The history of St. Bernard's Catholic Church begins in 1880. The cost of the church was around $1, 400. The beginning membership of the church was of 150 parishioners. At the start there was a priest from Chariton commuted to Woodburn, at that time a larger parish than Osceola. The priest would arrive to Osceola at 10:30 AM, and at 4:00 PM returned to Chariton by train. In 1925, the first priest was assigned to Osceola, Father William Daly. The rectory was built in 1932.

     In 1959 this current Brick church was built under direction of Father Gerald Deere. The building was proof of hard work from 60 families of the parish. Father Deere served St. Bernard for 14 years. 

     The 1990's brought lots of updates and changes to St. Bernard Catholic Church. This included: new lighting, furnace, air conditioning, and handicap accessible ramp. In 2003, there was a renovation in the church hall bathroom. 

     The growth of our parish families has been large from 60 families in 1880 to a more than diverse group of around 260 families. St. Bernard is the only Catholic Church in Clarke County. There are two Sunday services each week. Father Lyle Peters came to Osceola in 2001 and began Hispanic outreach, Spanish Sunday mass, and bilingual masses on holy days. This Hispanic outreach is continued with our current priest Father Chris Reising. 

     St. Bernard Church holds a strong sense of community. Active parishoners help in school boards, children's theatre, arts council, Latino Festival celebration, etc. The Parish has an active Ladies' Group, Knights of Columbus Council, Religious Education program, and Hispanic outreach. 

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