Six Men Ordained to the Priesthood for Diocese of Dallas

Bishop Edward Burns ordained six men as priests for the Diocese of Dallas on Saturday, May 30, 2020 at 10 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Frisco. Bishop Burns served as the main celebrant and was joined by Auxiliary Bishop Greg Kelly and priests from throughout the Diocese of Dallas as concelebrants.

Due to restrictions on the size of gatherings during this time, the Mass of Ordination was closed to the general public and only open to invited family and friends. 

The six men are: Rev. Mr. Garrett Bockman from SMU Campus Ministry/St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Plano and originally from San Antonio, Rev. Mr. Ryan Hiaeshutter from St. Ann Catholic Church in Coppell, Rev. Mr. Mark Garrett from Our Lady of the Lake in Rockwall, Rev. Mr. Aristeo Hernandez from St. Augustine in Pleasant Grove, Rev. Mr. Elmer Herrera-Guzman from Santa Clara Catholic Church in Oak Cliff and originally from El Salvador and Rev. Mr. Branimir Pavelin from Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Grand Prairie and originally from Croatia. Two more men from the same seminary class will be ordained in the fall.

Saturday’s Mass marks up to nine years of study, discernment and formation for each of the six men culminating in the Sacrament of Holy Orders in which they are ordained as priests.

Bishop Burns remarked that it was important, especially at this time, to go through with plans for the ordination Mass. “During this very challenging time I am grateful we can celebrate this Ordination Mass with some family members present. These dedicated and committed men truly represent hope and joy for our Church and our people. Join me in praying that God our Heavenly Father will bless these good men with holiness, courage, wisdom and joy as they begin their ministries to preach the Gospel and bring people to Jesus Christ.”