About Saint Bernard · Osceola, Iowa
St. Bernard Catholic Church in Osceola, Iowa, is a vibrant Catholic community rooted in faith, service, and inclusivity, serving not only Osceola but also Mount Ayr and Grand River through its affiliated churches. Founded in 1880, the parish has grown from 60 families to over 260, maintaining a strong sense of community through active ministries like Religious Education, Hispanic outreach, and the Knights of Columbus. Worship is offered in both English and Spanish, reflecting its diverse congregation and commitment to spiritual growth for all ages and backgrounds.
- Established
- 1880
- Patron
- St. Bernard of Clairvaux
- Rector
- Father Tomson Thomas
Why belong here
Join a welcoming, diverse community rooted in Scripture and service, where you’ll find active ministries like Religious Education, Hispanic outreach, and the Knights of Columbus. Participate in school boards, arts councils, and cultural events like the Latino Festival. Experience worship in both English and Spanish, and grow in faith through fellowship and spiritual formation.
Mass times at Saint Bernard
Weekly Mass schedule
Our Story
St. Bernard Catholic Church in Osceola, IA also serving St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mount Ayr, IA and St. Patrick Catholic Church in Grand River, IA is a community of faith rooted in the love of God. We believe worship is not just found in prayer, it’s something expressed in everything we do. Our philosophy is deeply rooted in the Holy Scriptures, life’s only guidebook. Come and join us to experience God’s grace for yourself. There’s a special place for you at our welcoming churches.
History
The history of St. Bernard's Catholic Church begins in 1880. The cost of the church was around $1, 400. The beginning membership of the church was of 150 parishioners. At the start there was a priest from Chariton commuted to Woodburn, at that time a larger parish than Osceola. The priest would arrive to Osceola at 10:30 AM, and at 4:00 PM returned to Chariton by train. In 1925, the first priest was assigned to Osceola, Father William Daly. The rectory was built in 1932. In 1959 this current Brick church was built under direction of Father Gerald Deere. The building was proof of hard work from 60 families of the parish. Father Deere served St. Bernard for 14 years. The 1990's brought lots of updates and changes to St. Bernard Catholic Church. This included: new lighting, furnace, air conditioning, and handicap accessible ramp. In 2003, there was a renovation in the church hall bathroom. The growth of our parish families has been large from 60 families in 1880 to a more than diverse group of around 260 families. St. Bernard is the only Catholic Church in Clarke County. There are two Sunday services each week. Father Lyle Peters came to Osceola in 2001 and began Hispanic outreach, Spanish Sunday mass, and bilingual masses on holy days. This Hispanic outreach is continued with our current priest Father Tomson Thomas. St. Bernard Church holds a strong sense of community. Active parishioners help in school boards, children's theatre, arts council, Latino Festival celebration, etc. The Parish has an active Ladies' Group, Knights of Columbus Council, Religious Education program, and Hispanic outreach.
Our Community
St. Bernard Catholic Church also serving St. Joseph Catholic Church & St. Patrick Catholic Church has a long, proud history of serving the communities of Osceola, Grand River, and Mount Ayr. Through the dedication of our leadership, pastor and volunteers, we are committed to the teachings of Jesus Christ, and are here to spread His message. We are open to worshipers of all ages and backgrounds, and strive to lead all who worship with us towards a deeper love for God.
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Father Lyle Peters2001
Initiated Hispanic outreach, Spanish Sunday Mass, and bilingual masses on holy days.
- Father William Daly1925
First priest assigned to Osceola.
- Father Gerald Deere1959
Directed construction of current brick church; served 14 years.