About St. Mary's Catholic Church · Independence, Missouri
St. Mary's Catholic Church in Independence, Missouri is the oldest Catholic parish in the Diocese of Kansas City–St. Joseph and one of the first churches established in Jackson County. Its mission traces back to 1823, when French missionary Rev. Charles de la Croix arrived to serve both Native Americans and the early Catholic settlers of the area. The parish was formally organized in 1845 under Fr. Bernard Donnelly and the present brick church — one of the rare church buildings constructed during the Civil War — had its cornerstone laid on August 20, 1864 and was completed in 1865. Still standing at the corner of College and Liberty Streets in downtown Independence, St. Mary's is known as 'the Mother Church – Cradle of Catholicism' for this region of Missouri and is led today by Rev. Kendall Ketterlin. The parish offers both the Ordinary Form of the Mass and the Traditional Latin Mass (Extraordinary Form) under the permission of Bishop Johnston.
- Established
- 1823
- Patron
- The Blessed Virgin Mary (parish is named 'St. Mary's'; the early chapel was originally dedicated as 'Holy Cross' before Fr. Thomas Fitzgerald renamed it St. Mary's during his pastorate 1875–1910)
- Rector
- Rev. Kendall Ketterlin
- Diocese
- Diocese of Kansas City–St. Joseph
Why belong here
St. Mary's welcomes new members every year into an active, growing parish rooted in 200 years of continuous Catholic witness in Independence. Worshippers can attend both the Ordinary Form Mass in English and the Traditional Latin Mass (Extraordinary Form) offered with permission of Bishop Johnston, with weekday and Sunday schedules, daily confessions, and Eucharistic Adoration from Wednesday morning through Friday evening. The parish nurtures the whole family through robust faith formation for ages 3–17 (including the Montessori-based Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and sacramental prep), adult catechesis series throughout the year, OCIA (RCIA), and longstanding organizations like the Knights of Columbus, the Altar & Rosary Society (founded 1882), the Adult Choir, Altar Servers, and the Maidens of Mary. As 'the Mother Church – Cradle of Catholicism' for this region, it offers a rare chance to belong to a living piece of Missouri Catholic history while serving the surrounding community through its Outreach Agency.
Mass times at St. Mary's Catholic Church
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday: 4:00–4:45 pm
- Sunday: 7:15–7:45 am
- Sunday: 4:00–4:45 pm
- Every 3rd Sunday: 10:00–10:45 am
- Monday: 11:30–11:50 am
- Wednesday: 7:00–7:20 am and 5:00–5:45 pm
- Thursday: 7:00–7:20 pm
- Friday: 7:00–7:20 pm
Adoration times
- Wednesday 8:00 am through Thursday 7:00 am (24-hour adoration)
- Friday 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
- All are invited at any time during adoration hours; sign up for a particular hour by emailing the parish
Welcome & Parish Identity
St. Mary's Catholic Church in Independence, Missouri identifies itself as the oldest parish in the Diocese of Kansas City–St. Joseph and 'the Mother Church – Cradle of Catholicism' for this region of Missouri. The parish traces its roots to a Catholic mission that began in 1823, when French missionary Fr. Charles de la Croix came to serve both Native Americans and early Catholic families. Fr. Bernard Donnelly formally established the parish in May 1845, and the present brick church — built during the Civil War — still stands at the corner of College and Liberty Streets in downtown Independence. The parish describes itself as 'an active, growing parish' that welcomes new members every year.
- Founded 1823; parish formally established May 1845
- Oldest parish in the Diocese of Kansas City–St. Joseph
- Cornerstone of present church laid August 20, 1864; completed 1865
- Current pastor: Rev. Kendall Ketterlin
History of St. Mary's Parish
Catholic missionary work in what would become Independence began in 1823 with Fr. Charles de la Croix. After two decades of itinerant missions, Vincentian priests Rev. Thomas Burke and Rev. Joseph DeMarchi recommended a resident pastor, and Irish immigrant Fr. Bernard Donnelly arrived on May 17, 1845 to serve about 12 Catholic families across roughly 18,000 square miles. He initially used a 24-by-36-foot wagon shop purchased for $750 as a chapel, dedicated under the title of Holy Cross. Around 1860 construction of the present brick church began; the cornerstone was laid on August 20, 1864 — the same day the Kansas City–Independence rail line opened — and the church was completed in 1865. Fr. Thomas Fitzgerald (pastor 1875–1910) renamed the parish St. Mary's, designed the 100-foot steeple added in 1893, and oversaw construction of the Old St. Mary's Academy in 1878. In November 1975 the Jackson County Historical Society placed a marker on the grounds declaring St. Mary's the oldest church building in Jackson County in continuous use. The parish celebrated its bicentennial in 2023.
- 1823: French missionary Fr. Charles de la Croix begins the Catholic mission
- 1845: Fr. Bernard Donnelly arrives as first resident pastor
- 1848: Wagon shop purchased for $750 to serve as first chapel (named Holy Cross)
- 1864: Cornerstone of present brick church laid August 20; completed 1865
- 1875–1910: Fr. Thomas Fitzgerald renames the parish St. Mary's
- 1878: Old St. Mary's Academy (parish school) opens
- 1882: St. Mary's Altar & Rosary Society founded (oldest continuing parish organization); six Sisters of Mercy arrive to teach
- 1884: Three Sisters of Mercy establish a permanent foundation in Independence
- 1893: 100-foot steeple designed by Fr. Fitzgerald added; gold-plated cross atop
- 1975: Jackson County Historical Society marker placed on parish grounds
- 1990: Steeple repaired
- 2023: Parish celebrates its bicentennial
Clergy & Parish Staff
St. Mary's is led by pastor Rev. Kendall Ketterlin, with Deacon Shane Voyles assisting. The parish staff includes an executive secretary, music director, formation and family resource coordinator, outreach coordinator, sacristan, contributions coordinator, administrative assistant, technical support, and maintenance. Sr. Bianca Cruz of the Hermanas Misioneras Servidores de la Palabra (Missionary Sisters Servants of the Word) is also associated with the parish.
- Rev. Kendall Ketterlin — Pastor (ext. 103)
- Deacon Shane Voyles (ext. 107)
- Lorie Sage — Executive Secretary
- Angelina Gearke — Music Director
- Joey Kellogg — Formation and Family Resource Coordinator (ext. 109)
- Maggie Cruz — Outreach Agency (816-252-8649)
- Tony Douglas — Contributions (ext. 102)
- Natasha Johnson — Administrative Assistant (ext. 108)
- Aaron Talato — Sacristan / Grand Knight, Knights of Columbus Council 10746
- Isaiah Shelton — Maintenance
- Cathy Anderson — Altar & Rosary Society contact (816-718-6547)
- John Williamson — Technical Support
- Sr. Bianca Cruz — Hermanas Misioneras Servidores de la Palabra
Faith Formation
St. Mary's mission is to nurture the spiritual growth of its community through comprehensive programs for all ages. Programs include youth catechesis and sacramental preparation for children ages 7–17 (Tuesday evenings), the Montessori-based Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (Level I for ages 3–6, Thursday mornings), adult catechesis through thematic series, days of reflection, and OCIA (RCIA) for adults seeking full initiation into the Church.
- Youth Catechesis (ages 7–17): Tuesdays 6:00–7:30 pm in the Ministry Center
- Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level I (ages 3–6): Thursdays 9:00–11:00 am in the Ministry Center
- Adult Catechesis series — e.g. 'Unbound' (Lent), 'Eternal Rest' (summer), 'Unveiling the Book of Revelation' (fall), Advent and mental health series
- OCIA (RCIA) — offered year-round; contact Fr. Kendall or Joey Kellogg
- Homeschool family support — monthly Parish Days planned
Sacramental Preparation
All sacramental preparation is included within the parish's catechesis programs. Children age 7 or older who desire baptism participate in the Order of Christian Initiation for Children (OCIC). First Holy Communion preparation begins in 2nd grade, and Confirmation preparation begins in 6th grade (age 12). Adult sacraments are handled through OCIA.
- Baptism / OCIC for children 7+
- First Holy Communion (2nd grade or older)
- Confirmation (6th grade / age 12)
- Adult initiation through OCIA
St. Raphael Family Resource Center
Named after the Archangel Raphael — patron of families, couples, healing and vocations — the St. Raphael Family Resource Center provides physical and digital resources, programs and facilities to help families live a Christian life and raise their children in the Faith. The Center hosts the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, gives all registered families a free membership to Formed (from the Augustine Institute), and links parishioners to the MyParish App for recorded presentations, traditional prayers, and Catholic podcasts.
- Formed.org membership provided to all registered families
- Hosts Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (Level I currently; Levels II–III planned)
- MyParish App access (recorded presentations, traditional prayers, podcasts)
Get Involved — Ministries & Organizations
Parishioners can serve in a wide range of ministries, from liturgical roles to outreach and parish maintenance. The Adult Parish Choir rehearses Monday evenings. Boys ages 8 through high school may serve as Altar Servers. Girls ages 8–22 may join the Maidens of the Miraculous Medal. The Knights of Columbus (Council 10746) supports the parish through service projects, fund drives, work days, and special events. The historic Altar & Rosary Society, founded in 1882 and the oldest continuing organization in the parish, purchases liturgical supplies, cleans the church and vestments, hosts funeral luncheons, sponsors blood drives and supports the Outreach Ministry. Parish workdays care for the buildings and grounds.
- Adult Parish Choir (Mon 6:30–8:00 pm)
- Altar Servers (boys age 8–high school)
- Maidens of the Miraculous Medal (girls 8–22)
- Knights of Columbus Council 10746
- Altar & Rosary Society (founded 1882)
- Parish Workdays
Liturgy of the Hours & Devotions
Alongside the Mass and Confession, St. Mary's offers the Liturgy of the Hours — the official prayer of the Church. Lauds (Morning Prayer) is prayed publicly after the 7:30 am Mass on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and at 10:30 am on Sunday. Vespers (Evening Prayer) is prayed Friday at 6:00 pm. The parish also hosts Lenten devotions (Stations of the Cross on Fridays, Lenten Fish Fries & Simple Suppers), the annual Corpus Christi Mass, Procession and Parish Cookout, days of reflection, and seasonal Advent and Christmas events.
- Lauds (Morning Prayer): Mon/Wed/Thu/Fri after 7:30 am Mass; Sunday 10:30 am
- Vespers (Evening Prayer): Friday 6:00 pm
- Stations of the Cross (Lent, Fridays)
- Lenten Fish Fries & Simple Suppers
- Corpus Christi Mass, Procession and Parish Cookout
- Christmas Vigil (Dec 24) at 7 pm; Christmas Day 8 am and Midnight Mass
- Days of Reflection (e.g. St. Joseph Day of Reflection)
Sacraments
St. Mary's celebrates all seven sacraments. Reconciliation is offered on a generous weekly schedule. Baptisms (including OCIC for children 7+), First Holy Communion (2nd grade+), Confirmation (6th grade+), Marriage, Anointing of the Sick, and Funerals are all celebrated through the parish. The St. Mary's Altar & Rosary Society provides funeral luncheons for deceased members and their families.
- Reconciliation (Confession)
- Baptism (including OCIC)
- First Holy Communion
- Confirmation
- Marriage
- Anointing of the Sick
- Funerals (Altar & Rosary Society hosts funeral luncheons)
St. Mary's Bookstore
St. Mary's operates an on-site Bookstore that is open following all Sunday Masses and the Saturday Vigil. The Bookstore carries 1962 Missals and other Traditional Latin Mass resources, as well as other Catholic books and devotionals — a particularly helpful resource given that the parish offers the Extraordinary Form of the Mass.
- Open after all Sunday Masses and the Saturday Vigil
- Carries 1962 Missals and Traditional Latin Mass resources
Visit & Contact
Parishioners and visitors can reach St. Mary's at 600 N. Liberty St., Independence, MO 64050, at the corner of College and Liberty Streets. The parish office phone is (816) 252-0121 and is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. The church doors are open for prayer 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. The parish maintains an active presence on Facebook, YouTube and Spotify, and the MyParish App provides schedules, recorded talks, and Traditional Latin Mass times.
- Address: 600 N. Liberty St., Independence, MO 64050
- Phone: (816) 252-0121
- Office hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Church open for prayer: Mon–Fri 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City–St. Joseph
- Social: Facebook, YouTube, Spotify, MyParish App
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. Charles de la Croix1823 (missionary)
French missionary; first priest to serve the area, ministering to Native Americans and early Catholic settlers.
- Rev. Bernard Donnelly1845–1857
Irish immigrant; first resident pastor. Arrived May 17, 1845 with a trunk, some books and $5 to serve about 12 Catholic families across 18,000 square miles. Laid the cornerstone of the present church in 1864.
- Rev. Thomas Fitzgerald1875–1910
Carpenter, architect and mathematician. Renamed the parish from Holy Cross to St. Mary's, designed the 100-foot steeple (1893), and oversaw construction of the Old St. Mary's Academy in 1878.
- Rev. Thomas J. Wardafter Donnelly era
Led restoration of the parish after damage; covered the high flat walls with dark walnut above the rear addition and incorporated saved altar pieces back into the décor.
- Rev. John R. Hennesseycelebrated silver jubilee 1949
His jubilee year was the only time the parish's traditional ice cream social was not held.
- Rev. Kendall Ketterlinpresent
Current pastor; leads St. Mary's in continuing its 200-year legacy.