Night to Shine spreads joy

March 31, 2025

It was a night to remember on Feb. 7, when two parishes celebrated the dignity of life in honoring people with special needs. Sacred Heart Parish in West Des Moines hosted its second Night to Shine, and St. Mary Parish in Shenandoah hosted its first.

Night to Shine, founded by the Tim Tebow Foundation, encourages churches around the world to host a special night for anyone living with disabilities ages 14 and older that includes a red-carpet entrance, a friendly crowd and paparazzi, hair and make-up stations, limousine rides, gifts, a catered dinner, and dancing.

It’s a time when “every guest is honored as a king or a queen, the way God sees them each and every day,” according to the Night to Shine website. “Through the years, we have truly seen this event transform into a movement of the Holy Spirit through churches honored guests, volunteers, and supporters, all seeking to give glory to God by celebrating and advocating for people with disabilities and the value of life.”

For more information on Night to Shine, or on ways to support opportunities for those with disabilities through the diocesan Disability Ministry Endowment Fund, contact Patty Origer at poriger@dmdiocese.org or Sue McEntee at smcentee@cfswia.org.