About the Parish Family
A Catholic parish is the single most important part of our
Catholic Church. This is where we continue the mission of Jesus
Christ. This is where we publicly express our faith, joining together with
others to give proof of our communion with God and with one another.
The Basilica of St. John family is truly an expression of the
communal character of Catholic Christian life with over 800 families
registered. The beauty of our family is in the diversity of races and the
unity with which we love one another.
We are a vital and growing church in the heart of Des
Moines. If you decide to join, we can use your help in one of our many
organizations and ministries.
Becoming a Parish Member
Contact our office, either at 515-244-3101 or by e-mail at basilicadm@msn.com,
and ask for a new member application form to be sent to you. You may
return it in the postage paid envelope or drop it by our office during business
hours (9:00 to 5:00 Monday through Friday).
If you have questions or need additional assistance, please
contact Barb Kean or Margaret Voss at 515-244-3101, extension 0.
Within a few weeks after we receive your completed application
form you will be contacted by a member of our welcoming committee.
Please spend some time with this person so that you and your family have a good
understanding of the opportunities that are open to you as a member of our
parish family. During this meeting you will also have the opportunity to
ask questions. Making the Commitment
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Within 4-8 weeks after you register, you will receive
personalized envelopes for your parish donation. It is necessary for
you to use your envelopes so that the amount of your donation can be
recorded into a confidential database. If you need this information
for tax purposes, we are then able to provide you with a statement of your
contributions. Using your envelopes is an important way for us to know
that you are still an active member.
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At the meeting with the welcome committee member you will be
given a list of opportunities, which will allow you options for taking an
active role in the life of your new parish.
Together as a faith-filled community of Catholic Christians, we
are committed to supporting one another in our faith journey, by full
participation in the prayer and liturgical events of the parish, as well as
outreach opportunities to assist our needy brothers and sisters locally and
throughout the world. It is the Lord Jesus Christ who forms us as a
parish, and it is because of him that our parish activities are developed.
Our growth in likeness to Jesus Christ is primary and it is to this that we are
committed above all else. The sharing of our time, talent, and treasure
with our brothers and sisters helps us to direct all our energies to manifesting
the mind of Jesus and fulfilling God's will wherever our daily life takes us.
Why Should You Register?
There are many reasons to register. The most important
reason is that you desire a sense of belonging in your church community.
You are making a commitment to practice your faith. This commitment should
be a high priority in your life. You should be willing to give of your
time, talent and treasure to your church community.
Other practical reasons include the fact that you must be a
practicing Catholic in order to receive the Sacraments of Baptism (or a parent
in the case of a child), First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion,
Confirmation, or Holy Matrimony. To be a Godparent or a Sponsor for
Confirmation also requires that you receive a letter from your parish church
stating that you practice your faith.
A practicing Catholic is one that attends Mass weekly an on
holydays, and is in good standing with the Church. If you have children
and want them to attend Holy Family School or Dowling High School, registered
parishioners have priority when there are openings. For religious
education instruction and Sacramental preparation, the families of those
attending must also be registered parishioners.
Your decision to become a registered member of our parish family
is an important decision involving all the members of your immediate
family. If we can do anything to help you, please contact us.
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