SAC Youth Ministry
The St. Ambrose Cathedral Youth Ministry group is active throughout the year. Youth are invited to join activities as they are able. Activities are funded by donations and fundraising throughout the year. Students raise money by working concessions at Drake stadium and cleaning Principal Park after games. They also collect empty bottles and cans the last weekend of each month in the Cathedral parking lot. See below for upcoming dates.
Because of generous donations and fundraising, St. Ambrose is able to send youth to events such as Catholic Youth Camp (CYC), National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) and World Youth Day (WYD). If you feel called to donate to help our youth grow in their faith, please click HERE and choose “St. Ambrose Cathedral – Des Moines (CYC Sponsorship) from the drop down menu. Thank you!
Contact Catherine Swoboda csoboda16@gmail.com with any questions about Youth Ministry.
Volunteer With Us!
Anyone is welcome to join us for these volunteer opportunities that benefit the St. Ambrose Cathedral Youth Group! Please contact Catherine if you have any questions or would like to help with these opportunities: cswoboda16@gmail.com
Drake Knapp Center Cleanings
Friday October 10 – Knapp Center cleaning at 8pm
Saturday October 11 – Knapp Center cleaning at 7pm
Friday October 24 – Knapp Center cleaning at 8pm
Saturday October 25 – Knapp Center cleaning at 7pm
Saturday November 1 – Knapp Center cleaning at 7pm
Saturday November 8 – Knapp Center cleaning at 7pm
Fun Get-Togethers!
Youth and their families are invited to attend fun events throughout the year. We go bowling, offer movie nights, and host Friday Adoration nights.
Upcoming Events:
Family Bowling Night
Monday, October 20, 2025 @ 6pm
Val Lanes (100 Ashworth Rd, West Des Moines)
Join us for a fun night of bowling and pizza! (free for St. Ambrose youth and families)
Youth and Family Adoration Night
Friday, October 24, 2025 @ 7pm
St. Anne’s Chapel (in St. Ambrose cathedral)
Join us in the chapel for prayer and adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.
Summer
Catholic Youth Camp
All youth who will be in grades 3 through 12 in the fall, are invited to attend CYC in the summer. Registrations begin after January of that year.
CYC is located in Panora, IA and is a great chance for youth to grow in their faith!
Anyone who is interested in this great opportunity, please contact the parish office at 515-288-7411 or Catherine at cswoboda16@gmail.com.
Please click HERE to see what CYC is like!
St. Ambrose Children’s Choir
Children in 3rd-5th grade are invited to sing in the St. Ambrose Children’s Choir! The choir sings once a month at one of the weekend Masses. If you have any questions, please contact Maggie Parker at magdalene.parker@gmail.com.
Last Full Weekend of the Month
Donate Your Empty Cans & Bottles for Youth Ministry!
St. Ambrose youth collect redeemable cans and bottles to support youth faith activities. Parishioners are invited to bring their redeemable cans and bottles to the church parking lot before or after the weekend Masses (Saturday 4pm; Sunday 8:30am and 11:00am).
Upcoming weekends:
- October 25-26
- November 29-30
- December 27-28
