St Bernardine of Siena Catholic Church

My whole family grew up in this great community. Several family members graduated here. Now my daughter goes here. Great school, great church.

This church and the same pastor was a lot better 10yrs or so ago. Since the renovation (which IMO went overboard and a lot of $ I’m sure even if they came from donation) the feeling of community and welcomeness have gradually diminished. I relocated for several years but since my parents still lives in the community, I occasionally come back esp during holidays. Recently, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and struggled spiritually. I called to have one of the priest even the head pastor to call me or set up an appointment for me to come in to help me heal spiritually. Never got a call. I called again with the same message and I was told by the person answering the phone, all they can do is take my message down. Two weeks later, still no call and still struggling more than ever, I decided to drop in at the office myself and all priests were busy. I asked if I can wait and was told they don’t really know how long it would take. 5 weeks has now passed and still no phone call… nothing… not a courtesy call. Very very disappointed. I called St Mel’s and see if its the same response, I got a better reception from the person who took the call and got a call back immediately. What rate should one give St B after this experience? After all these years of supporting the church, through all their fundraising, and renovations, shouldn’t the church be there for someone who is struggling spiritually? I’m not looking for pity b/​c I was diagnosed with cancer, if ever I am thankful to GOD for giving me a very supportive spouse, family and friends. But am I thankful to this church when I was desperately looking for guidance? I pity the other people who have similar experience as I did but don’t have the supportive family and friends b/​c where could they have turned to for support?
St B should revisit how they serve the community and if they are even attracting new members or pushing people away. I didn’t share this experience with my parents b/​c I don’t want them to stop going to this church at their age and for its convenience in distance to where they live. But I will not go to this church again or support it in anyway, other than out of respect to my parents.

This review is for St. B’s school. We removed our child from this school for several reasons. The teachers, students, and parents are not warm to newcomers. It may be different for families that have been there since preschool or kindergarten. We found that not only do the children have cliques, and ostracize other children, but the parents do as well. They have very large class sizes and so much homework in the older grades, it’s difficult to participate in extracurricular activities. In the short time we were there, 5 teachers left the school, which is a very high turnover for such a small school. In addition, the administration is ineffective when handling bullying situations, and special treatment was given to families with more than one child. It’s money over morals here. This was our personal experience, and I hope it helps anyone considering this school.

Ok, I’m Jewish & an SGI Buddhist. Going to St. Bernardines’s of Siena is a relatively new experience for me. As the Director of Resident Services at a nearby senior living, I have been bringing some of the Catholic and other church going residents to St. Bernardine’s for the Sunday 5:30 Mass over the past year. I love the warmth and friendliness of everyone from the staff to the other church goers. My residents all feel very welcomed. The priests are usually Irish. I particularly enjoy Father Mac. The Music and Chorus are very engaging and are top notch. The message is universal. Very positive energy and messages that are relevant to our world at this time.

How does one really review a church?
I don’t attend church often; it’s not my thing. But, on Christmas Eve, my mother in law likes to go and, since she comes to our house, we go here. It is far too packed (tons of people like us going, I’m sure), it’s far too warm in the church, and, to my surprise, some of the girls are wearing far too short and tight attire to church. Smh at you, West Valley girls…
The priest is great. I love his Irish brogue, his jubilant attitude, and the positivity he emanates. That, more than anything else, would entice me to go more often, if I felt the urge to go.

We just moved here and love the school and the church. They made my 8 year old feel right at home. It was like leaving our old Catholic School and church and coming to the same but just out of town. I’m so glad we chose this one as our home…

My children attended St B and what was once a strong family community with excellent Preparation for high school has been lost by a change of administration. The teachers are not happy, the students are not enjoying learning and the parents don’t matter anymore. Tuition has gone up (higher than St. Mel) and has nothing to show for the increase with the exception of an upgraded teachers lounge…
I have moved on and my kids are happy learning once again by staff that enjoy where they are.

Great catholic church with a family, close knit, local neighborhood feel.
We attended recently for Christmas with some out of town guests and we really enjoyed the atmosphere. The grounds and the church are also beautiful.

Daughter attended preschool to 8^th grade,
Graduated with Honors and a scholarship.
Credit the Teachers and Staff. The Teaching of Ethics and Charity.
I will remember all the great times and friends I made as parent.
By the way. 60 to 70 percent of the grads got honors or scholarships.

So my little girl just started kindergarten this year. After meeting the principal and all the staff, I’m convinced that this is one of the best schools in the area and certainly far superior to the local public schools.

Great place. Great choirs and great school.
Mons. Dotson built a great church!

A really great community to worship with. Wonderful music program. Excellent clergy and staff. Exceptional school.
Woohoo! As good as it gets!