Viva il Papa!

We, the people and clergy of the Diocese of Des Moines, pledge our filial respect and obedience and our dedicated prayers for our new Holy Father.

Upcoming Youth Retreats

Have a junior high or high school student looking for retreat opportunities? Explore upcoming retreats for 8th graders, high schoolers, and high school seniors.

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Let the Jubilee Begin!

2025 marks a Jubilee, with a call from the Vatican to focus on being "Pilgrims of Hope".

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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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Election of the Roman Pontiff Leo XIV

The Conclave has elected Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost as the 267th Bishop of Rome.

Read Bishop's Reflection

Quick Links

Annual Diocesan Appeal Jubilee 2025 Lent 2025 Eucharistic Adoration

News & Blog

Candles in the Dark, Finding Faith in Catholic Schools

May 21, 2025

Bryson Thomas-Hamrick and his brother, Braylen Thomas, were baptized at the Easter Vigil at Holy Trinity Parish in Des Moines. They learned about the Catholic faith while attending Holy Trinity Catholic School.

Rosary Draws Us Closer to Christ

May 21, 2025

May is devoted to our Holy Mother, Mary. Parishes and parochial schools begin the month with a May crowning to honor Mary’s “Yes” to the angel Gabriel.

Bicycle Spirituality and a New American Pope!

May 14, 2025

We must keep spiritually moving and growing, like a bicycle needs to move to be upright. The Catholic Church continues to move forward with the election of the new Pope Leo XIV.

Diocesan Events

Memorial Day Mass

May 26, 2025 10:00 AM
Location: Glendale Cemetery, 4909 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311

Join us for the Diocese’s annual Memorial Day Mass at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines, IA. This beautiful service honors the brave individuals who gave their lives in service to our country.

2025 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage

May 27, 2025 11:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Location: St. Ambrose Cathedral, 607 High St. Des Moines, IA 50309

The St. Katharine Drexel Route from Indianapolis to Los Angeles will be stopping in Des Moines on May 27th for a Holy Hour and Mass at St. Ambrose Cathedral.

Ordination to Transitional Diaconate

June 6, 2025 5:00 PM
Location: Basilica of St. John, 1915 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314

All are invited to the Celebration of the Eucharist with the Rite of Ordination of Deacons on June 6th at 5 PM at the Basilica of St. John, when Bishop William Joensen will ordain L. Stanley Asjes to the Order of Deacon.

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.