Fr. Joe Krupp: The Calling, the Crisis, and the Collar | Before the Collar Podcast – Ep. 1

In this powerful first episode of Before the Collar, we sit down with Fr. Joe Krupp, beloved pastor of Holy Family and St. Mark the Evangelist in the Diocese of Lansing, to explore his personal journey to the priesthood.Fr. Joe shares what first drew him to the Catholic priesthood, the deep struggles that almost led him away from the Church entirely, and the powerful grace that brought him back. With honesty, humility, and a bit of humor, he opens up about vocation, spiritual battles, and the joy of saying “yes” to God.Whether you’re discerning a religious vocation or simply seeking to understand the heart behind the collar, Fr. Joe’s story will move and inspire you.🔔 Subscribe for more real stories of faith, doubt, and calling on Before the Collar.Key Moments:00:00 – Introduction: Setting the stage for Fr. Joe’s story.03:00 – Childhood Signs: A content priest on a porch and an 8-year-old’s Bible note.07:44 – The Rectory Door: A mysterious encounter at age 16.13:04 – Obstacles: Dealing with early rejection and bad advice.15:34 – The Decision: Moving from "yes and no" to a final commitment.20:03 – Family Dynamics: Growing up with parents deep in Church ministry.22:26 – The Seminary Grind: Rednecks, city boys, and arguing with professors.29:39 – Celibacy: Mourning a dream to embrace a calling.44:25 – The "O'Toole's" Story: Why Fr. Joe almost quit and the talk that saved his vocation.52:04 – Ordination: The significance of St. Anthony and the Bread and Fish.01:06:20 – Encouragement: Why the priesthood is "freaking awesome" despite the exhaustion.#catholic #priest #priesthood #seminaryOpening prayer by Father Riley O’Shea from the Diocese of Lansing