A Seminarian's Summer in the Hospital: Matthew Johll on Chaplaincy and Priestly Formation

From Des Moines to Dunwoodie Bo Bonner talks with Matthew Johll, a Diocese of Des Moines seminarian currently in formation at St. Joseph's Seminary and College (known as "Dunwoodie") in Yonkers, New York. This summer, Johll was selected for a hospital chaplaincy opportunity offered through the seminary's Dominican friars — a program distinct from a standard Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) track, giving seminarians a summer introduction to pastoral care, bioethics, and end-of-life ministry. Presence Over Perfection Johll describes learning to sit with patients in silence, ask open questions, and resist the urge to have all the answers — describing the ministry as being present the way Mary and John were present at the foot of the cross. He talks candidly about what it means to be an authentic, non-cliché "ministry of presence" for people in some of their hardest moments. Inside Seminary Formation For listeners curious about the path to priesthood, Johll outlines the normal rhythm of seminary life: philosophy and theology coursework, daily community prayer, and a progression of pastoral placements — service with the poor, catechetical teaching, chaplaincy, and finally diaconate ministry. He encourages anyone discerning a vocation to start by talking with their parish priest or vocation director. What's Next This week, Johll is attending the All-Iowa Seminarian Convocation, hosted this year in Fort Dodge, bringing together seminarians from all four Iowa dioceses before he returns to Yonkers for the fall semester. Read more about the Diocese of Des Moines' seminarians at dmdiocese.org. #Seminarian #CatholicPriesthood #Vocations #HospitalChaplaincy #DioceseOfDesMoines #DunwoodieSeminary #CatholicFaith #CatholicPodcast   Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Brady Grimm. ENJOYING THE SHOW? Follow The Catholic Morning Show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss an episode — and if this one was worth your time, please leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating. It takes ten seconds and it's the single best way to help more people find the show. 🎧 LISTEN LIVE Catch The Catholic Morning Show live, weekday mornings on Iowa Catholic Radio. Listen Live · Program Schedule · Our Stations LINKSYou can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok! More on our website.If you would like to support Iowa Catholic Radio you can donate Here! More from Iowa Catholic Radio:Sunday Dive with Katie PatrizioMan Up! with Joe StopulosCatholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie NelsonThe Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud MarrBe Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce RiebeBe Not Afraid en Español con el P. Fabián MoncadaMaking it Personal with Bishop William JoensenFaith and Family Finance with Gregory WaddleThe Great Men of the Bible with Joe Stopulos Liturgy & DevotionsThe Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick SmithThe Daily Mass from St. Francis of AssisiThe Daily Mass from St. Pius XThe Daily Mass from St. TheresaSunday Mass from the Basilica of Saint JohnWant to support your favorite show? Click Here Iowa Catholic Radio - Connecting People to Christ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.