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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Iowa Bishops Release Pastoral Letter on Immigration

The four Catholic bishops of Iowa, through the Iowa Catholic Conference, have released a pastoral reflection on the Church’s teaching on immigration and the dignity of the human person.

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Catholic Charities: Loving Neighbors in Need

Every day, Catholic Charities bears witness to the unseen strength of neighbors striving to overcome life’s challenges.

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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

Bishop Joensen and Donna Bishop, Schools Superintendent, Release Statement Following Annunciation Shooting in Minneapolis

August 27, 2025

Our prayers are with the families most touched by this grievous event, with Archbishop Bernard Hebda of the Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis and all the faithful and people of the Twin Cities region.

Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools' Host Annual Convocation for Educators

August 29, 2025

In August, 575 Catholic educators assembled for the 2025 Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools' annual convocation, with the keynote delivered by Tom Quinlan.

Why Do We Celebrate Catechetical Sunday?

August 20, 2025

On Sept. 21, catechists throughout our Diocese will be honored and commissioned to teach the faith in the name of the Church, a ministry of profound dignity.

Diocesan Events

YCDM First Friday Mass & Fellowship

September 5, 2025 5:30 PM
Location: Christ the King Catholic Church, 5711 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315

Join YCDM to take part in the First Friday devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus! Meet for Holy Mass at Christ the King before heading out for dinner for fellowship.

2025 Bishop's Celebration of Catholic Schools

September 13, 2025 4:00 PM
Location: Diocese of Des Moines Pastoral Center, 601 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309

The Bishop's Celebration of Catholic Schools is an annual event held in celebration of the life-changing impact our faith-centered education has provided for more than 150 years.

Encounter School of Healing

September 19, 2025 5:30 PM - 09:30 PM
Location: Sacred Heart Catholic Church 1627 Grand Avenue West Des Moines, Iowa 50265

The Encounter School of Healing teaches, activates and deploys Catholics to participate in the healing ministry of Jesus.

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.