Dear Parish Family and Friends,

My twelve years as Pastor of Corpus Christi have been wonderful years for me. I have been greatly blessed by God and you during these years. Together we have accomplished many things. Our parish is alive and engages in many activities. The quality of our worship continues to grow and deepen.

As you well know, we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. Corpus Christi has a proud history and legacy. Any time we enter our church or see our school, we are reminded of what past generations have done.

As a pastor who is getting on in years and not knowing how many years I have left to serve this marvelous community, my thoughts turn to providing for the future of this parish. While we have made progress in many areas, one area remains a concern for me – finances. It is my hope that when I leave this parish, it will be in good financial shape.

In consultation with the Parish Financial Council, I have come to the conclusion that there are three challenges that must be met:

• immediate expenses that must be faced
  
• paying off our debt
  
• and beginning a foundation to supplement our income so that we can meet operating expenses.
  

Thus, I am announcing a three-year Capital Campaign to meet these challenges. I invite you to review this booklet that details our Capital Campaign.

The success of this campaign depends on the kind and generous hearts of every member of our parish family and of those who have benefited from our parish and school. Our past history calls us to meet present needs and to have a clear vision for the future.

We are preparing to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is a time to show thanks by giving. As we prepare to remember the Christ who came into our world to sacrifice his very life for us, let us also call ourselves to sacrificial giving.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Rev. Msgr. Eugene S. Ostrowski, V.F.
Pastor

Visit Our Online Section for the Capital Campaign found above under

STEWARDSHIP>CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

To Print an Individual Copy of the Capital Campaign Booklet please click here

A PROUD HISTORY: Father Gilsenan was appointed the first pastor on June 16, 1916. A home was rented located behind the present rectory. It was here that Church services were conducted for the new parish, while the combination Church/ School building was erected where the completed school now stands.

On August 19, 1923, then Bishop Swint laid the cornerstone of the present Church. The Church was dedicated formally on May 11, 1924. The architect was Edward Weber who designed St. Joseph Cathedral. Additions to the school were done in 1939, 1952 and 1959, an addition to the Rectory in 1962. The Convent (present Parish Offices) was purchased in 1942.

Throughout nearly a century, the people of Corpus Christi generously gave of themselves and their resources to build not only buildings but a vibrant faith community. Here, thousands have been baptized, received First Communion and Confirmation, were married and had their funeral rites celebrated. The school that began in 1916 continues to promote academic excellence and a solid Catholic formation. Corpus Christi is proud to have had one of its own become the seventh Bishop of the Diocese — Bishop Bernard W. Schmitt. It is now our challenge to face the future with the same generosity, commitment and dedication that our ancestors had.

For Additional Parish History, please click here.

IMMEDIATE NEEDS:

• STATUS - COMPLETED -  APRIL MAY 2010 - Replace roof (removing present shingles)
•  
• STATUS - IN PROCESS  - MAY JUNE 2010 - Stained Glass Repair
• (Where necessary flatten bulges, additional steel braces, new external protective covering, re-cement windows on exterior surface)
•     ⇒            
• STATUS - REVIEWING / PLANNING - Painting the interior of the church (returning to a color scheme more consistent
• with the original design of the Church including re-creating the design around and under arches used in the original design)
• STATUS - REVIEWING / PLANNING - New carpeting (including a better treatment of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, repairing any floor damage)
• Replacing damaged church appointments (e.g., Processional Cross, Holy Water bucket and Sprinkler, Censor and Boat, Communion Cups)
• Clean Sanctuary Lamp Stand

IMMEDIATE NEEDS - REPAIRS -  Campaign Goal of $ 200,000
Building repairs needed including Roof, Paint, and Carpet.

REDUCING DEBT - Campaign Debt Reduction Goal of $ 500,000
Over the years, Corpus Christi has accumulated debt — loans for construction, loans to meet operating expenses, unpaid obligations (eg., insurance, priest health and retirement fund) to the diocese. The Diocese has been generous and patient. Financial responsibility requires repaying our debt:

• Parish Center loan: $ 99,975.00
• Operating Expenses Loans: 293,508.00
• Unpaid Obligations: 339,786.00
• TOTAL $733,269.00

STAYING OUT OF DEBT - STARTING A FOUNDATION - Campaign Goal of $ 200,000
Experience demonstrates that we do not generate enough income to meet our operating expenses. To stay out of debt, a foundation must be developed. The interest generated will be used to supplement normal income in meeting operational expenses.

SCHOOL EXCELLENCE - Campaign Goal of $ 100,000
Our school promotes academic excellence and our Technology is on the cutting-edge.

2009 CAPITAL CAMPAIGN - (PLEDGES TO BE PAID OVER 3 YEARS)

TOTAL GOAL $1,000,000

A NEED FOR SPECIAL GENEROSITY
If we are to reach our goal, your support and contribution is greatly needed. Every household/person is asked to consider making a pledge to this Capital Campaign. The challenge is great but provides us an opportunity to continue the work and sacrifice of the many people who brought us to this time and place. We are a generous and loving parish that has always given beyond expectation.

YOUR DECISION TO GIVE
This is our parish and only through sacrifice can we achieve our goals. The word  “sacrifice” means to make holy. It is the ancient cornerstone of faith and love that has always characterized God’s people in their journey through history. Together and individually may we prayerfully reflect on our responsibilities and the sacrifices we can make to further God’s work among us.

As You Make Your Pledge, Please Remember …

• Payments may be made over a period of three (3) years.
• Payment reminders and a special payment envelope will be mailed to you in accordance with the payment plan you choose.
• Pledge payments are deductible in accordance with IRS regulations
• Please make checks payable to Corpus Christi Capital Campaign

Now is the Time to Make Your Pledge!

We are called to Sacrificial Giving

That is a Meaningful Gift  - Not Equal Gifts but Equal Sacrifice

The Future of Corpus Christi is in Your Hands