We are CORPUS CHRISTI CATHOLIC CHURCH.
A Community of Christian believers
Who embrace the Word of God,
Who proclaim its message to all,
With a welcoming spirit
As prayerful and sacramental people
Empowered by unity,
Inspired by the Holy Spirit,
We extend ourselves
Seeking to recognize the needs of others And responding with compassion by Gratefully sharing our blessings.
We gather as THE BODY OF CHRIST
To celebrate and become a source of hope
And inspiration to all.
Beginning – In 1989, the Diocese of Joliet purchased 10 acres of land in unincorporated Wayne Township to establish Corpus Christi Parish and assigned Fr. Charles Gemskie as its founding pastor.
Our Own Space – We moved our offices out of the basement of Brust Funeral Home in 1991 and constructed the parish house. We continued to celebrate Mass at both Benjamin Middle School gym and Glenbard North’s auditorium.
Dedication – Bishop Joseph Imesch dedicated the church building on November 22, 1994. Our parish came together for weekend liturgies, began to offer religious education classes, reached out to those in need, offered a preschool for the community, many fun social events, and our annual parish picnic at Sonny Acres Farm.
Growth – Our second pastor, Fr. Robert Hoffenkamp added the Holy Family and Blessed Mother Mary statues outside, as well as icons of Mary and Jesus in the church. Renovation of the church worship space began in November 2012, adding more sanctuary space, a new sacristy, pews, kneelers, and a tiled floor. The high altar is from Holy Family Church in Cudahy, Wisconsin. The current and restored Stations of the Cross, and the beautiful stained glass windows were from Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Joliet, Illinois, along with the Stations of the Cross, all of them nearly a century old.
Current – Fr. Mark Jurzyk became our third and current pastor in November 2014. Our beautiful Marian Grotto was installed as a prayerful place for all, along with rocks collected from holy sites all over the world that are placed beneath the pavers. When Covid-19 struck in March 2020 and churches were forced to close, Fr. Mark led our parish to bring the Mass via livestream – something that had never been done before – into homes of those who couldn’t physically come to the church. Fr. Mark continues to guide us on the path of holiness – leading bible study classes, as well as bike pilgrimages, magnificent church tours, bringing opera music to our community, Family Masses, Christmas concerts, Divine Mercy Sunday and dinner, additional Mass in Polish, helping our community with forest preserve cleanups, protection of life engagement and activities, Our Lady of Fatima candlelight rosary processions held on May 13 and October 13, helping to support Ukrainian refugees.
Looking Forward – We have been blessed with a welcoming community and have been and continue to be shepherded by good and faith-filled priests. We have wonderful opportunities to deepen our relationship with Christ and each other as we return to the words of our Mission Statement: “We are Corpus Christi, the Body of Christ.”
