Father Joshua A. Johnson (Center) / Archdiocese for the Military Services, U.S.A.
Father Joshua A. Johnson, who is preparing to serve as a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force, was ordained to the priesthood June 12 at Saint Stephen’s Byzantine Catholic Cathedral in Phoenix, Arizona.
He will spend the next three years ministering in the Eparchy of Phoenix before beginning active duty, serving Catholic members of the Air Force and their families, according to a press release from the Archdiocese for the Military Services (AMS).
The ordination took place at Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, where Bishop Artur Bubnevych presided over the liturgy. Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, who leads the AMS, concelebrated the Mass. Fr. Johnson’s parents, retired Air Force Lt. Col. Ronald Johnson and his wife, Carol, witnessed the occasion.
Fr. Johnson’s path led through theology studies in both Roman and Byzantine traditions, but his vocation traces back to his early formation.
“[My parents] instilled in me a rich appreciation for the dignity and the duties of all baptized people to represent Christ in the world through prayer and service,” he said.
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Years of lay ministry, including work as a hospital chaplain, helped clarify his desire to serve through the sacraments.
“I had an increasing desire to offer sacramental ministry, particularly anointing and confession,” Fr. Johnson said. “My pastor was immensely helpful in clarifying my vocation as one not only of service, but sacramental leadership.”
Fr. Johnson, 39, holds a bachelor’s degree from North Park University in Chicago, a Master of Divinity from Boston College, and a Master of Arts in Theology from the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of Saints Cyril and Methodius.
He joins other priests preparing for military chaplaincy through the AMS’ co-sponsorship program, which supports seminarians in formation across various dioceses and eparchies.
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