Father Bill John Acosta
Pastor Bill John Acosta-Escobar is passionate about reaching people through the love of God. He sees the Lord in all aspects of life, and conveys his deep faith through sermons, classes, and actions.
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Father Ross Williams
Ordained: 2024
Seminary: Saint Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, Boynton Beach, FL
Ordination Date: 2024
Home Parish: St. Michael the Archangel, Cary, NC
What would you say to a young man who thinks he may have a vocation?
Simplify your discernment first. Don't worry about money, jobs, qualifications, suitability, what the world thinks, or any other practicality. That will come, but for now simply pray on whether you are called. Make sure you breathe during prayer: the silence is often the most important part.
Favorite Scripture Passage: Luke 22:42 This passage teaches us that we should always give ourselves to the Lord and find refuge in him. Not only this, but when one does so, he learns that the will of God is stronger than a man's.
Favorite Saint: Sr. Faustina Kowalska
Faith
Faith is the cornerstone of our church. It is part of every activity that we do, every meeting that we hold. We believe in our Lord, and that our actions are a reflection of his goodness.
Scripture
We look to the Lord for guidance in our lives. In Scripture, we find all that we need to guide us in the right path. Reading and understand Scripture helps us all live meaningful lives.
Community
Join us. We welcome each and every one of you to encounter the Lord's unconditional love with us. Inside each of us is a purpose and meaning to be fulfilled by God.
Parish History
Saint Bernadette was founded in 1987 as a mission to serve primarily the migrant workers who come to southwest Wake County each summer to work in the agricultural industry.
The first Masses were held in Trinity Episcopal Church under the leadership of Father Albert Todd.
Since that time, our parish has grown along with the area and today boasts 2,800 families, drawn from both the original migrant population and a multi-cultural community who today call Saint Bernadette their parish home. Father Bill John Acosta Escobar, our administrator pastor, was appointed in 2024.
Saint Bernadette serves southwestern Wake County as a territorial Catholic parish, including Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, and the surrounding area. We welcome you to join us!
Advisory Boards
Finance Council
This group oversees and analyzes the budget and provides guidance to the pastor on the financial aspects of operations and planning for the parish.
The council meets once every other month.
Parish Finance Council & members
- John Byrne – Chair
- Mary Jo Hannon
- Joe Langley
- Patrick Pensabene
Pastoral Council
The council is made up of parishioners who serve for spiritual or pastor matters and reflect on matters essential to the parish’s mission, activities, and programs and who, after reaching conclusions, advise the pastor on these issues.
The Pastor draws on the wisdom of the Pastoral Council to assist him in decision-making and planning for the future of the parish.
The council meets each month.
Parish Council Members
- Jeanne Driver, Chair
- Robert Kurucz, Vice Chair
- Debbie Conley, Secretary
- Dana Orr
- Patti Espino
- Galilea Ruiz
Mission Statement
Following the model of the universal Catholic Church in Acts 2:42, “They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers.” The mission of St. Bernadette Parish is:
01
EDUCATE
To EDUCATE our parishioners of all ages in the Word of God through the Scriptures and the teachings of the Church (Magisterium);
02
SERVE
To SERVE our community through works of stewardship, mercy, and outreach;
03
CELEBRATE
To CELEBRATE the Eucharist and the other Sacraments regularly and reverently;
04
WELCOME
To WELCOME each other to live as the family of God through fervent prayer and dedicated involvement.