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.

Sr. Johanna Paruch, FSGM, PhD, grew up in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada. She is a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George. Sr. Johanna earned an undergraduate degree in deaf communication. She holds a BA in theology and elementary education from St. Louis University and an MA from the Angelicum, awarded after completing studies at Notre Dame Catechetical Institute. She also earned the Pontifical Catechetical Diploma. She has completed her doctorate at Maryvale Institute, Birmingham, England. In 1999, Sr. Johanna joined the Theology faculty of Franciscan University of Steubenville. She specializes in catechetics, and teaches both graduate and undergraduate students. Besides her teaching duties, Sr. Johanna travels throughout the country presenting workshops on catechist training, catechist retreats, and catechesis for persons with disabilities. She is a regular contributor to The Catechetical Review. In addition to her catechetical ministry, Sr. Johanna is engaged in research on the role of Catholic sisters in the American Civil War.