Discover the Difference: A Growing Faith Community

by Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools | August 26, 2024

In today's society, often seen through a secular lens, many communities of faith are experiencing member attrition and decline. When Gallup first measured U.S. church membership in 1937, 73% of American adults surveyed reported belonging to a house of worship. That figure remained near 70% for the next six decades. However, this number steadily declined at the turn of the 21st century. Today, less than half of U.S. adults report belonging to a faith community (Jones, 2021).

While Catholicism remains the largest denomination in the U.S., the ethnic and geographic distribution of the Catholic population has shifted significantly. Currently, 29% of U.S. Catholics reside in the South, 24% in the West, 26% in the Northeast, and only 21% in the Midwest (Winters, 2024). Despite these concerning statistics, in the rapidly growing suburbs of Ankeny, St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church is experiencing unprecedented growth. A combination of demographic changes, strategic initiatives, and the dedicated efforts of the church and school community drives this surge in growth.

The Impact of Ankeny's Growth

Ankeny's remarkable population growth has played a significant role in the increased membership and enrollment at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Ankeny was listed as the 10th-fastest growing city in the United States in 2024, with a population of 76,081—a staggering 11.29% increase since 2020. The city has added nearly 20,000 residents since 2010, reflecting 42% growth. The development of hundreds of new housing units has attracted numerous families, many of whom have become part of the St. Luke community. However, population growth alone does not automatically translate into increased Mass attendance, sacrament participation, or engagement in a faith community. So, what is driving growth at St. Luke the Evangelist? 

Strategic Initiatives and Community Outreach

St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church and School have implemented several key initiatives to attract and integrate new families. A dedicated committee reaches out to new families, introducing themselves and providing a warm welcome. The church has begun hosting welcome events for newcomers, fostering a sense of belonging from the start.

St. Luke the Evangelist prides itself on being a welcoming environment, particularly for families with young children. The church's consistent number of baptisms—around 50-60 per year—reflects the presence of many larger families within the parish. Additionally, the parish boasts a robust Religious Education program serving nearly 400 students.

To further support new families, St. Luke the Evangelist offers an onboarding process that includes personal contact and a welcome packet with detailed information about the parish. The church also organizes family-oriented events, such as bonfires for making s'mores, popsicles in the park, and a lively parish festival. These activities, driven by the vibrant and welcoming community, foster a strong sense of belonging and help new members assimilate smoothly into parish life.

The Role of St. Luke's School

The school has also played a vital role in drawing families to the church. The school opened in 2015 with 45 students in grades K-3. This fall, it is poised to welcome 379 students in grades K-8—nearly reaching full capacity. This remarkable growth is a testament to the school's strong educational programs and moral teachings, inspiring prospective families to consider St. Luke the Evangelist School. 

Many families choose St. Luke the Evangelist School for its commitment to providing a good, moral education. There are inspiring stories of families who have joined the church after their children enrolled in the school, with some even converting to Catholicism. Parents consistently express their appreciation for the welcoming environment and the strong sense of community that St. Luke provides.

"Education has been the mission of the Church ever since Jesus walked the earth," said Fr. Ken Halbur. "While a school is not the primary mission of the Catholic Church, it helps us with our primary goal: to bring all people to Christ and thus to heaven."

Building for the Future

Looking ahead, St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church and School have ambitious plans to sustain and further grow their community. One primary goal is to address the need for more space. In 2021, St. Luke embarked on a series of building expansion projects funded through the Growing Together: Building in Faith capital campaign. These projects are just the beginning of a long-term vision to provide a welcoming and inclusive space for the growing congregation.

With some Masses already drawing more attendees than the current church can accommodate, St. Luke's is preparing to kick off the third phase of its building project. This phase will focus on community fundraising efforts, leveraging the success of the previous campaign. Although the new worship space is still over seven years away, the church is committed to meeting the needs of its growing congregation well into the future.

"One of the biggest things we need is more space," Halbur shared. "We have decided that we will try and fundraise in house to meet this need and believe our church is up to the task. We've hosted several successful fundraisers thanks to the support of our generous parish and school family."

The newest school in the Diocese of Des Moines, St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic School, is recognized as an Honor Plus School by the Iowa Department of Education for its efforts to enact Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. St. Luke provides kindergarten through eighth-grade students with an education rooted in Catholic values and a caring, creative, and quality learning environment. 

 

Sources:

Jones, J. (2021). U.S. Church Membership Falls Below Majority for First Time. Retrieved June 17, 2024 from  news.gallup.com/poll/341963/church-membership-falls-below-majority-first-time.aspx.

Richardson, I. (May 24, 2019). Ankeny is the 10th-Fastest Growing City in the U.S., Census Bureau Says. Retrieved June 17, 2024 from  www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/local/ankeny/2019/05/24/ankeny-iowa-10th-fastest-growing-city-u-s-census-bureau-says-population-growth/1206906001

Winters, Michael S. (April 19, 2024). Growth and decline in the US Catholic Church. Retrieved June 17, 2024 from  www.ncronline.org/opinion/ncr-voices/growth-and-decline-us-catholic-church.