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Corpus Christi Turns 50

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By JOYCE McKENZIE

jmckenzie@tampatrib.com

Published: January 21, 2009

TEMPLE TERRACE - Many of the charter parishioners at Corpus Christi Catholic Church not only possessed the pioneering spirit essential to starting the church, but the 50-year staying power to watch its membership swell.

Founded as a mission of Tampa's Most Holy Redeemer in 1958, about 125 people gathered to plant the seed for the parish with a Mass said in the city's former civic center on what is now Florida College. They also transformed a home on Burlingame Street for use as a rectory and chapel.

"A goodly amount of people met at the civic center, and it grew from there," recalled Jean Thomas who, with her husband, Tom, was among the church's first parishioners.

From the 18.5 acres of land purchased in 1954 by Archbishop Joseph Hurley and the determination of its members, the church's first parish on 56th Street was built and its doors opened for worship Nov. 6, 1960.

"Temple Terrace was really a great place to live back then, and the church was a great place to raise our kids," said 50-year member Norma Gonzalez.
Corpus Christi Catholic School began in 1964 with 96 children in grades one through four. The following year kindergarten and fifth grade classes were added.

Through the years Tom Thomas remembers having multiple fundraisers to benefit the school and the church.

"That's because we've undergone a lot of changes," said Zoe Martin, a Corpus Christi parishioner for 30 years.

The building of a new parish and media center, the expansion of the parking lot and renovations of the first church in the 1970s are among those changes.
Cultural diversity began to blossom with the parish in the 1980s. And with it a Spanish-speaking Mass was introduced to serve the community's growing Hispanic population.

"Today we have people from all over the world who come in their native dress," Gonzales said. "This church is universal. It's like looking at the U.N. United Nations"

Corpus Christi, which now has more than 1,500 families as parishioners, also has adopted a parish in Haiti.

"All the donations from our school go to Haiti," said Theresa Hackney, who since being baptized at Corpus Christi at age 7, has been a parishioner for more than 30 years.

"We helped them build a well and a very large building for a school," Hackney said.

Corpus Christi's St. Vincent de Paul Joe Latina Food Pantry, started 25 years ago and is named in honor of a parishioner who was dedicated to the all-volunteer ministry, gives food out to the needy twice a week. In one week the program generally donates more than 1,000 pounds of food.

"It's a tremendous outreach program," said Gonzalez, who donates two days a week to help out.

The new millennium brought the Rev. Joseph Waters to the church. He launched a project that built security fencing, a new classroom wing, an art room, a media center and a computer lab at the school.

"For two or three years it didn't seem like there were many activities here, but I give Father Waters credit for getting people involved," Jean Thomas said. "He is such a wonderful organizer."

Gonzalez agreed, calling it a good thing because "that's when you feel like it's your church."

"I think what is most important about this place is to be found on the many faces of our parish family," Walters wrote in a letter to parishioners that accompanied the 50th anniversary directory listing the names and photos of all church members. "It is from these faces that we learn the real history of our parish."

To celebrate the 50-year milestone, parishioners have planned a series of events through June.

The Community Concert Under the Stars at 7 p.m. on Saturday will kick off the celebrations. The event also will include a cake contest.

"It's going to be like an outdoor picnic where people can bring picnic baskets, blankets and their own lawn chairs. If it rains we'll move inside," said coordinator Loretta Holtkamp. "There will be other local churches involved and we're inviting the entire community."

Details of other events to follow are available at the parish office.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Community Concert Under the Stars

WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 9715 N. 56th St., Temple Terrace
COST: $2 includes a piece of cake and the concert.

INFORMATION: (813) 985-3583

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 865-4849.

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