About Us

With overwhelming excitement, parishioners of Corpus Christi Catholic Church celebrated Mass for the very first time the weekend of May 21 and 22, 2005. This historic event that took place in Celebration, Florida was a dream come true for many residents of Celebration and the surrounding areas.

In his May 22, 2005 letter of congratulations to the people of the Corpus Christi Catholic Church, the Most Reverend Thomas Wenski, Bishop of Orlando, explained why this parish - the newest parish in the Diocese of Orlando - is called Corpus Christi.

He explains, "I chose the name, Corpus Christi, in honor of the Year of the Eucharist that our late Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, asked to be observed from October 2004 - October 2005. The Eucharist is the source and summit of our Catholic life. ... my hope and prayer (is) that Corpus Christi Parish will be the source of many graces to Catholics living in Celebration and the surrounding areas."

Bishop Wenski continued saying, "I am very pleased to appoint the Very Rev. Gregory Parkes to be the founding Pastor of Corpus Christi Parish. I ask that you support him and pray for him as he undertakes this new responsibility which he has generously accepted in addition to his duties as Chancellor of the Diocese of Orlando."

Nearly 600 parishioners gathered for the first Masses of Corpus Christi in the cafeteria of the Celebration School (K-8). The pride, joy and presence of the Holy Spirit was electrifying. Parishioners, some nearby neighbors who had never met before, were immediately united as one in prayer, song and worship. Many from nearby parishes graciously came to Corpus Christi to serve as liturgical ministers in support and admiration for Father Gregory and the members of this new parish.

With grateful hearts we begin our journey as a new parish; we pray that God's word will light our way and ground us in goodness and service to one another; we pray that our efforts will reach far and wide; we pray for guidance and grace from the Holy Spirit so that we may build God's kingdom here on earth in a fashion most blessing to Him; and we ask for your prayers along the way.