Civilize It Campaign

You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father. –Matthew 5:13-16

In response to the many divisions in our country, the USCCB has developed the Civilize It campaign, which is a call to all people of good will to foster civility, clarity, and compassion in our communities. The Diocese of Des Moines has embraced and adapted the USCCB initiative to create Civilize It Iowa.

The divisions in our country and world are painful, and they can feel so overwhelming that it’s difficult to know what to do. Civilize It Iowa is built on two convictions:

1. Jesus has shown us the way to lead in the midst of divisions, and it is only through love. “I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13: 34-35

2. If we want to find love in the world, that love must first dwell in our own hearts. “Since you have purified yourselves by obedience to the truth for sincere mutual love, love one another intensely from a pure heart.” 1 Peter 1:22

In response to this conviction, we are inviting you to make a personal commitment to pray, fast, and give alms for the intention of an outpouring of God’s charity in your own heart, and in our nation. You can make this commitment by clicking on the button below, and signing up via email.

Sign-Up via Email 

Below are the concrete commitments every participant makes by signing up:

Pray - Signing up for Civilize It Iowa involves a commitment to pray at least 10 minutes a day, specifically for the intention of an outpouring of God’s charity in your own heart, and in our nation.

Fast - Additionally, participants commit to fasting on Wednesdays, again for the intention of an outpouring of God’s charity in your own heart, and in our nation.

Almsgiving - Finally, participants commit to additional almsgiving, either monetary or through service, to a vulnerable community of the person’s choosing.