March 20, 2026

Dear Parishioners of St. Bernard Parish,

Greeting in the Lord Jesus Christ! As the Church continues its Lenten Pilgrimage, it is my prayer that all of St. Bernard Parish may draw ever closer to the Lord through the disciplines of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

            I am pleased to announce the appointment of the new Pastor of St. Bernard Parish, Reverand Gerard P. Critch, effective March 24, 2026.

            Reverand Critch is a priest of the Diocese of Venice. Father has previously served as Parochial Vicar at Sacred Heart Parish in Bradenton, St. Thomas Moore Parish is Sarasota, Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, and most recently as Pastor of St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples since 2009.

            In his assignments, Father demonstrated that he is a man of prayer and deep pastoral solicitude for his people. It is my belief that he will bring many blessings in spiritual care to your parish community.

            At the same time, is wish to bring to your attention that Reverand Phillip Schweda has retired as Administrator of St, Bernard Parish effective, March 24, 2026. Allow me to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to Father Schweda for his dedicated service as Administrator of St. Bernard Parish for the past four years. He has helped to provide spiritual care and growth to all of the faithful that he has served.

            Kindly welcome Father Gerard Critch to the community of St. Bernard Parish and please keep him in your prayers as he assumes his responsibilities as your new Pastor.

                                                                                    Sincerely yours in Christ,                                                                            

                                                                                      + Frank J. Dewane

                                                                                       Bishop of the Diocese of 

       Venice in Florida