PARISH LETTER
May 15, 2023
Mass Attendance Rising
First Quarter 2021, 2022, 2023
Corpus Christi Mass attendance is over 22% higher quarter-to-quarter (2022 v. 2023) and 137% higher to Q1 of calendar year 2021, rising to an average of 1,116 weekend attendees.
Quarterly Attendance
We Really Need Your Financial Support
Please Take Time to Become an Online Giver
As Corpus Christi and our greater community continues to grow, your financial support is urgently needed and gratefully received.
Please take time to become an online giver. It is safe, secure and easy. You can setup a weekly or monthly recurring payment.
To become an online giver, please click on the OSV Online Giving logo below, and receive our heartfelt appreciation for your financial support. We will be stewarding your generosity to bear great fruit!
Religious Education 2023 - 2024
Orientation and Registration Day
Corpus Christi began the 2023-2024 Faith Formation Registration last Sunday. This will continue for the next two Sundays: May 21 and May 28.
REQUIREMENT
Parents and Guardians of all 2023-2024 students participating in any of our faith formation programs - from Kindergarten through 12th Grade - are required to attend the 2023-2024 Orientation Day prior to filling out the registration form. The Orientation meeting will take place in the Church Building at 9:30 AM with registration immediately following in the Parish Hall. Once more, please note that no parent or guardian will be able to register their children without attending one of these two Orientation meetings. If you have any questions, please contact the Director of Faith Formation by clicking the button below.
Neon Envelopes Fundraiser
Life Teen Youth Group
Over the course of 2023, Corpus Christi will strive to send our youth to the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis and to the Franciscan University Conference in Steubenville, Ohio. Attending these conferences will give our youth an opportunity to gather regionally and nationally with other young Catholics to learn more about themselves and their relationship with Jesus – a platform to celebrate their Catholic faith with like-minded teens who are walking their faith journey.
We want to make this dream possible through the following envelope fundraiser. If you walk into the vestibule area of the church, you will find neon-colored envelopes numbered from $1 to $250 – representing 250 donation amounts. To support the fast growing Life Teen Youth Group at Corpus Christi, please select an envelope of your desired gift size. If you are able to donate $20, please pick up the $20 envelope, fill out the enclosed prayer request card, insert the $20 donation with it – either in cash or check payable to Corpus Christi Catholic Church. We kindly ask that you return your donation and prayer request by placing the envelope on the offertory basket located in the vestibule area or dropping it off at the Parish office on or before Sunday, May 21. In total, if we get a supporter for each of the 250 envelopes, we will raise $31,375. Corpus Christi Life Teen thanks you in advance for your time, kindness and for trusting us to put your donation to good use! Without your continued support, our church would not be able to accomplish these acts of charity.
Forty-Five Confirmants
May 15
Forty-five young confirmants received the Sacrament of Confirmation on Wednesday, May 10. Bishop Jaques Fabre-Jeune, CS, was present to confer our Class of 2023, exhorting the group to go forth and share the love of Christ with everyone that they meet on this journey of life. The Bishop also encouraged those gathered to use the gifts of the Holy Spirit to help make the world a better place. Thank you to the parents, guardians, sponsors, and catechists for their hard work preparing the confirmants strengthen the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Ava Ballero, Allison Bassford, Jadderlyn Borbonio-Del Valle, Gabrielle Chmura, Cole Cionek, Aiden Contreras, Larry "Trace" Crumpton, Adriana Dunat, Abigail Fredericks, Jakquelin Garcia, Benjamin Gassaway, Hennelly Gavin, Aidan Gindlesperger, Patrick Gray, Marely Guarneros-Olivo, Vanesa Guzman-Vasquez, Jamileth Hernandez-Villanueva, Selina Garcia, Andrew Houck, Peter Ioveno, Christine James, Samantha James, Ray Kastner, Jennifer Lozano, Joselyn Lozano, Theodore Ludwig, Connor Malanowski, Eva Markovich, Brady Murphy, Kevin Nguyen, Trang Nguyen, Aryell Parsons (The Basilica of St. Peter), Andy Perez, Manuel Quintero, Alexis Ramirez-Espinoza, Marc Ramirez, James Risk, Delbert Siuhi, Robert Sottosanti, James Strainer, Diana Torres, Christopher Tunmore, Kaitlyn Wagner, Jeanette Warwick, Jack Wilgeroth.
The First Year of Bishop Jacques Fabre-Jeune, CS
Message from Our Bishop
43 First Holy Communicants
April 15 - May 14
Corpus Christi would like to congratulate the following students and their families on receiving their First Holy Communion during our weekend Masses throughout the Easter Season. May the risen Lord dwell in your hearts and guide you as you live out our Catholic faith today and always.
Jayson Calderon-Jimenez, Evan Hicks, Joseph Markovich, Jonathan Spensley, Emmett Watford, Diana "Sophia" Carrasco, Elijah Rowe, Madelyn Kerns, Ethan Mathew, Anabel Mathew, Hannah Ballero, Isabella Ballero, Jesus Martinez-Hernandez, Valeria Padilla-Olvera, Naiara Sierra, Allison Herrera-Palomino, Nathalie Herrera-Palomino, Christopher Villa, Spencer Kubic, Bruce Brown, Weston Hass, Kaeson Bennett, Marcus Schrum, Helena Ky Phuong Dang, Anna Fredrickson, Luke Fredrickson, Lauren Mitchell, Edward Rodriquez-Garcia, Noel Yerald Rodriguez-Garcia, James Hudson, Mia Gray, Savannah Santulli, Adelaide Wilson, Jacob Zaniewski, Daisy Hidalgo, Roberto Herrera-Fabian, Luis Sierra, Miguel Sierra, Juventino Sierra, Amelia Sierra, Mia Chewar, Margaret Jimenez, and Madelyn DeClue.
Praise and Worship with Paul Butsavage
May 24 | 8:00 - 9:00 PM
Make plans to join our Life Teen High School students and parishioners of all ages, for our next Praise and Worship Eucharistic Adoration Hour led by Paul Butsavage and the 5:00 p.m. Sunday Mass contemporary music team this Wednesday, May 24, from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the church. Pray, sing, and worship Our Lord Jesus Christ present in the Blessed Sacrament on the altar and be transformed and renewed during this sacred time. We hope to see you there!
Birthright of Columbia
Fundraiser
Birthright of Columbia's Baby Bottle campaign kicked off on Mother's Day. During the next month, baby bottle ENVELOPES will be available in the vestibule of the church for parishioners to fill with loose change and spare cash. We kindly ask that you return your donation by placing the envelope on the offertory basket on or before Father's Day, June 18. All monetary gifts will enable Birthright of Columbia to offer free and confidential services to anyone facing an unplanned or problem pregnancy.
Birthright of Columbia's focus is on positive and loving alternatives to abortion - believing that "It is the right of every pregnant woman to give birth, and the right of every child to be born." Birthright works with and through local agencies, ministries, churches, and individuals who can help achieve our objectives.
Blood Drive
May 28 | 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Blood Connection invites you to sign up for the Blood Drive taking place at Corpus Christi on Sunday, May 28, from 9:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m. Donors will receive $60 dollars in rewards redeemable for eGift cards. Guidelines and norms will be implemented to protect the health of our community. Please click the button below to sign-up for your donation.
The Heartbeat Bill
South Carolina House of Representatives
The South Carolina House will take up the Heartbeat Bill (S474) in hopes of stemming the flood of abortions now occurring in the Palmetto State after the State Senate was unable to pass the Human Life Protection Act (H3774) this session. The Human Life Protection Act would have protected unborn children from death by abortion once the mother’s pregnancy is clinically diagnosed. In February, however, the Senate passed a Heartbeat Act that protects the unborn child once the fetal heartbeat is detected. The heartbeat bill currently is in the House Judiciary Committee.
As a community in faith, let us join in fervently prayer for the passing of the Heartbeat Bill. Although abortion in South Carolina is legal up to 20 weeks after fertilization, this is the best pro-life bill SC can pass at this time to protect the unborn child once the fetal heartbeat is detected.
CRHP Summer Social
Parish Hall | June 10 at 6:15 PM
For past retreat attendees and their guest, as well as those planning to attend a future retreat, you are invited to the CRHP Summer Social. This wonderful gathering will take place in the Parish Hall on June 10 at 6:15 p.m. Please bring a dish and beverage of choice to share. If you have any questions, contact Ann-Marie Lewis via email at [email protected] or telephone at (803) 360-6539. Please join us!
For Our Community and Loved Ones
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the soul of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Dorothy Mack, John Stealy, Ellen Emmer, Bob Kirchner, Margaret Ellen Cafferty, William Conrad, Thomas Madeline, Sr., Peter Meunier, Noreen Daly, Mario Lacayo, Nettie Taylor, Peter Buttress, Edward Mack, Chester Zondlewski, Joseph Abdalla, Patricia Louise Thinnes, Robert Blackwell.
As one family in Christ, let us continue to pray for each other, as well as for those in our community who are ill, suffering, or in need, especially for:
Nancy Devlin, Maryann Simons, Gary Winton, Sharon Torbett, Beverly Woodle, Andrea Emilia Bernabey, The Cáceres Family, Gustavo Cáceres, Dan and Cheryl Carter, Pat and Horace Davis, Ray and Jean Jadin, Karen Clisham, Ron Davis, Dale Fosky, Viola Cleo Bradshaw, Glynn Caroll, Fr. Sebastian Naslund, Casey McKee, Mitch Earwood, Logan Savoie, Jennifer Frank, Josephine Ferrell, Berni Lewis, Elaine Smith, Charlie Evitt, Ronnie Hawkins, Shirlene Polk, Cooper Schultz, Patricia Edmunds, Brian Johnson.
Assisting Those in Crisis
Thanks to your generosity, during the month of April, Corpus Christi Assistance Ministry was able to provide non-perishable supplies to 74 families and 230 individuals, in addition to assisting families with their utility bills and rental expenses in the total amount of $4,030.20. We are truly grateful for all your help!
Invitation from the Legion of Mary
Parish Hall | Tuesdays at 9:15 AM
Legion of Mary invites you to learn more about the Catholic faith, to enrich your prayer life, to develop close friendships with fellow Catholics, and to grow closer to Jesus and His Mother. The Legion of Mary is open to all Catholics who faithfully practice their religion and are moved by the desire to participate in the Church’s apostolate through membership in the Legion. If you have ever thought about volunteering your time for sharing with others your love to our sweet and loving Virgin Mary, Holy Mother of God, this is the ministry for you. The meetings take place in the Parish Hall every Tuesday at 9:15 a.m.
Legionaries Praying Before Funeral Masses
Upon the death of a parishioner, members of the Legion of Mary will recite the Holy Rosary for the intentions of the deceased prior to his/her funeral Mass. Legionaries will meet inside the church building for the prayer service. This beautiful service is optional to the family of the deceased. If interested, you can request it during the funeral planning process.
Catechism of the Catholic Church
Corpus Christi App
Visit our Parish app today and click on the icon “Catechism 1-Yr” to start giving God a chance to grow with you this year in this extraordinary journey through the Catechism of the Catholic Church. In it, the entire Catechism is read out and reflected by Fr. Mike Schmitz in 365 days, understanding the essentials of the Catholic Faith and why they matter, seeing how Church teaching is rooted in Sacred Scripture, absorbing over 2,000 years of Sacred Tradition, encountering God’s plan of sheer goodness, and transforming your relationship with the Church that Christ founded. For more information, please watch the video below.
Every Contribution Is Hugely Valued
March 13 - May 8
Week of May 8
$29,626.81
Week of May 1
$28,743.67
Week of April 24
$14,628.60
Week of April 17
$16,817.54
Week of April 10
$15,711.23
Week of April 3
$28,881.38
Week of March 27
$21,576.90
Week of March 20
$25,340.98
Week of March 13
$19,631.23
"Listen Everywhere" App
Hearing Aid Assistance
Corpus Christi now has the “Listen EVERYWHERE” application. It is a wireless streaming audio app for parishioners with hearing loss. The audio is delivered directly to parishioners’ hearing aid through their smartphones. The app is free, fully customizable, and simple to use. To read the instructions of the app, click on the button below.
Retirement Plan Beneficiary Designations
Naming Corpus Christi Catholic Church as beneficiary of your IRA, 401(K) or other qualified retirement plan may offer substantial tax benefits. You continue to take regular withdrawals and the balance of the assets, upon death, can then be passed to the Parish. You maintain the flexibility to change beneficiaries if your family’s needs change during your lifetime. Tax benefits that may apply include helping your heirs to avoid double taxation on the assets left in the retirement account. For further information, please click on the button below.
Mass and Confession in Spanish
Every Saturday evening, Corpus Christi celebrates Holy Mass in Spanish. The Saturday Vigil Mass, administered by our parochial vicar Father Gustavo Corredor, starts at 7:00 p.m. Confessions are offered in Spanish on Wednesdays from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., on Saturdays after the 7:00 p.m. Saturday Vigil Mass, and by appointment.
The Most Blessed Sacrament
Let us not self-deprive ourselves from adoring Christ in the Most Blessed Sacrament, a natural consequence of our faith in the real substantial presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Like Mary, who kept the words of our Lord in her heart and meditated on them day and night, let us reflect on her greatest treasure and the fitting homage to give to it by adoring Christ every Wednesday for one half an hour or for one full hour. Let us stop by to simply converse with Him, present really and truly a few feet away from the pews, as the doors of the church will continue to open every Wednesday – after the conclusion of the 12:15 p.m. Mass until midnight – so we can come close to our Lord in the Eucharist, Who should receive the adoration, the reverence that is given exclusively to God.
Meeting of the Minds
Parish Hall | Wednesday, May 31, at 6:30 PM
The "Meeting of the Minds" is set up to assist the Parish’s apostolic work, whether in the field of evangelization and sanctification or in the fields of charity, social relations and the rest. The meeting will include leaders of ministries, associations and undertakings (the autonomy and particular nature of each remaining untouched). The function of this meeting is to investigate and to weigh matters which bear on pastoral activity, and to formulate practical conclusions regarding them.
WHEN
Wednesday, May 31, at 6:30 PM
WHERE
Parish Hall
Pope Francis
Prayer Intention
During the month of May, the Holy Father asks for our prayers for a specific intention. Let us join him with millions of other people worldwide in praying for his monthly intention.
FOR CHURCH MOVEMENTS AND GROUPS
We pray that Church movements and groups may rediscover their mission of evangelization each day, placing their own charisms at the service of needs in the world.
Where to Watch our Live Video Productions
Corpus Christi utilizes two PTZ 4K UHD cameras for live audio and video production quality. To watch live and archived broadcasts, click on the LiveControl logo on the top right side of our Parish website, as well as on our YouTube channel and Facebook page.
You can also find the LiveControl logo by scrolling to the bottom of the homepage of the Parish website (please see below).
Wednesday Special Intentions
Wednesdays | 12:00 PM
For those who would like to have their intentions remembered without waiting extended periods of time, the Wednesday 12:15 p.m. Mass is offered for all "Wednesday Intentions" requested that week. Intentions are to be submitted by 11:50 each Wednesday as they will be announced prior to Mass that same day. All gifts are donated to our Assistance Ministry in order to help our neighbors in need. To submit a "Wednesday Intention," please tab the button below.
Eucharistic Centered
Sundays | 6:00 - 7:30 PM
