Mental Health Ministry

If your parish currently doesn't have a mental health ministry, starting one can be a gift to your entire parish community.

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Holy Trinity Teacher Saves a Student's Life

Lunch duty may not be the most glamorous part of a teacher’s job, but on one ordinary Wednesday, Liz Brott experienced firsthand how important that role truly is.

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Diocese Rolls Out New Deanery Structure

“It’s time for our Diocese to establish deaneries,” said Father Fleming. “There are many benefits that spring from having this kind of organizational structure for our parishes.”

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Msgr. Bognanno Celebrates 60 Years as a Priest

As Monsignor Frank Bognanno prepares to celebrate his 60th ordination anniversary on June 6, he says he didn’t have a grand plan for his priestly life other than to serve where God and his bishop planted him.

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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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2024-25 Administrator of the Year

Meet Erica Arnold, the 2024-25 Administrator of the Year for the Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools. Known affectionately as the "spreadsheet queen," Erica excels at utilizing data to make informed, strategic decisions that benefit the academic environment. While she masterfully navigates the complexities of school administration through analysis, the heart of Erica's work always remains focused on what is best for the students.

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Annual Diocesan Appeal Jubilee 2025 Mental Health Ministry Eucharistic Adoration

News & Blog

Deacon Boatwright: ‘God doesn’t always draw in a straight line’

June 2, 2025

Deacon Stephen Boatwright’s journey to his May 31 ordination as a priest was marked by 44 years of marriage with a loving wife, 33 years as a permanent deacon and 13 years in retirement.

I Am a Confiteor, How About You?

May 21, 2025

I asked the priest later for the name of that beautiful prayer at the beginning and I tried to explain it to him as the sinner’s prayer and he told me it was called the Confiteor, meaning the confessor.

Catholic School, ESA Provide New Path for Student with Special Needs

May 15, 2025

When Crystal Irey and her husband began exploring a new school for their fifth-grade daughter, she wondered if a Catholic school could provide the special services her child needs.

Diocesan Events

Forge Presents: Dr. Jared Zimmerer - Basilicas and Barbells

June 18, 2025 7:00 PM
Location: The Hall, 111 S 11th St., West Des Moines, IA 50265

Since 2000, gym memberships in the U.S. have more than doubled. In his talk, Dr. Jared Zimmerer will discuss the relationship between mental, spiritual, and physical flourishing.

I Feel Helpless: How to Accompany During Time of Grief

June 24, 2025 6:15 PM
Location: St. John’s Catholic Church, Social Hall, 24043 302nd Pl. Adel, IA 50003

Learn what makes us uncomfortable with grief, how to manage our own feelings when approaching someone grieving, and how to effectively communicate with and care for a person grieving.

2025 Biking for Babies Central Iowa Ride for Life

June 28, 2025 7:45 AM - 01:00 PM
Location: St. Luke the Evangelist, 1102 NW Weigel Drive, Ankeny, IA 50023

Join Bishop William Joensen and fellow cycling enthusiasts for a day with family and friends on the High Trestle Trail.

Ministries & Services

Giving

Your continued generosity each year helps provide the needed funds for programs and ministries throughout our Diocese. These programs provide services that no one parish could provide on its own. Every gift matters!

Catholic Charities Annual Appeal

Donors who commit to an annual gift help strengthen and empower individuals and families through some of the most difficult times in their lives. Consider an annual gift that will help all year!

Mental Health Ministry

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

Catholic Foundation of Southwest Iowa

The Catholic Foundation of Southwest Iowa (CFSWIA) is a non-profit, charitable organization that assists individuals, parishes, schools, and Catholic organizations across the 23-county Diocese of Des Moines as they seek to secure and provide long-term financial support.