2026 Bishop's Celebration of Catholic Schools

The Bishop's Celebration of Catholic Schools is an annual event that unites the entire Diocese of Des Moines community in celebration of the life-changing impact our faith-centered education has provided for more than 150 years.

Proceeds from this year's event will help meet the needs of diverse learners in our Catholic schools.

Event Details

Saturday, August 29, 2026

  • 4:00 p.m. - Mass at St. Ambrose Cathedral
  • 5:00 p.m. - Social Hour at the Diocese of Des Moines Pastoral Center-Krause Hall
  • 6:00 p.m. - Dinner and awards ceremony at the Diocese of Des Moines Pastoral Center-Krause Hall

Honorees

Each year during the event, the diocese recognizes the teacher, administrator, and volunteer of the year winners for their impact on our Catholic schools. This year's award winners are:

  • Teacher of the Year: Lana Duff, St. Theresa Catholic School
  • Administrator of the Year: Susan Battani, Christ the King Catholic School
  • Volunteer of the Year: Nurse Sue O'Brien, St. Pius X Catholic School

Read about this year's award winners >

Guest Speaker

This year's guest speaker has yet to be announced. Past speakers include:

  • Brandy Ficek, doctor of palliative medicine (Saint Albert '00)
  • Karissa Schweizer and family, Olympic long-distance runner (Dowling Catholic '14)
  • Anne Nizzi Clark (Dowling Catholic '87) & Brent Clark, parents of WNBA player Caitlin Clark (St. Francis of Assisi, Dowling Catholic, '20)

STAY TUNED: THE 2026 SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT IS COMING SOON.

Honorary Chairs: Catholic Tuition Organization 

This year, we are excited to honor the Catholic Tuition Organization (CTO) and all the donors who have made it possible for thousands of students to attend Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools for the past 20 years. 

Co-Chairs

  • Tracy & Matt Edwards (St. Luke the Evangelist parishioners)
  • Mercedies & Cole Steinkamp (Holy Trinity parishioners)
  • Angelo and Lendi Provenza (St. Francis of Assisi parishioners)

Emcees

  •  Matt Edwards
  • Angelo Provenza

Menu

STAY TUNED: THE 2026 MENU IS COMING SOON.

 

Sponsorship Levels

$10,000 Supporter Level sponsorship of Catholic Schools

  • 1 VIP table of 8 guests, front row seating
  • Name and logo featured on the event screen, program, website, and in all print, radio and news announcements
  • Verbal recognition by Bishop Joensen during the event
  • Photo with Bishop Joensen during the event
  • $9,400 may be eligible for a charitable tax deduction

To become a Supporter Level sponsor, purchase a Table of 8 in the form below, and add $9,000 in the "Additional donation" box.

$5,000 Patron Level sponsorship of Catholic Schools

  • 4 tickets with preferred seating
  • Name and logo featured on the event screen and program
  • Photo with Bishop Joensen during the event
  • $4,700 may be eligible for a charitable tax deduction

$1,000 Friend Level sponsorship of Catholic Schools

  • 2 tickets
  • Name featured on the event screen
  • $800+ may be eligible for a charitable tax deduction

$1,000 Table of 8 / $100 General Admission Ticket

  •  Tables/tickets may be gifted to honorees, teachers, teacher's aides or priests
  • A portion of this gift may be eligible for a charitable tax deduction

 

TICKET SALES WILL OPEN SOON.

If you'd like to donate, please email jshama@dmdiocese.org.