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About the
Catholic Education Center

Colette Lienhard, M.A.
Apostolic Catechetical Diploma
Director/Consultant
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Delores Nelson, M.A., O.C.D.
Instructor:
CAT101-105, BC101-105

Deacon Rafael Goldsmith
Instructor:
EC101-105, CB101-105
Programa de Maestría de Catequesis

Katherine Howe-Evans, M.A., Ed.D.
Instructor
CAT101-105, BC101-105
MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS

Patty Laing, M.A.
Instructor:
CAT101-105

David Wallace, M.A.
Instructor:
Catechetical Leader Courses

Joel deLoera, M.A.
Instructor:
Programa de Maestría de Catequesis
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Dcn. Anthony Calderon
Instructor:
EC101-105, CB101-105
MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS
Colette Lienhard, M.A. earned a double-honors Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies and French from the University of Western Ontario in 1997, and an M.A. in Theology (Catechetics) from the Notre Dame Graduate School of Christendom College in 1999. Through the same institution, she also received the Advanced Apostolic Catechetical Diploma awarded by the Holy See, the highest recognized diploma in the field of Catechetics. Colette is the author of the revised edition of the Faith and Life series, published by Ignatius Press and numerous catechetical resources. She is the founding director of the Catholic Education Center, LLC. and serves as the Consultant for Catechetics in the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, VA.
Delores Nelson, M.A., earned an Honors Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from National University in San Diego, California in 1984 and a Masters in Computer Information Systems in 1990 from Strayer University. In recent years she earned a Masters in Theology from the Notre Dame Graduate School of Christendom College in 2003. Delores is the Director of the Arlington Catechetical Society and is also a Third Order Carmelite.
Deacon Rafael Goldsmith, M.A. was ordained in 2015 by Bishop Paul Loverde and served at All Saints in Manassas and at St. John the Baptist in Front Royal prior to his retirement; however, he continues to serve the Lord and his people as well as enjoy his children and grandchildren. Prior to his diaconate, his career was in information systems, with an academic background in Mathematics, Psychology and Business Management. He has been with the Catholic Education Center since 2023 and enjoys the ministry of teaching catechists. His experiences as an Air Force instructor, as a catechist, and as a leader in many parish ministries bring a valuable contribution to the courses he teaches.
Katherine Howe-Evans, M.A., Ed.D., has a master's degree in Theology, a master's degree in Counseling, and a doctorate in Education. She has been RCIA Director for the past 6 years, serving at both St. Patrick Church in Fredericksburg and St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, where she is also the Director of Religious Education. She was previously a school principal in Haymarket for 7 years and taught third grade for 8 years.
Patty Laing, M.A. earned a BA in Music Management and a minor in Business from James Madison University in 1985. She earned an M.A. in Theology (Catechetics) from the Notre Dame Graduate School of Christendom College in 2024. Through the same institution, she also received the Advanced Apostolic Catechetical Diploma awarded by the Holy See, the highest recognized diploma in the field of Catechetics. Patty serves as the Director of Religious Education at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, in the Diocese of Arlington.
David Wallace, M.A., has served as a DRE in the Diocese of Arlington for over 16 years. He also teaches courses in catechetics and evangelization for the Christendom College Graduate School of Theology. He lives with his wife and seven children in Warren County and is in his first year of diaconal formation for the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia.
Joel deLoera, M.A., currently serves as Director of Hispanic Ministry for the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theological Studies and a Master’s degree in Pastoral Theology. He has shared his testimony at retreats and conferences throughout the country and abroad, and maintains an active presence on social media, where he continues to evangelize and accompany others on their faith journey.
Deacon Anthony Calderon
MEET OUR COURSE CREATORS
Deacon Gerard-Marie Anthony, M.A., received his B.A. in Theology from Christendom College, and his M.A. in Theology from the Catholic Distance University. He also has earned Virginia Catholic Education Association Teaching Certification. Deacon Anthony is a professor of Biblical Studies at the Catholic Biblical School as well as a Presenter for Sophia Press Institute for Teachers. Deacon Anthony is an avid writer. He is the author Peaceful Hearts, Zealous Hearts: How the Sacred Heart and Divine Mercy Devotions’ Complementary Messages Make Us New (Sophia Press), Walking Humbly with God: How Friendships Build Confidence, Support the Church, and are the Key to the New Evangelization (En Route Books and Media), The Deacon and the Doctor: A Prescription for Navigating Child Loss (En Route Books and Media), Who Am I: The Theology of the Body in Prayer (Bazalel Books), and has contributed articles to the Arlington Catholic Herald, Deacon Digest, Homiletics and Pastoral Review, Liguorian Magazine, Ethics and Medics, Our Sunday Visitor Newsweekly, Lay Witness Magazine and Spirituality Today e-magazine. He has also been a guest on "Son Rise Morning Show", "Catholic Connection with Teresa Tomeo" (EWTN Radio), The Catholic Current (Stations of the Cross Radio) and other Radio programs. Deacon Anthony is a theologian, author, apologist, and serves the community with the Mother of Light Center (helps bring dignity to those who are going through hard times), A M.O.M.S Peace (helping families with miscarriage), the Divine Mercy Home (those near end of life), and the Legion of Mary.
Jerome (Jerry) Aull, D.Min, earned his D.Min through Christ the Teacher College for his work in methodology, his M.A. in Systematic Theology in 1976 from the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, and a B.A. in Philosophy and Theology from St. Louis University in 1974. Jerry has extensive ministry experience spanning 40 years, including teaching at a Catholic College, High School, and the Archdiocesan Diaconate Formation Program for the Archdiocese of Georgia. Jerry has served as a High School administrator, Parish educator (teaching every level of CCD, RCIA and giving retreats, missions, and conferences) and liturgical musician.
Rev. Sebastian Carnazzo, Ph.D. received his M.A. in Theology with a concentration in Sacred Scripture from the Notre Dame Graduate School of Christendom College, and a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies at Catholic University of American, in Washington D.C. Fr. Carnazzo is a priest in the Melkite Catholic Church of America and is pastor of the St. Elias Melkite Parish in San Jose. He is the founding director of the Academy of Classical Languages and is an adjunct lecturer in Sacred Scripture and Catechetics for Notre Dame Graduate School of Christendom College. He is also the academic director for the formation of deacons in the Diocese of Tulsa, OK, and lecturer for the St Gregory Seminary program for the formation of deacons in the Melkite Eparchy of Newton, MA.
Sr. Bernadette Caron, SOLI, received her M.A. in Theology through the Notre Dame Graduate School of Christendom College, also earning the Advanced Apostolic Catechetical Diploma. The Sisters of Our Lady Immaculate are dedicated to catechesis and Sr. Bernadette has both served in parish and school settings.
Salvatore Ciresi, M.A., received his M.A. in Theology through the Notre Dame Graduate School of Christendom College. Mr. Ciresi is the founding director of the St. Jerome Biblical Guild.
Susan Doyle, M.Ed., earned her bachelor's degree in English at the College of William and Mary and her master's in special education at the University of Virginia. Before working for the Church, Susan taught in public schools. For her work with special needs students, she was awarded "Excellence in Education" by the Chamber of Commerce in Alexandria and received additional recognition three times from the school system for which she worked.
Romano Kidd, M.A., received his B.S. in Aviation Management from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, and his M.A. in Pastoral Theology from Saint Joseph’s College of Maine. He is a certified catechist for the Archdiocese for the Military Services and has taught religious education for more than 10 years. He has also performed as the Catholic youth ministry coordinator for Marine Corps Bases-Japan for three years.
Colette Lienhard, M.A. earned a double-honors Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies and French from the University of Western Ontario in 1997, and an M.A. in Theology (Catechetics) from the Notre Dame Graduate School of Christendom College in 1999. Through the same institution, she also received the Advanced Apostolic Catechetical Diploma awarded by the Holy See, the highest recognized diploma in the field of Catechetics. Colette is the author of the revised edition of the Faith and Life series, published by Ignatius Press and numerous catechetical resources. She is the founding director of the Catholic Education Center, LLC.
Patricia Maskell, B.S.N., M.A. completed her M.A. in Theology with a concentration in Moral Theology from Notre Dame Graduate School of Christendom College following her graduation from EPS (Education for Parish Services). With her nursing background, Patricia specializes in Medical moral ethics.
Denise McNulty, M.A. completed her M.A. in History from Villanova University, with a concentration in European History and a tremendous love of Church History. During her undergraduate work, she studied at Cambridge University, England. McNulty has taught History and Religion in middle school and has served as a parish catechist.
David Wallace, M.A., has served as a DRE in the Diocese of Arlington for over 16 years. He also teaches courses in catechetics and evangelization for the Christendom College Graduate School of Theology. He lives with his wife and seven children in Warren County and is in his first year of diaconal formation for the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia.
+Kenneth Whitehead, Ph.D. (hon.) was educated at the University of Utah and the University of Paris, Mr. Whitehead holds an honorary doctorate in Christian letters from the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio. Ken is an accomplished author and scholar.
Margaret Whitehead, M.R.S., was educated at Wayne State University and did graduate work at the University of Detroit. She has a Master's Degree in Religious Studies.
Having worked in Religious Education for more than 30 years, I know the importance of accessible quality catechist formation. Every teacher reaches a classroom of students. Giving formation, tools, and resources for ministry is crucial for supporting our dedicated teachers.
In 2006 the Catholic Education Center was founded to offer systematic online courses on the faith. Our instructors have advanced degrees and are faithful to the Magisterium. These same courses can be offered on site. Teaching the Faith is our passion; we know it is contagious. We have learned that trained teachers are retained teachers. The return on Catechist formation is long term.
In 2025 we began translating our courses into Spanish to reach the needs of the Church today. All our Catechism, Biblical Catechesis, and Ministry Training courses are offered in both English and Spanish. Our focus is parish ministry - and helping parishes grow through faith formation ministry.
