News: Diocese & Parishes Suspend Social Events Due to COVID-19

November 6, 2020

The diocese has implemented a regathering policy adjustment, made out of concern for the physical and spiritual health of the people of our diocese, and to protect our gathering around the Eucharistic table and worshiping together through these upcoming months. Due to the rising COVID-19 cases throughout the Diocese of Des Moines, the increased hospitalizations, and the anticipated difficulties that the winter season will bring, the Diocese of Des Moines is suspending all parish and diocesan sponsored or hosted social events, beginning on Nov. 23 through Jan. 10.

Our diocese remains in Phase III of regathering, which allows for public worship and additional parish functions, but we are adjusting the policy to temporarily prohibit parish and diocesan sponsored or hosted social events. While we hope for the ability to resume social gatherings on Jan. 11, we do recognize that the suspension may need to be extended at that time.  

For several weeks this past spring, we did not publicly worship or gather at churches to protect each other from the spread of COVID-19. We have been regathering in faith communities using a phased-in approach. Follow this link to learn more about what each phase of regathering means for our parishes.