What's Your Vocation Call?

If you feel God may be calling you to priesthood or religious life, let us know. Talk to your pastor, a seminarian, and our Vocations Office for more information.

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Faith This Fall

Looking to get involved in faith community this fall? Stay up to date on our events page to see what's happening across our Diocese.

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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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Move From Maintenance to Mission

Parish and diocesan leadership from across the Midwest are coming here in March to learn how to kick start parish renewal.

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Students Wouldn't Be Here Without ESAs

You may not know this, but tuition at our Catholic schools doesn't cover the cost to educate. Since their founding, Catholic schools in the Diocese of Des Moines have kept tuition as low as possible to ensure faith-based education was accessible to as many people as possible, but it still was not an option for so many families.

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Giving The Catholic Mirror Newsletter Midwest on Mission Confirmation Changes

News & Blog

Deacon Cohort Celebrates its 20th Anniversary

September 22, 2026

On August 19, 2006, 12 men’s lives changed forever when then-Bishop Joseph Charron laid hands on them and ordained them as permanent deacons. Fast-forward 20 years later, and countless lives have been touched by the selflessness of their vocations.

Deacon Cohort Celebrates its 40th Anniversary

September 22, 2026

When seven men were ordained to the permanent diaconate on October 4, 1986, expectations of what exactly a deacon did were still uncertain. They were the seventh community ordained in the Diocese. As time went on, their vocations not only provided invaluable ministry to their parishes, but also introduced to their parishioners an understanding of who deacons are and what they do.

Missionaries overcome immigration obstacles to serve the Diocese

September 22, 2026

Father Kevin Anigbo and Father Solomon Andrew, both members of the Missionaries of Divine Mercy religious order in Nigeria, arrived in Des Moines on Tuesday, September 8, at 3 p.m.

Diocesan Events

Tap into Faith: Amy Harryman

October 25, 2026 6:30 PM - 08:30 PM
Location: King's Head (next to Magee's Irish Pub), 1610 SW Main St, Ankeny

Tap into Faith is a monthly event bringing people together for an evening of faith and fellowship in a casual environment.

Midwest on Mission

March 2, 2027 1:00 PM - 08:45 PM
Location: Our Lady's Immaculate Heart Catholic Church, 510 E 1st Street, Ankeny, IA 50021

Midwest on Mission is a transformative experience intended to launch sustained Catholic parish renewal.

Midwest on Mission

March 3, 2027 8:45 AM - 06:00 PM
Location: Our Lady's Immaculate Heart Catholic Church, 510 E 1st Street, Ankeny, IA 50021

Midwest on Mission is a transformative experience intended to launch sustained Catholic parish renewal.

Ministries & Services

Deaf & Disability Ministry

The Office for Disability Ministry serves as a resource providing parishes, schools, individuals and families with tools to make the Catholic faith accessible to all.

Marriage & Family Life

Sharing in Christ's vision, the Diocese of Des Moines Marriage and Family Life Department seeks to work with parishes and couples, walking with all families in all their stages of life.

Mental Health Ministry

Mental Health Ministry is the process of spiritual accompaniment with others as they experience God's presence, love, and healing.

Youth Ministry

The Diocesan Office of Youth Ministry partners with parishes and families to foster these communities and experiences as our diocesan youth traverse the difficult world of being a teen.