St. Ambrose Church (Diocese of Des Moines)
St. Ambrose Church (Diocese of Des Moines) is a Catholic cathedral and parish located in Des Moines, Iowa, within the Diocese of Des Moines. Dedicated to Saint Ambrose, the 4th-century Bishop of Milan known for his theological writings and pastoral leadership, the cathedral serves as the seat of the diocese and a spiritual hub in the Des Moines Deanery. Renowned for its historic Romanesque Revival architecture and vibrant community, St. Ambrose is a designated Jubilee Church for the 2025 Year of Hope, offering diverse ministries, including refugee support, St. Vincent de Paul outreach, and the annual Parish Picnic.[1]
Founded in 1856 as a parish and elevated to cathedral status in 1911, St. Ambrose has grown to serve a diverse congregation, offering live-streamed Masses, Eucharistic adoration, and reconciliation services. The cathedral’s pipe organ restoration project and events like the “Music to Our Ears” Raffle highlight its commitment to preserving its heritage while fostering community engagement. As a cornerstone of the Des Moines Catholic community, St. Ambrose remains dedicated to worship, service, and evangelization.[1]
| St. Ambrose Church | |
| Dedication: | Saint Ambrose |
| Venerated Saints: | |
| Diocese: | Diocese of Des Moines |
| Deanery: | Des Moines Deanery |
| Address: | 607 High St, Des Moines, IA 50309 |
| Coordinates: | 41.5890, -93.6265 |
| City: | Des Moines, IA |
| Subdivision: | Iowa |
| Country: | United States |
| County: | Polk County |
| Website: | https://www.saintambrosecathedral.org |
| Founded: | 1856 |
| School: | No |
| Email: | secretary@saintambrosecathedral.org |
History
St. Ambrose Church was founded in 1856 to serve the Catholic population in Des Moines, Iowa, during a period of regional growth. Initially part of the Diocese of Dubuque, the parish became part of the Diocese of Davenport in 1881 and was elevated to cathedral status on August 12, 1911, when the Diocese of Des Moines was established, with Bishop Austin Dowling as its first bishop. Named after Saint Ambrose, a Doctor of the Church known for his eloquence and liturgical contributions, the cathedral was constructed in 1927 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 for its Romanesque Revival architecture.[1][2]
The cathedral has grown to serve a diverse community, offering Masses in multiple languages and supporting ministries like the St. Vincent de Paul Society, which provides food and essentials to those in need.[1] Recent initiatives include the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope, with St. Ambrose designated as a pilgrimage site, and a pipe organ restoration project, funded through events like the “Music to Our Ears” Raffle, launched in April 2025 to raise $160,000 for the 1929 organ.[1] The cathedral’s refugee ministry supports newcomers to Iowa, reflecting its commitment to service.[1]
Special features
- Jubilee Year of Hope Pilgrimage Site: Designated as one of five diocesan churches for the 2025 Jubilee, offering pilgrims a passport-stamping opportunity to deepen faith.[1]
- St. Vincent de Paul Society: Collects non-perishable food and hygiene items on the first weekend of each month to support local food pantries, serving those in need.[1]
- Pipe Organ Restoration Project: A fundraising effort, including the “Music to Our Ears” Raffle (April–September 2025), to restore the 1929 pipe organ, estimated at $221,000.[1]
- Refugee Ministry: Supports refugees through Catholic Charities and parish initiatives, fostering integration into the Iowa community.[1]
Related parishes
- Basilica of St. John (Diocese of Des Moines) – A nearby parish in Des Moines, also a 2025 Jubilee pilgrimage site.[1]
- Christ the King Church (Diocese of Des Moines) – Another parish in Des Moines, part of the diocesan pilgrimage network.