About Us

The Diocese of Des Moines, created in 1911, serves people over a 12,446 square mile area in the southwestern quadrant of Iowa, including 23 counties.

The Diocese of Des Moines is comprised of:

  • 108,687 estimated Catholics with a total population of 909,002, according to the 2020 Official Catholic Directory report. We estimate we serve 130,000 when including unregistered Hispanic families.
  • 80 parishes
  • 16 schools
  • 51 active diocesan priests, and
  • 4 Catholic hospitals

nullBishop William Joensen is our shepherd.  

Retired bishops are: Bishop Richard Pates and Bishop Joseph L. Charron, C.PP.S.

Mission

We are sowing God's Spirit.

Vision

We are cultivating connections in Christ through encounter, friendship and commmunion.

Learn more about our strategic visioning process.