Father Thomas Kollasch, ordained a priest for the Diocese of Sioux City on June 27, 2026, at the Cathedral of the Epiphany by Bishop John E. Keehner, shares his first weeks of priestly life — from the surreal joy of celebrating Mass to the profound blessing of hearing confessions. A native of Divine Mercy Parish in Bancroft, Iowa, he traces his journey from the University of Iowa's Newman Catholic Student Center to seminary in Winona, Minnesota, and the Pontifical North American College in Rome. He also offers listeners concrete ways to foster vocations and pray for new priests.
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
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
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