.
• to help those in need by sharing what God has given to us.
• to embrace the principles that honesty is the best policy and that your word is your bond.

I also realize the impact that 12 years of Catholic education had on my life.  The priests, sisters and lay teachers were not only teaching me reading, writing and arithmetic, they were teaching me about life. I still recall learning about the Corporal Works of Mercy.  They were like a “Call to Action” that still resonates with me.

One of the themes of Catholic Social Teaching is that every human person is created in the image and likeness of God.  So when I see Injustice, I try to address it.  When I see Sadness, I try to provide comfort and when I see Poverty, I try to eliminate it.
 
When we joined St Elizabeth in July 1991, we wanted to be involved in our parish community and to live out our deep commitment to ministry. We felt this was one way for us to respond to Jesus’ challenge to “Love One Another.” We are all given gifts from God and are called to give back with increase.  We have been so blessed by participating in many ministries at St Elizabeth.  From my perspective, our parish is one of the best that I have ever been a member of and it is because of the people in our Faith Community and the many ministries that are offered.  Participating in the ministries is a great way to get to know so many wonderful parishioners.  I still fondly recall my first meeting with the Love Truck ministry in 1992.  Mary Wojcik was a volunteer at that time before joining the Seton staff.  She mentioned to me after the meeting that she hoped that they did not scare me off.  I told her that I planned to stick around for a while.  Twenty-five years later I am still involved with the Love Truck ministry and loving every minute.

There are several verses in the Bible that I truly love and inspire me.  They are:  Matthew 25:40 “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” and Joshua 24:15 “as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”.  We feel so very blessed to be part of the Faith Community of St Elizabeth Ann Seton.