Deacon John Kim is a Cistercian monk, also known as Trappists, from St. Joseph’s Abbey in Spencer, Massachusetts. He is in his final year of formation for priesthood at Pope St. John XXIII and he took time to talk with Msgr. Bill Fay about the balance between monastic and seminary life. When he is ordained, Deacon John will serve as a priest for his monastic community and can also help in local parishes. Deacon John was born and raised in South Korea. Not long after college he entered the Trappist monastery. In this episode, hear about what it is to be a monk, and how a focus on working with your hands and on prayer informs all activity at the monastery. What process determines who among the monks will study for priesthood? Deacon John talks about God’s providence, and how it has worked in his life. You won’t want to miss who Deacon John recently met at his Canonical Retreat, and how her example has affected him in a profound way. Additionally, we hear from Deacon John about Seminary life from his unique perspective, and the advice he gives to all those discerning a call to serve God in the priesthood.

Deacon John Kim was born in South Korea to a devout Catholic family. After graduating from college, he taught high school in Korea. Yet, a yearning for God and a desire for deeper meaning tugged at his heart. In response to God’s call, he entered the Trappist monastery of St. Joseph’s Abbey in Spencer and began a new life in answer to the Lord’s invitation.