Blessed Trinity Parish joyfully celebrates the ordination of Father Joshua Krischel to the priesthood on May 23 at the Cathedral of Saint Raphael in the Archdiocese of Dubuque, lowa.

Joe and Paula Krischel, Fr. Joshua Krischel, ArchbishopThomas R. Zinkula

Father Joshua is originally from Dwight, Illinois, and was raised in the faith at St. Patrick’s Church, now part of Blessed Trinity Parish. Born in 1998 to Joe and Paula Krischel, he grew up alongside his brothers Mason and Adin. He attended Dwight public schools and graduated from Dwight Township High School in 2016.

After high school, Joshua moved to lowa to attend lowa State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy in December 2019 with the goal of becoming a Certified Crop Advisor. It was during his time at lowa State that his faith journey deepened in a profound way. Following a period of distance from the Church, he experienced a powerful reversion to Catholicism in his junior year.

Fr. Joshua Krischel, Fr. John Bosco Mujuni

This renewal of faith led him to seek a deeper understanding of God’s call, and within months, he began to discern a vocation to the priesthood.

Though his call was primarily internal, Father Joshua found affirmation and encouragement from family, friends, and priests once he began to share his discernment openly.

His greatest motivation in pursuing the priesthood was a desire to grow in holiness and to follow God’s will, wherever it might lead. He credits his parents for nurturing his faith and his pastor at the Catholic Student Center at lowa State for inspiring him through his joyful witness to the priesthood.

Friends and Family of Fr. Joshua Krischel

Blessed Trinity Parish and the community of St. Patrick’s Church in Dwight give thanks to God for Father Joshua’s vocation and offer heartfelt congratulations as he begins his priestly ministry. May the Lord continue to bless his service with joy, faithfulness, and courage.