Note: The diocesan Schools Office has sent a note to all Catholic school parents and staff members regarding H1N1 flu (also known as swine flu).

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Dear Friends in Christ,

I have been associated with Catholic schools throughout my life as a student, a teacher, a pastor, seminary rector, and as bishop.  In addition, I have served on several of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ committees including presently the USCCB Committee on Education.  Catholic schools have been and are an important part of my ministry as priest and bishop. 

I believe firmly in the purpose and value of our Catholic schools.  Catholic schools continue to be one of the best ways, our Church has to transmit the beliefs, practices and traditions of our faith.  Catholic schools help young people know the fundamentals of Catholicism and the Church, its mission and ministries.  The schools also assist our youth to understand and accept their responsibility to serve God and the human family.  In addition, through Catholic schools, the Church supports parents in their right to choose the school that best fits their family values and desires for the education of their children.

Our Catholic schools not only serve the Church but they also serve the greater society in a variety of ways. Catholic schools maintain high academic standards in addition to forming students in our faith.   Our schools also save state and local governments large amounts of tax money since they do not have to expend funds on their behalf in government schools.  Moreover, we are proud of the responsible and productive citizens who constitute the alumni of Catholic Schools.

Your support and involvement in Catholic Education will pay rich dividends for our young people, their families, the Church and society.  I am grateful for all that you do and continue to do on its behalf.

Bishop Richard E. Pates

Purposes of Catholic Schools

The United States Catholic Bishops maintain that Catholic schools continue to be “the most effective means available to the Church for the education of children and young people.”   Catholic schools afford the fullest and best opportunity to realize the fourfold purposes of Christian education:

• Provide an atmosphere where the Gospel message is proclaimed
• Create community in which Christ is experienced
• Provide service to others as the norm
• Cultivate thanksgiving and worship of our God

In Support of Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools, USCCB, 1990 & 2005

Purposes of the 17 Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools:

• Educate the whole person – mind, body, and soul
• Support parents as the primary educators of their children in the Catholic faith
• Play a vital role in the evangelizing mission of the Church
• Offer excellent academics within the context of Catholic teaching and practice
• Teach values
• Incorporate individual responsibility and discipline
• Achieve success

 Schools with websites are the following: 
Assumption School, Granger
Christ the King School,  Des Moines
Dowling Catholic High School, West Des Moines
Holy Family School, Des Moines
Holy Trinity School, Des Moines
Sacred Heart School, West Des Moines
Shelby County Catholic School
St. Albert Schools, Council Bluffs
St. Anthony School, Des Moines
St. Augustin School, Des Moines
St. Francis of Assisi School, West Des Moines
St. Joseph School, Des Moines
St. Malachy School, Creston (under construction)
St. Patrick School, Perry
St. Pius X School, Urbandale
St. Theresa School, Des Moines