About

St. Bernard Catholic Church in Rockport, Indiana is a community of faith centered on the Eucharist where all are welcome. We commit ourselves to excel in life-long religious education, hospitality, outreach and stewardship in the community.  You are invited to worship with us at St. Bernard.

History

Saint Bernard Catholic Church started in 1849 when Father Joseph Kundeck of Jasper, IN visited Rockport and found four Catholic families: the John Kerstien family, the Joseph Bresslar family, the Bernard H. Walters family, and the William Klueh family. Arrangements were made for Mass once a month at the Kerstiens home, mostly by Benedictine priests of St. Meinrad, while Father Michael Marendt is said to have walked from Cannelton, IN to Rockport on several occasions.

By 1850, Catholic families numbered 12 and a plot of ground on 6th and Elm Streets was donated by General Williamson, a non-Catholic, for the use of the small congregation. On June 6, 1850, the laying of a corner stone marked the start of the first small brick church facing 6th Street. Mr. Bernard H. Walters underwrote the cost of the new church ($687.00) and thus the church was named Saint Bernard.

Since that time the parish has continued a gradual growth in size and members, while growing greatly in grace and wisdom under the guidance of God’s Holy Spirit. Deo Gratias.