Deacon Bernie Bauer was born in Peru, Indiana in 1923, the eighth of eleven children. His parents taught him the fundamentals of his faith along with the good education at St. Charles Borromeo Grammar School. He graduated from Peru Public High School and completed two years of college education. He worked in several jobbing machine shops as a machinist and machine builder.
In 1943, during World War II when he was stationed at Navy Pier in Chicago, he met his future wife. He was discharged from the service after serving 4 years. Deacon Bernie and Marilyn were married on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 1946. They have six children, fourteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Bernie and Marilyn lived in Skokie, Illinois for forty years and were active in their parish of St. Peter's.
In 1975, Bernie became aware of the Permanent Deaconate. He and Marilyn prayed together since it involved both of them and after a year he applied, and was accepted as a candidate. After working nine and a half hour days, going to formation classes every Tuesday and Thursday for three hours, plus many class sessions and retreats on Saturday and Sundays, Deacon Bernie was ordained. He, along with thirty two other men were ordained at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago by Bishop Abramovitz on December 6, 1980. He then completed six months additional training for hospital pastoral care at Alexian Brothers Hospital.
Deacon Bernie was assigned to St. Peter's where he served for nine years. Since he knew most of the parishioners, it was very rewarding to minister to them. Fr. Mair was his mentor and they worked well together. The parish held a wonderful going away party for them when they decided to move to Hot Springs Village.
Once in Arkansas, they were cordially welcomed by Bishop McDonald, Deacon Larry Jegley and the Deaconate community. Although now retired, Bernie still feels it is a privilege and honor to work and pray with so many parishioners who are generous with their time and talents. His twenty one years have been a blessing and feels that the parish of Sacred Heart of Jesus is truly a gift from God.
In 1943, during World War II when he was stationed at Navy Pier in Chicago, he met his future wife. He was discharged from the service after serving 4 years. Deacon Bernie and Marilyn were married on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 1946. They have six children, fourteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Bernie and Marilyn lived in Skokie, Illinois for forty years and were active in their parish of St. Peter's.
In 1975, Bernie became aware of the Permanent Deaconate. He and Marilyn prayed together since it involved both of them and after a year he applied, and was accepted as a candidate. After working nine and a half hour days, going to formation classes every Tuesday and Thursday for three hours, plus many class sessions and retreats on Saturday and Sundays, Deacon Bernie was ordained. He, along with thirty two other men were ordained at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago by Bishop Abramovitz on December 6, 1980. He then completed six months additional training for hospital pastoral care at Alexian Brothers Hospital.
Deacon Bernie was assigned to St. Peter's where he served for nine years. Since he knew most of the parishioners, it was very rewarding to minister to them. Fr. Mair was his mentor and they worked well together. The parish held a wonderful going away party for them when they decided to move to Hot Springs Village.
Once in Arkansas, they were cordially welcomed by Bishop McDonald, Deacon Larry Jegley and the Deaconate community. Although now retired, Bernie still feels it is a privilege and honor to work and pray with so many parishioners who are generous with their time and talents. His twenty one years have been a blessing and feels that the parish of Sacred Heart of Jesus is truly a gift from God.