Today we’d like to introduce you to Father Jason Kahle
Hi Father Jason, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started thinking about priesthood when I was in high school. It was seeing a priest who was joyful, full of life, and loved his ministry that got me thinking about priesthood myself and whether I was being called to be a priest. At the same time, I also thought about getting married and having a family. Since Catholic priests are called to live a celibate life, this was a real struggle for me. After graduating from The Ohio State University with a bachelor degree in Science and Industrial Design, I didn’t feel called to pursue that career. Instead, I felt God inviting me to go to seminary. It was while in seminary and experiencing parish life that I felt a sense of belonging and fulfillment, not to mention joy and love for ministry that I witnessed in the priest who first inspired me. After six years of study and discernment, trusting in God’s grace and care for me to live a faith-filled life, I was ordained a Catholic priest in May 2009 and have had the privilege of serving a number of parishes in Ohio. I ministered at three parishes in Sandusky, a campus ministry parish in Bowling Green, a large parish in Sylvania, and now Little Flower in Toledo.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like most things in life, I have had ups and downs. Some of the most life-giving experiences for me have been simply walking the journey of faith with others and being in relationship with friends and families. On the other hand, some of the challenges and struggles include feeling inadequate at times. Whether it was not being able to help someone like they wanted or fulfilling an administrative task in the parish (because that’s not where my gifts are), I have had various experiences that were both obstacles and invitations to surrender and trust in God’s grace and guidance.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Catholic Priest for the Diocese of Toledo. As a priest, I walk the journey of faith and life with people – young and old – and try to help them see how God is revealing His presence and love in their life. As such, I simply try to be an instrument for God as I help others know and feel that they are loved and that they are enough. It is in relationships with others that I am most grateful for and which gives me life. Whether I am praying Mass, baptizing babies, marrying people, visiting the sick, or spending time with family and friends, all that I do centers around relationships. Further, in these relationships, people share with me that I am a good listener and that I am able to be fully present as I offer others guidance and care with a calm, thoughtful, and reflective response.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I was blessed with a large and loving family growing up. We had the privilege of going on many vacations too. I have four siblings – which I am the second youngest – and can remember going “out West” to Yellowstone National Park for a family vacation one summer. I was amazed and humbled as I experienced God’s beautiful creation in nature! From national monuments to acres and acres of forests and wildlife, I will cherish these and many more memories forever.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://littleflowertoledo.org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LittleFlowerToledo
