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.

Rick Perry is currently both an adjunct professor with Franciscan University of Steubenville and high school teacher at St. Mary’s High School in Phoenix, while completing his PhD through KU Leuven in Belgium. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in business administration from North Carolina State University in 2014, after which he obtained two master’s degrees in theology, his first from Franciscan University of Steubenville in 2017, and his next from KU Leuven in Belgium. While at Franciscan University, Rick has taught over a hand-full of courses ranging from THE 101 (Foundations of Catholicism), to introductory courses on the New Testament and Old Testament. His love for the Truth and the joy of sharing Jesus with his students has continually inspired him to continue as an educator at the service of the Church. Outside of studying and teaching, you can find him either on a jog, or hiking a nearby mountain. He also loves sharing coffee and conversation with friends.