Obituaries

Chicago (Dec. 1, 2023) – Rev. Bernard J. Pietrzak, priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago and pastor of St. Anne Catholic Parish in Barrington, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023, at the age of 68.

Pietrzak was born on Oct. 18, 1955, in Hammond, Indiana. He attended Quigley Preparatory Seminary and Niles College of Loyola University, both in Chicago, and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein.

Pietrzak was ordained to the priesthood on May 13, 1981, by Cardinal John Cody, and he celebrated his first solemn Mass on May 23 of the same year at St. Florian Parish in Chicago.

After ordination, Pietrzak was associate pastor at the following parishes: St. Victor Parish in Calumet City, Holy Cross Parish in Deerfield and Church of the Holy Spirit Parish in Schaumburg. He then served as pastor at St. Raymond de Penafort Parish in Mount Prospect from 1996 to 2009 and at St. Anne Parish where he had been serving as pastor since 2009.

Rev. Jerome J. Jacob, pastor of St. Mary of the Annunciation Parish in Mundelein, was a close friend of Pietrzak. “Bernie was a good mentor and friend. He always saw the best in people. He would encourage young priests and welcome them,” Jacob said. The two priests became friends at St. Raymond de Penafort Parish when Jacob joined the parish as associate pastor and Pietrzak was serving as pastor. “The Sunday assembly was very important to him,” Jacob added. “He was very dedicated to adult formation, marriage preparation etc. to help people grow in their spirituality.”

Rev. Joji Thanugundla and Rev. Rodolfo Ramirez, associate pastors of St. Anne Parish, wrote a tribute to Pietrzak on the parish’s Instagram account and said: “Father Bernie served our St. Anne community with unwavering dedication, compassion, and a profound commitment to his faith. He touched the lives of many with his inspiring homilies, guidance, and selfless service.”

All funeral services will take place at St. Anne Parish, located at 120 N. Ela Street in Barrington. Visitation hours will be Tuesday, Dec. 5, from 2 to 8 p.m. A vigil service will take place Tuesday, Dec. 5, from 7 to 8 p.m. The presider of the vigil service will be Thanugundla and the homilist will be Rev. Ed Panek. The funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, Dec. 6 at 10 a.m. Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, will be the main celebrant of the Mass and Jacob will be the homilist.

Interment will be private.