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What's Your Vocation Call?

If you feel God may be calling you to priesthood or religious life, let us know. Talk to your pastor, a seminarian, and our Vocations Office for more information.

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Celebrate Your Big Anniversary

This October, Bishop Joensen will celebrate two Milestone Anniversary Masses to honor couples celebrating 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, or 50+ years of marriage

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Faith This Fall

Looking to get involved in faith community this fall? Stay up to date on our events page to see what's happening across our Diocese.

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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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A "Providential" and "Miraculous" Arrival for Our Diocese's Newest Priests

Fathers Kevin Anigbo and Solomon Andrew are Missionaries of Divine Mercy from Nigeria and arrived earlier this month to serve the Diocese of Des Moines. Get to know them.

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News & Blog

Deacon Cohort Celebrates its 20th Anniversary

September 22, 2026

On August 19, 2006, 12 men’s lives changed forever when then-Bishop Joseph Charron laid hands on them and ordained them as permanent deacons. Fast-forward 20 years later, and countless lives have been touched by the selflessness of their vocations.

Deacon Cohort Celebrates its 40th Anniversary

September 22, 2026

When seven men were ordained to the permanent diaconate on October 4, 1986, expectations of what exactly a deacon did were still uncertain. They were the seventh community ordained in the Diocese. As time went on, their vocations not only provided invaluable ministry to their parishes, but also introduced to their parishioners an understanding of who deacons are and what they do.

Missionaries overcome immigration obstacles to serve the Diocese

September 22, 2026

Father Kevin Anigbo and Father Solomon Andrew, both members of the Missionaries of Divine Mercy religious order in Nigeria, arrived in Des Moines on Tuesday, September 8, at 3 p.m.

Diocesan Events

Milestone Anniversary Mass with Bishop Joensen

October 4, 2026 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Location: St Peter's Catholic Church, 1 Bluff Street, Council Bluffs, IA 51503

Join Bishop Joensen in recongizing couples in our diocese who have reached a milestone anniversary this year!

First Monday Adoration with Praise & Worship

October 5, 2026 7:00 PM
Location: St. Boniface Catholic Church, Waukee, IA 50263

First Monday Adoration with Praise & Worship Music

Milestone Anniversary Mass with Bishop Joensen

October 10, 2026 4:00 PM - 05:30 PM
Location: St Ambrose Cathedral, 607 High Street, Des Moines, IA 50309

Join Bishop Joensen in recongizing couples in our diocese who have reached a milestone anniversary this year!

Ministries & Services

Deaf & Disability Ministry

The Office for Disability Ministry serves as a resource providing parishes, schools, individuals and families with tools to make the Catholic faith accessible to all.

Marriage & Family Life

Sharing in Christ's vision, the Diocese of Des Moines Marriage and Family Life Department seeks to work with parishes and couples, walking with all families in all their stages of life.

Mental Health Ministry

Mental Health Ministry is the process of spiritual accompaniment with others as they experience God's presence, love, and healing.

Youth Ministry

The Diocesan Office of Youth Ministry partners with parishes and families to foster these communities and experiences as our diocesan youth traverse the difficult world of being a teen.