St. Joe Parish

Saint Joseph is South Bend’s oldest Catholic worshipping community. Initially called St. Alexis Chapel, it was established by Rev. Edward F. Sorin, CSC, as a mission chapel of Notre Dame. The first little building, which was both chapel and school, was erected in 1853 in the community of Lowell, at what is now the intersection of Hill and LaSalle.

Today, St. Joseph Church is still led by the religious of the Congregation of Holy Cross. It is a vibrant faith community with vast opportunities for prayer, service, faith formation, and fellowship. St. Joseph's most important ministry is the parish's grade school, founded in 1854. It is one of the most beloved and respected educational institutions in the community.