Father William J. Bausch was born in 1929 in Jamesburg. He prepared for the priesthood in St. Charles College, Catonsville, Md., and St. Mary’s Seminary and University, Baltimore. He was ordained June 4, 1955, in St. Mary of Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, by Bishop George W. Ahr.

Father Bausch served as parochial vicar of St. Mary Parish, New Monmouth; St. Joseph Parish, Keyport; Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Maple Shade, and St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel. He also served on the advisory board of the diocesan Family Life Bureau. In 1973, Father Bausch was named pastor of St. Mary Parish, Colts Neck, where he served for 23 years. During that time he also served three years on the Continuing Education Committee.

Father Bausch is the author of more than a dozen books on liturgy, parish ministry and storytelling. His book, The Total Parish Manual (Twenty-Third Publications, Mystic, Conn., 1994) was honored in 1995 by the Catholic Press Association, winning the first place award in pastoral ministry.

The National Federation of Priests’ Councils selected Father Bausch as the recipient of the 1996 President’s Award, given to the priest whose “leadership enhances the ministry of others and his words and deeds support the life and ministry of priests.”

Father Bausch resigned as pastor of St. Mary Parish, taking a sabbatical leave in March of 1996. He currently resides in Point Pleasant, and has remained active by participating in events, making presentations related to his ministry and writings and assisting with Masses in parishes on weekends.