Nora Morales

Nora Morales

Youth Formation Coordinator

I am originally from Rio De Medina from the state of Zacatecas in Mexico. I have lived in the United States for the past 28 years. I attended high school in Lubbock, Texas, and moved to Iowa in 2005 when Jorge, my husband, accepted a job as a supervisor at Archer Daniel Midland, a soybean processing plant in Des Moines. After moving to Des Moines, I continued my education by taking medical billing and coding classes at the Mercy Campus on 6th Street in Des Moines.

About Nora

I am originally from Rio De Medina from the state of Zacatecas in Mexico. I have lived in the United States for the past 28 years. I attended high school in Lubbock, Texas, and moved to Iowa in 2005 when Jorge, my husband, accepted a job as a supervisor at Archer Daniel Midland, a soybean processing plant in Des Moines. After moving to Des Moines, I continued my education by taking medical billing and coding classes at the Mercy Campus on 6th Street in Des Moines.

Q Give an overview of your daily tasks at St. Boniface?
A On a daily basis I assist Amy Slick, director of Youth Faith Formation, with responsibilities for our rapidly expanding Faith Formation program. This includes preparation of materials for classes before Faith Formation starts in September. Then, once Faith Formation begins, my job will be to support the efforts of Amy and the catechist for all the children’s classes. As a past volunteer catechist at St. Boniface, I taught for three years, and was excited to have the opportunity to assume the position as Your Formation Coordinator.

Q What impact does your work have or that you wish it to have on the parish?
A Being bilingual, I can assist with the ever-increasing Hispanic population in both our area and within our Parish. Being bilingual is important to our family as we find it important that our children can speak both Spanish and English.

Q How does your past experiences with Catholicism differ than what is practiced here in the Midwest?
A I grew up Catholic, but some of our Hispanic traditions are slightly different than those in Iowa. For example, we celebrate St. Jude on October 28. According to our customs we invite friends and family to come to our home where we pray the Rosary and then enjoy a celebration dinner. St. Jude is the Patron Saint of Hope and impossible causes and one of Jesus’ original twelve Apostles. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, he made profound differences in people’s lives as he offered them the Word of God

Q What activities or volunteerism of others at St. Boniface have inspired you and why?
A I have enjoyed being part of the Angel Tree activities prior to Christmas and have provided gifts for needy families in the past. I also liked assisting with the wrapping of the gifts.

Q If someone asked you to describe St. Boniface in just a few sentences, what would that be?
A I feel that this a welcoming and fun parish. I feel at home when I come to Mass and when I come to work.

Q What are your favorite hobbies or activities away from church?
A I enjoy spending time with my husband Jorge and our children Rogelio (13), Isabela (9), and Rodrigo (8). I also enjoy cooking authentic Mexican meals.