Parish Archives

200 Years of St. Mary Parish in Independence

The first footsteps of the Church arrived in this part of the country, what would become the town of Independence, MO. Fr. Charles de la Croix, a French missionary arrived to serve the Catholic families in the region. This video celebrates the Bicentennial of St. Mary Parish and 200 years of God’s work in bringing His Kingdom into the region.

The mission that laid the foundation for what would become the parish of St. Mary’s began in 1823, marking St. Mary’s as the first church to be established in Independence, Missouri and for what is now the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.  It is rightfully known as “the Mother Church–Cradle of Catholicism” for this region of Missouri.  As described in the historical accounts of the first priest serving the area, Rev. Charles de la Croix, this mission served both Native Americans and a few families that had begun settling in the newly formed town.  The parish itself, was formally established by Fr. Bernard Donnelly in May of 1845 and the cornerstone of the church building laid in 1864, marking St. Mary’s church as one of the rare churches built during the civil war.  Since its completion in 1965, the steeple and gold-plated cross have looked over the arrival of many and growth of Independence.

St. Mary’s Bicentennial Painting

Founders: Fr. Bernard Donnelly: Established parish of St. Mary’s; Mother Mary Catherine McAuley: Foundress of Sisters of Mercy

Figures: Rev. Charles de la Croix: First French Missionary

Among the people he pastored were native families and anglo settlers 

Mission Cross: Used for the first missions helps by the Redemptorist fathers in 18

American and French Flags: Representing the United States at the time of the first mission in 1823 and the French flag representing the native land of the missionary priests

Patrons of St. Mary’s: Overlooking the parish from the clouds of heaven are our protectors, intercessors and patrons: the Blessed Virgin Mary, holding a brown scapular of protection, St. Joseph the Worker, St. Anne who is depicted with a teaching scroll as the first teacher of the Blessed Mother, and St. Cyril

Church: The church of St. Mary’s depicted in its original building, begun in 1862 and completed in 1864.  The Rose window was originally on the East side of the building, above the original altar.

City of Independence: The settlement in the background is a reminder that St. Mary’s pre-dated the establishment of the City of Independence, by 4 years.  The buildings depict the 1st Courthouse; wagon trains and settlers heading out on the Oregon, California and Santa Fe Trails, the present day Courthouse and St. Mary’s High School

Roses and Lillies: In honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph

Golden Cross: A long standing symbol of the Church overlooking the surrounding area and City of Independence.  Giving homage to the source of our salvation and light to the world.

Sunset or Sunrise: The colors of the sky are intended to depict both a sunrise or sunset.  The sunset marking the long day and 200 years of the life and history of St. Mary’s.  Sunrise to capture the Diocese’s recent recommitment to the mission of St. Mary’s for Northern Independence and the Region.