Get the essentials for Lent

Lean into Lent with these family-friendly tools from Fish Fry listings to reconciliation services and more.

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CRS Rice Bowl Grant Applications Open

Organizations that focus on alleviating hunger and poverty are invited to apply for a 2026 CRS Rice Bowl grant.

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Winter Program Needs

If you or your organization is looking for a way to help others in the community this winter, Catholic Charities has you covered!

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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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Deacon Kurt Heinrich's Story

"Being a deacon to me has been a ministry of service."

Deacon Kurt Heinrich is an ordained permanent deacon for the Diocese of Des Moines. You can learn more about the permanent diaconate by visiting dmdiocese.org/diaconate.

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Quick Links

Giving The Catholic Mirror Newsletter 2026 Annual Diocesan Appeal Living Lent

News & Blog

Supporting Those With Special Needs In Parishes

March 10, 2026

Your gift to the Annual Diocesan Appeal provides support to parishes learning how to be more inclusive for parishioners with special needs.

An Act of Witness: 'The Pilgrimage for the Unborn'

March 9, 2026

St. Pius X's AJ Brown will embark on The Pilgrimage for the Unborn, a 67.8-mile, over 33-hour walk, beginning with a 5 a.m. Mass at St. Boniface in Ankeny on Saturday, May 30, and ending with a grill out in St. Pius X in Urbandale at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 31. The pilgrimage will include stops at each church along the route to dedicate a rosary to the unborn.

Bishop William Joensen Statement on Iran

March 4, 2026

Bishop William Joensen calls all the faithful to fast an additional day this Lent and pray that God leads our world to peace.

Diocesan Events

Tap Into Faith with Antonio and Mayra Banuelos

March 22, 2026 7:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Location: The King's Head, 1610 SW Main St., Ankeny, Iowa

Be part of a discussion on the vocation of marriage featuring guest speakers Antonio and Mayra Banuelos. Married 28 years ago, they have three adult children and passionately involved in the local Catholic Church.

Nun Run

March 27, 2026 7:50 AM - March 28, 2026 8:00 PM
Location: Convents in Kansas and Missouri

Women discerning religious life are invited to go with Father Max Carson to visit convents in Kansas and Missouri March 27-28.

Brushstrokes of Faith with Root & Bloom Forever

March 28, 2026 12:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Location: Divine Treasures, 5701 Hickman Road, Des Moines, Iowa 50310

Artist Mary Shell will be painting live in-store at Divine Treasures. Stop by to watch her demonstrate how she creates one-of-a-kind watercolors and see how she beautifully weaves faith into her art.

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.