St. Catherine of Siena, Des Moines, Iowa

Residents and students alike enjoy an active fellowship with each other. Whether it be a meal, an outing or a special event, St. Catherine's is a dynamic and caring community.

Coffee and Donuts

This is one of the many opportunities we have to socialize together here at St. Kate’s. Parishioners and students enjoy fellowship and community following the Sunday Mass for a tasty donut or roll, juice or a cup of hot, Fair Trade coffee(or tea)! Even if you don't care to have a quick "snack"- it is a wonderful time to visit with your fellow parishioners!

Students, groups, individuals or families are needed to host the Coffee and Donut fellowship. If interested, a sign-up sheet is available every Sunday in the parish center where coffee and donuts are served.

For further information contact Jan Wise.

Parish Life Activities

Throughout the year Saint Catherine of Siena parish plans many activities for fellowship and community building, in addition to its many outreach ministries. Plans for 2010 include a parish Night at the Iowa Cubs, Ice Cream Social, Parish Potlucks and El Salvador Project Auction and Fundraiser (November 2010).

Deaf Community

Saint Catherine Drake Newman Center is privileged to be home to Des Moines Metro Catholic Deaf Community. Sign language interpreters are available at Sunday Masses and both Deaf and hearing parishioners participate in signing parts of the liturgy.

Our deaf community is a vital part of St. Kate’s and actively participates in all aspects of parish life. Deaf members serve as lectors, Eucharistic ministers, student supper hosts, coffee and donut hosts, hospitality, gift bearers, and liturgical environment ministers. Religious education classes for our deaf community are taught by Gus and Dee Cordero before Sunday Mass.

In 2009 two members of our deaf community, Marlene Kautsky and Donna Kern, taught basic sign language classes to students and resident parishioners. The class was well received. They look forward to additional opportunities teaching sign language to interested parishioners.

Click Here for History of Catholic Deaf Community in the Des Moines Metro Area

Student Suppers

Every Sunday evening during the school year, Drake students are provided the opportunity for fellowship with each other, as resident parishioners volunteer to cook and serve a supper for Drake Students. During the 2009-2010 school year, a total of 142 resident parishioners provided home cooked Sunday dinners for the Drake students. Attendance at these very popular dinners range from 70 to 120 students, offering a “home away from home” atmosphere of warmth and welcome.

In addition to fellowship for Drake students, student suppers provide resident parishioners with similar fellowship, a chance to socialize and share in a fun filled service atmosphere. It is an excellent opportunity to get to know fellow parishioners as you plan and serve one of these dinners. It takes several individuals/families working together to prepare a student supper for 100.

To volunteer to cook or serve at student supper please contact Jean Samson.