Meet Our Pastor

Father William Ernst  “Father Bill”                          

Father Bill was born on August 23, 1938 in Louisville, Kentucky of William Ernst and Catherine Tierney Ernst.  He lived in the west end of Louisville until he was 8 years old.  Father was baptized, made his first communion and was confirmed at Holy Cross in Louisville and attended first and second grade at Holy Cross.  Father began the third grade at St. Benedict in Louisville and in the fall of 1946 his family moved to a small farm in Floyd County. He completed the third grade at the one room school at St. Mary’s, Navilleton.  The following year Father Bill went to St. Mary of the Knobs and completed his grade school education.  He graduated from grade school in 1952 and that fall entered St. Meinrad Seminary.  Father Bill spent twelve years at St. Meinrad, completing high school, college and four years of theology.

Father Bill was ordained to the priesthood on May 3, 1964 and celebrated his First Solemn High Mass at St. Mary’s, Navilleton on May 10.  Over the forty plus years of his priesthood he had a number of assignments:

Father Bill shares his personal interests; “I enjoy reading about current events.  I also enjoy reading an occasional novel or a book which is historical or biographical.  I do not have the time to read as much as I would like.  When I was in my mid forties I began to go fishing with some priest friends and I have really grown to like it.  I also enjoy team sports: in my younger days as a participant and in more recent years as a spectator. “           

Through Father Bill’s leadership and gentle compassion for the people of St. Mary’s, the parish of St. Mary’s of the Annunciation continues to grow in the faith and love of our God and continually strives to serve the community and build the kingdom of God.  We are very blessed to be led by Father Bill.