In 1958 the new Parish of St. Bernadette was created from sections of the parishes of Holy Family, Our Lady of Lourdes, and St. Francis of Assisi. Archbishop Thomas A. Connolly appointed Fr. Thomas C. McEnnis as the pastor. On November 23, 1958, sixty families participated in the first Mass celebrated by Fr. McEnnis in the gymnasium of Hazel Valley School. The first collection totaled $193.18! 

Despite the lack of a permanent structure, the new Parish of St. Bernadette became organized with rapid speed. A choir was formed to sing at the first Christmas Mass. Fundraisers were planned. In January 1959, the Ushers Club, the Holy Name Society, and four Guilds were created. The spirit of a community was born! 

All the while, Fr. McEnnis spent days driving the streets of his new parish neighborhood looking for suitable property on which to build the church. He was impressed with the location of SW 128th Street and Ambaum Boulevard SW, property owned by the Ambaum/deLeuw family. This five acre tract of land was part of a larger one on which Jacob Ambaum settled in 1902. The house built for Jacob Ambaum in 1916 sat on the piece of ground that would become St. Bernadette Church. In the summer of 1959, the ground breaking ceremonies took place with Bishop Thomas E. Gill officiating. 

The church/school was built for $385,152; the convent was built for $87,000. The Franciscan Sisters agreed to staff our school, which began on September 12, 1960, with 275 students in grades 1 to 6. 

The new parish plant was dedicated on November 6, 1960, Archbishop Connolly blessed the church, celebrated a 'Solemn High Mass', and then blessed the school. The Sisters moved into the convent on November 19, 1960, after living in temporary housing across the street from the rectory. 

The parish school grew quickly. As of September 1962, grades 1 through 8 were flourishing – enrollment exceeded 500 students. The primary wing was added in 1964, giving the school a total of 16 classrooms. Enrollment remained over 500 for eight years. 

Although the early staff and parishioners were involved in building the Parish and school, spiritual growth was always the main concern. Fr. McEnnis used the weekly bulletin to reinforce the proper responses at Mass; he also reminded parents about the importance of confession and Holy Communion for the family. There were Ember Days and Special Communions; Days of Recollection and missions for men and women; retreats, special devotions, and daily rosary. The St. Vincent de Paul group served the needy of the Parish, while the Legion of Mary fostered spiritual development and works of mercy. In the late 1960's, the Religious Education Program (CCD) enrolled more than 500 children. 

Excerpt from St. Bernadette Catholic Church and School. Olan Mills, Inc., Nov. 2011, pp. 3–4.