The 75th Anniversary of Saint Bernard Parish

“The Measure of Love is Love Without Measure” – Saint Bernard of Clairvaux

Anniversary Message From Father Sharman

It is with great joy that we celebrate our Seventy-fifth Anniversary. This celebration will be a great act of thanksgiving, in union with Christ, for the many blessings poured out on our Parish Family over the past 75 years.

This anniversary should also be a wonderful occasion for a renewed commitment to Christ and His Church. May this commitment be especially evident in an ever more intense sharing in the Eucharistic Sacrifice, the source and summit of all Christian living. It is in the Eucharistic Mystery that we hear our Lord Jesus call us to a deeper personal conversion, a deeper love for the Sacrament of Penance, and a renewed determination to serve Christ in one another, especially the poor and those in need.

May the years ahead see among us a renewed appreciation for the dignity of Holy Matrimony and Family life, and that we be blessed with more holy and generous vocations to the Sacred Priesthood and Consecrated Life. May our Blessed Mother, and our holy patron, Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, intercede for us with God so He may confirm us in grace, joy, and peace.

Devotedly yours in Christ,
Father Robert F. Sharman
Pastor

Parish Dedication

In a spirit of joy and thanksgiving, more than 400 parishioners and guests celebrated with Bishop Dattilo the Mass of Dedication for the new church on May 24, 2003. The video featured below includes and introduction from Father Sharman, the Mass of Dedication, and information on the construction of the new church which began in December 2001.

Triduum of Prayer in Honor of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux

To celebrate our parish’s 75th Anniversary, we held a three-day triduum of prayer in honor of our patron saint, Bernard of Clairvaux. The Triduum began on Saint Bernard’s Feast Day, August 20th and concluded on Tuesday, August 22nd. The holy hour each evening began at 7:00PM and included Vespers, a sermon on Saint Bernard and the history of our parish. Each evening concluded with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Deacon Michael Pray, who did his master’s thesis on the history of our parish and Catholicism in Perry County, preached the sermon each evening.

75th Anniversary Mass and Reception

We were honored to welcome Bishop Timothy Senior for the celebration of our 75th Anniversary Mass on October 15, 2023. Afterward, a beautiful reception was enjoyed by our parish family and guests in the social hall.