Parker Corwin

Propaedeutic Year
Saint Paul Seminary, Saint Paul, MN
St. Theresa, Des Moines

My name is Parker Corwin, and I’m honored to represent the Diocese of Des Moines at the Saint Paul Seminary this upcoming fall. I grew up in Clive, Iowa and attended St. Francis of Assisi School kindergarten through 8th grade. It was through this awesome parish that I found a deep appreciation for the Catholic Church and its faith-filled members. Witnessing the Holy Mass as an altar server and praising the Lord in church choir served as strong pillars in my childhood faith.

I chose Dowling Catholic for my high school education, and during my junior year, I started to strongly consider religious life. With the help of Fr. Acrea, who offered spiritual direction and encouraged me to attend retreats, I was drawn to the idea of the priesthood, but my personal conviction was lacking. Instead of seminary, I decided to attend the University of Iowa. College was a challenging time faith-wise. Most weekends, I opted for late Saturday nights instead of early Sunday mornings. It took a jarring encounter with the Holy Spirit in 2021 for me to recognize my need for the Lord. When I moved back home shortly after, this encounter served as the catalyst for my full return to the Church.

Working in banking for the last 4 years and serving as a layperson, I rediscovered the strong Catholic community flourishing within Des Moines. From St. Vincent de Paul to Serva Fidem, Exodus 90, Bible studies, charismatic prayer groups, and even cigar clubs, I witnessed first-hand the dynamic, evangelistic movement coursing throughout our city and within my own heart. As I spent more time in adoration, daily Mass, and spiritual direction, a calling to discern the priesthood reignited. I'm excited to continue exploring this vocation in seminary. Know your prayers are the lifeblood of discernment, and with God, the timing is always right!