M. Johanna Paruch

Sr. M. Johanna Paruch, Ph.D., is a Professor of Theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville. She specializes in catechetics and has held academic and pastoral roles across multiple dioceses and institutions. Her work includes religious education for deaf communities, curriculum development, and research on Catholic sisters in the American Civil War. She serves on the USCCB’s National Advisory Committee and consults for the Bishops’ Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis.

Education:

• BA in Theology and Elementary Education, St. Louis University
• MA from the Angelicum (Notre Dame Catechetical Institute)
• Pontifical Catechetical Diploma
• PhD from Maryvale Institute, Birmingham, England

Research & Ministry: She focuses on catechetical methods, disability inclusion in religious education, and historical roles of Catholic sisters. Her book Mentors for the New Evangelization (four printings) explores strategies for modern evangelization. She travels nationally presenting workshops on catechist training and disability-inclusive catechesis.

Affiliations: Member of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George, former director of Religious Education at St. Mary’s Parish (Alton, IL), and adjunct instructor at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary (St. Louis).