Mr. Joe Kohler

Retirement from a lifelong career as an attorney—assisting clients with estate planning at a law practice he founded in 1975—presented Columbus resident Mr. Joe Kohler with an opportunity to explore new ways to devote his time. A period of prayer and self-reflection revealed a call to service; he now finds deep purpose in serving others connected with Catholic faith-based organizations.

Several times every month, Joe volunteers at the Pontifical College Josephinum’s A.T. Wehrle Memorial Library which, he said, is “a superlative learning center for the development and advancement of future diocesan priests and deacons.” In summer 2022, Joe assisted library director Mrs. Beverly Lane with the monumental yet fascinating task of reorganizing the seminary’s Special Collections. Under the guidance and direction of Mrs. Lane and her associate, Ms. Michelle Brown, he continues to help with processing new book acquisitions, shelving materials, coordinating inter-library loans, and binding periodicals.

For many years, Joe and his wife, Kathleen, have been members of the Friends of the Josephinum, a lay organization that raises funds for seminarians’ needs, such as medical expenses or emergency travel. “We like the fact that we as lay members of the Catholic faith can be of help to seminarians in times of unexpected need,” he said. More recently, Joe was appointed to the Advancement Committee of the Josephinum’s Board of Trustees as a community member. He contributes valued expertise to the committee’s work of guiding the seminary’s development and fundraising efforts.

In addition to his time at Josephinum, Joe volunteers as a counselor for the Columbus diocese’s Joint Organization for Inner-City Needs, and participates in Saint Joseph Cathedral’s “backdoor ministry” of making food for cathedral staff to give to the homeless.

“With God’s love and my continued good health, I look forward to giving service in the coming years to people and organizations in need,” he said. “I believe that service is a gift to us from God and a way that we can manifest His love and care in the world.”