Welcome!

We are a vibrant faith community inviting every person to an encounter with Jesus Christ and experience his call to friendship and communion.

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Annual Diocesan Appeal

Through the ADA we are able to prepare disciples for the domestic church, welcome people into communion, cultivate a culture of servant leadership and draw young people into deeper communion.

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National Eucharistic Pilgrimage

"...As faith in the real presence of Christ in his Eucharist deepened, the Church became conscious of the meaning of silent adoration of the Lord present under the Eucharistic species." (CCC 1379)

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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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Why Mass?

Is Mass just for those who have it all together? Hardly! Our new video series explores faith in Jesus and the value of Sunday Mass for our real lives, struggles and all.

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Volunteers Make an Impact with Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities could not do its work without the many volunteers running things behind the scenes. Each act of kindness helps fulfill Catholic Charities mission to empower individuals and strengthen families.

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Quick Links

Annual Diocesan Appeal Living Easter Eucharistic Revival Marriage and Family Life

News & Blog

Sisters build support for new medical clinic

April 17, 2024

At long last, the Nazareth sisters' effort to build a medical clinic for the poor in their homeland is coming to fruition. Construction has begun. But the clinic will need supplies to adequately help people. Learn more at an open house on April 25.

Discover the Difference: Volunteers build school chapel

April 17, 2024

Faith is infused in the daily lives of students at Catholic schools as evidenced by the new chapel built at St. Theresa Catholic School in Des Moines.

Human Dignity: A vocation to vision

April 17, 2024

When we together champion human dignity, seek to reflect a clearer sense of personal dignity in our way of beholding one another, and inscribe the truth of individual dignity in our laws and practices, we realize our vocation to communion.

Diocesan Events

Nazareth Sisters of the Annunciation Open House

April 25, 2024 7:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Location: St. Pius X Catholic Church Martha and Mary Fellowship Hall 3663 66th Street Urbandale, Iowa 50322

Come learn more about the work of the Nazareth Sisters of the Annunciation Living in Our Community.

Mental Health Ministry Retreat

May 5, 2024 12:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Location: Catholic Pastoral Center

Join us for a day of prayer and fellowship. This retreat will offer a deeper understanding and appreciation for topics related to mental health from a Catholic perspective. Prior to the retreat the Diocese will host a Mass at St. Ambrose Cathedral (607 High Street, Des Moines, IA 50309) at 11 am. The retreat will run from 12-4 PM at the Catholic Pastoral Center. All are welcome! Lunch is provided, as are all materials. Our keynote speaker is Matt Connolly, Board President of MindSpring Mental Health Alliance. Matt advocates in many ways for defeating stigma on mental illness and raises recovery awareness. He earned the Business Record's 40 under 40 award in 2013 and was named the DSM Westside Chamber 2018 Citizen of the Year.

Ministries & Services

Service Opportunities

Looking for a place to share your time and talent in service to others? There are several ways to get involved within Des Moines and our surrounding communities.

Giving

The Diocese of Des Moines provides many opportunities for people to share their gifts. Your generosity and support impact children and families of our community.

Catholic Social Teaching

In Catholic Social Teaching, the Church outlines seven specific ways we can put our faith into action by loving one another.