Parish History
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Corpus Christi Parish evolved from the early mission churches in west Mobile, particularly St. Mary's Mission Church and Sts. Simon and Jude's Mission Church. As far back as 1933, these mission churches, and others that dotted the the country side at that time, were served by Jesuit priests from Spring Hill College who often traveled by horse and buggy to celebrate Mass and the sacraments for the people. What is now a busy part of Mobile was considered a rural area back in this time.
As citizens of Mobile began to move further west, the mission churches grew and eventually established schools. In the early years, school classes were held in the St. Mary's Mission church, with students sitting on the kneelers in the pews and using the pew benches as desks. The Sisters of Mercy served as teachers in the Mission School.
From these humble roots, under the leadership of several dedicated priests, Corpus Christi grew to be one of the largest parishes in the diocese. Throughout the history of our parish, many have experienced the presence of Christ here in this community and have helped to bring Christ's presence to others.
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a timeline of our parish history
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Before Corpus Christi Parish was established, this area of Mobile was served by St. Mary's Mission and Jesuit priests from Spring Hill College. The Sisters of Mercy of the Union (whose motherhouse was in Baltimore) served as teachers in the Mission school.
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On June 8, 1957, Archbishop Thomas J. Toolen appointed Fr. Bernard McKenna to serve this area of the diocese. Fr. McKenna also served as pastor of Sts. Simon & Jude's Mission Church on Cottage Hill Road.
On November 26, 1957, 10 acres off Airport Blvd. were purchased to be the site for a new parish.
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Groundbreaking ceremonies for the new church that would become Corpus Christi were held on January 28, 1958. On May 22, 1958, ground was broken for the parish's new school building with three rooms to serve 105 students.
The first Mass in the new church of the new parish, Corpus Christi, was celebrated on July 6, 1958 at 8:30am. Archbishop Toolen formally dedicated the new church and school on March 8, 1959.
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On August 22nd, 1963, the Sisters of Mercy of Tipperary, Ireland arrived to staff the school. In 1969, Archbishop Toolen appointed Msgr. Stuardi as Pastor. In 1973, Msgr. Joseph G. McArdle was appointed pastor by Bishop John L. May. In April of 1979, Corpus Christi broke ground for a new church.
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On December 14, 1980, the newly-ordained Archbishop of Mobile, Most Reverand Oscar H. Lipscomb, dedicated the new church. In 1983, a new school building was built to house the library, six classrooms and school offices. In the summer of 1987, a new rectory and parish office was completed.
In the summer of 1987, Msgr. McArdle retired from active ministry, but continued to serve as a retired priest at Corpus Christi until 1990. Fr. Oliver Adams succeeded Msgr. McArdle as pastor until December 1987. On December 18, 1987, Fr. James F. Zoghby was appointed by Arshbishop Lipscomb as Pastor of Corpus Christi and Father John S. Boudreaux was appointed Associate Pastor of Corpus Christi.
In 1991, the Parish Council approved a master plan for the parish complex. The first building to be constructed would be the Day Care (our present day pre-school building).
Deacon Arthur W. Robbins was ordained on April 23, 1994 and appointed to Corpus Christi Parish.
On November 27, 1994, ground was broken for a new gymnasium and the first half of a new school building with five classrooms. On October 20, 1996, Archbishop Lipscomb dedicated the new gymnasium and the new school building. A new "Memorial Island" featuring a statue of the Blessed Mother was also dedicated on this date. The Memorial Island is dedicated to all of Corpus Christi's past, present and future parishioners, clergy, religious and staff and to all who help to build up the Body of Christ.
In 1997, construction began on the front half of the new school building.
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On May 24, 2000, groundbreaking ceremonies were held for Corpus Christi's new Community Center and Church Expansion (our present day church and community center). The new community center and rennovated/expanded church were dedicated by Archbishop Lipscomb on October 6, 2005.
On October 12, 2008, Corpus Christi Parish celebrated its Golden Jubilee, the 50th anniversary of its founding in 1958. Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi, the newly-installed Archbishop of Mobile, celebrated Corpus Christi's 50th Anniversary Mass. Retired Archbishop Lipscomb concelebrated the Mass.
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Father James F. Zoghby and Father John S. Boudreaux retired on June 25, 2021. Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi appointed Father Patrick Arensberg to serve as the new pastor of Corpus Christi Parish.
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