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Annual Seminarian Appeal

The Seminarian Fund provides support for the education of the men who are discerning priesthood within the Diocese of Des Moines.

Donate

YOUTH 2000 Registration Now Open!

All junior high and high school aged youth are invited to attend YOUTH 2000, a weekend long retreat focused on the Eucharist.

Register

Advent Resources Available

Advent is a busy time! It can also be a meaningful, joyful, and even peaceful time if we live Advent intentionally, as a season of preparing our hearts and homes for Jesus's coming.

Get Resources

Catholic Charities Annual Appeal

Catholic Charities’ Annual Appeal is the primary funding source for Catholic Charities. It is because of donors, like YOU, we can live out our mission to Empower Individuals and Strengthen Families.

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Catholic Schools

There are millions of reasons why a Catholic education is the best education around. Witness the difference!

Learn More

What is Advent?

The definition of Advent is “the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event” and as Catholics we recognize Advent as a season of preparation, when we're waiting for the birth of Jesus. But is Advent also about something more? And how do we prepare for it?

News & Blog

Dr. Scott Hahn and the St. Paul Center to Speak at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church

December 2, 2024

Free event welcomes all to deepen faith through scripture.

Discover the Difference: Supporting the Future of Catholic Education

November 19, 2024

The Diocese is undertaking an ambitious new vision to secure a vibrant future for our schools. Read on to learn more about how you can help support the future of Catholic education.

An Affair of the Heart

November 13, 2024

This month of November spans one of my favorite feast days, All Saints, then inclines toward the conclusion of the liturgical year with the Solemnity of Christ the King before winding up with our most religious national holiday, Thanksgiving.

Diocesan Events

Blue Christmas Prayer Service

December 10, 2024 6:00 PM
Location: St. Ambrose Cathedral 607 High Street Des Moines, IA 50309

A welcoming prayer service of prayers, words and music for those who are grieving, sad, or lonely this holiday season.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebrations

December 12, 2024 12:00 AM
Location: Varies

Celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe across the diocese. Celebrations include Mass, rosaries, dancing, processions, Mañanitas, and more!

Bishop’s Discernment Retreat

December 20, 2024 12:00 AM - December 22, 2024 12:00 AM
Location: Creighton University Retreat Center, 16493 Contrail Ave, Griswold, IA 51535

This is a unique opportunity for men who are high school seniors or older thinking about priesthood. The men will join Bishop Joensen and current seminarians on a retreat to learn more about discernment and life as a diocesan priest.

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.