About St. Bernard's

All Are Welcome Here!

Welcome to our faith community!  Established on September 8, 1966, St. Bernard Parish has grown considerably over the years.  From our architecturally inspiring parish center to our innovative religious education programs, we hope that St. Bernard Parish serves for you as it has for us- as a source of fulfillment for your needs.

Bishop Stanilaus V. Bona's September 8 letter to Fr. Orville Janssen appointed him as the founding pastor of Appleton's eighth parish.  Our parish was established through a gift to the diocese from the estate of Joseph Cavanaugh with the stipulation that the parish must be built on the west side of the city of Appleton and named after his late father, Bernard Cavanaugh.  The property on which our church is built is part of the original Cavanaugh farm.  Groundbreaking for our parish center took place on November 12, 1967 with the first Mass offered in our new church on December 22, 1968.  Our church was formally dedicated by Bishop Aloysius J. Wycislo on May 11, 1969.

We invite and encourage you to discover everything that our community has to offer in our ministries and parish life!  Join the ministries of worship through shared scripture, music, communion, practical relevant teaching, strong social outreach and stimulating Faith Formation education. 

In God's Spirit, we encourage you to build on your many strengths, and along with our community, learn and address the issues and challenges you currently face to become more vibrant and alive in your life, your family, and your faith.

We offer a number of small groups, ministries and classes to help you become one with God, provide new opportunities, connect one-on-one with others and meet new people.

Scripture

Join us as we spread the good news of God's love and nurture the gift of faith through experience, education, and reflection in daily living.

• Bible-based Masses
• Youth and Adult Faith Formation
• Small Groups
• Retreats
• Returning and New Catholic Ministry

Community

Want to meet others?  Need a shoulder?  We strive to meet the needs of our community through support groups and gatherings:

• Martha Ministry (meals)
• Grief Support
• Divorce Support
• Sunday Coffee and Rolls
• Sunday Nursery
• Mom's Groups
• Youth Ministry
• Seniors' Groups

Eucharist

Be happy...Be one with God.  As a family of believers we are united in the Holy Eucharist.  When we share the Word and celebrate the sacraments, God's grace transforms us into the Body of Christ.

• Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist
• Music Ministry
• Children's Liturgy of the Word
• Prayer Ministry

Service

Make the world a better place...with compassionate service, generous sharing, reconciliation and justice.  The Holy Spirit is calling each of us to serve one another.  We try to identify and affirm the valued gifts of the poor, in pursuing the Catholic Church's mission.  Offering works of charity and justice, our focus is to advance God's Kingdom here on earth.

• Pass Christian Partnership
• Youth Service Retreats
• Shut In Visitation
• St. Vincent de Paul Society
• Over 140 Ministries