The Catholic Church in Iowa is a family of faith and action that is as multicultural as any other statewide organization. As Catholics, we contribute to the spiritual life of the state and represent the largest non-governmental provider of health care, human services and education, with respect for the human person at the foundation of our mission to serve. We represent a substantial presence in Iowa, at a percentage of around 23% in a population of slightly over 3 million people.
The Catholic Church has been an organized presence in Iowa since 1835. The state is comprised of four dioceses, which are geographic areas under the spiritual leadership of a diocesan bishop. You can learn more about the dioceses and the bishops that serve them by clicking here. Encompassing the four dioceses are more than 450 parishes and over one hundred schools, as well as hospitals, nursing homes, Catholic Charities social service agencies and parish-based ministries supported daily by religious and lay volunteer efforts too numerous to count. Some statistics on the work of Catholics in the state of Iowa are below: