Father Raphael Assamah

Meet Fr. Raphael

I was born on July 4, 1976 in Ghana. My basic and tertiary education were in Ghana. After discerning the voice of God through retreats and spiritual directions, I entered St. Paul's Major Seminary in 1999 to study Philosophy, Sociology and Spirituality. In 2003, I studied theology and education at St. Peter's Regional Seminary in Pedu, Cape Coast, Ghana. After a successful pastoral year, three of us were ordained as Deacons on January 6, 2008 and later into the priesthood on August 23, 2008 for the Archdiocese of Accra.

My first assignment was at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, in Accra, the capital city of Ghana. While there I oversaw the youth programs and was chaplain to some societies in the Archdiocese. There was a need for priests to assist in Jamaica, so the door was opened for volunteers, and I opted as fidei donum (the Gift of Faith) priest for the Archdiocese of Kingston, Jamaica.

While in Jamaica I worked at St. Pius X and St. Peter Claver Catholic Churches respectively. It wasn’t until later that I was asked to assist as a Priest in the Diocese of Des Moines where I served in Shenandoah and Hamburg as the Pastor of St. Mary’s Churches. I obtained my Master’s in Theology and Christian Ministry from the Franciscan University of Steubenville.

Recently, Bishop Joensen asked me to serve as the Pastor of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish in Des Moines and I arrived here on the 7th of July to assume my new duties. I enjoy walking, music, playing the guitar, reading, cooking, washing my own car and meeting people.

Parish
News

Food Pantry Collection

St. Theresa 3rd Sunday Food Pantry CollectionOur 3rd Sunday DMARC Food Pantry collection will be March 16/17. We ask parishioners to bring non-perishable food items to place on the altar.  Baskets for monetary donations will be on either side of the altar.  Most needed items are: cash, canned meals (chili, stew, Chef Boyardee, etc.) canned […]

Lenten Meals

St. Theresa Knights of Columbus Lenten Meals  Every Friday during Lent, except Good Friday 5:30 – 7 p.m. in the school gym We are featuring fried fish, baked fish, fish tacos, cheese pizza, french fries, cole slaw, macaroni & cheese, and desserts.  Free will offerings will be accepted. The Knights are requesting donations from the bakers […]

Reflection “Seven Last Words of Christ”

Mark your calendar for a special reflection on the Last Words of Christ. Again, this year on PalmSunday, March 24, we will be reflecting on the homily Christ gave from the cross. The reflections will be different from last year and a great way to start Holy Week.  Please join us in the Church at […]