A season of hope: Diocese of Erie welcomes three new pastors

By Allison Mosier

10/27/2025

Father Ben, Father Michael and Father Chris attend new pastor training.

The Diocese of Erie is celebrating an important moment of growth and renewed leadership. During the Jubilee Year of Hope, three priests have been installed in their first pastoral assignments, each beginning a new chapter of service to the church and to the people of Northwestern Pennsylvania. Installation Masses mark a priest’s formal role as pastor, a responsibility centered on teaching the faith, celebrating the sacraments and serving as a spiritual leader for the parish community. This fall, the diocese welcomed three new pastors with gratitude and confidence in their ministry.

Father Chris Beran and Bishop Lawrence Persico

The first installation took place at Saint Boniface Parish in Kersey, where Father Christopher Beran accepted the role of pastor. His mother was present among parishioners and guests, providing a meaningful sign of support as he steps into this new leadership position. Father Chris will continue his work within the community as campus minister to the Elk County Catholic School System. His steady presence and commitment to forming young people in the faith represent a significant contribution to the future of the church.

Father Ben Daghir and Bishop Lawrence Persico

The second celebration occurred at Saint Francis Xavier Parish in McKean. Surrounded by his parents and his twin brother who also serves as a priest, Father Benjamin Daghir was installed as pastor. Father Ben brings experience working with young people and now serves as chaplain at Cathedral Preparatory School in Erie. His approach to ministry emphasizes relationship building, listening and helping students recognize how Christ is active in their daily lives. His parish and school assignments place him in a vital position to accompany families and future leaders.

The third installation took place at Saint Lawrence Parish in Albion for Father Michael Kesicki, who now serves both Saint Lawrence and Saint Philip in Crossingville. He continues his ongoing work as chaplain at Gannon University and in prison ministry at SCI Albion. During the installation Mass, the parish community learned that the baptismal font in their church is the same one used at Father Michael’s own baptism. It was previously located at Saint Michael Church in Erie before that church was destroyed by fire. The detail was a reminder that God’s work in a vocation is steady and consistent throughout a person’s life.

Following the completion of these installations, the three pastors participated together in a New Pastor Training Day at Saint Mark Catholic Center on Tuesday, October 28. The day focused on practical leadership matters, collaboration with diocesan offices, building strong parish teams and establishing healthy habits in ministry. It also served as an opportunity for the new pastors to pray together and receive guidance from experienced priests and diocesan leaders. This shared formation underscored the continued support each pastor will have as they transition into their new roles.

Throughout each celebration, Bishop Lawrence Persico expressed his gratitude for the dedication of these priests and the welcome they have already received from their parish communities. He also acknowledged the significant responsibility entrusted to them. The Diocese of Erie currently has three seminarians preparing for the priesthood, and while there is great hope for their future, more priests are needed. Bishop Persico asked every parish to be part of promoting vocations, reminding the faithful that a priest is often inspired through family, parish involvement and encouragement from others who recognize their gifts.

Bishop Persico invited the people of the diocese to pray every day for new vocations to serve the church in this region. He emphasized that prayer is effective, and that God responds when the community asks him to provide laborers for his vineyard. These installations are a reminder that the Lord continues to call men to the priesthood and that local families and parish communities are essential partners in that calling.

The appointments of Father Chris Beran, Father Ben Daghir and Father Michael Kesicki represent a moment of genuine hope for the Diocese of Erie. Each of them brings a thoughtful approach to ministry, a love for the church and a desire to serve with humility and strength. Their leadership at Saint Boniface, Saint Francis Xavier, Saint Lawrence and Saint Philip will help shape the faith of many people and ensure that the church remains a strong presence in the lives of those they serve.

As these priests begin their first assignments as pastors, the diocese looks forward with confidence. The Jubilee Year of Hope affirms that God continues to guide his church. Through the commitment of these new pastors and the prayers of the faithful, the Diocese of Erie moves ahead united in mission, steadfast in faith and trusting in God’s continued work in the hearts of future generations.

View photos from Father Chris’ Mass here, Father Ben’s Mass here and Father Michael's Mass here.