For 50 days, the light of Christ has transformed us. Now, like the disciples at Pentecost, we are sent out into the world. Carry the light of Jesus. Set the world on fire with His love and truth. Become a saint! Happy birthday to the Church! Happy Pentecost!🔥

Hey, middle schoolers…I guess you’re coming to Club Night! Parents RSVP Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc5jXAeNQskW2ThmMmp5ejI57NlxF7wPH-XQGKFq5K65JHCPw/viewform?usp=header

✨Congratulations to Father Joe on his 4th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood! ✨ Our parish family is incredibly blessed to have you as our priest and father. Thank you for being a gift to us! May God bless you! Happy Anniversary!! 🙏🏻⛪️🙌🏻 Drop your congratulations in the comments below! 🎉

Still feeling that joy! Photos from the Diocese of Cleveland and by RK Images Photography

All current 5th thru 8th graders are invited!! Email Maria Nicaise or click the link in the comments to RSVP!

This morning, Fr. Phil and Fr. Joe went to Fr. Joseph Ho‘s first Vietnamese Mass at Saint Boniface in Cleveland! It was a joyful celebration!

What a glorious day! Fr. Truong Joseph Viet Ho’s celebrated his first Mass. He is an incredible gift to our parish, to our diocese, and to the Church. We are so grateful for you, Father, and our prayers will be with you as you “go”! You will always have a home and family at St. Bernadette!

“It is not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain.” — John 15:16

Congratulations, Father Joseph Truong Viet Ho! ⛪️🙌🏻🎉

https://www.dioceseofcleveland.org/offices/communications/mass

We cannot wait to call you Father! Thank you, Deacon Joe, for all that you have done for our parish and for the Church! May God bless you!

This afternoon, the work of our hands prepared the space. Tonight, the work of our hearts will pray for Deacon Joe. Join us as we lift him up in prayer on the eve of his ordination! 8:00 pm - St. Bernadette Church

Today is the feast day of St. Isidore. ⁣ Isidore was a holy man who lived a simple life in the 12th century. He worked as a farmer all his life for a rich proprietor in Madrid, Spain. He often attended early morning Mass to allow him to be faithful to his duties. Isidore was married to Maria de la Cabez, also a saint. ⁣ While working in the fields, Isidore often had visions of angels. He spent much time caring for the poor providing them with food. ⁣ He was named the patron of the National Rural Conference in the U.S. in 1947. ⁣ Isidore is the patron of Madrid, farmers, and rural communities. ⁣ St. Isidore, pray for us!

Today is the feast day of St. Matthias. ⁣ Matthias was chosen to take Judas’ place among the twelve apostles. The disciples cast lots to pick between Matthias and a man named Joseph called Barsabbas. ⁣ Matthias was a follower of Christ from the beginning of Jesus’ earthly ministry and was baptized by John. The apostles desired someone who was a living witness of Jesus, as were they. ⁣ Not much else is known about St. Matthias including his death. He is the patron of carpenters, tailors, those with smallpox, and those struggling with alcoholism. ⁣ St. Matthias, pray for us!

This Sunday, we celebrate Jesus ascending into heaven, not to leave us, but to open the way for us to follow. He entrusts His mission to His disciples, to go and share the Good News with the world. ⁣ We’re sent, just like they were

Today is the Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima. This memorial commemorates a series of apparitions to three shepherd children (Lucia, Francesco, and Jacinta) in Portugal. Among the messages of these appearances was a call to conversion of heart, repentance from sin, and prayer (especially of the rosary). ⁣ “O God, who chose the Mother of your Son to be our Mother also, grant us that, persevering in penance and prayer for the salvation of the world, we may further more effectively each day the reign of Christ. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spriit, God, for ever and ever.” (Collect for Our Lady of Fatima – May 13)

We are thrilled to announce that Bishop Edward Malesic has appointed the next leader of our parish: Fr. Joe Menkhaus! Fr. Joe was ordained on May 21st, 2022. He has served as the Parochial Vicar at St. Bernadette since June 14th, 2022. In addition, he has served as the Chaplain of Holy Name High School in Parma Heights since July 1st, 2024. Bishop Malesic has appointed Fr. Joe as the Administrator of St. Bernadette effective July 1st, 2026. You may wonder, “What is the difference between a Pastor and an Administrator?” Many dioceses across the country are utilizing a one-year “Administrator” period to provide a transition for new pastors. This offers both the Priest and the Bishop the opportunity to ensure that the assignment is the right fit. Please pray for Fr. Joe as he prepares to begin this new stage of his priestly life. Please also pray for our current Pastor, Fr. Phil Racco, as he prepares to retire from administration and continue priestly ministry at St. Basil the Great parish in Brecksville.

On this Mother’s Day, we recall Jesus’ words from scripture, “Behold, your mother” (John 19:27). While spoken to John at the foot of the cross, we are all called to behold Mary, our mother. ⁣ Today we give thanks and lift up all motherly figures in our lives. Take time today to share with them your gratefulness for their presence and support. ⁣ We also remember in a special way those mothers who have entered eternal rest. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother, may eternal rest be granted unto them. ⁣ Happy Mother’s Day!

Happy Mother’s Day 🌷⁣ Today we celebrate the incredible moms and motherly figures who love, guide, support, and sacrifice so much for us. Thank you for the ways you reflect God’s care in our lives each and every day.⁣ We also remember and pray for those who are with the Lord, spiritual mothers who continue to intercede for us from heaven 🤍⁣ Mary, our Mother, pray for all mothers today.

Bishop Malesic will ordain six men to the priesthood at 10am on Saturday, May 16. We continue to pray for them as they approach ordination. Watch live on the diocesan website (dioceseofcleveland.org) or Facebook page.

All middle schoolers — including incoming 6th graders and graduating 8th graders — are invited to Club Night on Saturday, May 30 at St. Bernadette! Join us for Mass, food, epic games, high energy praise & worship, and Adoration! Families are invited to begin with the 5:00 PM Vigil Mass. RSVP through the link below or in the bio! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc5jXAeNQskW2ThmMmp5ejI57NlxF7wPH-XQGKFq5K65JHCPw/viewform?usp=header

We are thrilled to share that, last night, Deacon Joe’s parents, aunt, and sister arrived in Cleveland from Vietnam! They are, understandably, very tired from their journey, but thrilled to have arrived! Thank you to everyone that prayed for this to happen!

Congratulations, Deacon Jeff, on the anniversary of your ordination! Thank you for all that you do for our parish family! May God bless you!!

Do not lose hope; St. Joseph also experienced moments of difficulty, but he never lost faith and was able to overcome them, in the certainty that God never abandons us. - Pope Francis

Today is the feast day of St. Pius V, Pope and religious.⁣ Pope Pius V led the Church at the conclusion of the Council of Trent. He was tasked with implementing the Council’s reforms. Among his contributions to the Church during his papacy were more formal training of clergy, a new missal, a new breviary, and Confraternity of Christian Doctrine classes (which we know as today as PSR).⁣ Pius V was canonized in 1712. He is the patron of reverent liturgies.⁣ St. Pius V, pray for us!

Today is the feast day of St. Catherine of Siena.⁣ Catherine was born into a large family in 1347. At the age of 16, she refused her parents’ wish for her to marry. Seeking a life of prayer, Catherine joined the Third Order of St. Dominic.⁣ At 21, she had a vision calling her into the public sphere to help the needy and vulnerable. Catherine would visit the sick in hospitals and help the poor in local communities. She often traveled and engaged in the politics of her time.⁣ St. Catherine of Siena died after becoming ill and having a stroke in 1380 at the age of 33. Pope Paul VI declared her a Doctor of the Church in 1970.⁣ She is the patron of Italy, nurses, and fire prevention.⁣ St. Catherine of Siena, pray for us!

That's a wrap on the 2025-2026 EDGE year! Feeling so grateful —for our teens, our volunteers, our families, and all the joy, energy, and faith they bring each week to youth group. It has truly been a gift to walk alongside these middle schoolers this year, to witness their growth, their friendships, and their love for the Lord deepen over time. What a blessing this year has been! 💛

Today is Good Shepherd Sunday.⁣ In today’s Gospel, Jesus says, “I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture” (John 10:9).⁣ Jesus is the way to eternal life. It is through him that we are saved. He shows us that he is our protection and safety. Just like a shepherd lays down in front of the gate at night to keep the sheep safe, Jesus gave his life to give us new life.

Bishop Malesic will ordain four men as permanent deacons on Saturday, May 2. Pray for these men and their families. You can watch the livestream on the diocesan website (dioceseofcleveland.org) and Facebook page.

Today is the feast day of St. Mark the Evangelist. His gospel, which is the oldest and shortest, emphasizes Jesus’ earthly ministry, the timeliness of Jesus’ actions, and his role as servant-Messiah.⁣ ⁣ While St. Mark was not one of the 12 Apostles, he had close ties with St. Peter. Some biblical scholars suggest that Mark may have been present during Jesus’ arrest in Gethsemane.Mark is the cousin and traveling companion of St. Barnabas. He also accompanied St. Paul on his first missionary trip.⁣ ⁣ St. Mark, patron of notaries, pray for us!

Today is the feast day of St. Adalbert.⁣ ⁣ After the death of the Bishop of Prague, Adalbert was appointed bishop at the age of 27 shortly after becoming a priest. For six years, he worked to reform his home diocese in Bohemia but retired after his reforms fell short of his desired goals. He traveled to Rome to volunteer in a monastery.⁣ ⁣ Five years later, Adalbert returned to Prague for a brief time only to eventually leave for missionary work in Hungary. He ministered and preached the gospel to pagans near the Baltic Sea. While finding success there, he also made enemies and a pagan leader abducted and killed Adalbert in the year 997.⁣ ⁣ He is the patron saint of the Czech Republic and Poland.⁣ ⁣ St. Adalbert, pray for us!

Filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, they have been brought deeper into the heart of the Church. May they go forth with courage, faith, and joy - living as witnesses to God's love in the world. Come, Holy Spirit! 🕊️ Congratulations to our newly Confirmed! 🔥

Today is the feast of St. Anselm of Canterbury, a monk, abbot, and the Archbishop of Canterbury.⁣ ⁣ Anselm was a great philosophical writer and theologian, known as the father of Scholasticism, a popular philosophy of the Middle Ages. He was also the creator of the ontological argument for God’s existence as that which nothing greater can be conceived.⁣ ⁣ St. Anselm is the patron of theologians and philosophers.⁣ ⁣ St. Anselm of Canterbury, pray for us!

The good God does not need years to accomplish His work of love in a soul; one ray from His Heart can, in an instant, make His flower bloom for eternity. - St. Therese of Lisieux

Looking for a fun way to stay active, meet new people, and build community this year? ⚾💙⁣ ⁣ Join the Diocese of Cleveland Young Adult Co-Ed Softball League for the 2026 season! Open to ages 18–39 and all skill levels, this league is all about friendly competition, connection, and having a great time—whether you’re a seasoned player or just getting back into the game.⁣ ⁣ Come be part of a welcoming community, grow in friendship, and enjoy summer nights on the field!⁣ ⁣ 👉 Sign up today: dioceseofcleveland.org/youngadultsoftball

On this feast of St. Bernadette, we are thrilled to share with you that Deacon Joseph Ho received his first assignment yesterday. Bishop Malesic has assigned the soon-to-be Father Joseph Ho to St. Sebastian Parish in Akron under the direction of Father John Valencheck. St. Sebastian is a wonderful, vibrant parish with many ministries, including a wonderful school. While sad that Deacon Joe will soon be leaving us, we are so excited for him to begin his priestly ministry! Congratulations, Deacon Joe!

Did you know that Easter isn’t just one day? Just like Christmas, we celebrate Easter for an entire season. The Easter season lasts 50 days and begins with the octave of Easter (the 8 days immediately following Easter Sunday until Divine Mercy Sunday). The Church designates the Easter Season for us to more intensely celebrate Christ’s resurrection and His victory over death.

He is Risen! Happy Easter!!

Christus Vincit! Christus Regnat! Christus Imperat! He is Risen! Indeed, He is Risen!! Happy Easter!!

Preparing for EASTER JOY!! Thank you to our volunteers who thoughtfully make our sacred space reflect the glory of God!

This afternoon, Fr. Phil, Father Joe, Deacon Joe, and seminarian Seamus O’Malley hosted a number of priests from our diocese for their annual Holy Thursday luncheon. Holy Thursday evening is the night that Jesus established the Eucharist and the priesthood, so this is a very special day for our priests! Please say an extra prayer for them today.

This is not an April Fools’ joke! Look what just arrived! 🙌🏻 Our parish has been blessed to receive a relic of Saint Carlo Acutis. Patron saint of the youth, pray for us! 🙏🏻

Have mercy on us for whose sake you endured so much.

True reverence for the Lord's passion means fixing the eyes of our hearts on Jesus crucified and recognizing in him our own humanity. - St. Leo the Great

Today the Church celebrates Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week.⁣ ⁣ Jesus enters Jerusalem and the crowds shout “Hosanna!” welcoming Him as king.⁣ ⁣ But the same week will lead to the cross.⁣ ⁣ This week we walk with Jesus through His suffering, death, and resurrection.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! From the house of the Lord we bless you. Psalm 118:26

A huge thank you to all the families who participated in our Stations of the Cross Led By Kids! In a special way, thank you to the youth who so beautifully and reverently led our parish in prayer. Your courage, focus, and faith were truly inspiring. You reminded all of us what it means to walk with Jesus with trust and love. We are so proud of you! Thank you to the parents who supported and encouraged them—what a gift to witness faith being passed on so beautifully.

Tonight, Fr. Phil took Deacon Joe and Father Joe back to his first assignment as a priest, St. John Bosco in Parma Heights! They had a wonderful dinner at the fish fry, and then got a tour of the property with the current pastor, Fr. Matt Byrne. Both of the Joe’s had a blast hearing Fr. Phil‘s stories from 49 years ago!

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”⁣ ⁣ Jesus knows what it feels like to experience deep pain and loneliness.⁣ ⁣ This cry shows us that even when life feels confusing or heavy, we can still bring our hearts honestly to God.⁣ ⁣ Faith doesn’t mean we never struggle. It means we turn to God even in the struggle.⁣ ⁣ Reflection inspired by St. Josemaría Escrivá, via the St. Josemaria Institute.

Some of our high school teens are meeting to discuss the truth and beauty of our faith! We are currently reading "Created for Love" from Endow Studies which discusses the writings of Saint John Paul II. This group is open to all high school girls and we meet again in two weeks! Contact Maria Nicaise (mnicaise@stbern.net) for more info!

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation, the moment the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and she said yes to God’s plan.⁣ ⁣ With one act of trust, Mary made room for Jesus to enter the world.⁣ ⁣ Her yes changed history.⁣ ⁣ Mary, help us trust God and say yes to Him in our lives.

Congratulations to the Menkhaus Family! Father Joe's brother and sister-in-law, Max and Sam, welcomed their son to the world this morning! Say hello to David Joseph Menkhaus! 💙🙌🏻🍼

A book study for couples! For more information, visit tobcle.org.

On this fifth day of reflecting on the Litany of Humility, we look at the final section of the litany focusing on praying for desiring that others be loved, honored, and remembered more than us.⁣ ⁣ It takes a great deal of humility to desire that others may be seen as more than us, but it is a heart-focused posture that we can pray for. When we allow ourselves to rejoice in other’s successes and in them being chosen over us, we can let their joy become our joy. In turn, we then obey the golden rule of loving our neighbors and refraining from selfishness.

On this fourth day of reflecting on the Litany of Humility, we look at the fourth section of the litany focusing on freedom from the desires of being forgotten, ridiculed, wronged, and suspected.⁣ ⁣ Being forgotten and falsely accused can be a painful human experience. However, we are not expected to bear these pains alone. We can accept these experiences when we see that Jesus walked through these same things while on Earth.⁣ ⁣ We can remember that while others may forget us, God never will. He fights for us when we are falsely accused and he is our shield. While the world may ridicule us, we can be sure that God’s love holds us together.

Dear Parish Family, This is a wonderful opportunity to express the importance of a pastor in our parish community. I ask, that as I wrote in my bulletin article, you pray for those who will discern who will be best choice for St. Bernadette Parish. I appreciate your time in completing the survey. Joining you in prayer, Father Phil

On this third day of reflecting on the Litany of Humility, we look at the third section of the litany focusing on freedom from the desires of being humiliated, despised, calumniated, and suffering rebukes.⁣ ⁣ Nothing seems worse than embarrassment or others defaming our character. However, Jesus himself suffered these very things for us. He was humiliated for us on the cross. But how did he do it? By trusting in the Father.⁣ ⁣ Humiliation and embarrassment, while difficult, can sometimes help us see our flaws and shortcomings. We recognize that only God is perfect and deserving of honor and praise. Seeing ourselves as we truly are is what keeps our hearts ordered and surrendered to God.

“Woman, behold your son… Behold your mother.”⁣ ⁣ Even while dying, Jesus is thinking about others.⁣ ⁣ He gives His mother to His disciple and creates a new spiritual family.⁣ ⁣ At the cross we see something powerful: we are not meant to follow Jesus alone. We belong to a family of faith.⁣ ⁣ Reflection inspired by St. Josemaría Escrivá, via the St. Josemaria Institute.

On this second day of reflecting on the Litany of Humility, we look at the second section of the litany focusing on freedom from the desires of being praised, preferred to others, consulted, and approved.⁣ ⁣ We sometimes seek our own glory and our own elevation. We desire to be praised, preferred to others, and approved. But true freedom comes when we let go of trying to be the center of attention and we realize that God already provides us these needs.⁣ ⁣ As God’s children, he approves of us and showers us with love and praises as we read in scripture. When we receive this love, we are able let go of the need for gaining the approval of everyone around us. Instead, we learn to give the glory to another and to the one whom it belongs: God.

Today we celebrate the Feast of Saint Joseph, the husband of Mary and the foster father of Jesus.⁣ ⁣ Scripture doesn’t record a single word from Joseph, but his actions speak loudly. When God asked something difficult of him, Joseph responded with trust, courage, and obedience.⁣ ⁣ He protected Mary.He provided for Jesus.He quietly lived a life of holiness.⁣ ⁣ St. Joseph reminds us that holiness isn’t always loud or dramatic, sometimes it looks like faithfully doing the next right thing God asks of us.⁣ ⁣ Saint Joseph, patron of families, workers, and the universal Church, pray for us.

Join Theology on Tap East as they explore “May He Make of Us an Eternal Offering to You: Fertility & Redemptive Suffering” with Anna Grace Shaffer, CFCP on Wednesday, March 25 at 7pm in Jake's Speakeasy in University Hts. Admission is $5 and more info can be found at dioceseofcleveland.org/totcle.

This week, we are embarking on a journey of reflecting on the Litany of Humility. We pray that these reflections may bring perspective to your relationship with God and draw you towards the virtue of humility.⁣ ⁣ On this first day, we look at the first section of the litany focusing on being free from the desires of being esteemed, loved, extolled, and honored.⁣ ⁣ We all desire to be loved: to be seen, to be honored, to be praised, and to be remembered. And while those aren’t necessarily bad things, those desires can often get twisted in our hearts. Our desire for love leads us to chase other people or things, instead of keeping focused on our relationship with God.⁣ ⁣ When we seek our own self-elevation, we are operating in pride. When we seek to do things just to be seen, and not for the sake of loving others, we can fall into sin.⁣ ⁣ We take these desires to Jesus. When we let him fill these spaces, our hearts naturally fall into place. These longings will be filled and humility will follow.

Today the Church celebrates Saint Patrick, the missionary who helped bring Christianity to Ireland.⁣ ⁣ St. Patrick’s life reminds us that God can use anyone, even someone who has faced fear, hardship, or failure, to do something incredible.⁣ ⁣ After being taken to Ireland as a slave when he was young, Patrick eventually returned as a missionary to share the Gospel with the very people who once held him captive.⁣ ⁣ His courage and faith changed history.⁣ ⁣ Today we ask for his prayers:⁣ ⁣ St. Patrick, help us have the courage to live our faith and share Jesus with the world.

All children of God - one parish family! ⛪💙 Can you guess who's who? Tell us in the comments! 😁

What JOY this Sunday brings as we welcome a new member to God's Family! Congratulations to the Mahoney Family on the Baptism of John David! May he ever grow in faith, hope, and love and may God bless him always! Special shout out to John's Godparents, Deacon Joe and Melissa Arles! What a beautiful moment for our parish family! ⛪🙌🏻