May 12, 2002

A Brief History from Your Pastor, Father William A. Wright

My Dear Parishioners:

As pastor, I marvel at our over 50 years of Catholic service that St. Bernadette Parish provided to the wonderful people of this Drexel Hill community. Thousands of babies have been baptized here. Countless children have received their first sacraments here. Countless men, women and children experience the miracle of the Eucharist on a daily and weekly basis. Thousands of couples have been marreid here. And thousands of people have been buried from this Church.

Our Parish grew over the years: from 310 orginal families in 1947 to 2,600 families today; from 127 students in our school in 1948 to 432 students as of June, 2001; and our CCD Program has grown steadily to 360 students today.

Bill Kerrigan wrote an excellent, extensive history of the parish as we celebrated our 50th Anniversery in May, 1997. What I offer you in this writing is just a brief history drawing on Bill's work.

At a meeting of the Archdiocesan Consulter's on May 6, 1947 the formation of a new parish in the Drexel Hill section of Upper Darby Township was unanimously approved. His Eminence, Dennis Cardinal Dougherty appointed the Right Reverend Joseph O'Brien to be the founding pastor. parish.

On July 2nd 1947, ground was purchased for the new parish buildings. Very soon the Audutorium Chapel was built which was later to become the Parish School.

On March 28, 1948, ten months after the formation of the parish, the first Masses were celebrated in the Auditorium Chapel under it's temporary roof.

On April 6, 1948, the Sisters of Notre Dame accepted the challenge of forming the new parish school. School opened in September, 1948.

In 1949, the Holy Name Society was founded and in 1952 the Women's Club was founded. They are our oldest parish organizations. To see how Parish Organizations have grown you can click into Parish Ministries on this Web Page.

In 1972, the Sisters of Notre Dame left us because of a change in their mission. However, in September of 1972 the adiminstration of the school continued in the capable hands of the Sisters of Saint Joseph.

In July, 1975, Father George Dougherty became pastor, replacing Monsignor O'Brien.

In 1983 the Sisters of Saint Joseph left us and the Oblate Sisters of Saint Francis De Sales continued to bring us achievments and accomplishments in the school.

In 1988, yours truly, Father William A. Wright became pastor replacing Father Dougherty who was in bad health.

Because of your faith and your support of this great parish, you have been a blessing to me in my tenure as pastor. But in the life of a pastor and of a parish there are defining moments. I would say that a defining moment came on Friday morning, February 23rd, 1990 at 6:15AM. A tragic fire took place. Our Church and Hall sustained $300,000 in damages from the fire. Through prayer and with your "giving spirit" we came together to make renovations to the beautiful Church and buildings we have today. Thank you!

Another defining moment for the parish came last year in November, 2001 when Leonie Aviat, the foundress of the Oblate Sisters became Saint Leonie Aviat as the result of miracle to one of owr own, Bernadette McKenzie.

History! I conclude with this thought which comes from my heart. I love you. You are our history. You are our future.

God bless you and take care of you always,
Peace! Father Bill Wright, Shepherd.