What did I do with a degree in Philosophy?

David Klemm, the first Lay graduate from the Pontifical College Josephinum, Bishop Watterson High School Theology Teacher, Diocesan Summer Institute Instructor, and Teacher for the Columbus Diocese Diaconate School of Theology. David is also a Dominican Associate and member of the Confraternity of the Rosary

David Klemm realized that God may not be calling him to the priesthood during the discernment process in seminary. After leaving seminary, David was asked to help with the youth group in his home parish. Through that experience, he realized he wanted to teach high school kids.

For a short time, David joined the National Guard and studied at Wright State University. Then he went back at the Josephinum his senior year to finish his B.A. in Philosophy and became the first lay person to graduate from the Pontifical College Josephinum.

David began student teaching at Bishop Watterson High School where he has continued to teach Theology and impact his students for 23 years. David is married with two children and a third child in heaven.

David received his M.A. in Theological Studies at the University of Dayton. He later passed his doctoral exams in Theology at Duquesne University where he taught for two and a half years.

Reflecting on his seminary experience, David said that he “enjoyed the sense community, the extensive prayer life, Mass, morning and evening prayers.”

His advice for men considering the seminary:

“Take the call seriously. Hearing God’s voice requires quiet and a deep prayer life. You need to really discern whether He is calling you.”