Our Mission

We are sowing God's Spirit. Sparked by the joy of the Gospel kindled in our own hearts, love turns fear to holy boldness as we listen and speak anointed words to persons who have grown lukewarm in their capacity to trust, and who find it hard to believe they are beautiful and beloved in God’s sight. 

Our Vision

As we Sow God’s Spirit in the world, we lean into our vision of cultivating connections in Christ. We form intimate bonds with Christ through the personal and collective experiences of (1) encounter, (2) friendship and (3) communion. Cultivating these connections in Christ is central to our vision as a people after God’s own heart.

Learn More About Our Strategic Vision

Who We Serve

The Diocese of Des Moines serves people over a 12,446 square mile area in the southwestern quadrant of Iowa, including 23 counties.

The Diocese of Des Moines is comprised of:

  • 130,000 estimated Catholics*
  • 80 parishes
  • 16 schools
  • 51 active diocesan priests
  • 4 Catholic hospitals

*based on a combination from the 2020 Official Catholic Directory report and estimated unregistered Hispanic families

Our Bishops

 

We are grateful for the dedicated and faithful service of the bishops of our diocese who built a strong foundation for a flourishing faith community. Bishop William Joensen is our shepherd. Our retired bishops are Bishop Emeritus Richard Pates and Bishop Joseph L. Charron, C.PP.S.

Bishop William Joensen

Bishop William Joensen is our current bishop, installed in 2019 by Pope Francis.

Bishop Emeritus Richard Pates

Bishop Richard Pates served as bishop for 11 years, from 2008-2019, when he retired. Since retiring he has served as Apostolic Administrator at various dioceses across the country.

Bishop Emeritus Joseph L. Charron, C.PP.S.

Bishop Joseph Charron served as bishop for 13 years, from 1994-2007, when he retired due to health reasons.