Dialogue Series Focused on the Common Good
“Faith in Action for the Common Good” invites people of all spiritual walks of life to listen, converse, and then act to improve conditions that benefit all members of society.
Third Dialogue Series: God and Caesar: A Different Path
September 20, 2026
Author and public theologian Diana Butler Bass delivered a keynote address, centered around the intersection of religion and public life. She focused on the difference between imperialist societies, both in Jesus’s day and throughout history, and Jesus’s countercultural law of love. Using Romans 13 to illustrate her points, she discussed the Christian call to justice, mercy, and generosity. Dr. Butler Bass also presented a session on the liturgical, based on her award-winning book, A Beautiful Year, and participated in a discussion with students on topics particularly important to them.
Upcoming Events
Crossroads Des Moines: What Now?
Dr. Diana Butler Bass, Author and Public Theologian
Friday, Nov. 20, 2026, 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Plymouth Congregational Church - Waveland Hall, 4126 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines
(In-person and virtual options)
Dr. Butler Bass will continue conversations about the intersection of religion and politics at the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa's November Crossroads luncheon. Speaking remotely, she will share her perspective on the outcomes and impact of the 2026 elections, the role of religion, the influence of Christian nationalism, and where we go from here.
There are three ways to attend Crossroads: Attend in person with lunch ($15 - must RSVP and order lunch by Nov. 18 at noon), in person without lunch (free), or watch via YouTube (free). Registration is required for all three.
Crossroads is a monthly gathering of the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa in Des Moines
Interfaith Panel
Souls in Community: A Faith-Based Response to the Challenge of Social Justice
Sunday, Jan. 10, 2027, 3:00 p.m.
Being New Spirituality Center at Grace Lutheran Church
5201 Urbandale Avenue, Des Moines
Second Dialogue Series: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart
August 15, 2025 to January 12, 2026
This series included three thought-provoking dialogue opportunities from author, activist, podcaster, and Center for Action and Contemplation faculty member Brian D. McLaren.
STUDENT PRESENTATION Faith, Doubt, and the Student Journey
VIRTUAL PREVIEW Wisdom for a World Falling Apart: What the World Needs from People of Faith
KEYNOTE ADDRESS Wisdom and Courage in a World Falling Apart: What the World Needs from People of Faith
Courage to Act in a World Falling Apart: 10 Components of Contemplative Action with Susie Tierney
Wisdom for the Long Haul in a World Falling Apart
First Dialogue Series - Immigration
February 2 - March 29, 2025
The first Dialogue Series presentations included a panel discussion on the state of immigration in Iowa, a keynote entitled “Broken at the Border” by El Paso, TX’s Bishop Mark J. Seitz (see event photos), and an action workshop at which attendees learned how they could support refugees and immigrants.
Presentation Slides:
- The History of Immigration in Iowa
- Immigration 101: Navigating the U.S. Immigration Landscape
- The Refugee Experience
Recordings:
Dialogue Series Receives Grant
The St. Catherine of Siena Dialogue Series has been awarded a $5000 Parish Renewal Grant from the Catholic Foundation of Southwest Iowa in support of the second Series, which will feature Brian McLaren. McLaren is Dean of Faculty at the Center for Action and Contemplation, founded by Franciscan Father Richard Rohr. A former English professor, he has authored many books, including Life After Doom and Faith After Doubt. McLaren will be in Des Moines on September 20-21 and will speak about Wisdom for a World Falling Apart: What the World Needs from People of Faith. Stay tuned for details about our second St. Catherine of Siena Dialogue Series.
We are grateful to the Catholic Foundation of Southwest Iowa, a non-profit organization that assists individuals, parishes, schools, and Catholic organizations across the 23-county Diocese of Des Moines.
About the St. Catherine of Siena Dialogue Series
The Dialogue Series is presented by St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church and Student Center at Drake University. “Faith in Action” for the Common Good” is the foundation of the series, which invites people of all spiritual walks of life to listen, converse, and then act to improve conditions that benefit all members of society.
About St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church and Student Center
St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church and Student Center at Drake University is an inclusive and supportive community of resident parishioners and students striving through liturgy, community, service, and faith formation to grow as servant leaders for the Catholic Church and the broader community.
In addition to offering vibrant liturgy, intergenerational faith formation, and intentional community building, social justice and service are core values of our community. We maintain a food pantry on our grounds and support the Catholic Worker House, local homeless shelters, an addiction rehabilitation center in Ghana, and an education fund to make it possible for children to attend school in Kenya.
