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The Diocese of Des Moines has seen a 51% surge in new Catholics this year, with 400 converts recorded compared to 265 in 2025.

Why it matters: The local figures are part of a broader national trend, which the New York Times says is producing some of the highest convert numbers in recent years.

State of play: This Easter weekend, converts will be welcomed across the metro, including in three local parishes — 36 at St. Anthony's in Des Moines, 25 at Sacred Heart in West Des Moines and 24 at Christ the King.

Zoom in: The Rev. Michael Amadeo of St. Anthony's says interest has climbed since COVID as people search for deeper meaning.

But the other factor may have been the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, who is a native of neighboring Illinois.

"In the media, the Catholic Church has become more prevalent specifically because of Pope Leo," he says. "That is getting people more exposure to Catholicism that you haven't had before."

The big picture: The Diocese of Des Moines isn't alone in the rise — last year, a separate Byzantine Catholic liturgy became regularly available in Des Moines.

Greek Orthodox churches in the state also saw a rise in new members last year, the Register reports.

The last word: Amadeo sees a desire among people to have deeper meaning in their lives, especially in a time of more divisiveness and isolation.

"I think people have decided that they want something more and something deeper, and that would be connected to their faith."

Des Moines Diocese reports 51% increase in new Catholics

More people are converting to Catholicism in recent years.

Magenta-robed bishop speaks from a wooden lectern to a seated congregation in a church; behind him, a candle, an icon, and a large banner reading PRAISE GOD.

Bishop William Joensen speaks at the Rite of Election on Feb. 22 at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in West Des Moines. Photo: Courtesy of the Diocese of Des Moines

The Diocese of Des Moines has seen a 51% surge in new Catholics this year, with 400 converts recorded compared to 265 in 2025.Why it matters: The local figures are part of a broader national trend, which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the New York Times says" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/26/us/catholics-converts.html" data-vars-content-id="22399ca9-3e8c-49a1-9642-d1c65bbbc441" data-vars-headline="Des Moines Diocese reports 51% increase in new Catholics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/26/us/catholics-converts.html" target="_blank">the New York Times says</a> is producing some of the highest convert numbers in recent years.

Religion

News

The Jamie Hurd Amphitheater is used for everything from theater performances to symphony concerts, rock cover bands and film screenings.

But the one major thing missing for those events is a bathroom with flushable toilets, West Des Moines city staff say.

State of play: WDM's Parks and Recreation department is requesting $700,000 for a bathroom as part of its upcoming capital improvements budget, but one council member says the price is too high, likening it to the Taj Mahal during a February council meeting.

"I still find it hard to believe that it's $700,000 to build four walls, a roof, flush toilets and sinks," councilmember Kevin Trevillyan tells Axios.

What they're saying: Unlike a prefabricated city park bathroom, WDM Parks and Rec Director Ryan Penning says the cost reflects a custom design that fits in with the rest of the city campus, including the library, City Hall and the Learning Resource Center.

"We don't want to put in something that's a sore thumb, that doesn't look like it fits," Penning tells Axios.

Zoom in: At the moment, event organizers rent porta-potties, and permanent bathrooms are the most requested item, according to staff. The pond near the amphitheater is also popular with trail users who could use it, considering that 130,000 people passed by last year.

The project will also upgrade the electrical system in the area to help bring more food trucks.

What's next: City staff believe they can also get $250,000-$350,000 in donations to help with costs.

Council will consider the budget in April.

West Des Moines considers $700K bathroom near Jamie Hurd Amphitheater

City staff say it's one of the most requested amenities from residents.

Aerial view of a lakeside park at sunset: circular lawn with a stage and audience, tents, food trucks, and parked cars; a fountain in the lake; trees and distant buildings; "here" circled bottom-left.

The proposed bathroom location near the Jamie Hurd Amphitheater. Photo: Courtesy of City of West Des Moines

The Jamie Hurd Amphitheater is used for everything from theater performances to symphony concerts, rock cover bands and film screenings.<ul><li>But the one major thing missing for those events is a bathroom with flushable toilets, West Des Moines city staff say.</li></ul>

A Polk County Democrat is accusing the retiring Polk County recorder of giving her deputy an unfair advantage in an upcoming primary, though both of those accused say any seemingly nefarious activity was driven by a family emergency, not collusion.

State of play: Justin Hollinrake, an Ankeny City Councilmember speaking in a personal capacity, alleges Polk County Recorder Julie Haggerty and her deputy recorder, Lisa Chiodo, coordinated to position Chiodo as Haggerty's successor.

The recorder's office maintains and issues official documents, including real estate records, birth and death certificates, and marriage licenses.

Haggerty, a Democrat who has served as the elected recorder for nearly 20 years, is earning a salary of $153,769 in FY 2025-26.

Zoom in: Haggerty announced she was retiring in a news release on March 18, just two days before the candidate filing deadline.

But nomination papers show that Chiodo had begun collecting the 100 signatures required to enter the race as early as January, including one from Haggerty dated Jan. 5.

Chiodo also filed paperwork for her campaign committee, "Vote Chiodo," on March 16.

What they're saying: "It's very important that you call out corruption, no matter which side it is on," Hollinrake tells Axios. "Everyone needs to be better than that."

The other side: Haggerty tells Axios she planned to run again this year, but at 70 and as a caretaker for her aging parents, retirement was also on the table.

Knowing this, Chiodo told Haggerty in January of plans to run if Haggerty decided to step down, Chiodo tells Axios.

Chiodo — who has worked in the recorder's office for nearly a decade — began collecting signatures in January as a contingency. Haggerty says she signed as a show of support.

Yes, but: Several days before St. Patrick's Day, Haggerty's father was hospitalized, prompting her to reconsider running for reelection.

"It was a very, very tough decision, and I decided I couldn't do all of it," Haggerty says. "My priority now is my parents."

She says she informed Polk County Democratic chair Bill Brauch of her decision on March 17. The public became aware of it a day later.

The bottom line: Hollinrake remains skeptical. He points to Chiodo collecting signatures in January and filing her campaign committee on March 16, with her final signature gathered on March 17, as evidence of a predetermined plan

"I hope Lisa will acknowledge her mistake by withdrawing her nomination because this is just totally unethical behavior," he says.

Corruption accused in Polk County recorder's race

An elected official says Julie Haggerty's retirement timing is suspicious, but she says she's caring for aging parents.

Beige Polk County government building with POLK COUNTY on the facade, green trees in front, a paved walkway, and flagpoles with the U.S. flag and others under a blue sky.

Polk County Administration Building. Photo: Courtesy of Polk County

A Polk County Democrat is accusing the retiring Polk County recorder of giving her deputy an unfair advantage in an upcoming primary, though both of those accused say any seemingly nefarious activity was driven by a family emergency, not collusion.State of play: Justin Hollinrake, an Ankeny City Councilmember speaking in a personal capacity, alleges Polk County Recorder Julie Haggerty and her deputy recorder, Lisa Chiodo, coordinated to position Chiodo as Haggerty&#x27;s successor.

The Bake Shoppe, home of Barbara's iconic Champagne cake recipe, is expanding with a second location at the Waukee Triangle.

Why it matters: The dreamy blush-pink cake has been a Des Moines tradition since the 1940s, and demand has grown so much in recent years that co-owner Lisa Kannapel says they need another shop.

What's new: The new shop will be at 420 Sixth St., #120.

Smaller than the existing Windsor Heights bakery, the space will still carry popular desserts as the business experiments at the new location during its first year.

Meanwhile, the existing location is also expanding and moving into the space next door.

Kannapel says the goal at the new shop is to maintain a similar warm, cozy "grandma's house" feel.

Pink frosted cake with white piped border on a gold stand inside a bakery display case; other cakes with white frosting visible in the background.

Champagne cake at The Bake Shoppe. Photo: Linh Ta/Axios

Flashback: She and her husband, Chris, purchased The Bake Shoppe in 2021 after spending years renting oven space at the store for their biscotti business.

The couple both worked as educators for 30-plus years, but when The Bake Shoppe's then-owner David Stark asked if they were interested in buying the business, they said yes.

With the purchase of The Bake Shoppe, they also got the recipe for Barbara's Champagne cake — a beloved dessert that Stark learned when his family bought Barbara's Bake Shop in 1948.

Since then, the Kannapels have kept the shop largely the same, including scratch-made recipes, a cozy '90s aesthetic and Barbara's Champagne cake front and center, though they've added their own touches.

What's changed is the growth of the bakery. When they took over, there were four staffers. Now there's 25 — many of them high schoolers and college students returning during breaks. On busy mornings, people are parked and waiting before the doors even open.

What they're saying: At 60 years old and a recent breast cancer survivor, Lisa Kannapel says she wants to try things out without regret.

"I don't want to look back when I'm 80 and say, 'Man, I wish I would have done that,'" she says.

The intrigue: So what makes the dessert so tempting? She says there's a bit of nostalgia, especially for families who have gotten their birthday cakes from Barbara's since the 1940s.

It's a pretty chiffon cake with a whipped custard mixture, but it's also very sugary, so if you're not a fan of sweet, she recommends something else.

"I think it's just a tradition, and it's a celebratory item," she says.

What's next: They hope to open the new shop in May.

The Bake Shoppe plans second location in Waukee

The longtime bakery is opening a second location in the Waukee Triangle.

Two smiling people outside a bakery raise their arms under a large sign reading "THE BAKE SHOPPE." The man wears a blue patterned shirt, the woman a striped blouse; warm lights glow inside.

Chris and Lisa Kannapel. Photo: Courtesy of The Bake Shoppe

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Bake Shoppe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thebakeshoppe.org/" data-vars-content-id="713855c3-32e1-41d9-b828-fdd49538a707" data-vars-headline="The Bake Shoppe plans second location in Waukee" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thebakeshoppe.org/" target="_blank">The Bake Shoppe</a>, home of Barbara&#x27;s iconic Champagne cake recipe, is expanding with a second location at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Waukee Triangle" data-vars-click-url="https://www.waukeedowntown.com/" data-vars-content-id="713855c3-32e1-41d9-b828-fdd49538a707" data-vars-headline="The Bake Shoppe plans second location in Waukee" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.waukeedowntown.com/" target="_blank">Waukee Triangle</a>.Why it matters: The dreamy blush-pink cake has been a Des Moines tradition since the 1940s, and demand has grown so much in recent years that co-owner Lisa Kannapel says they need another shop.

Food and Drink

Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines, the largest church in Iowa, plans to expand its campus by 14,000 square feet, per a council meeting— including a gym, teen center and a larger food pantry.

Why it matters: The $20 million project, funded through donations, reflects the church's efforts to encourage more in-person interactions and accommodate a growing congregation, Pastor Jeremy Johnson tells Axios.

State of play: The first phase of the project is underway, including the opening of Café Hope — a coffee shop and restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch, with all proceeds going to nonprofits like Genesis Youth Foundation.

Other renovations include a new food pantry that helps around 70 families every Friday, Johnson says. They also plan on opening a sensory room.

The next phase is to construct a two-story addition at the northeast corner of the building, which will include a larger pantry and outreach center, a youth center for teens, and a gym that will offer group fitness classes, pickleball and basketball.

What they're saying: "It's all about, 'How do we best provide spaces for people to come into?'" Johnson says. "People are looking, especially in an increasingly digital world, ... for spaces to be able to meet, to have face-to-face interactions."

"I think a lot of people experience a culture that seems to be more divided than ever," Johnson says. "People are saying, 'That's not the way it's supposed to be.'"

Between the lines: After paying off the building's mortgage in 2013, Johnson says Hope committed to not taking on debt again.

If costs rise, construction won't continue until there is cash in hand, he says.

The big picture: Hope's expansion comes as a yearslong decline in U.S. church attendance shows signs of leveling off, per Pew Research Center.

Following a prolonged period of decline, church attendance started holding steady around 2020, which Johnson attributes to a national post-pandemic loneliness and a sense of cultural division.

The Christian share of the U.S. adult population has remained relatively stable, hovering between 60% and 64% since 2019, per Pew.

What's next: Construction for the shell of the addition is expected to start next spring, while the final phase of the capital improvements will involve filling in the building.

Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines plans campus expansion

The West Des Moines campus is one of the most popular churches in the state.

Bird's-eye 3D view of a modern campus building with a large curved auditorium, multiple interior levels including offices and a cafe, rooftop gym, playground, green lawns, and surrounding roads.

A rendering of the building extension at Lutheran Church of Hope in WDM. Rendering: Courtesy of Lutheran Church of Hope

Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines, the largest church in Iowa, plans to expand its campus by 14,000 square feet, per a council meeting— including a gym, teen center and a larger food pantry.Why it matters: The $20 million project, funded through donations, reflects the church&#x27;s efforts to encourage more in-person interactions and accommodate a growing congregation, Pastor Jeremy Johnson tells Axios.

Linh Ta

Featured stories

The Bake Shoppe plans second location in Waukee

Corruption accused in Polk County recorder's race

Des Moines Diocese reports 51% increase in new Catholics

Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines plans campus expansion

West Des Moines considers $700K bathroom near Jamie Hurd Amphitheater