The Institute of Catholic Theology

Eric J. Westby, PhD is the Director of the Institute of Catholic Theology in Phoenix, Arizona. He is also the Director of Parish and School Catechesis at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish. He is an assistant professor of Theology for Franciscan University of Steubenville. He received his doctorate from Liverpool Hope University, with his thesis entitled "Equipping the Catechist of Catechists: A Critical Discussion of Seminary Formation in Light of Priestly Ministry in Catechesis." He holds a Masters of Arts degree in Theology and Christian Ministry from Franciscan University in Steubenville, from where he was the first student to complete the graduate specialization in catechetics. He holds a Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies from the Center for Ministry Development, and has been involved in full-time catechesis since 1988. He is a regular presenter at the summer St. John Bosco Catechetical Conference at the Franciscan University of Steubenville. More importantly, he is husband to Nikki and father of five beautiful girls.

Ryan Hanning is a popular speaker and Professor of Theology and Catholic Studies. He led University of Mary’s unprecedented partnership with Arizona State University, and developed a graduate program in philosophy, theology and education for Catholic Educators. Ryan is a principal Fellow of the San Juan Diego Institute which serves several Universities, non-profits and Catholic apostolates. Ryan also serves as a theological consultant and speaker for Catholics Come HomeTM and Amen AlleluiaTM. In addition to teaching and consulting, he writes and speaks internationally on education, theology, ethics and virtuous leadership. Dr. Hanning currently homesteads in Tennessee with his beautiful wife Rebecca, and their ten well socialized homeschooled children. He secretly idolizes Dr. Westby and consequently has become a hockey fan.