PARISH HISTORY

From the Des Moines Register, June 23, 1950 –   “The formation of a new Catholic parish in Windsor Heights was announced Friday by the Most Rev. Edward C. Daly, Bishop of the Des Moines Diocese.  The  new Windsor Heights parish will be named St. Theresa of the Child Jesus.  A church will be erected on diocesan property on the north side of University Avenue between Merle Hay Road and Sixtieth Street.  Appointed pastor of the Windsor Heights church was the Rev. Charles Phelan.”

St. Theresa is at the western edge of Des Moines. Its territory includes western Des Moines, Windsor Heights, and much of Clive.  On December 8, 1951, the first Mass was celebrated on the grounds – in what is now the school.  The convent (now the parish office) was constructed shortly thereafter. The church was constructed in 1958.  Our parish property includes the entire city block plus the rectory at 6001 University.

Today, St. Theresa Parish has over 1300 families.  The school has an enrollment of over 290 students in grades pre-K through 8.  We have approximately 150 students in our religious education program.  St. Theresa offers a comprehensive childcare program, with classes for 3-and 4-year-olds, in addition to before- and after-school care.