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 Saint John family is truly an expression of the communal character of Catholic Christian life.  The beauty of our family is in the diversity 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.

Complete the online form or contact our office at 515-244-3101 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 (8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday).

If you have questions or need additional assistance, please contact Barb Kean or Pamela Meis (see contact info. on this page). Or use the form on this page and someone from our parish family will contact you.

Within a few weeks after we receive your complete 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.

Shortly 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 you are still an active member.

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.

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.

Our 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 requires that you receive a letter from your parish church stating that you practice your faith.

A practicing Catholic is one who attends Mass weekly and on Holy Days of Obligation, and is in good standing with the Church.  If you have children and want them to attend Holy Family School or Dowling Catholic 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 members of your immediate family.  If we can do anything to help you, please contact us.