St. Theresa of the Child Jesus to Host Winter Wisdom Speaker Series
by Diocese of Des Moines | December 22, 2025
Warm up your winter evenings with inspiration, connection, and meaningful conversation! Join St. Theresa of the Child Jesus in Des Moines for their Winter Wisdom Speaker Series, a four-week gathering designed to deepen insight, spark reflection, and strengthen community. Each session offers a welcoming space to learn, grow, and be renewed.
All are invited—come for one evening or enjoy the entire series. We look forward to sharing this enriching speaker series with you!
Speaker Schedule
What is a pilgrimage, and why does it matter in my life? Join Fr. Mike Mahoney as he explains the meaning and importance of pilgrimage in the Catholic faith — and how we are all pilgrims, even without traveling far. The event will also include a virtual pilgrimage to Rome and beyond!
What should a Catholic do when facing the challenges of marriage, separation, or divorce? All are called to live lives of love and faith, yet many marriages struggle. Join our speaker panel to learn what marriage is meant to be, how to navigate difficulties, and when divorce or annulment may be necessary.
Our panel features Ann and Bill Moore from the Des Moines Diocese’s marriage support program, The Third Option. Having faced many of the same struggles other couples experience, they will share how they strengthen their own marriage and help others do the same.
Justin White, Diocesan Marriage & Family Life Director, will explain what makes a marriage valid and share insights from his own life as a Catholic husband and father. A guest priest will clarify what an annulment is—and isn’t—while offering practical guidance on the updated annulment process and his pastoral experience supporting those in marital crisis.
Join author, speaker & parent Stacy Halbach as she responds to modern challenges of raising children in the faith. With husband Dcn. Matt Halbach, their website Jump In Catholic Family Life Ministry says, "We support Catholic families with down-to-earth advice, relatable stories, and practical resources that actually work for busy families." Receive the gifts of peace and hope through using Stacy’s effective tools to raise faith-filled children.
Strengthen the heart and hands of Christ in our world! Join John Huynh, D.Min, Director of Social Justice for the Diocese of Des Moines and Catholic Charities, and Patty Origer, Persons with Disability Ministry Coordinator, as they highlight both visible and unseen needs of others and share practical ways to respond with compassion and action like Jesus. Their insights will help prepare us for a meaningful Lenten Journey!