Homewood Priest Who Led $4.5 Million Russellville Church Construction Embarks on Sabbatical for Renewal

After dedicating nearly a decade to his congregation, the Rev. Vincent Bresowar, a Homewood native, is stepping away for a well-earned sabbatical. A 1998 graduate of Homewood High School and an alumnus of Auburn University, Bresowar’s journey to the priesthood was marked by diverse experiences, including three years in the Air Force and a stint as a medical technician at UAB.

Since becoming the pastor of Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Russellville nine years ago, Bresowar has been instrumental in guiding the church’s growth, particularly among its predominantly Hispanic community. His most significant achievement was overseeing the construction of a new $4.5 million, 500-seat sanctuary, which opened its doors in October 2023. The thriving congregation now holds three Spanish-language Masses and one English service each weekend.

Recognizing the need for spiritual renewal and rest, Bresowar requested a sabbatical from Bishop Steven Raica of the Catholic Diocese of Birmingham. Starting on September 1, he will embark on a six-month journey of reflection, education, and travel.

“I’ve been a priest for 13 years, and while I wouldn’t say I’m burned out, I do feel a bit tired,” Bresowar explained. “There’s been so much happening here, and I felt it was the right time to step back and renew.”

During his sabbatical, Bresowar plans to visit family in Homewood, Louisiana, and Massachusetts. He will also attend a spiritual formation retreat in Michigan, travel to Rome, and spend time in California.

Despite the completion of the new church building and a recently added playground for children, Good Shepherd Church is experiencing rapid growth, often filling its spacious new sanctuary. “It’s pretty full,” Bresowar noted. “But the parish is in a very healthy place, and I feel confident that it’s the right time for me to take this break.”

Bresowar emphasized that his sabbatical is not a step away from the priesthood but rather a chance to recharge. “Once the sabbatical is over, I’ll be reassigned, though I’m not sure where just yet.”

The diocese has yet to announce Bresowar’s successor at Good Shepherd, but he noted that fluency in Spanish would be a valuable asset for the new pastor. “Russellville’s demographic is predominantly Hispanic, and the ability to communicate in Spanish is crucial,” he said.

Reflecting on the growth of the church, Bresowar expressed pride in how the community has embraced its expanding congregation. “We’ve seen remarkable growth, and the sense of community here is stronger than ever. People are taking ownership of their church, and it’s truly a success story.”

The new church has not only become a spiritual home for many but also a point of pride for the town, recently earning a beautification award from the Russellville Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a beautiful place, both physically and spiritually,” Bresowar remarked.

Bresowar’s journey with Good Shepherd has also involved learning Spanish, a skill he admits he hadn’t fully anticipated needing. “If I’d known how essential Spanish would be, I would have started learning it in kindergarten,” he joked. But for Bresowar, the willingness to learn and serve has always been at the heart of his ministry. “It’s about meeting the spiritual needs of the people, regardless of where they come from. They’re all people of God.”

As Bresowar prepares for his time of renewal, his legacy at Good Shepherd stands as a testament to his dedication and the vibrant community he helped build.