Get the essentials for Lent

Lean into Lent with these family-friendly tools from Fish Fry listings to reconciliation services and more.

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CRS Rice Bowl Grant Applications Open

Organizations that focus on alleviating hunger and poverty are invited to apply for a 2026 CRS Rice Bowl grant.

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Winter Program Needs

If you or your organization is looking for a way to help others in the community this winter, Catholic Charities has you covered!

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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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Deacon Kurt Heinrich's Story

"Being a deacon to me has been a ministry of service."

Deacon Kurt Heinrich is an ordained permanent deacon for the Diocese of Des Moines. You can learn more about the permanent diaconate by visiting dmdiocese.org/diaconate.

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Quick Links

Giving The Catholic Mirror Newsletter 2026 Annual Diocesan Appeal Living Lent

News & Blog

'Man of the Shroud' Makes Easter 'More Vivid'

March 24, 2026

The Spirit Catholic Radio-sponsored “Man of the Shroud” presentation at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Council Bluffs took place on Thursday, March 19, at 6:30 p.m., as part of an exhibit that was open to the public from March 15-19.

Pray for those involved in incident at Ankeny Catholic school

March 24, 2026

Please keep in your prayers all those involved in an incident at St. Luke Catholic School in Ankeny on Tuesday. We're grateful for the help and support offered.

Lenten Crosses at St. Francis of Assisi Support Organizations

March 23, 2026

St. Francis of Assisi's Lenten Crosses will be up throughout Lent until the weekend before holy week. Anyone can participate by taking cross cards from the crosses that are in the gathering space. You either return your donations to the Parish Hall to the matching tub of the cross color, or just complete the action that is on the cross. These actions can range from donating items, signing up to volunteer or simple prayer.

Diocesan Events

Nun Run

March 27, 2026 7:50 AM - March 28, 2026 8:00 PM
Location: Convents in Kansas and Missouri

Women discerning religious life are invited to go with Father Max Carson to visit convents in Kansas and Missouri March 27-28.

Brushstrokes of Faith with Root & Bloom Forever

March 28, 2026 12:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Location: Divine Treasures, 5701 Hickman Road, Des Moines, Iowa 50310

Artist Mary Shell will be painting live in-store at Divine Treasures. Stop by to watch her demonstrate how she creates one-of-a-kind watercolors and see how she beautifully weaves faith into her art.

Ministries & Services

Deaf & Disability Ministry

The Office for Disability Ministry serves as a resource providing parishes, schools, individuals and families with tools to make the Catholic faith accessible to all.

Marriage & Family Life

Sharing in Christ's vision, the Diocese of Des Moines Marriage and Family Life Department seeks to work with parishes and couples, walking with all families in all their stages of life.

Mental Health Ministry

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

Youth Ministry

The Diocesan Office of Youth Ministry partners with parishes and families to foster these communities and experiences as our Diocesan youth traverse the difficult world of being a teen.