Greetings! My name is Aaron Pohlen and I am from Saint Anthony’s Parish Hospers, Iowa. This is my senior year at the Saint John Vianney Seminary at the University of Saint Thomas in Saint Paul, MN. This year we have 163 men at the seminary with 71 “New Man” entering this year. I am really exited for my final year in the Twin Cities. All of the classes that I am taking my final two semesters here are going toward one or both of my majors in Catholic Studies and Philosophy. This semester I am taking a Class on Christians Spirituality and reading a lot of wonderful authors including Thomas Merton, Teresa of Avila and St Benedict. I am also in Catholic Social Thought which looks at the politics, economics, and culture from the vantage point of the Catholic Church. Finally I am taking an introduction to Metaphysics course were we are looking at basic thoughts one what exists.

While a large portion of what we do in seminary is seminary is studying there is so much more that we do. Over Labor Day weekend we held the annual Alfa Omega football game which with between the incoming New Men class and the seniors. The Seniors Won and it was a lot of fun. I also went to the Home Opening UST Game and the Tommies one the second game of the year. When I am not studying I enjoy going for jogs along the Mississippi River, playing Ultimate Frisbee, and spending time with seminarians and non- seminarians alike.

When I have the opportunity to head home (especially in the fall) I love to head home and help my dad on the family farm. I really enjoy harvest! I love the Cities but at the same point in time my Iowa roots run deep. These visits home always make me happy because they remind me of why I am studying and they help me to focus more on what I am learning so that I can bring it back the flock of Christ in the Sioux City, Iowa

In Christ,

Aaron Pohlen