Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

On May 24, Deacons Isaac Wahlmeier and David Tines will be ordained as priests by Bishop Conley at the Cathedral of the Risen Christ in Lincoln. This ceremony follows the ordination of Peter Foley, Bradley Moss, and Patrick Burke as deacons on May 23.

Foley and Moss are set to serve as transitional deacons until their priesthood ordination next year, while Burke will become a permanent deacon for St. Wenceslaus Parish in Wahoo. A holy hour for those being ordained is scheduled at the St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center on May 22.

Deacon David Tines grew up in Lincoln's St. Joseph Parish and attended Pius X High School before joining the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management. At a crossroads in his faith journey during college, he chose to pursue his calling to the priesthood with encouragement from Father Robert Matya.

Reflecting on his decision to enter seminary, Tines said, “I think the more that I’ve grown humanly and spiritually, the more open to God’s plan I’ve become.” He views priesthood as an opportunity to use his gifts for spiritual purposes rather than personal gain. Tines expressed anticipation for hearing confessions and blessing people once ordained.

Deacon Isaac Wahlmeier, one of 15 siblings, attributes his vocation journey to witnessing love within his family. Despite trying other paths, he realized his calling lay with the priesthood after being influenced by high school priests and inspired by visits to his brother Father Joseph Wahlmeier during seminary.

Wahlmeier expressed gratitude for those who have supported vocations in the diocese: “Jesus loves his flock, and he listens to the needs of his flock.” He encourages young men considering priesthood not to fear but rely on divine guidance.

Both Tines and Wahlmeier will celebrate their first Masses of thanksgiving on May 25 at St. Joseph Church in Lincoln and St. Michael Church in Hastings respectively.