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

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, […]

Cards & Games

Join us for Cards and Games on Wednesday, November 27, from 1-3 p.m. in the East Meeting Room. Take a break from all of the Thanksgiving preparation and enjoy some time for yourself! Bring a treat to share, a friend to introduce, and an eagerness to have fun. Learning new games is exciting, but meeting new […]

Eucharistic Minister, Lector, and Sacristan Training

Sacristan Training Have you ever wondered who prepares and oversees the setting up for Mass so the parishioners of St. Theresa can participate in the liturgical celebration?  It is the Sacristan!  As Sacristans, we are answering God’s call to serve our pastors and parish community in a vital and sacred way.  Plans are underway to […]

Fall Clean Up

Thank you for making this years’ Fall Clean Up a total success. Thank you to the members of our parish, whose yards we cleaned, giving us the opportunity to serve. Thank you to all the volunteers that showed up on a rainy Saturday morning. A very special thanks to all the team leaders, who had […]

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.