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Bishop Joensen remembers Pope Francis

On Easter Sunday, we heard of the apostle Peter running to the tomb of Jesus only to find it empty. Today, the chair of Peter’s successor stands empty in the wake of the death of the Holy Father, Pope Francis.

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Upcoming Youth Retreats

Have a junior high or high school student looking for retreat opportunities? Explore upcoming retreats for 8th graders, high schoolers, and high school seniors.

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Let the Jubilee Begin!

2025 marks a Jubilee, with a call from the Vatican to focus on being "Pilgrims of Hope".

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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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Live Coverage from EWTN

Through EWTN's broadcast, you can access coverage of everything from the Funeral Mass to the Interregnum Conclave and beyond. Live coverage will include Masses, devotions, and special programming from Rome and around the world.

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News & Blog

Family sees beauty in churches during pilgrimage

April 24, 2025

The Banaags took a Saturday off from work as nurses and made their first trip to Des Moines from Council Bluffs to make a day of the Jubilee Year of Hope pilgrimage in the Diocese of Des Moines.

Reflecting on grief during Eastertide

April 22, 2025

Even after the Resurrection, sorrow doesn’t vanish instantly. Sometimes the weight of loss delays our recognition of hope.

Silence is golden

April 17, 2025

Silence allows us to hear our own thoughts. But, more importantly, silence allows time for contemplation in prayer to hear God speaking to us.

Diocesan Events

Memorial Mass for Pope Francis

April 26, 2025 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Basilica of St. John, 1915 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314

Bishop William Joensen will celebrate a memorial Mass for Pope Francis on Saturday, April 26, at 10 a.m. at the Basilica of St. John in Des Moines. All are welcome.

Christ in You: Finding the Kingdom Within

May 3, 2025 9:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Location: Emmaus House, 3315 70th Street, Urbandale, IA 50322

I​​n this day of reflection we will consider the question of “Who has access to the Divine and how?” in select scripture texts, contemplative teachings, music, and personal experience.

Stewards of the Earth: Our Responsibilities to Creation and Environmental Ethics

May 13, 2025 7:00 PM
Location: St. Thomas Aquinas, Indianola, IA 50125

Join John Huynh, D.Min. as he dives into why Catholic Social Teaching calls us to care for the environment and be good stewards of God's creation.

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.