The Christmas Season, that beautiful time of peace and hope, will soon be here. Images of angels are everywhere – on greeting cards, in manger scenes, as holiday ornaments and in the carols we sing, to name just a few. But who are these angels?
The dictionary defines angels as “guardians and guides.” The evidence of God’s angels at work is everywhere at Corpus Christi – IF you know where to look. There are legions of angels in the cherished legacy of our ancestors, whose sacrifices built this magnificent church over a
century ago . . . in the generations of Polish Americans who made this awe-inspiring house of worship the center of their religious, educational and social lives . . . in the steadfast individuals who remained parishioners, even as our working-class neighborhood became a shadow of its former self . . . and in the parishioners who, in 2003, took a chance that somehow, despite seemingly impossible odds, we could save our beloved church from closing.
God’s angels came disguised as the Pauline priests and brothers, who had faith that they could guide a spiritual and cultural renewal that would welcome all people to the historic “Superman Corner” of Clark and Kent Streets.
Since then, we have been blessed with a multitude of angels – YOU! You are the guardians who have made possible the rebirth of this glorious sacred place. Thanks to your support, Corpus Christi is making a remarkable comeback! The church is now listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places, in recognition of its architectural and historic significance. Major restoration projects have been completed, including a new slate roof, restoration of the spectacular rose window, the iconic south tower and most recently the acclaimed Disputà mural above the church altar.
Based on these accomplishments, Corpus Christi has received a preservation grant from New York State in the amount of $400,000, to restore the north tower and to repair the church foundation and drainage tiles. This critical grant requires us to provide matching funds of $162,000. We are at the halfway point, but must raise the remaining dollars quickly to stay on target with this unique grant opportunity.
The stakes are high for this vital preservation project. It will take many of us working together to reach this goal. We ask that you continue as an angel for Corpus Christi’s future!
Wishing you every blessing of this Holy Season.
Rev. Mariusz Dymek, OSPPE
Pastor, Corpus Christi Church
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