About St. Mary Parish
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People often visit churches based on their preferences (similar taste in music or style of teaching), but they stay at a church because of its missional principles. Here at St. Mary Parish, we refer to these principles as our DNA Statements. These statements paint the picture of the kind of values and church we are striving to be, and prayerfully, you will see them demonstrated through our mission, vision, and ministry at every level of St. Mary Parish at South Bend. We are a mission-driven church. Everything we do is to help people find and follow God. We are a kingdom-first church. We are here to build God's kingdom, first and foremost. We are an everyone's welcome church. St. Mary Parish, South Bend, Indiana is a place where you can belong before you believe. We are a better together church. Life was never meant to be lived alone. An authentic biblical community is experienced best when you get connected. We are an all in church. We are a church built on the sacrifices of many, not the talents of a few. We are a nobody's perfect church. God meets us right where we are at and loves us enough never to leave us there. We create safe places for people to process their faith with grace and truth. We are a generous church. We strive to always go beyond the minimum. We are a life-giving church.We will be known more for what we are for than what we are against. We are a next steps church. No matter where you were at in your spiritual journey, God has the right next step for you! We are a gospel-driven church. We will lift high and proclaim the name of Jesus. The only name by which we are saved, rescued, and redeemed.
We believe that the goal of the faith community is not to make people more religious; instead, we want to help people learn to love God more and therefore become more fully human. At St. Mary Parish, we believe that we are called to reach out to our neighbors. We want to do this both locally and globally, serving them in ways that make a difference.
About Jesus Christ: We believe that in His life, death, resurrection, and ascension, Jesus Christ accomplished salvation for sinners. In His life, He kept God's law on our behalf. In His death, He suffered as our substitute and satisfied the divine wrath we deserved. He took our guilt upon Himself and credited His righteousness to our account. In His resurrection, we receive newness of life now and eternal life to come. In His ascension, He poured out the Holy Spirit on His church and He continually intercedes for us. This entire salvation is the free and gracious work of God alone.
About Separation of Church and State: We believe that each local church is self-governing, and must be free from interference by any external ecclesiastical or political authority; that every human being is ultimately responsible to God in matters of faith and life; and that each person is free to worship God according to the dictates of his/her conscience. We further believe that governments are established by God; that Christians, as good citizens, should be subject to governing authorities insofar as possible, recognizing our greater allegiance to God and His kingdom in matters wherein human authorities conflict with clear, biblical mandates.