Five New Seminarians Discern Call to Priesthood

September 17, 2025

Five men have been accepted to the Diocese’s seminarian program. They join nine men already in formation, bringing the total number of seminarians for the Des Moines Diocese to 14.

Bishop William Joensen is grateful for the prayers of the faithful, and encourages parishioners to add a sixth decade to their rosary for those thinking about whether they may be called by God to serve his people through ordained ministry.

Meet the New Seminarians

Parker Corwin

Parker Corwin grew up in Clive and attended St. Francis of Assisi School, where he first experienced a deep appreciation for the Catholic Church and its faith-filled members. At Dowling Catholic High School, he started to consider religious life. Father John Acrea offered spiritual direction and encouraged him to attend retreats. It took a jarring encounter with the Holy Spirit in 2021 for him to recognize his need for the Lord. He graduated from the University of Iowa, has been working in banking, and was involved in numerous faith-related groups.

“A calling to discern the priesthood reignited,” he said.

Read Parker's Story

 

Paul Havran

Paul Havran appreciates the weight of spiritual leadership within the family as a parent and husband. Throughout his life, he’s worn many uniforms: hat of a farmer, the proud dress blues of a United States Marine, the badge of a law enforcement officer, the quiet humility of a teacher’s attire, and finally, the uniform of the United States Air Force—where he concluded his service in retirement. Each chapter of his life was marked by discipline, duty, and service not just to country and community but to something greater: the pursuit of holiness through Christ Jesus.

Now a widower, he said: “I now walk a new path, one of quiet obedience and joyful surrender.”

Read Paul's Story

 

Duncan Kyhl

Duncan Kyhl says God has been patiently preparing him to say “Yes” to seminary over many years. It wasn’t until he spent time with Fellowship of Catholic University Students, known as FOCUS, in Colorado when he began to understand and appreciate that every vocation has joys and challenges. He became more open to seeking God’s will in his life. After college, he got a job in Chicago, but his outlook changed after attending the National Eucharistic Congress in 2024 in Indianapolis. He left the conference feeling a need to discern Christ’s call.

He says he enters seminary with a profound sense of peace and excitement.

Read Duncan's Story

 

Adam Pennington II

Adam Pennington’s faith grew during his years at Dowling Catholic High School. “During my senior year, I had a private moment with Father John Acrea that involved receiving communion and confession,” he said. “That meeting with him set my mind at peace again, and cleared my mind to consider seminary.” Ten months later, Pennington had an accident that left him with broken bones but seeing a clear path forward.

“So now as I enter this calling, I have many thanks to give to many people. And I pray for the Lord to guide me on the path he has given me,” he said.

Read Adam's Story

 

Matthew Pierson

Matthew Pierson, a 2025 graduate of Dowling Catholic High School, first began discerning the priesthood as a freshman after an inspiring visit to The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. He focused on this in his prayer life, attended daily Mass, and took part in Eucharistic adoration. “Despite hesitations and uncertainties, every time I went into a retreat open-minded I felt myself being called back to consider the priesthood,” he said.

Since applying for the seminary, he’s been filled with peace and anticipation for what God has planned.

Read Matthew's Story