Diocesan Building Services
Diocesan Building Commission Guidelines
The Building Commission and diocesan staff strive to create a collaborative, team-oriented approach with the parish leadership and encourage the parish to do the same with its own building committee. Assembling the right team early in the project’s planning is critical. Making sound decisions early in the process will save significant time, money and effort as the project continues.
Church Design & Renovation Guidelines
The design or renovation of your worship space is an exciting and formative time in the life of a parish community. The Office of Worship works closely with parishes as they plan and design renovations and new church buildings. As the Diocesan Building Commission Guidelines state, any parish or pastor anticipating any change in the worship space must contact the Office of Worship. This will be a significant resource as plans are developed.
It is important to become familiar with the USCCB document regarding liturgical art and environment, Built of Living Stones".
Please contact the Worship Office to begin or inquire about this process.
Recent Projects
New Construction
- St. Patrick Church, Council Bluffs (dedication on June 7, 2018)
- St. Luke the Evangelist, Ankeny (blessing and dedication was June 20, 2015)
- St. Joseph Chapel at Dowling Catholic High School (blessed on May 9, 2015)
- St. Monica Chapel at St. Augustin School, Des Moines (blessed on June 21, 2013)
- St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Indianola (dedicated August 23, 2012)
- St. Joseph Church, Winterset (dedicated on August 23, 2009)
Renovation
- Our Lady's Immaculate Heart, Ankeny (re-dedicated June 20, 2010)
- St. Joseph, Des Moines (re-dedicated on October 18, 2009)
Design & Renovation Process
The guidelines for the design and building process for the Diocese of Des Moines are available below, or by requesting a paper copy. You may contact the office at 515-237-5048 or via email and Sister Jude or Norm Bormann and we will be able to mail you a copy.