Fr. Bernard "Bernie" Pietrzak

Father Bernard J. Pietrzak, age 68, passed away on Wednesday, November 29, 2023. Father Bernie was born on October 18, 1955, to Frank and Irene (nee Florek) Pietrzak, and he is survived by his sister, Renee (Tim) Watson.  At the time of his passing, he was Pastor of Saint Anne Catholic Community in Barrington, IL.

The Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at Saint Anne Catholic Community, Barrington, IL, with Cardinal Blase Cupich as main celebrant and Father Jerry Jacob as homilist.  The Mass will be live-streamed (www.stannebarrington.org). Interment will be private.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at Saint Anne Catholic Community, Barrington, IL.  At 7:00 p.m., there will also be a Vigil Service with Father Joji Thanugundla as presider and Father Ed Panek as homilist.  The Service will be live-streamed (www.stannebarrington.org).

Father Bernie grew up on the south side of Chicago in “The Great 10th Ward -- St. Florian Church”.  He attended Quigley South High School, Niles College of Loyola University, and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein, IL.  He was ordained to the priesthood on May 13, 1981.  After ordination, he served as an Associate Pastor at St. Victor Catholic Church in Calumet City, IL (1981-1986), Holy Cross Catholic Church in Deerfield, IL (1987-1994), and Church of the Holy Spirit in Schaumburg, IL (1994-1996), learning from fine mentors who gave him invaluable lessons in preaching, administration, and theology.

In 1996, Father Bernie became Pastor of St. Raymond de Penafort in Mount Prospect, IL.  In 2009, Father became Pastor of Saint Anne Catholic Community. His service to the two parishes was characterized by a profound commitment to fostering spiritual growth, nurturing a sense of community, and exemplifying the teachings of love and charity. In both parishes, he was privileged to lead a parish with a successful school, fulfilling his lifelong commitment to Catholic education.

Father Bernie was a passionate fan of the Chicago Cubs – whether they were winning or losing.  When he left St. Raymond, parishioners gave him a gift of throwing out the first pitch at a Cubs game.  When the Cubs finally won the World Series against the Cleveland Indians in 2016, he rang the Saint Anne church bells at midnight.

An avid golfer, Father Bernie created unique opportunities for fellowship and camaraderie among friends and parishioners. He founded the Saint Anne Fall Golf Classic, which has been a successful event for the parish for 12 years.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested in Father Bernie's name to benefit the Saint Anne Catholic Community and its many vibrant ministries.