Father Bernie Etienne

I was born in Tell City, Indiana on June 9, 1958, the first of six children of Paul and Kay Etienne. I attended Indiana University and graduated with a degree in Marketing and Management. In my late twenties, after breaking off an engagement to be married, I was offered an opportunity to return to Southern Indiana and sell orthopedic implants (hips, knees, trauma appliances, etc). I was becoming more and more involved in my local parish, St. John the Baptist, Newburgh. This involvement would become life changing for me.

It became apparent that the real joy and peace in my life was coming from the ministry and the youth group members had helped me recognize that I was capable of being a minister. It was in this work that I found true fulfillment. I made the decision to sell my house, give up the business and enter the seminary. On my thirtieth birthday, I was in Chicago interviewing for admission to Mundelein Seminary.

After five years of Theological studies, I was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Evansville on June 6, 1993. Since then I have served at St. Joseph parish in Jasper, St. Joseph parish in Princeton, and Blessed Sacrament in Oakland City. I have served of the Director of Vocations for the Diocese since 1995 and I am currently the Pastor of Holy Rosary parish in Evansville.