Learn Who We Are
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Saint Joseph Church was founded by Fr. Edward Sorin, C.S.C., a Holy Cross priest who also founded the University of Notre Dame. Our rich heritage is especially blessed because Saint Joseph Church was the first Catholic worshiping community established in South Bend, and our long history is built upon our indelible connection to the Congregation of Holy Cross. 

Saint Joseph Parish has been entrusted to Holy Cross priests and religious since its establishment in 1853, and we look to the Holy Cross Charism and Constitutions of the Congregation of Holy Cross as guiding points in our own mission. Knowing and celebrating our C.S.C. heritage is vital to maintaining our identity and zeal in faith and works.  Read more >

Our motto is: Ave Crux, Spes Unica—Hail the Cross, Our Only Hope. For more than 170 years, our priests and brothers have worked to bring the hope of the Cross to schools, universities, parishes, and other ministries on five continents. The Congregation offers the world not only our hope in crosses, but also our trust in Divine Providence, our familial spirit and unity, our Eucharistic fellowship and worship, our belief that education is both of the mind and the heart, and our apostolic zeal to make God known, loved and served around the globe. We are “educators in the faith,” “a great band of men,” “men with hope to bring.”

The United States Province serves the people of God through its parishes, colleges and universities and other ministries located across the U.S. and Mexico. The U.S. Province also has three international Districts: Chile, Peru and East Africa. Learn more >