Community Partners Support Catholic Charities Food Pantry

The Catholic Charities Food Pantry renovations are complete, following a car accident that left major structural damage.

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Fr. John Acrea, A Legend Who Was Loved

Father John Acrea will be remembered as a priest who loved with gentle strength and who had a special gift for working with students.

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September is National Suicide Prevention Month

September is National Suicide Prevention Month—a sacred time to remember those we’ve lost to suicide and to support families and communities impacted by this deep pain.

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Special Collection for the People of Gaza

This special collection for the Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) is your opportunity to join Catholics around the world in providing vital humanitarian relief to aid the starving people in Gaza.

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Catholic Schools

There are millions of reasons why a Catholic education is the best education around. Witness the difference!

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Pilgrims of Hope: A Pastoral Reflection on Immigration

The Bishops of Iowa released a pastoral reflection on the Church’s teaching on immigration and the dignity of the human person. This letter invites Catholics into deeper reflection on immigration as a moral issue outside of political rhetoric that can be rooted in fear or false narratives.

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Quick Links

The Catholic Mirror Appeal Jubilee 2025 Mental Health Ministry Eucharistic Adoration

News & Blog

Faster Network, New Technology Coming to Des Moines Region Schools

September 15, 2025

Over the summer the Region Business Office replaced outdated systems with a unified, secure, and high-performance infrastructure that will benefit students and staff for years to come.

Bringing Mary’s Seven Sorrows Into Focus

September 17, 2025

The Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows brings Mary’s seven sorrows into focus for all of September. While this rosary can be prayed at any time, it is often prayed on this day.

What is Mental Health Sunday?

September 10, 2025

As part of the National Catholic Mental Health Campaign, the USCCB is encouraging Catholic parishes to participate in Mental Health Sunday on the weekend following World Mental Health Day.

Diocesan Events

Teens Encounter Christ

September 20, 2025 9:00 AM
Location: St. Thomas More Center, 6177 Panorama Road, Panora, IA 50216

We’re excited to announce that TEC—Teens Encounter Christ—is coming back to the Diocese of Des Moines! All current high school juniors and seniors to attend this co-ed retreat.

Mass for Suicide Remembrance

September 21, 2025 11:00 AM
Location: St. Ambrose Cathedral, 607 High St, Des Moines, IA 50309

On Sunday, September 21, the St. Ambrose Cathedral will remember those who have been lost to suicide. If you have a loved one whose life has been taken due to suicide, we invite you to this special Mass and to light a candle in their honor.

Saint Phoebe Day: A Celebration of Holy Women Past & Present

September 27, 2025 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Emmaus House, 3315 70th St, Urbandale, IA 50322

Join the Emmaus House as we celebrate the gifts of women and imagine how those gifts can further enrich the Church in the Diocese of Des Moines.

Ministries & Services

Giving

Your continued generosity each year helps provide the needed funds for programs and ministries throughout our Diocese. These programs provide services that no one parish could provide on its own. Every gift matters!

Catholic Charities Annual Appeal

Donors who commit to an annual gift help strengthen and empower individuals and families through some of the most difficult times in their lives. Consider an annual gift that will help all year!

Mental Health Ministry

Mental Health Ministry is the process of spiritual accompaniment with others as they experience God's presence, love, and healing.

Catholic Foundation of Southwest Iowa

The Catholic Foundation of Southwest Iowa (CFSWIA) is a non-profit, charitable organization that assists individuals, parishes, schools, and Catholic organizations across the 23-county Diocese of Des Moines as they seek to secure and provide long-term financial support.