Leadership at St. Paul’s
Clergy
The Rt. Rev. Betsey Monnot
Bishop of The Diocese of Iowa
Bishop Monnot is the leader of the Diocese of Iowa. She is passionate about strengthening the bond of congregations together through their shared love of Christ. She joins St. Paul’s for holy days and special occasions, as we are the spiritual center of the Diocese of Iowa.
Photo: Rachel Mummey
The Very Rev. Nicola Dance
Dean of The Cathedral
Amma Nicola is the priest in charge of St. Paul’s. She is passionate about building active communities of faith that are “Grounded in Worship, Deepening in Faith, and Reaching Out in Love.” Email Amma Nicola
The Rev. Jean McCarthy
Priest Associate
The Rev. Jean McCarthy was received into the Episcopal Church at Easter in 1996 and has had a close connection with St. Paul’s ever since. She served as Rector of St. Mark’s in Des Moines until her retirement in 2015. Since then, she has been actively involved as a supply clergy to small churches across the diocese, EFM mentor, and many other diocesan activities.
The Rev. Michael Monnot
Priest Associate
The Rev. Michael Monnot serves as an Associate Priest at St. Paul’s, having arrived at the Cathedral and in Des Moines late in 2022. He discerned his call to ministry while serving as a youth minister at St. James' Episcopal church in San Francisco. He has held various roles within the Diocese of Northern California, including serving as co-rector with his wife Betsey, and as a member of the Board of Trustees.
The Rev. John Doherty
Deacon
Deacon John assists with social ministries, community engagement, and pastoral visitation. He is passionate about helping people get out into the world to do the work Christ has called them to. Email Deacon John
The Rev. Jean Davis
Deacon
Deacon Jean was ordained to the vocational diaconate in April 2021. She is passionate about social justice issues, creating a welcoming community for immigrants and refugees, and healing prayer. Email Deacon Jean
Staff
Canon Mark Babcock
Organist/Choirmaster
Mark helps everyone connect to God through music. Serving as cathedral organist and choir master since 2016 and 2018, respectively, he is passionate about song and fellowship, building strong bonds within the choir community and the congregation as a whole. Email Mark
Joshua Boggs
Assistant Choirmaster
Lisa Nelson
Finance Specialist
Lisa and her husband Jeremiah moved to Iowa right before COVID. We enjoy our lifestyle downtown. Her education and work background have included being a Legal Assistant and Physical Therapist Assistant. Interests include equestrian trail riding and traveling. Their family includes a Norwegian Fjord horse (Stella) and two tuxedo cats (Ollie and Percy).
John Zickefoose
Executive Assistant to the Dean
John assists with all things communication related: the bulletin, newsletter, emails, phone calls, etc. He is passionate about bringing light and laughter into people’s lives. Email John Z.