Priest enjoying Westside life
WILMONT When Rev. Timothy Klosterman graduated from seminary school, the last place he expected to receive his first assignment was in the major league of Los Angeles Catholic churches.
But that’s where the Palmdale native ended up after he was ordained in May, placed by the L.A. Archdiocese at St. Monica where the new priest will spend the next four years serving one of the area’s oldest and largest Catholic churches.
“It’s like going from the minor league to the World Series,” Klosterman said.“This is a very well-known parish.”
He joined the church community in July, overseeing Sunday masses, preparing couples for marriage, visiting the schools and conducting funerals.
“I’m just humbled to be here of service,” the 30-year-old priest said.
The journey to St. Monica started in childhood when Klosterman, the devout catholic, would regularly attended religious services on Sunday.
Going to mass wasn’t forced on him by his parents, but was rather a spiritual activity that spoke to Klosterman, giving him joy, purpose and meaning in life.
When it came time to choose a college following graduation from Paraclete High School — a catholic institution in Lancaster — seminary school seemed a natural fit.
He went on to graduate from St. John Seminary in Camarillo, returning to earn his master’s in divinity and theology.
As part of the program, which required all students to pick up a second language, Klosterman spent a year traveling the world to immerse in Spanish, spending several months in Mexico and Peru, working in orphanages.
Upon his return, Klosterman contemplated a life of service to the catholic church, ultimately requesting the cardinal to accept his candidacy.
“I felt called,” the priest said. “My gifts and talents intersected with the needs of the community and I have been inspired by priests, clergy and sisters throughout my life.
“I’ve seen how they have been wonderful witnesses of god’s love and have made a wonderful difference in the world.”
Monsignor Craig Cox, the rector and president of St. John’s, praised Klosterman, saying that he would want the priest along his side if he was in parish ministry.
“He is a salt-of-the-earth-type of man, who has a wonderful heart and will love his people and serve them with enthusiasm and grace,” Cox said.
After his graduation from the seminary, Klosterman expected the Archdiocese would place him in a small parish, its coverage area spanning from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles counties.
“They could’ve placed me anywhere,” he said.
St. Monica was founded as a small parish church in 1886 and today serves approximately 9,000 families, home to one of the most active communities in the Archdiocese. The church’s main building on Seventh Street and California Avenue was built in 1926 and was featured in the 1944 film, “Going My Way.”
The church operates an elementary and high school on its campus.
For Klosterman, one of the most challenging aspects of the new role as father at St. Monica is always being present and available to the people of the church.
“It’s been a transition,” he said. “I’m kind of pouring myself out and learning how to minister from the people.
“It’s been a big transition and a big time of learning.”
In his down time, Klosterman has been enjoying living in Santa Monica, currently residing in the church’s rectory. He isn’t a stranger to the Westside, having been born in Culver City and spending his first few years there before moving to the Antelope Valley where he grew up.
Formerly a lifeguard, Klosterman has made a few trips out to the beach, swimming in the ocean and running along the bluff. He has occasionally run into parishioners, who don’t recognize the priest without his white collar.
“I feel privileged to be at such a wonderful place,” Klosterman said. “I find a great deal of meaning and satisfaction serving people.”
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 25, 2008. Read the original PDF.