St. Joseph House of Formation seminarians are expanding their skill set beyond philosophical studies by engaging in woodworking classes. These sessions, led by former high school religion teacher and current full-time woodworker David Graver, provide a hands-on complement to their academic pursuits.

Fr. Chad Arnold, the director of the House of Formation, introduced these classes to offer seminarians a practical break from their theoretical studies. Graver, who transitioned from teaching religion to owning Shelterbelt38 woodworking shop in Kechi 16 months ago, now instructs about ten of the 43 seminarians monthly.

Graver expressed his commitment to teaching despite his career shift. "I felt I really had to continue teaching," he said. The students have learned shop safety and basic equipment use, progressing recently to finishing techniques such as routing and sanding.

A significant part of the class involved crafting crosses and attaching images of Jesus—a task that Graver described as deeply meaningful. “It was a sobering experience to reflect on the Catechism quote that, ‘It is you who have crucified him and crucify him still, when you delight in your vices and sins,’” he noted.

Future projects will explore more woodworking techniques, aiming for a holistic integration of physical labor with spiritual reflection. Fr. Chad highlighted this balance: “They’re in their heads and in their hearts in prayer but this is for their hands.”

Graver finds inspiration in working with the seminarians. “They’re great. I never knew teaching a topic like shop would be so fulfilling,” he remarked.

The St. Joseph House of Formation is located at St. Joseph Parish's campus in Wichita, where seminarians pursue philosophy degrees at Newman University.

David Graver and his wife Erin also serve as co-directors at the Encounter School of Ministry’s Wichita Campus while raising their five children.