Iowa Bishops Release Pastoral Letter on Immigration

The four Catholic bishops of Iowa, through the Iowa Catholic Conference, have released a pastoral reflection on the Church’s teaching on immigration and the dignity of the human person.

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Catholic Charities: Loving Neighbors in Need

Every day, Catholic Charities bears witness to the unseen strength of neighbors striving to overcome life’s challenges.

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The Catholic Mirror Appeal

The Catholic Mirror newspaper is a voluntary subscription program. Your gift of $30 or more allows us to continue to deliver this paper to over 35,000 Catholic households.

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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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Pilgrims of Hope: A Pastoral Reflection on Immigration

The Bishops of Iowa released a pastoral reflection on the Church’s teaching on immigration and the dignity of the human person. This letter invites Catholics into deeper reflection on immigration as a moral issue outside of political rhetoric that can be rooted in fear or false narratives.

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Quick Links

The Catholic Mirror Appeal Jubilee 2025 Mental Health Ministry Eucharistic Adoration

News & Blog

Bishop Joensen and Donna Bishop, Schools Superintendent, Release Statement Following Annunciation Shooting in Minneapolis

August 27, 2025

Our prayers are with the families most touched by this grievous event, with Archbishop Bernard Hebda of the Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis and all the faithful and people of the Twin Cities region.

Bringing Hope Home

August 18, 2025

Bishop Joensen reflects on a summer filled with opportunities for for faith, friendship, and hope to flourish.

Hope Leads the Way

August 14, 2025

As pilgrims of hope, we are challenged to allow hope to lead charity and faith into action, however that might look in each of our lives.

Diocesan Events

Benefit Concert for Mary's Meals

August 28, 2025 6:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Location: Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321

Heartland for Kids presents a benefit concert for Mary's Meals, featuring Nashville musicians Phoenix Mendoza, Josh Leo, and Kitty Steadman.

YCDM First Friday Mass & Fellowship

September 5, 2025 5:30 PM
Location: Christ the King Catholic Church, 5711 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315

Join YCDM to take part in the First Friday devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus! Meet for Holy Mass at Christ the King before heading out for dinner for fellowship.

2025 Bishop's Celebration of Catholic Schools

September 13, 2025 4:00 PM
Location: Diocese of Des Moines Pastoral Center, 601 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309

The Bishop's Celebration of Catholic Schools is an annual event held in celebration of the life-changing impact our faith-centered education has provided for more than 150 years.

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.