From Bancroft to Rome to the Altar: A Newly Ordained Priest's Story – Fr. Thomas Kollasch – 07/08/2026

Bo Bonner interviews one of the newest priests in Iowa, Father Thomas Kollasch of the Diocese of Sioux City, ordained June 27, 2026. Becoming a Priest After Six-Plus Years of Formation — Fr. Kollasch describes the surreal, fulfilling experience of finally celebrating Mass and hearing confessions after years of anticipation. Small Town to Rome and Back — From Bancroft, Iowa, to the Pontifical North American College in Rome, he shares the "double culture shock" of formation abroad, how it broadened his appreciation for the universal Church, and his first Mass back home June 28 at his home parish. An Ordination Is Never Just About One Person — With his godfather and godmother proclaiming the readings, Fr. Kollasch saw people from every stage of his life — Bancroft, Bishop Garrigan High School in Algona, the University of Iowa, Winona, and Rome — gathered at his ordination. Serving Alongside a New Bishop — As the second diocesan priest ordained by Bishop John E. Keehner, he describes the closeness of beginning his priesthood as the bishop begins his episcopal ministry. How You Can Foster Vocations Live and encourage a life of daily prayer — the key moment in his own discernment at the Newman Catholic Student Center in Iowa City Support university campus ministries, where many vocations are emerging (including through FOCUS missionaries — learn more at focus.org) Pray the St. Francis prayer ("Lord, make me an instrument of your peace") for new priests The interview closes with Fr. Kollasch offering a priestly blessing for listeners. Hear more conversations like this weekdays at 7 AM Central on The Catholic Morning Show at IowaCatholicRadio.com #Priesthood #Ordination #CatholicPriest #Vocations #DioceseOfSiouxCity #CatholicPodcast #NewPriest #CatholicRadio #IowaCatholicRadio 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.