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
75th Anniversary Apparel Store
The 75th Anniversary Apparel Store is now open for orders! Clothing items, aprons, and ornaments are available for order on our online store. Click on the button below and place your order. Orders will arrive the first week of December and can be picked up at church or the parish office. Orders will close on November 11th.For […]
Yard Clean Up
Mark your calendars and come help us! We have 30 yards this year and need several working hands! Please volunteer to help with this great service to our parishioners in need. Your impact of service warms the heart of others! Read what this service project has meant to the recipients. “Here’s a big thank you […]
Lunch & Learn
Stephanie Lovenz from Aging Resources will speak on good nutrition and fall prevention for the older generations. After the presentation we will enjoy a delicious potluck lunch with lots of camaraderie. Bring a dish to share, and a friend for us to meet. RSVP to Barb Woods, bwoods@stsdsm.com or 515-210-664
Bazaar and Bake Sale
Join us for annual St. Theresa Ladies Bazaar and Bake Sale! Admission is free, bring your friends and family! Lunch, raffle, vendors (gifts, jewelry, art, home decor, crafts), visiting & activity with Santa, 9-11 a.m. (RSVP to Barb 515-277-1153)
Advent Tea
Join us for an Advent Tea on December 14, at 2 p.m. in the parish hall. Enjoy finger food, desserts, drinks, fellowship and guest speaker, Stacy Halbach. Bring your daughters, granddaughters, and friends! Tea party attire – Fascinators welcome. RSVP to Barb Chicoine, by December 7th. Call or text 515-979-5172.
Thanksgiving Desserts Needed
The St. Theresa Knights of Columbus help St. Joseph Parish prepare and deliver Thanksgiving meals for shut ins. Pies, cakes and bars for dessert to add to the traditional turkey dinners they serve are needed. Dessert Drop Off, Tuesday, November 26th, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., St. Theresa West Meeting Room. Questions, contact Tim Dempsey, […]