Meet our Staff​
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Fr. Jeff Belger
Priest Director

Fr. Jeff Belger is the Priest Director of the Newman Center. He is a native of Doylestown, PA (but does not remember it), and is beginning his twelfth year at the Newman Center. Prior he served as Priest Campus Minister at the Newman Center and Parochial Vicar at St. Mary of the Visitation Parish. In addition to Iowa City, he has served in Clinton (Prince of Peace Parish), Pella (St. Mary Parish), and Oskaloosa (St. Mary Parish). Fr. Jeff began his discernment to the priesthood while a student at Notre Dame High School in Burlington. After working professionally as a Program Director for the YMCA in St. Louis, MO, Fort Wayne, IN, Atlanta, GA, and Nashville, TN, he returned back to Notre Dame High School as a teacher and Youth Minister. He attended St. Meinrad School of Theology, where he earn both an MA and an MDiv in Theology.

​jeff@newman-ic.org

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Deacon Joe Welter​

Deacon Joe Welter is a deacon of the Diocese of Davenport, and is assigned to the Newman Catholic Student Center, St. Mary Parish, and the Diocesan Office of Social Action. A native of Long Grove, IA, Joe is an alumni of The University of Iowa and has been involved at the Newman Center for more than two decades. He is a civil and environmental engineer. He is married to Katie, a math and religion teacher in the Regina Junior and Senior High School. They have three children.

​welterj@diodav.org

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Joe Mattingly
Director of Music

Joe Mattingly, a well-known author of contemporary liturgical music, whose work is used in parishes and schools throughout the country, is the Director of Music at the Newman Center. Under his guidance, the Newman Singers have cultivated a reputation as a leading ensemble of contemporary liturgical and inspirational music. The Singers have recorded 11 CDs of original music, and they tour nationally. 
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For more information, please visit: www.newmansingers.com

nspinfo@newmansingers.com

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Christine Wissink
Director of Outreach and Education

Christine Wissink began working at the Newman Center in the summer of 2016 as the Director of Outreach and Education. A native of Hiawatha, IA, Christine has 17 years of experience in youth, young adult, and campus ministry and holds a Master's degree in Ministry from Loras College. She recently obtained her Advanced Campus Ministry Certification through the Catholic Campus Ministry Association. Previously Christine served as the Associate Director for Campus Ministry for the Diocese of Sacramento in California. Christine is married to Tony, a native of Iowa City, and they have one son. 

​christine@newman-ic.org

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Ann Thomas

Outreach Assistant

Ann Thomas joined the Newman Center as Outreach Assistant in 2021, supporting the ministries of Service and Social Justice, Graduate Student and Young Professionals Group, and the Catholic Relief Services University of Iowa Chapter.  In addition to her work at the Newman Center, she serves as managing editor of the Catholic literary journal Dappled Things, and holds an MA in Russian Language and Literature from the University of Iowa.  Ann and her husband, Caine, are originally from Waterloo, Iowa. They have five children and have called Iowa City home since 1997.
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ann@newman-ic.org

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April Rouner
Director of Development

April Rouner has served in the development profession for over 26 years. She was the  Executive Director of the Regina Foundation for the past 16 years and prior to Regina, April was a development officer for Abbe Center, Inc in Cedar Rapids for 10 years. ​April is a UI  graduate and is proud to say she began her love of the Newman Center when she attended as a student. April and her husband, Steve, have four sons whom graduated from The  University of Iowa and also participated at the Newman Center as college students. April and  Steve are long-time members of the Newman Center's Founders' Club. April joined the  Newman Center staff in October 2016.

​april@newman-ic.org

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Mary Rae Meyer
Development Assistant

Mary Rae Meyer joined the Newman Center staff in August 2017. She has lived in the Iowa City area with her family since 1999. She is a member of St. Mary's Parish as well as a graduate of The University of Iowa. Mary Rae and her husband, Ron, have been married for 25 years, and have a son and a daughter who are both recent graduates of Regina.

maryrae@newman-ic.org

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Ronda Lipsius
Administrative Assistant

Ronda is in her 16th year working at the Newman Center. Ronda is the Administrative Assistant as well as the Facilities Manager. Ronda and her husband, Mark, have been married for 39 years and have one son, two daughters, four granddaughters and one grandson. 

​ronda@newman-ic.org

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Mike Leuck
Greeter and Sacristan

Mike Leuck is the friendly face at the front desk providing hospitality and greeting all those who enter the Newman Center for the last two years. He also serves as the Sacristan for Newman, making preparations for liturgical celebrations. Originally from Moline, IL, Mike has lived in the great state of Iowa for more than 40 years. He has held many jobs over the years and his favorites have been in sales. Mike loves to talk and can chat with the best of them. Stop by and see him!

​mikeleuck@newman-ic.org

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Dan Teets
Director of R.C.I.A

Dan Teets is Director of Adult Spiritual Formation at St. Mary Church and Director of R.C.I.A at the Newman Center. He works with adults interested in finding out more about the Catholic faith and Catholic adults who wish to deepen their relationship with Jesus. Dan also works full time at the University of Iowa Libraries in Acquisitions and Cataloging. Dan has been happily married to Janet since November 1989. They have five beautiful daughters and a handsome son. Dan's greatest joy in life is sharing the Good News of salvation available through Christ with others. In his free time he enjoys being with family.

​dan-icstmarys@q.com

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More Priests Who Serve at Newman

Fr. Bill Kaska

Fr. Bill Kaska was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Davenport in 1969. He is retired but regularly presides at daily Mass at the Newman Center. Before retirement he was one of the Catholic chaplains for 10 years at The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

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Fr. Steve Witt

Fr. Steve Witt is a priest of the Davenport Diocese and an alumnus of The University of Iowa with a Masters in Public Affairs. He serves as Pastor at St. Mary of the Visitation Parish as well as exercising Sacramental Ministry and support at the Newman Center.

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Fr. Adokole John Paul Otanwa

Fr Adokole John Paul Otanwa is a priest of the Via Christi society, Diocese of Makurdi, Nigeria. He is currently in residence at the Newman Center while undertaking doctoral studies at The University of Iowa. He enjoys presiding at the Newman Center Masses as needed.

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Fr. Ed Fitzpatrick

​Fr. Ed Fitzpatrick was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Davenport in 1970. Fr. Ed retired in July of 2015 after serving as the Priest Director of the Newman Center since 1984. He enjoys presiding at the Newman Center Masses as needed.

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