Diocesan Special Collections

In living our daily faith, we praise God for our blessings. In gratitude, we share our time, talents, and treasures to benefit others, as we are called to do in the name of our Father. Diocese of Des Moines parish members have multiple opportunities to support the Church and the Church’s outreach ministries to bring hope to people less fortunate and spread the Good News.

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2024 Special Collections Calendar

Every month parishes host special collections for different funds either for the diocese or set up by the USCCB. You can learn more about these funds or donate below.

Parish Solidarity Fund (Jan. 28)

The Diocesan Solidarity Fund serves the people of God in the 23 counties of the Diocese of Des Moines when a need arises and the most local parish or faith community has exhausted resources.

Catholic Relief Services (Lent)

The Catholic Relief Services Collection supports Catholic Church organizations that carry out international relief and solidarity efforts.

CRS Rice Bowl (Lent)

Since its inception, more than $330 million has been given through CRS Rice Bowl to support programs that prevent hunger and poverty around the world.

Holy Land Collection (Good Friday)

Every year on Good Friday, a collection is taken up in Catholic Churches to support the work of the Franciscans working in the Holy Land.

Annual Diocesan Appeal (March)

The Annual Diocesan Appeal (ADA) is the major fundraising effort conducted annually throughout our 23‐county Diocese with all parishes participating.

Catholic Charities (May 12)

Catholic Charities serves the people of southwest Iowa with a mission is to empower individuals and strengthen families.

Catholic Communications Campaign (June 2)

Through the internet, social media, social networks, television, radio and print, the Catholic Communications Campaign helps the Church spread the Gospel through the media locally and nationally.

The Catholic Mirror Subscription Appeal (June 16)

The Catholic Mirror is the diocesan newspaper for the Diocese of Des Moines. We share news and information to the more than 35,000 Catholic households in central and southwest Iowa.

Peter's Pence (June 23)

The Peter's Pence Collection is your opportunity to join Catholics from around the world in assisting the Holy Father's emergency relief efforts to aid victim of war and natural disasters.

Collection for the Church in Africa (Aug. 18)

The rapidly-growing Church in Africa is young and vibrant but faces challenges in building and maintaining structures and ministries previously funded by missionary orders.

Seminarian Special Collection (Sept. 8)

The Seminarian Fund provides support for the education of the men who are discerning priesthood within the Diocese of Des Moines.

World Mission Sunday (Oct. 20)

Support the Church's world missions through the World Mission Sunday collection. This collection supports Catholic Home Missions, the Church in Eastern Europe, and the Church in Latin America.

Catholic Campaign for Human Development (Nov. 17)

The Catholic Campaign for Human Development is the national anti-poverty program of the U.S. Catholic Bishops.

Retirement Fund for Religious (Dec. 8)

The Retirement Fund for Religious (RFR) supports elderly religious, including priests, sisters, and brothers.

General Disaster Relief

The General Disaster Relief Fund was established to provide relief for those impacted by natural disasters, both within and outside of our diocese.

Connection Café

The Connection Cafe serves lunch Monday-Friday in downtown Des Moines to homeless and low income individuals and families, serving an average of 146 meals to 114 people daily.