May 2024, Vol. 2

Do You Have Your Tickets?

Don't delay, get your tickets TODAY! We are only a couple of weeks away from our next Centennial Trivia event! Join us for a night of fun benefiting the Catholic Charities’ Food Pantry. Gather your trivia team or be paired with a team that night and prepare yourself for an EXCITING event!

DON'T MISS OUT!

Centennial Trivia


Thursday, June 6

5:30 – 8:00 p.m.


Krause Hall, Catholic Pastoral Center

601 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309

Ticket Options:


Individual Tickets: $50

Young Professional Tickets

(40 and under): $40

Trivia Team (6 tickets): $300

Buy Tickets

What's Happening?!

ISU Extension and Outreach at Catholic Charities' Food Pantry


Earlier this May, ISU Extension and Outreach County Master Gardeners provided education on container gardening to clients at the Catholic Charities' Food Pantry. Each participant was able to take a tomato, pepper or other starter plant with a container to grow at home. St. Timothy's Episcopal Church generously donated all plants given out during this event.


We thank ISU Extension and Outreach and St. Timothy’s for their support and generosity.

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Brain Break!


Did you know you can trick your mind? If you are feeling lonely, sad or stressed, reflect on a positive memory of being hugged by a loved one or snuggling a pet. Your brain will automatically release dopamine, your heart rate will slow, and your muscles will begin to relax!


This helpful Brain Break tip is brought to you by the Catholic Charities' Counseling Program.

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Legacy Leader: Fr. Larry Hoffmann

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells us to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked and more. This Gospel message is one Fr. Larry Hoffmann strives to live out every day.


As a member of the Catholic Charities' Board of Directors, he provides leadership, wisdom and direction to the organization. He has served multiple terms on the board and is grateful to be involved. Father also currently serves on the Programs Committee giving meaningful insight on how our programs can grow and expand to meet the ever-changing needs of others. He also gives of his time by volunteering at the Catholic Charities' Food Pantry every Wednesday.


He encourages others to get involved with Catholic Charities and hopes more people will join this ministry to serve others who are struggling. 



“Catholic Charities provides a direct ministry to people who are struggling,” said Fr. Hoffmann. “The organization has many opportunities for people to get involved whether it’s through donations or volunteering.”

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Meeting the Needs of Others

Support Newly Arrived Refugees


The Catholic Charities' Refugee Resettlement program will help more than 250 individuals and families make Iowa their home by the end of June. Help us welcome and set them up for success!


Current most needed items include vacuums (must be new), lamps (must be new), pots, pans, brooms, mops, laundry detergent and deodorant. Donations are accepted every Monday, 12-4 p.m. at 3 College Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311.


For more information or to further get involved, contact Catholic Charities Community Impact Manager, Emily Klisares at eklisares@catholiccharitiesdm.org or 515-237-5078.

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Catholic Charities Disaster Relief 


Our hearts and prayers go out to the individuals and families impacted by the recent tornadoes in our diocese. We understand this significant experience has left many feeling lost and uneasy about what to do next. During times like this, we are reminded of the importance of community and the call to serve and love others. We are here to assist and support those in need during this time of hardship. 


Catholic Charities, Diocese of Des Moines, is able to offer support through a Disaster Relief Assistance Program funded by Catholic Charities USA. Individuals and families affected by the storm can apply for a grant. 

Disaster Relief Assistance
View Opportunities

Join Our Leadership Team!


We are seeking a dynamic and visionary leader with a deep commitment to the mission and values of Catholic Charities, which are rooted in the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, to serve as our Executive Director. Our organization’s next leader will play a pivotal role in advancing our mission and ensuring the effective delivery of vital services to those we serve. We also have other openings on our leadership team for dedicated individuals to manage and lead our service-minded staff of doers.

Upcoming Events

Pack the Pantry


May 21 - 27, 2024


Want to support the Catholic Charities’ Food Pantry? Hy-Vee and KCCI are currently collecting donations for their Pack the Pantry Food Drive. All donations will be distributed to local pantries just like ours, to support the fight against food insecurity in our community. 


For more information, please visit the HyVee store locations at 2540 E Euclid Ave, Des Moines and 1725 Jordan Creek Pkwy, West Des Moines

HyVee (Euclid)
HyVee (Jordan Creek)

Iowa Cubs Food Pantry Sunday


Sunday, June 9, 2024

1 p.m. 


Help reduce food insecurity in our community while enjoying a fun day cheering on the Iowa Cubs! As a part of the Iowa Cubs’ Food Pantry Sunday, individuals who bring three or more canned or non-perishable food items will receive free general admission to the game. Items donated will support DMARC food panties, including Catholic Charities’ Food Pantry. Deborah Kesling, Catholic Charities’ Food Pantry Associate, was nominated as the game’s “Hunger Hero” and will throw out the first pitch. 


Donations will be accepted on game day at Gate B at the DMARC booth. 

Centennial Moment: Counseling

Catholic Charities’ Counseling Program was originally known as “clinical services.” To ensure the highest level of care is provided, in 1960, Catholic Charities set the standard that all professionals must have a master’s degree in social work before being assigned to this program. Through this program, clients are assisted by dedicated, conscientious individuals who are trained professionals in various areas of social services. As the need for mental health services began to rise, the Catholic Charities’ Counseling program began offering continued education for therapists to better serve the needs of the community, which continues to this day.


If you are interested in joining the Catholic Charities’ Counseling team, visit catholiccharitiesdm.org/careers

Your Support Serves Thousands in Central and Southwest Iowa


Catholic Charities' Annual Appeal is the primary funding source for Catholic Charities along with government and private grant funding.


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!

Donate Now

Keep up with us on Social Media!


Follow Catholic Charities of Des Moines on social media. Be up to date on events, news and our programs!



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Serving those in need within the Diocese of Des Moines


Catholic Charities, Diocese of Des Moines serves those in need within the 23 counties of the Diocese of Des Moines in southwest Iowa. Our mission to empower individuals and strengthen families applies to anyone in need in the area, regardless of demographic. Our mission is rooted in Catholic Social Teaching. Our programs and services include refugee resettlement, professional counseling, food pantry, domestic violence and sexual assault shelter and services, emergency family shelter and more. We impact over 35,000 individuals each year.


Find more information about Catholic Charities here.