Greetings! My name is Joe Kauflin and I was born and raised in Virginia Beach, VA. I attended public school from kindergarten-12th grade and graduated from Salem High School in 2007. I continued my education at Old Dominion University, where I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services and Counseling, with a minor in Psychology. My discernment to the priesthood unofficially started in high school, when faith really became a priority, thanks in large part to involvement with my parish youth group at Church of the Ascension. From there, my journey took many twists and turns, none of which I really thought would end up in the seminary. However, after a little over three years of living in Comayagua, Honduras—two as a lay missionary with the Missioners of Christ and one as a first-grade teacher at a bilingual school—I discerned that the Lord was in fact calling me to formally enter discernment/formation for the Diocese of Richmond. I am very much looking forward to this walk with the Lord and discerning His holy will for my life!