Welcome Fr. Andy!

The Cardinal has appointed Fr. Andy Prachar as the next pastor of St. Bartholomew Church. Let us welcome and support him as he begins to transition into this new role!

As we prepare to welcome Fr. Andy, please read the biography below to learn more about him. 

"I am very excited about being a part of the leadership of this faith community which Fr. John has shepherded so well and with great love. I look forward to getting to know each of you and hearing from you more about the St. Bartholomew Community.
 
I was baptized into the faith at Blessed Sacrament Church in Newark. Catholic education has been a part of my life throughout elementary and high school. I was very active in my home parish of Sacred Heart, Vailsburg, Newark. Upon graduating from Seton Hall University I backpacked through Europe for two to three months.
 
After college, I was a school teacher for seventh and eighth graders in Elizabeth and St. Helen’s in Westfield was home to me for a few years as the Director of Youth Ministry. I experienced and discerned God calling me to give myself to others and to God in the priesthood. I was ordained to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ on November 17, 1990. I was called to be pastor at my home parish in Vailsburg and then for fourteen happy and challenging years at our neighboring parish in Berkeley Heights, Church of the Little Flower. In addition, For the past 25 years, I have been blessed to have served as a chaplain to men and women in the fire service and in law enforcement.
 
In November, I completed my second sabbatical where I participated in a program for priests at the North American Pontifical College in Vatican City. While there I continue with my Italian lessons! I also “dabble” in the Spanish language, however I’ve learned how to merengue (dance) better than I can speak Spanish! I love to travel especially in Europe, stay active and I took up baking during Covid. I like to cook and eat!  I believe I am a listener, one who accompanies others on our journey to and with God. I am a big-picture guy who needs help with details and I can be serious but love to laugh. If you want to learn more, invite me over for dinner. I look forward to meeting you all!"  -Fr. Andy