The Institute of Catholic Theology

Dr. Eric J. Westby is the Director of the Institute of Catholic Theology in Phoenix, Arizona. He is also the Director of Parish Catechesis at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, coordinating Christian initiation for adults, teens and children. He teaches theology for Franciscan University of Steubenville, specializing in the areas of foundational doctrine, evangelization and catechetics. Through his studies at the Maryvale Institute of Birmingham, England, 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. He has published articles in the Catholic University of America's International 'Journal of Evangelization and Catechetics'; in Franciscan University's 'Catechetical Review'; and in Emmaus Academic's In Speaking the Truth in Love: The Catechism and the New Evangelization. He has developed OCIA and youth ministry curricula, available through the Institute of Catholic Theology. Most importantly, he is husband to Nikki, is the father of five beautiful girls, has one son-in-law, and has one grandchild.

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.