Visiting
Our Address:
607 High Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
Cathedral Hours
The Cathedral is open for visitors Monday-Friday from 9am to 4pm. On weekends, the doors are usually locked after the last Mass unless there is an event. If you would like to schedule a visit on a weekend, please call the office at 515-288-7411.
Tours
Tours can be arranged for groups who would like a more formal visit. Please call the office at 515-288-7411.
Parking
Behind the cathedral (yellow): This parking is available for Cathedral visitors at all times. Enter on 6th Avenue (one-way going North).
West of the cathedral (blue): This parking is available on weekends or evenings only. Enter from High Street on the driveway beside the Parish Hall.
On the street: Parking is free on Sundays and overnight (9 p.m. to 9 a.m.) Download the ParkDSM app in advance for payment.
Accessibility
Handicap accessible entrance is on East side of Cathedral near 6th Avenue.
Accessible restroom is conveniently just inside this East entrance.
Nearest parking spots:
- street parking on 6th Avenue.
- lot behind the cathedral. Enter on 6th Avenue just beyond the East entrance.
Rest rooms and water fountains
- Water fountains are in the vestibule near the main entrance to the cathedral. One fountain is handicap accessible.
- Two individual rest rooms are in the basement. Go down the spiral stairs near the water fountains.
- Accessible rest room is near the front of the church, on the right (just inside the East entrance of the church.)
Parish Hall and Offices
The matching stone building East of the cathedral holds:
- Parish Hall – entrance on ground floor
- Parish Offices – entrance up a few stairs on the right corner of building
Visitors can come to the office between 9am-4pm most weekdays. Please ring the bell for admission.
Join Our Parish!
If you are wondering whether or not to join a parish, read some of these top reasons.
- Joining a parish gives you a sense of belonging in a parish community.
- It is a commitment to practice your faith.
- It allows the parish priests and staff to get to know you better, welcome you, and minister to you. This is especially important in times of crisis so that the pastoral staff can attend to your spiritual needs.
- Registration helps you stay connected to your parish and helps the parish stay connected to you through newsletters, emails, etc.
- Registered active members can more easily become godparents and sponsors for others.
- Census numbers may help determine how many priests are assigned to a parish and how many Masses and programs are scheduled.
Did You Know? Once a child turns 18, it is their responsibility to register as a member independent of their parents.
Ready to Register? Click below for a form and return it to secretary@saintambrosecathedral.org. Call the office at 515-288-7411 with any questions!
