Contact & Location for St. Mary Parish
Service Times for St. Mary Parish
Sunday 5:00 PM
Vigil Mass
Sunday 8:00 AM
Mass
Sunday 11:00 AM
Mass
Programs & Ministries at St. Mary Parish
About St. Mary Parish
St. Mary Parish in Independence, Missouri, is the oldest Catholic church in the Diocese of Kansas City-Saint Joseph, founded in 1823 as a mission serving Native Americans and early settlers. The current church building, with its distinctive steeple and gold-plated cross, was completed in 1865 after its cornerstone was laid during the Civil War, making it a rare architectural survivor of that era. The parish maintains a rich spiritual tradition reflected in its stunning interior artwork, including a main altar depicting the coronation of Mary surrounded by saints, and features the beautiful artistic representations of St. Benedict, St. John Vianney, Mother Teresa, and other holy figures. St. Mary's offers both the traditional Latin Mass and the contemporary Mass, along with an active parish life that includes adoration, confession, men's formation groups, and adult initiation programs. With over two centuries of continuous ministry, St. Mary Parish welcomes visitors to experience the historical and spiritual heritage of this "Mother Church—Cradle of Catholicism" for the region.
First-Time Visitor Info for St. Mary Parish
Dress Code: Catholic Mass typically calls for respectful attire, though specific dress codes are not detailed—contact the parish for guidance. Service Format: Sunday Masses are offered at 8:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 5:00 p.m. vigil, with weekday Masses on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 7:30 a.m.; the parish also offers traditional Latin Mass at unpublished times listed in the MyParish app. Visitor Tips: Confession is available Saturday 4:00–4:45 p.m. and Sunday 7:15–7:45 a.m. and 4:00–4:45 p.m.; new visitors are invited to register with the parish, and the church office can provide details about all current programs and Latin Mass times.
Note: Church information may be outdated. Please verify details with the church directly before visiting.
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