Barb Woods, Director Adult Faith Formation & RCIA
Office phone: 515-279-4654 x 307
Cell phone: 515-210-6649
[email protected]
click here for more information
Cell phone: 515-210-6649
[email protected]
click here for more information
Meet the Catechists at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish
Our Catechists are the Greatest
Our catechists are diverse. We have young parents and retired seniors; they are men and women with all types of professional and educational backgrounds. However, what they have in common is the desire to share their faith in ways that promote the spiritual development of the children entrusted to them.
At St. Theresa we recognize parents as the primary educators of their children – sharing experiences, values, stories, customs and faith tradition in the home. We believe the holiness a child is exposed to and experiences begins in the family long before the child comes to the parish for faith formation. As partners, our catechists assist parents in promoting a durable and solid association with the Catholic Church and a growing relationship with God. Through this collaboration catechists strive to provide models for our young people, living life as God calls each one to live.
We'd like to share some of their stories, which you will find below.
Arlene Staley found things to do after she retired
My name is Arlene Staley. I joined St. Theresa's parish in 2009. I am one of two coordinators for funeral luncheons. I also help in Faith Formation on Wednesday nights. The age group I work with is kindergarten. In 2009, I also retired after working for thirty seven years. For most of those years, I was an Office Manager for the USPS here in Des Moines and in New York. One of my greatest joys is watching the little ones grow in their faith.
Note from Kathy: Children who spend time with Arlene experience a faith that comes alive with the prayers, activities and stories Arlene uses during her time with them in Faith Formation. She is patient and humble as she encourages participation and understanding.
Note from Kathy: Children who spend time with Arlene experience a faith that comes alive with the prayers, activities and stories Arlene uses during her time with them in Faith Formation. She is patient and humble as she encourages participation and understanding.
Meet Edge Catechist, JoAnn Mackey
JoAnn Mackey
I am currently the Director of Latino Resources, Inc.; which is the umbrella of the Iowa Latino Heritage Festival. I had been in the
hospitality industry for many years. I began my career as a desk clerk, advancing to the position of catering director. My superiors took a chance on me, and sent me to the Holiday Inn University to further my education. I was promoted to food and beverage director, and then as a manager of hotels; which I did for many years. After moving to Iowa, I left the hospitality industry and was offered a position at the Division of Latino Affairs for the state of Iowa, and that is where I started the Festival.
For the majority of my life I lived in different countries and different states. First, as a military dependent; later as a military wife, and then as an employee of a hotel management company. When I came to Iowa I knew I would make this my home.
I have two daughters, and a grandson who live in Des Moines. I like to give of my time helping where I can. I currently volunteer for several agencies. Besides volunteer work I love to paint, garden, and sew.
This is the first time I have volunteered as a Catechist. I teach the 6th grade. I was a bit intimidated at first by the students. They are 6th grade students and are more savvy than we think. I feel I have connected with the students, and I love their humor, enthusiasm, honesty, and sincerity. I pray that I am given the guidance to teach these young people about what God wants us to be and what he wants us to do. I definitely want to return next year.
Note from Kathy: Based on JoAnn's bio and what I have experienced in getting to know her, I think one of the words that describes her is adventurous. That quality might have been key in her acceptance of the invitation she received from another middle school catechist to give faith formation a try. We definitely want JoAnn to return next year. We need others who (possibly not endowed with an adventurous spirit) have other gifts they can offer to the parish by being a catechist. Please click here to read about our needs for next year.
hospitality industry for many years. I began my career as a desk clerk, advancing to the position of catering director. My superiors took a chance on me, and sent me to the Holiday Inn University to further my education. I was promoted to food and beverage director, and then as a manager of hotels; which I did for many years. After moving to Iowa, I left the hospitality industry and was offered a position at the Division of Latino Affairs for the state of Iowa, and that is where I started the Festival.
For the majority of my life I lived in different countries and different states. First, as a military dependent; later as a military wife, and then as an employee of a hotel management company. When I came to Iowa I knew I would make this my home.
I have two daughters, and a grandson who live in Des Moines. I like to give of my time helping where I can. I currently volunteer for several agencies. Besides volunteer work I love to paint, garden, and sew.
This is the first time I have volunteered as a Catechist. I teach the 6th grade. I was a bit intimidated at first by the students. They are 6th grade students and are more savvy than we think. I feel I have connected with the students, and I love their humor, enthusiasm, honesty, and sincerity. I pray that I am given the guidance to teach these young people about what God wants us to be and what he wants us to do. I definitely want to return next year.
Note from Kathy: Based on JoAnn's bio and what I have experienced in getting to know her, I think one of the words that describes her is adventurous. That quality might have been key in her acceptance of the invitation she received from another middle school catechist to give faith formation a try. We definitely want JoAnn to return next year. We need others who (possibly not endowed with an adventurous spirit) have other gifts they can offer to the parish by being a catechist. Please click here to read about our needs for next year.
Teri Wahlig, M.D. - Fourth Grade Wednesday Faith Formation Catechist
Teri with Matthew, a former 1# 10 oz premie!
Teri grew up in West Des Moines, one of eight children. After graduating from Dowling Catholic High School she attended Marquette University and then University of Iowa College of Medicine. She was a neonatologist at Mercy Medical Center for 17 years before becoming the Medical Director at ChildServe in Johnston.
Teri is a member of St. Ambrose Parish where she serves on the Finance Committee. She has participated in RCIA.
Teri loves to run, learn new things, play with children and travel.
“Something happens when you take care of children. They make YOU better.”
Note from Kathy: Our catechists come from all ages, professions, educational backgrounds, and sometimes from other parishes. We are fortunate that Teri shares her faith (and sense of humor and joy) with us as a catechist at St. Theresa, where she has nieces and a nephew who attend Faith Formation.
Teri is a member of St. Ambrose Parish where she serves on the Finance Committee. She has participated in RCIA.
Teri loves to run, learn new things, play with children and travel.
“Something happens when you take care of children. They make YOU better.”
Note from Kathy: Our catechists come from all ages, professions, educational backgrounds, and sometimes from other parishes. We are fortunate that Teri shares her faith (and sense of humor and joy) with us as a catechist at St. Theresa, where she has nieces and a nephew who attend Faith Formation.
Meet Children's Liturgy of the Word Catechist: Patricia Wiedemeier
The Wiedemeiers: Paul, Pat, Maddie, Hannah & Sam
The Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLW) program attracted our (my husband Paul and my) interest over 15 years ago, when our son, Samuel, was 3-4 years old. He was afraid to go with the CLW catechist out of the church and into the basement, so his sisters went down with him. He came back excited and looked forward to the next time. It was then I decided to join the program.
Our family has been involved members of our St. Theresa community for over 20 years. All 3 of our kids, Maddie, Hannah and Samuel, graduated from STCS and went on the attend Dowling Catholic.
It has become very fulfilling for our family to assist in the enrichment of St. Theresa’s young people. I am sure you all appreciate us for getting those squirmy young ones out so you all can focus on mass. I would encourage anyone wanting an opportunity to give back to St. Theresa to join in this very fulfilling program. It became a ‘family affair’ for us. Please encourage your children to join us at 11:30 Sunday Mass for Children’s Liturgy of the Word - the more the merrier for a deeply satisfying endeavor. I can assure you it is just as (or more) fulfilling for me. It never ceases to amaze me the wise words that come out of their mouths.
Note from Kathy: Pat has a lot of enthusiasm for and dedication to Children's Liturgy of the Word, even though her kids have "aged out." As teens, her children have served as assistants for CLW. Even though Pat's kids are not longer at STCS or participating in CLW, she has found a rewarding and satifying way to serve the parish. We currently offer CLW on the first, second and third Sundays of each month. We'd like to expand it to every weekend by adding 3-4 more catechists. Click here (and go to the bottom of that page) for more information on Children's Liturgy of the Word.
Our family has been involved members of our St. Theresa community for over 20 years. All 3 of our kids, Maddie, Hannah and Samuel, graduated from STCS and went on the attend Dowling Catholic.
It has become very fulfilling for our family to assist in the enrichment of St. Theresa’s young people. I am sure you all appreciate us for getting those squirmy young ones out so you all can focus on mass. I would encourage anyone wanting an opportunity to give back to St. Theresa to join in this very fulfilling program. It became a ‘family affair’ for us. Please encourage your children to join us at 11:30 Sunday Mass for Children’s Liturgy of the Word - the more the merrier for a deeply satisfying endeavor. I can assure you it is just as (or more) fulfilling for me. It never ceases to amaze me the wise words that come out of their mouths.
Note from Kathy: Pat has a lot of enthusiasm for and dedication to Children's Liturgy of the Word, even though her kids have "aged out." As teens, her children have served as assistants for CLW. Even though Pat's kids are not longer at STCS or participating in CLW, she has found a rewarding and satifying way to serve the parish. We currently offer CLW on the first, second and third Sundays of each month. We'd like to expand it to every weekend by adding 3-4 more catechists. Click here (and go to the bottom of that page) for more information on Children's Liturgy of the Word.
Meet Eileen Isenhoff - WFF Catechist and Utility Woman
Eileen Isenhoff
My name is Eileen Isenhoff. I am married to Bill and we have three daughters (Katy and Allison, both in high school, and
Melanie who is in 5th grade). We have three dogs. I have been a member of St. Theresa for 15 years. My husband went through RCIA in 2000.
This is my sixth year as a catechist with WFF. When Melanie was in Kindergarten, I teamed with another mom to teach that
grade. When I asked the following year where I could be of help, I became Kathy Wipf’s utility woman: hall monitor, on-site substitute, greeter, traffic controller, messenger, jewelry salesman, forms collector, mistress of the copy machine. Since I sit a lot at my day job in Accounts Receivable, I am ready to be free to move around in the evenings, so I enjoy the activities at Faith Formation. I call it the “Kathy Wipf exercise plan.”
I grew up in Sacred Heart Parish in Ottumwa. I had some excellent role models growing up beginning with my parents. My dad worked at the church and I always got a kick out of classmates who asked me if my dad was a priest. He is also a 4th degree Knight and active in the KC’s. My mom was active in lots of things at church. I remember that she took me to the funeral of a nun who taught me in CCD. I always thought that the hall monitor, Charlie Foxx, was a saint.
I see faith as a gift, something to share with others. One of my favorite Jesus sayings is, “unless you are like a child, you will not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.” I tell my daughters that I am sharing with them something that not all people get in their lives and that Jesus died on the cross for everyone.
Note from Kathy: I don’t know what I would do without folks like Eileen. She backs me up and does everything I call on her to do. Sometimes I have her running all over the place (hence the reference to the exercise plan). Faith Formation needs people like her who are willing to be flexible and available. Click here to see the current and future catechetical needs for Faith Formation at St. Theresa.
Melanie who is in 5th grade). We have three dogs. I have been a member of St. Theresa for 15 years. My husband went through RCIA in 2000.
This is my sixth year as a catechist with WFF. When Melanie was in Kindergarten, I teamed with another mom to teach that
grade. When I asked the following year where I could be of help, I became Kathy Wipf’s utility woman: hall monitor, on-site substitute, greeter, traffic controller, messenger, jewelry salesman, forms collector, mistress of the copy machine. Since I sit a lot at my day job in Accounts Receivable, I am ready to be free to move around in the evenings, so I enjoy the activities at Faith Formation. I call it the “Kathy Wipf exercise plan.”
I grew up in Sacred Heart Parish in Ottumwa. I had some excellent role models growing up beginning with my parents. My dad worked at the church and I always got a kick out of classmates who asked me if my dad was a priest. He is also a 4th degree Knight and active in the KC’s. My mom was active in lots of things at church. I remember that she took me to the funeral of a nun who taught me in CCD. I always thought that the hall monitor, Charlie Foxx, was a saint.
I see faith as a gift, something to share with others. One of my favorite Jesus sayings is, “unless you are like a child, you will not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.” I tell my daughters that I am sharing with them something that not all people get in their lives and that Jesus died on the cross for everyone.
Note from Kathy: I don’t know what I would do without folks like Eileen. She backs me up and does everything I call on her to do. Sometimes I have her running all over the place (hence the reference to the exercise plan). Faith Formation needs people like her who are willing to be flexible and available. Click here to see the current and future catechetical needs for Faith Formation at St. Theresa.
Meet Phil Van Waus - 3rd grade catechist for WFF
Phil Van Waus & son Nolan
Hello. I work at John Deere Financial, in financial analysis and forecasting. I like to fish and play basketball, football and soccer with my two sons, Spencer and Nolan (pictured with me to the left). My family enjoys going on summer family vacations every year – Colorado (Rocky Mountain National Park) and Montana/Wyoming (Yellowstone National Park) have been some of our favorites. We also like to go to local parks together to play a friendly game of kickball and enjoy a picnic, especially during the spring and fall months when the temps are nice. My family likes to watch (and attend a few of) the IA State Cyclones games (basketball and football).
This is my fourth year as a catechist. Last year I taught with Jean Schares in 2nd grade. This year I have a section of 3rd Grade. I have taught 4th and 5th grade in previous years.
One may ask how I chose to be a catechist for WFF … I have to thank my mom and Kathy Wipf for this great opportunity. My mom was a catechist back when I was a kid and I remember what a positive impact she had on so many kids. Kathy approached me a few years ago, when I was a hall monitor for WFF, and inquired if I’d like to be a catechist at WFF – I’m grateful she talked to me about it and asked me.
Why I chose to be a catechist … I have a strong desire to and enjoy helping/teaching kids to get ‘engaged’ in their religion – Catholic Faith. I do my best to relate religion/faith to ‘real life’ situations for the kids, and open it up for discussion – which creates a great learning environment. I personally find when the kids start talking about faith/religious situations in their everyday lives, amongst themselves, they open up and have great discussions and thus get engaged. I guide and interject comments/ideas during these discussions, as opposed to doing all the talking.
Note from Kathy: There is a reality in faith formation circles that says, "Most adults who maintain a good relationship with God credit good role models; it is never the terrific religion book they had in 3rd grade." Phil mentioned his mom as a role model for himself and for kids she taught as a catechist. It is good to reflect upon the people who have impacted our religious journeys. It's not the only way, but one way to honor their lives is to be actively involved in Faith Formation in some way, like Phil who was a hall monitor for a while and then became a catechist. Click here to see the current and future needs we have at St. Theresa.
This is my fourth year as a catechist. Last year I taught with Jean Schares in 2nd grade. This year I have a section of 3rd Grade. I have taught 4th and 5th grade in previous years.
One may ask how I chose to be a catechist for WFF … I have to thank my mom and Kathy Wipf for this great opportunity. My mom was a catechist back when I was a kid and I remember what a positive impact she had on so many kids. Kathy approached me a few years ago, when I was a hall monitor for WFF, and inquired if I’d like to be a catechist at WFF – I’m grateful she talked to me about it and asked me.
Why I chose to be a catechist … I have a strong desire to and enjoy helping/teaching kids to get ‘engaged’ in their religion – Catholic Faith. I do my best to relate religion/faith to ‘real life’ situations for the kids, and open it up for discussion – which creates a great learning environment. I personally find when the kids start talking about faith/religious situations in their everyday lives, amongst themselves, they open up and have great discussions and thus get engaged. I guide and interject comments/ideas during these discussions, as opposed to doing all the talking.
Note from Kathy: There is a reality in faith formation circles that says, "Most adults who maintain a good relationship with God credit good role models; it is never the terrific religion book they had in 3rd grade." Phil mentioned his mom as a role model for himself and for kids she taught as a catechist. It is good to reflect upon the people who have impacted our religious journeys. It's not the only way, but one way to honor their lives is to be actively involved in Faith Formation in some way, like Phil who was a hall monitor for a while and then became a catechist. Click here to see the current and future needs we have at St. Theresa.
Meet Margaret Zacharias - Substitute Catechist, Learning Center Catechist, STCS Volunteer
Here are some thoughts shared by Margaret Zacharias, an on-call substitute catechist on Wednesday evenings who also assists with Learning Stations for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. She is an active volunteer at STCS.
Drawing on her professional accomplishments as an Educational Psychologist and as a reviewer of literature for several publishing firms, Margaret has developed and implemented specially designed creative writing workshops, which allow STCS students to explore their thoughts, feelings and values. The students have written poems and short stories, which have been published. For the first time this year, STCS Sixth Graders will perform five of their original plays -- highlighting honesty, fair play, good sportsmanship, prudent judgment, inclusion and justice -- as a community outreach service for Des Moines Women’s Club at Hoyt Sherman Place in April.
As a volunteer in Wednesday Faith Formation, Margaret serves as an on-call substitute and assists with Learning Stations for Sacramental Preparation. She is completing her second term of service on the St. Theresa Faith Formation Council, where she has shared insights that have advanced parish faith formation efforts and offered her unwavering support in the form of encouraging words, ideas and prayers.
In a complicated life juggling family responsibilities -- a physician husband, two grown sons and multiple siblings, nieces and nephews in far-flung cities -- with work as a free-lance writer and archetypal pattern analyst, Margaret cherishes her time with the young people of St. Theresa Parish. “They help me stay grounded and constantly inspire my own creativity. There’s nothing like debate with a Fifth Grader to keep me awake for what really matters in life!”
Note from Kathy: Margaret is a busy person who finds time to share her faith by using her talents. I know we are in good hands when she is present to assist at Learning Centers (LCs). Sometimes we eliminate the possibility of getting involved because of the time element (as we should). Margaret is a good example of how much a person who is willing to commit to something that is done only twice in a year (LCs) can make a difference. Her willingness to be on-call is also appreciated. Sometimes that is the best way an actively involved person can make a contribution. Click here to see the current and future needs we have at St. Theresa.
Drawing on her professional accomplishments as an Educational Psychologist and as a reviewer of literature for several publishing firms, Margaret has developed and implemented specially designed creative writing workshops, which allow STCS students to explore their thoughts, feelings and values. The students have written poems and short stories, which have been published. For the first time this year, STCS Sixth Graders will perform five of their original plays -- highlighting honesty, fair play, good sportsmanship, prudent judgment, inclusion and justice -- as a community outreach service for Des Moines Women’s Club at Hoyt Sherman Place in April.
As a volunteer in Wednesday Faith Formation, Margaret serves as an on-call substitute and assists with Learning Stations for Sacramental Preparation. She is completing her second term of service on the St. Theresa Faith Formation Council, where she has shared insights that have advanced parish faith formation efforts and offered her unwavering support in the form of encouraging words, ideas and prayers.
In a complicated life juggling family responsibilities -- a physician husband, two grown sons and multiple siblings, nieces and nephews in far-flung cities -- with work as a free-lance writer and archetypal pattern analyst, Margaret cherishes her time with the young people of St. Theresa Parish. “They help me stay grounded and constantly inspire my own creativity. There’s nothing like debate with a Fifth Grader to keep me awake for what really matters in life!”
Note from Kathy: Margaret is a busy person who finds time to share her faith by using her talents. I know we are in good hands when she is present to assist at Learning Centers (LCs). Sometimes we eliminate the possibility of getting involved because of the time element (as we should). Margaret is a good example of how much a person who is willing to commit to something that is done only twice in a year (LCs) can make a difference. Her willingness to be on-call is also appreciated. Sometimes that is the best way an actively involved person can make a contribution. Click here to see the current and future needs we have at St. Theresa.