About St. Bernadette · Scottsdale, Arizona
St. Bernadette Catholic Church is a parish of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix in north Scottsdale, Arizona, established in 1995 to serve the growing Catholic population along the 60th Street corridor. After more than two decades of worshipping in temporary spaces — first a nearby school cafeteria and then a multi-use parish hall — the community moved into its first permanent 22,000-square-foot, $7 million cruciform church in 2016, and Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted formally dedicated the French-inspired, Romanesque-style building on May 25, 2017. The parish is also home to St. John XXIII Catholic School, operates a Perpetual Adoration Chapel, and is led today by Very Rev. Don Kline, V.F., vicar forane of the diocese's Northeast Deanery, with Fr. Christopher Gossen serving as parochial vicar and three permanent deacons assisting in ministry.
- Established
- 1995
- Patron
- St. Bernadette Soubirous
- Rector
- Very Rev. Don Kline, V.F.
- Diocese
- Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix
Why belong here
St. Bernadette is a Eucharistic community centered on the Real Presence — daily Mass and an around-the-clock Perpetual Adoration Chapel place the Blessed Sacrament at the heart of parish life, reinforced by a daily rosary, a Monday Spiritual Warfare Rosary, and a Friday Healing Rosary prayed on-site and via Zoom. Worship happens in a brand-new, French-inspired Romanesque cruciform church built specifically for Catholic liturgy, with a school (St. John XXIII), a robust sacramental preparation program (OCIA/RCIA, baptism, marriage prep, annulments, anointing of the sick), an active St. Vincent de Paul conference, Knights of Columbus, a Culture of Life ministry, Catholic in Recovery, men's and women's Bible studies, Exodus 90, Scouts, and a young-adult candlelight Mass — making it a deep, traditional, and unmistakably Catholic home for north Scottsdale families.
Mass times at St. Bernadette
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Monday – Saturday 8:00 – 8:25 am
- Saturday 3:00 – 4:00 pm
- By appointment (call the Parish Office at 480-905-0221)
Adoration times
- Perpetual Adoration — 24 hours a day, seven days a week (open with key card from the Adoration Coordinator)
- Chapel closed weekly for cleaning: Saturdays 10:30 – 11:30 am
- Chapel closed annually from 6:00 pm Holy Thursday through Midnight Easter Morning
History
St. Bernadette Catholic Church was founded January 1, 1995 as a new parish of the (now) Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix to serve the booming Catholic population of north Scottsdale. The first Masses were celebrated in the cafeteria of a nearby elementary school. Founding families like the Hoernigs and John Smith still recall those improvised celebrations. Within three years the parish had a multi-use parish hall (built 1998) which served as its sole worship space for more than 16 years; the same year, workers excavating the hall uncovered the large boulder that parishioners named 'Peter' (after Matthew 16:18) and which later received the parish's first time capsule. The adjacent St. John XXIII Catholic School went up in just nine months in 1998, funded in part by a diocesan campaign. The dream of a permanent church took 20 years of council and finance-committee work to realize — finally breaking ground on December 7, 2014 under the pastorate of Father Pete Rossa. The 900-seat, $7 million, 22,000-square-foot cruciform church in classic French / Romanesque style was completed about 20 months later, the inaugural Mass was celebrated August 13, 2016, and Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted formally dedicated the building May 25, 2017. Fr. Rossa died September 13, 2017; Very Rev. Don Kline, V.F., succeeded him as pastor and continues the interior beautification begun under Fr. Rossa's vision, including devotional art in the Gospel-side wing.
- Founded January 1, 1995
- Original Masses celebrated in a school cafeteria
- Parish hall built 1998; named boulder 'Peter' unearthed during construction
- Adjacent St. John XXIII Catholic School opened in 1998
- Groundbreaking December 7, 2014 with Bishop Olmsted and Vicar General Fr. Fred Adamson
- Inaugural Mass in the new church August 13, 2016
- Formal dedication May 25, 2017 by Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted
- Fr. Pete Rossa died September 13, 2017
- Very Rev. Don Kline, V.F., named pastor (and Diocese of Phoenix Northeast Deanery Vicar Forane)
Architecture & Sacred Art
St. Bernadette's permanent church is a 22,000-square-foot, cruciform-plan worship space designed in a classic French style to honor the Lourdes, France, roots of its patroness. The Romanesque-influenced building features a bell tower soaring more than 100 feet into the sky, walls rising 65 feet, padded seating for 900, a choir loft, stained glass windows, and a communion rail, and cost approximately $7 million to construct. Large tile medallions depicting the sacraments line the main aisles. Under Fr. Don Kline the interior has been further beautified with traditional Catholic art; a centerpiece is a life-size painting of Our Lady of Lourdes appearing to St. Bernadette Soubirous as a 14-year-old peasant girl in 1858, installed in the Gospel-side wing and lit from the opposite wing, with a companion Holy Family painting planned for the Epistle-side wing.
- Classic French architectural style; Romanesque massing
- Bell tower 100+ feet; walls 65 feet high
- 900 padded pew seats with kneelers
- Choir loft, stained glass, communion rail
- Sacraments rendered in tile medallions along the main aisles
- Life-size painting of Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Bernadette in the Gospel-side wing
- Planned companion Holy Family painting (Epistle-side wing)
Parish Staff & Clergy
The parish is staffed and led by a pastor, parochial vicar, three permanent deacons, a parish administrator, finance and accounting staff, facilities and secretarial staff, a director of sacred music, a director of family catechesis and evangelization, youth and young-adult coordinators, and a director of marriages and annulments. The current pastor, Very Rev. Don Kline, V.F., also serves as Vicar Forane of the Diocese of Phoenix's Northeast Deanery. Fr. Christopher Gossen was appointed Parochial Vicar effective July 1, 2025. Pastor Emeritus Rev. Doug Spina is listed as retired. Deacon Peter Auriemma is Director of Adult Education; Deacon Al Homiski coordinates Ministers of Care/Homebound; Deacon Frank Nevarez oversees funerals and facilities.
- Pastor: Very Rev. Don Kline, V.F.
- Parochial Vicar: Rev. Christopher Gossen (effective July 1, 2025)
- Pastor Emeritus: Rev. Doug Spina (Retired)
- Deacon Peter Auriemma — Director of Adult Education
- Deacon Al Homiski — Minister of Care / Homebound
- Deacon Frank Nevarez — Funerals & Facilities Supervisor
- Pastoral Administrator: Rev. Doug Spina (also pastor emeritus)
- Director of Sacred Music: Brina Ziemann
- Director of Family Catechesis & Evangelization: Patrick Klein
- Director of Marriages and Annulments: Mitzi Palma
- Coordinator of H.S. Youth Development: Amanda Cramer
- Director of Youth Development: Kim Klein
- Young Adult Coordinator: Ashley Kaschl
- Facilitator of Lisieux & Junior High Youth: Amy Emory
- Finance Director: Margaret Colwell
- Accounting Managers: Paula LoPresti & Helen Romano
- Facilities Manager: Ignacio Heredia
- Facilities Team: Rosa Alvarado, Ruth Zamora
- Parish Secretary: Mary Shelton
- Receptionists: Dona Polston, Mitzi Palma, Allison Velazquez
- Bulletin Editor & Safe Environment: Diane Flitcroft
Sacraments
Information for receiving the seven sacraments at St. Bernadette is published in the weekly bulletin and on the parish website. Infant baptism requires preparation classes (contact Shirley Smalley). Marriage preparation requires nine months' notice plus preparation classes (contact Mitzi Palma, who also assists with the annulment process). Anointing of the Sick is arranged by calling the parish office. Funerals are coordinated through Deacon Frank Nevarez, and Ministers of Care bring Holy Communion to the homebound under the coordination of Deacon Al Homiski. The OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults — also called RCIA) for unbaptized adults and those entering full communion is directed by Shirley Smalley, with sessions meeting Monday evenings; the children's OCIF (Order of Christian Initiation for Children) is offered for older unbaptized children.
- Baptism (Infant) — preparation classes required
- Marriage — 9 months notice + preparation classes
- Annulments — Mitzi Palma
- Anointing of the Sick
- Funerals — Deacon Frank Nevarez
- Ministers of Care / Homebound — Deacon Al Homiski
- OCIA (adults) — Shirley Smalley (Mondays)
- OCIF (older children) — Sundays at 3:00 pm
Faith Formation, Youth & Family
Faith formation at St. Bernadette is structured through Family Catechesis (Director Patrick Klein), with families gathering on Sundays at 11:15 am for Family Formation. Junior High youth ministry is led by Patrick Klein and facilitated by Amy Emory through the Lisieux Sorority. High School youth development is led by Amanda Cramer (Coordinator) and Kim Klein (Director), with High School Youth Evangelization gathering on Sunday evenings. Young Adult ministry includes a monthly Young Adult Candlelight Mass on First Fridays and is coordinated by Ashley Kaschl. Adult formation includes Men's Bible Studies (Tuesdays 7:00 am and Sundays 7:00 pm), Women's Bible Studies (Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00 am), Exodus 90 (Tuesdays), Catholic in Recovery (Sundays 6:30 pm), and adult education directed by Deacon Peter Auriemma.
- Family Catechesis & Evangelization — Patrick Klein
- Family Formation — Sundays 11:15 am
- Lisieux Sorority (girls' youth)
- Junior High Youth — Patrick Klein / Amy Emory
- High School Youth Development — Amanda Cramer / Kim Klein
- Young Adult Coordinator — Ashley Kaschl
- Men's Bible Study — Tuesdays 7:00 am and Sundays 7:00 pm
- Women's Bible Study — Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:00 am
- Exodus 90 — Tuesdays 9:00 am
- Catholic in Recovery — Sundays 6:30 pm
- Director of Adult Education — Deacon Peter Auriemma
Service, Outreach & Parish Life
Outreach and service are organized through several dedicated ministries and societies. The St. Vincent de Paul Conference operates a Help Line (480-905-4439) for parishioners in need. 'Meals for Families in Crisis & New Moms' is coordinated by Rachel Bears. The Knights of Columbus (Dennis Logue) and the K of C Ladies Auxiliary (Irma Stewart) serve both the parish and broader community through works of charity, faith, and fraternity. Culture of Life (Claire Wagner) advocates for the dignity of life from conception to natural death. Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts are organized by Tim Whitney; the Sociable Seniors group supports parishioners led by Shirley Shanholtz. Parish Council (Don Tellis) and Finance Council (Mike Smalley) provide lay governance. Hospitality is provided through the Sunday Donuts and Special Events volunteer teams.
- St. Vincent de Paul Help Line — 480-905-4439
- Meals for Families in Crisis & New Moms — Rachel Bears
- Knights of Columbus — Dennis Logue
- K of C Ladies Auxiliary — Irma Stewart
- Culture of Life — Claire Wagner
- Boy Scouts / Cub Scouts — Tim Whitney
- Sociable Seniors — Shirley Shanholtz
- Parish Council — Don Tellis
- Finance Council — Mike Smalley
- Sunday Donuts / Special Events Hospitality volunteers
St. John XXIII Catholic School
St. Bernadette Parish is home to St. John XXIII Catholic School, located adjacent to the church at 16235 N. 60th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85254. The school opened in 1998, rising in just nine months thanks in large part to a diocesan-wide campaign. Office hours are Monday–Friday 7:30 am – 3:30 pm, with phone 480-905-0939, fax 480-905-0955, and website www.saintjohnxxiii.org. As a parish-based Catholic elementary school, it draws families from across north Scottsdale and shares campus facilities with the parish.
- Located adjacent to the church at 16235 N. 60th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
- Opened 1998; built in roughly nine months
- Phone 480-905-0939
- Website: www.saintjohnxxiii.org
- Office Hours: Monday–Friday 7:30 am – 3:30 pm
Visit, Location & Contact
St. Bernadette Catholic Church is located at 16245 N. 60th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85254, in the north Scottsdale area near the intersection of 60th Street and Cactus Road. The Parish Office phone is (480) 905-0221 (fax 480-905-0249), with office hours Monday–Thursday 8:00 am – 12 noon and 1:00 – 5:00 pm, and Friday 8:00 am – 1:00 pm. The office is closed Saturday and Sunday. On-site parking is provided; the parish hall sits adjacent to the church and school. Visitors are warmly welcomed at every Mass and for private prayer in the Perpetual Adoration Chapel by arrangement with the parish office. The parish streams a live Sunday Mass via its website and runs an active Facebook presence.
- Address: 16245 N. 60th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
- Phone: (480) 905-0221
- Fax: 480-905-0249
- Office Hours: M–Th 8 am–12 noon & 1–5 pm; F 8 am–1 pm
- ZIP Code: 85254
- Diocese: Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix
- Website: https://saintbernadette.com/
- Facebook: Saint Bernadette Scottsdale
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Founding pastor (1995)1995–c.2007
Pastoral leadership during the parish's first decade; original community gathered in a local elementary school cafeteria before moving to the multi-use parish hall built in 1998.
- Father Pete (Peter) Rossac.2007–2017
Became pastor around 2007. Led the long-anticipated campaign to build St. Bernadette's first permanent church, presided over the December 7, 2014 groundbreaking with Bishop Olmsted, celebrated the inaugural Mass on August 13, 2016, and was congratulated by Bishop Olmsted at the formal dedication on May 25, 2017. He died on September 13, 2017 — just over a year after the dedication — having continued his vision of evangelizing through beauty and sacred architecture.
- Very Rev. Don Kline, V.F.2017–present
Succeeded Fr. Rossa as pastor following his death. Also serves as Vicar Forane of the Diocese of Phoenix's Northeast Deanery. Has led the continuing interior beautification of the church (including the Our Lady of Lourdes / St. Bernadette life-size painting) and overseen the parish's growth, ministries, and addition of new clergy.