Bernadette is a local resident from East Valley AZ and a newcomer to the St Gabriel community. In 2016, she graduated from NAU with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and shortly after, moved to Wexford, Ireland to work with the House of Brigid, sponsored through University of Notre Dame. Returning in 2019 to Arizona, she taught junior high music classes at St. Francis Xavier Elementary in central Phoenix and continued to teach instrumental lessons. In 2021, she became the director of Sacred Music at Holy Spirit Catholic church in Tempe. Throughout her time working for the diocese, she has also been a professional violinist for Chandler Symphony and Serenade Events (corporate events and wedding ceremonies), as well as writing and recording originally composed music.
Bernadette’s authentic approach to music in the Mass is ultimately this: a fostering of the liturgy as a communal and prayerful experience with Christ, who in being the most efficacious bestower of mercy and healing, invites us to respond to him especially during that sacred time. To be unwaveringly focused on His guidance and presence; to be unafraid to claim that free gift of grace with song. Singing with our true voices whether big or small, male, or female, perfect and imperfect, in joy and sorrow; He loves our participation radically and unconditionally.
In her free time, she loves spending time with friends & family, going on desert hikes with her husky Dolly (Parton), seeing live music, trying new restaurant, and getting to travel when possible. She is grateful to Fr. Chad King and the St. Gabriel staff for their very warm welcome to the parish community!