St. Bernard of Clairvaux (Diocese of Metuchen)
| St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church | |
| [[File:|150px|center]] | |
| Dedication: | Saint Bernard of Clairvaux |
| Type/Classification: | Territorial Parish |
| Non-Parochial: | No |
| Operated By: | Cistercians of the Strict Observance |
| Venerated Saints: | Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, Saint Clare of Assisi |
| Diocese: | Diocese of Metuchen |
| Deanery: | Bridgewater Deanery |
| Address: | 500 Route 22, Bridgewater, New Jersey 08807 |
| City: | Bridgewater, NJ |
| Subdivision: | New Jersey |
| Country: | United States |
| County: | Somerset County |
| Website: | Website |
| Founded: | 1843 |
| School: | Yes |
| Email: | info@stbernardbridgewater.org |
| AI Confidence: | Not rated |
| Review Level: | 0/5 (unreviewed) |
St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church is a territorial parish in the Diocese of Metuchen, located in Bridgewater, New Jersey. Dedicated to Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, the twelfth-century French abbot and Doctor of the Church, the parish serves a suburban community in Somerset County.
Established in 1964, St. Bernard's was one of the first churches in the United States named after Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. The current church building was dedicated on November 15, 1970.
The parish community seeks to emulate Saint Bernard's commitment to prayer, contemplation, and service to others.
History
St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish was established in 1964 by the Diocese of Metuchen in response to growth in the Bridgewater area.[1]
The first Mass was celebrated on September 13, 1964, at the parish's temporary location, presided over by Bishop Thomas A. Boland.[2]
Special features
- Annual Cistercian Week celebration
- Ministries inspired by Saint Bernard's charism, including contemplative prayer and service to the poor
Relics
According to established Catholic tradition, the main altar contains deposited relics of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. Specific details regarding these relics are not publicly documented in available sources.
Architecture
The church, dedicated in 1970, features design inspired by Cistercian architecture and aimed at fostering a sense of contemplation and community fellowship.
External features
- A large stone cross stands at the entrance to the parish grounds
- The parish cemetery is located adjacent to the church
Interior features
- Stained glass windows depicting scenes from Saint Bernard's life
- Statue of Saint Bernard in the main nave
Art and Devotional Features
Devotional elements focus on Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, reflecting his life of prayer, contemplation, and service.
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Related parishes
External links
References
- ↑ "St. Bernard of Clairvaux - Bridgewater". Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen. https://www.domet.org/parishes/st-bernard-of-clairvaux-parish/.
- ↑ "History of St. Bernard Parish". St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church. https://www.stbernardbridgewater.org/about/history/.