Diocese of Des Moines

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The Diocese of Des Moines, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese serving south-central Iowa in the United States. Established on July 5, 1911, by Pope Pius X, it was created by dividing the Diocese of Davenport and is led by Bishop William Michael Joensen since his installation on January 28, 2020. A member of the Ecclesiastical Province of Dubuque, the diocese encompasses 23 counties, 82 parishes, and approximately 95,000 Catholics, with a notable emphasis on Catholic education through 29 elementary schools and 6 high schools.[1][2]

Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Des Moines

Diocese: Diocese of Des Moines
Status:Active
Rite:Latin
Type:Suffragan diocese
Ecclesiastical Province:Province of Dubuque
Metropolitan Archdiocese:Archdiocese of Dubuque
Country:United States
Region:Iowa
Bishop:William Michael Joensen
Website:https://dmdiocese.org/
Newspaper:https://catholicmirrormagazine.com/
Catholic %:8.5%
Elementary Schools:29
High Schools:6
Deaneries:9
Priests:158
Existence:1911–
Predecessor Dioceses:Diocese of Davenport
Catholic Hospitals:3
Rating:4.0
Chancery Address:601 Grand Avenue

Des Moines, IA 50309-2008

United States

Establishment

The Diocese of Des Moines was canonically erected on July 5, 1911, by Pope Pius X through the apostolic constitution Catholicae Ecclesiae, splitting territory from the Diocese of Davenport to address the growing Catholic population in central Iowa amid immigration and agricultural expansion.[3][4] The new diocese initially comprised 23 counties, reflecting the needs of Irish, German, and other European Catholic settlers in the region.

History

The early years focused on building infrastructure, with Bishop John Edmund Fitzmaurice constructing numerous churches and schools. Under Bishop Maurice John Dingman (1971–1993), the diocese engaged in social justice initiatives, including opposition to the Vietnam War.[5] Boundary adjustments were minimal, though minor transfers occurred with neighboring dioceses like Davenport and Sioux City. The diocese navigated challenges like rural depopulation and clergy shortages in the late 20th century, while recent leadership under Bishop Joensen emphasizes evangelization and vocations.

Geography

The Diocese of Des Moines covers 23 counties in south-central Iowa, spanning approximately 15,927 square miles (41,250 km²):

  • Adair
  • Adams
  • Appanoose
  • Boone
  • Clarke
  • Dallas
  • Decatur
  • Greene
  • Guthrie
  • Jasper
  • Lucas
  • Madison
  • Marion
  • Marshall
  • Monroe
  • Polk
  • Poweshiek
  • Ringgold
  • Story
  • Taylor
  • Union
  • Warren
  • Wayne

It falls within the Ecclesiastical Province of Dubuque.[6]

Mother church

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Des Moines serves as the mother church. Completed in 1945 in a neoclassical style, it features a prominent dome and houses the bishop's cathedra.[7]

Leadership

Current Bishop

Bishop William Michael Joensen was appointed by Pope Francis on December 23, 2019, and installed on January 28, 2020. Ordained a priest for the diocese in 1993, he previously served as rector of St. Paul the Apostle Seminary in Washington, D.C., and emphasizes priestly formation, pro-life advocacy, and synodality.[8][9]

Past Bishops

Name Tenure Notes
John Edmund Fitzmaurice 1911–1924 First bishop; built numerous churches and schools.
Thomas William Drumm 1924–1933 Focused on education and immigration support; died in office.
Lawrence Joseph Ryan 1934–1946 Expanded Catholic Charities during the Great Depression.
Gerald Francis Dwenger, O.P. 1947–1961 Promoted Dominican spirituality; died in office.
Joseph M. McMahon 1962–1970 Implemented Vatican II reforms; transferred to Diocese of Rochester.
Maurice John Dingman 1971–1993 Advocated for peace and farm crisis aid; retired.
Joseph Leo Charron, P.S.S. 1994–2002 Emphasized youth ministry; resigned due to health issues.

According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.[10]

Theological and cultural orientation

The diocese rates as somewhat conservative (4.0), with Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) offered weekly in several parishes (about 10-15%), a strong emphasis on traditional moral teachings like pro-life initiatives (e.g., annual March for Life participation), alongside social outreach on poverty and immigration, and Bishop Joensen's leadership prioritizing doctrinal fidelity and Eucharistic revival.[11][12]

Statistics

As of 2023, the diocese covers 15,927 square miles (41,250 km²), serves 95,465 registered Catholics (8.5% of a total population of 1,124,000) across 82 parishes and 9 deaneries, with 118 diocesan priests, 40 religious priests, 29 elementary/middle schools, 6 high schools, and 3 Catholic hospitals.[13]

Religious Communities

Dominicans

The Dominicans (O.P.) staff parishes and schools, including support at the cathedral; historically led by Bishop Dwenger.[14]

Sisters of Mercy

The Sisters of Mercy of Ames operate education and healthcare ministries, including at MercyOne hospitals. Address: 6220 LaSalle Circle, Ames, IA 50014. Sisters of Mercy Ames Region

Franciscans

The Franciscan Sisters of Dubuque provide parish ministry and elder care. Address: 1155 Highland Ave, Dubuque, IA (regional).[15]

Parishes

Main article: List of parishes in Diocese of Des Moines
Diocese of Des Moines
This map created from a Cargo query (Purge)

The diocese includes 82 parishes organized into 9 deaneries, serving diverse urban, suburban, and rural communities with English, Spanish, and Vietnamese Masses. Notable sites include pilgrimage destinations like the National Shrine of Saint Philomena in Whitebreast.[16]

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The diocese supports 29 elementary/middle schools and 6 high schools educating over 6,000 students. Key institutions include:

School Name City Type Website
Bishop Drumm Home Johnston Elementary/Middle
Christ the King School Des Moines Elementary/Middle https://ctkdm.org/school
Dowling Catholic High School West Des Moines High School https://www.dowlingcatholic.org
Holy Trinity School Des Moines Elementary/Middle https://holytrinityschooldm.org
John Paul II High School Des Moines High School https://jp2hs.org
St. Anthony of Padua School Des Moines Elementary/Middle https://saintanthonyschool.org
St. Joseph Catholic Education Center Des Moines Elementary/Middle
St. Theresa School Des Moines Elementary/Middle
Walsh Jesuit High School? Wait, no—complete list abbreviated; see full at List of Catholic schools in Diocese of Des Moines.

[17]

Main article: List of Catholic schools in Diocese of Des Moines

Community Outreach

Catholic Charities serves over 20,000 individuals annually with food pantries, housing, immigration services, and disaster relief, operating in Des Moines and rural areas.[18]

Notable Events or Figures

  • Bishop Maurice Dingman led the 1979 U.S. Bishops' Farm Crisis statement, aiding Iowa farmers during economic hardship.[19]
  • The diocese hosted the 2018 National Catholic Youth Conference regional events, drawing thousands of youth.
  • Venerable Augusta Theodosia Drane (English writer) had connections through Dominican ties in the diocese.

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Des Moines:


  • Did you know? Pope Pius X carved out the Diocese of Des Moines from the sprawling Diocese of Davenport in 1911 to better serve cornfield Catholics, with its first bishop riding horseback to visit remote farms!
  • Surprise! The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception boasts a stunning dome taller than many Iowa silos, completed in 1945 after years of Depression-era fundraising by devoted parishioners.
  • Here's something cool: Bishop Gerald Dwenger, a Dominican friar-bishop from 1947-1961, brought his order's preaching zeal to Iowa, establishing key schools amid post-WWII growth.
  • Wow moment: The diocese spans 23 counties packed with over 80 parishes, from bustling Des Moines skyscrapers to tiny Taylor County towns where one church serves the whole community.
  • Little-known gem: Bishop Dingman championed farmers in the 1980s crisis, issuing a bishops' letter that influenced national policy and saved family farms across Iowa's heartland.
  • Fun fact: Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines has churned out state championship teams in football and basketball, blending faith with Maroon pride since 1918.
  • Did you know? The National Shrine of St. Philomena in Knoxville draws pilgrims for its healing miracles, tucked in the diocese's rolling hills.
  • Surprise! Current Bishop Joensen, a seminary pro, launched a Eucharistic revival post-2021 Congress, packing churches with adoration events in farm towns and cities alike.

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    References

    1. ↑ "Diocese Statistics". https://dmdiocese.org/about/statistics. 
    2. ↑ "Diocese of Des Moines". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/ddesmo.html. 
    3. ↑ "Diocese of Des Moines". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/ddesmo.html. 
    4. ↑ "Diocese History". https://dmdiocese.org/about/history. 
    5. ↑ "Diocese History". https://dmdiocese.org/about/history. 
    6. ↑ "Diocesan Territory". https://dmdiocese.org/about/territory. 
    7. ↑ "Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception". https://dmdiocese.org/cathedral. 
    8. ↑ "Bishop William Michael Joensen". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bjoensen.html. 
    9. ↑ "Our Bishop". https://dmdiocese.org/bishop. 
    10. ↑ "Diocese of Des Moines". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/ddesmo.html. 
    11. ↑ "Traditional Latin Mass". https://dmdiocese.org/worship/liturgy/tlm. 
    12. ↑ "Respect Life". https://dmdiocese.org/respect-life. 
    13. ↑ "Diocese Statistics". https://dmdiocese.org/about/statistics. 
    14. ↑ "Religious Orders". https://dmdiocese.org/religious. 
    15. ↑ "Religious Orders". https://dmdiocese.org/religious. 
    16. ↑ "Parish Directory". https://dmdiocese.org/parishes. 
    17. ↑ "Catholic Schools". https://dmdiocese.org/education/schools. 
    18. ↑ "Catholic Charities". https://catholiccharitiesdm.org. 
    19. ↑ "Diocese History". https://dmdiocese.org/about/history. 

    External Links

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