About St. Bernard · New Bloomfield, Pennsylvania
St. Bernard Catholic Church is a Roman Catholic parish in New Bloomfield, the county seat of Perry County, Pennsylvania, serving the Catholics of western Perry County since it was established as a mission of St. Patrick's in Carlisle in 1948. A parish of the Diocese of Harrisburg, it has grown from about 153 founding souls to more than 1,100 registered members and ministers to the wider community through Catholic education, pro-life advocacy, fellowship groups, and pastoral outreach including prison ministry at the Perry County prison. The parish is led by Father Robert F. Sharman — the first diocesan priest to pastor St. Bernard's since 1965 — and Deacon Gerald P. Robinson, and worship now takes place in a new church complex on a 20-acre site along Route 274 that was dedicated by Bishop Nicholas Dattilo in May 2003.
- Established
- 1948
- Patron
- St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Abbot and Doctor of the Church (also patron of beekeepers, candlemakers, and skiers)
- Rector
- Rev. Robert F. Sharman
- Diocese
- Diocese of Harrisburg
Why belong here
St. Bernard's combines the warmth of a small-town Perry County parish with a robust sacramental and parish life: daily Mass Tuesday through Friday, a full weekend schedule with two Sunday Masses in season, an on-site CCD religious education program from preschool through grade 12 in the dedicated Schmidt Center, an active youth group, RCIA for adults, and a wide network of lay ministries including the Knights of Columbus, Pro-Life Committee, Prayer Group, Family Connections, Faith Connections adult fellowship, and a Hospitality Apostolate that brings meals to parishioners in need. Long-tenured pastoral care under Father Robert Sharman — now in his 25th-plus year — combined with a modern, purpose-built 2003 church complex and an outward commitment to the wider community (March for Life, Life Chain, Carlisle Family Life Center, Lourdeshouse Maternity Services, and prison ministry) make it a welcoming, stable home for Catholic families in western Perry County.
Mass times at St. Bernard
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM (per sacraments page)
- Sunday 7:30 AM (Winter) / 8:30 AM (Summer) — one-half to one hour before each weekend Mass (per diocesan listing)
- Saturday 4:30 PM (per diocesan listing)
- One hour prior to each weekend Mass (parish website)
- Anytime by appointment or by request
About St. Bernard Catholic Church
St. Bernard Catholic Church is a Roman Catholic parish of the Diocese of Harrisburg located at 811 Shermans Valley Road in New Bloomfield, the county seat of Perry County, Pennsylvania. Approximately 40 minutes north of Harrisburg, Camp Hill, Mechanicsburg, and Carlisle, the parish traces its roots to Holy Day Masses celebrated at Carson Long Military Academy in 1937 and was formally established as a mission of St. Patrick's in Carlisle in 1948. Worship, formation, fellowship and pastoral outreach now take place on a modern 20-acre campus designed around the church that was dedicated by Bishop Nicholas Dattilo on May 24, 2003. Led today by Father Robert F. Sharman — the first diocesan priest to pastor St. Bernard's in 33 years — and Deacon Gerald P. Robinson, the parish numbers more than 1,100 registered members drawn from across western Perry County.
- Founded 1948 as a mission of St. Patrick's, Carlisle
- Independent parish since 1965
- Diocese of Harrisburg
- More than 1,100 registered families
Parish History
Catholic life has been present in Perry County since 1798, when Franciscan Father Stanislaus Cerfoumont purchased 150 acres in Juniata Township. After sporadic missionary visits in 1907 and 1923, regular Catholic worship came to New Bloomfield in 1937 with Holy Day Masses at Carson Long Military Academy, celebrated by Monsignor Joseph Schmidt of St. Patrick's Carlisle. Schmidt celebrated the first Sunday Mass at the academy on May 3, 1942. Land on McClure Street was acquired in 1946, the cornerstone laid on October 5, 1947, and the chapel was dedicated on May 13, 1948 by Bishop George L. Leech — the same day Monsignor Schmidt marked his 30th ordination anniversary. St. Bernard's became an independent parish in 1965, was served by the Glenmary Fathers until 1975, then by the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales through 1998. Bishop Nicholas Dattilo appointed Father Robert F. Sharman — the first diocesan priest pastor in 33 years — in August 1998. A new 20-acre campus was built along Shermans Valley Road in three phases (church 2003, rectory 2006, Schmidt Center 2008, Dattilo social hall 2009, plus later pavilion and Stations walk). The parish celebrated its 75th anniversary in October 2023 with Bishop Timothy Senior.
- 1798 — Franciscan Fr. Stanislaus Cerfoumont buys 150 acres in Juniata Township
- 1907 — Diocesan census by Frs. Brown and O'Callaghan finds scattered Catholics
- 1937 — First Holy Day Masses at Carson Long Military Academy
- 1942 — First Sunday Mass on May 3 at Carson Long
- 1946 — McClure Street site acquired
- Oct. 5, 1947 — Cornerstone laid
- May 13, 1948 — Chapel dedicated by Bishop George L. Leech
- 1965 — Established as an independent parish; Glenmary Fathers assume pastoral care
- 1970 — Rectory dedicated at McClure Street
- mid-1980s — Church expanded to seat 185
- 1975 — Glenmary recalled; Oblates of St. Francis de Sales take over
- Dec. 16, 2001 — Bishop Dattilo breaks ground on 20-acre Centre Township site
- May 24, 2003 — Mass of Dedication of the new church with 400+ in attendance
- 2006 — Rectory dedicated by Bishop Rhoades
- 2008 — Schmidt Center education building dedicated by Bishop Rhoades
- 2009 — Dattilo Hall social hall dedicated in memory of Bishop Dattilo
- 2010–2011 — Three-bay garage, parish picnic pavilion added
- Oct. 15, 2023 — 75th anniversary Mass celebrated with Bishop Timothy Senior
Patron — St. Bernard of Clairvaux
The parish's name honors St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090–1153), the French Benedictine who entered the Cistercian abbey of Cîteaux at age 22, founded Clairvaux in 1115, and through his preaching and writing became the most powerful religious influence in 12th-century Europe. He is a Doctor of the Church and the patron saint of beekeepers, candlemakers, and skiers; the German meaning of his name is 'brave like a bear.' A mural of St. Bernard hangs in the narthex of the present church, and his feast is celebrated on August 20. The parish was named in his honor in memory of founding pastor Monsignor Joseph Schmidt's father, Bernard Schmidt.
- Abbott and Doctor of the Church (1090–1153)
- Founder of Clairvaux and the Cistercian reform
- Patron of beekeepers, candlemakers and skiers
- Feast day: August 20
- Mural of St. Bernard in the church narthex
Mission Statement
"As a Eucharistic Parish in the Catholic Tradition, formed by Gospel Faith in the Lordship of Jesus, we are called by the Holy Spirit to build the Body of Christ through prayer, evangelization, teaching, and loving service to our neighbor, and through Word and Sacrament in worship of God as we await the return of our Savior."
- Centered on the Eucharist
- Prayer, evangelization, teaching, and loving service
- Word and Sacrament in worship
Faith Formation & Religious Education
The Confraternity of Catholic Doctrine (CCD) is the parish's religious education program, open to children of the parish from Preschool (must be age 3 by September 1) through 12th grade. Classes meet on Sundays from 9:15 AM to 10:15 AM, September through May, in the Schmidt Center. The Vacation Bible School program is a one-week summer offering open to Preschool through Grade 6 (with Grade 7+ students serving as helpers). Adult formation is offered through RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) for those discerning Catholic baptism or reception into full communion. Confirmation preparation includes a mandatory retreat (typically a Saturday 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the church hall for 8th-grade confirmands). The program is directed by Alice Vilk ([email protected]).
- CCD — Sundays 9:15 AM in the Schmidt Center (Sept.–May)
- Preschool (age 3 by 9/1) through Grade 12
- VBS — one-week summer program (Preschool–Grade 6)
- RCIA for adults — contact Father Sharman
- Confirmation preparation with mandatory retreat
- Director of Religious Education: Alice Vilk
Parish Ministries & Organizations
St. Bernard's supports a wide range of lay-driven ministries. The Parish Youth Group (grades 7–12) meets several times a month and engages in service projects such as the Soup Bowl dinner benefiting the Interfaith Shelter in Harrisburg. The Prayer Group gathers Wednesdays at 8:30 AM in church. Family Connections hosts family events like movie nights, an Easter egg hunt, and Trunk-or-Treat; Faith Connections offers a monthly adult fellowship movie, discussion, and luncheon. The Hospitality Apostolate brings meals to the recently hospitalized, new mothers, and shut-ins; the Pro-Life Committee organizes the Perry County Life Chain, Cemetery of the Innocents, and March for Life, and supports the Carlisle Area Family Life Center, Lourdeshouse Maternity Services, and the Undefeated Courage mobile ultrasound unit.
- Youth Group (Grades 7–12)
- Knights of Columbus Council (fishing derby, picnic, Hershey's stand at the Perry County Fair, March for Life bus, education grants)
- Pro-Life Committee (Life Chain, Cemetery of the Innocents, March for Life, voting guides)
- Prayer Group (Wednesdays 8:30 AM)
- Family Connections Fellowship
- Faith Connections Adult Fellowship
- Hospitality Apostolate
- CCD & Vacation Bible School catechists and aides
Sacraments
The parish prepares the faithful for all seven sacraments. Baptism is the entry into the Christian life and is scheduled through the pastor; non-registered parents must bring a letter of permission from their proper pastor and provide a practicing-Catholic sponsor (with a Sponsor Certificate if from another parish). Confirmation is prepared in the parish CCD program with a required retreat. The Sacrament of Penance (Confession) is offered before each weekend Mass and by appointment. Holy Matrimony requires initial meetings with a trained mentor couple and the pastor or deacon; arrangements must be cleared with the parish before contracting with venues. The parish also coordinates Anointing of the Sick, communion calls, and post-hospitalization visits through the office and the Hospitality Apostolate.
- Baptism
- Confirmation
- Holy Eucharist
- Penance (Confession)
- Anointing of the Sick
- Holy Orders (vocation discernment encouraged)
- Holy Matrimony
Outreach & Charity
Beyond its campus, St. Bernard's serves the wider community through diocesan and local apostolates. The Pro-Life Committee supports the Carlisle Area Family Life Center, Lourdeshouse Maternity Services, and the Undefeated Courage mobile ultrasound unit; parishioners travel to Washington, D.C. each January for the March for Life and annually host the Perry County Life Chain and the Cemetery of the Innocents. The Knights of Columbus council sponsors charitable giving and the Hershey's Ice Cream stand at the Perry County Fair, and the Youth Group has hosted Soup Bowl dinners to benefit the Interfaith Shelter in Harrisburg. Father Sharman is also chaplain to the Perry County prison through the Diocese of Harrisburg's Office of Consecrated Life, Ecclesial Vocations and Formation (CLEV).
- Perry County Life Chain
- March for Life bus trip
- Carlisle Area Family Life Center
- Lourdeshouse Maternity Services
- Undefeated Courage (mobile ultrasound)
- Interfaith Shelter in Harrisburg (Soup Bowl dinner)
- Perry County prison chaplaincy (Fr. Sharman)
Parish Complex & Facilities
The 20-acre campus on Shermans Valley Road combines worship, formation, fellowship, and maintenance space. The church (dedicated 2003) anchors the site and contains the Dattilo Memorial social hall in its basement; the Schmidt Center (2008) houses CCD and parish offices; the rectory (dedicated 2006) sits on the same grounds; and a three-bay garage (2010), picnic pavilion (2011), and Stations of the Cross walk complete the property. The diocesan parish survey notes 'Church, Parking, Restrooms, Social Hall' as on-site amenities.
- Church (dedicated 2003) with narthex mural of St. Bernard
- Dattilo Memorial social hall (basement of the church)
- Rectory (2006)
- Schmidt Center for education (2008)
- Three-bay garage (2010)
- Picnic pavilion (2011)
- Outdoor Stations of the Cross walk
- On-site parking, restrooms, social hall
Staff & Pastoral Team
The parish is led by Father Robert F. Sharman, now in his 25th-plus year as pastor, assisted by Deacon Gerald P. Robinson and Director of Religious Education Alice Vilk. Father Sharman also serves as chaplain to the Perry County prison and as a director of the diocesan Office of Pontifical Missions.
- Pastor: Rev. Robert F. Sharman (since August 1998)
- Deacon: Gerald P. Robinson
- Director of Religious Education: Alice Vilk
- Parish office: (717) 582-4113
Get Involved
The parish welcomes new members and volunteers. Watch the weekly bulletin and listen to announcements for upcoming events; ministries are open to all practicing Catholics willing to share their time and talents. Parents may register children for CCD by contacting the office or Alice Vilk ([email protected]); catechists and aides are especially needed. Adults interested in becoming Catholic or completing their sacraments should contact Father Sharman for RCIA. The Knights of Columbus welcome new members through their council; the Pro-Life Committee, Prayer Group, Family Connections, Faith Connections, Hospitality Apostolate, and Youth Group all have open membership.
- Register with the parish office
- Volunteer for CCD or Vacation Bible School
- Join the Knights of Columbus
- Join the Pro-Life Committee or Prayer Group
- Bring children to parish youth events
- Contact Fr. Sharman for RCIA
Contact & Visiting
St. Bernard Catholic Church is located at 811 Shermans Valley Road, New Bloomfield, PA 17068 (mailing address P.O. Box 25, New Bloomfield, PA 17068). Telephone: (717) 582-4113. Weekend Masses Saturday 5:00 PM, Sunday 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM (winter) or 9:00 AM (summer). Weekday Mass Tuesday–Friday 8:00 AM. Confessions one hour before each weekend Mass, by appointment, or by request. The parish maintains a Facebook page and YouTube channel for online access to Mass recordings.
- Address: 811 Shermans Valley Road, New Bloomfield, PA 17068
- Mailing: P.O. Box 25, New Bloomfield, PA 17068
- Phone: (717) 582-4113
- Facebook and YouTube for Mass recordings
- Online bulletins posted on the parish website
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Monsignor Joseph Schmidt1942–1957
Founding missionary; celebrated first Mass at Carson Long Military Academy in New Bloomfield in 1937 (Holy Days) and first Sunday Mass on May 3, 1942; built and dedicated the original McClure Street chapel on May 13, 1948 (his own 30th ordination anniversary). Ordained May 8, 1918. Left St. Patrick's Carlisle in August 1957 to become Director of the Mission Society. Parish named for St. Bernard of Clairvaux in memory of his father, Bernard Schmidt.
- Glenmary Fathers (assigned priests)1965–1975
Cared for the newly independent parish until 1975, when the Glenmary order was recalled from Pennsylvania by their superiors.
- Father John Heenan, OSFS1975 – August 1979
First Oblate of St. Francis de Sales pastor after St. Bernard's became financially independent.
- Father Hugh McKenna, OSFS1979 – 1980
Served as pastor for one year.
- Father Anthony Larry, OSFSAugust 1980 – August 1990
First long-term OSFS pastor.
- Father R. Douglas Smith, OSFSAugust 1990 – August 1991
Appointed by his religious community to serve St. Bernard's for one year.
- Father Anthony Larry, OSFS (returned)August 1991 – August 1998
Returned to St. Bernard's for a second tenure as pastor.
- Rev. Robert F. SharmanAugust 1998 – present
Appointed by Bishop Nicholas Dattilo in August 1998 — the first diocesan priest in 33 years. Charged with building a new church complex; oversaw groundbreaking (Dec. 16, 2001), dedication of the new church (May 24, 2003), and the subsequent construction of the rectory, Schmidt Center education building, Dattilo social hall, garage, pavilion and Stations of the Cross walk. Also celebrates his 25th anniversary in 2023 and currently serves as chaplain to the Perry County prison. Has also served the diocese as Director of the Office of Pontifical Missions.