Pastoral Services

Carol Sanborn Director of Pastoral Services (310) 454-1328 Ext. 242 Voicemail: (310) 454-1328, Ext. 331 Carol Sanborn

Bereavement Ministry

Bereavement Ministry is a group of committed, trained lay ministers who bring a myriad of life experiences to the care and support for families following the death of a loved one. They offer practical information and emotional support, as well as expertise in liturgy planning for funerals. Chair: Pat Mulville, 454-8693 and Co-Chair Judy Hatchett, 459-8344.

Communion to the Sick

Corpus Christi Parish is blessed with a devoted group of Eucharistic Ministers that bring the Eucharist to members of our parish family who are unable to worship with us on Sundays. Arrangements can be made by calling the parish office. Mary Watson, 454-1328.

Nursing Home Ministry

A dedicated group of parishioners minister to Fireside and Good Shepherd Nursing Homes in Santa Monica by bringing the Eucharist weekly and most Sundays to Catholic residents and celebrating Mass for them on the fourth Friday of every month. Anita Finie, 454-0521.

Coffee and Kids
Many years ago a group of young mothers at Corpus Christi Parish saw a need for an opportunity for mothers and toddlers to come together on Friday mornings for social and emotional support. Celebrating their common bond as members of a Catholic community, friendships have continued to grow through the years as these children entered kindergarten, received their First Communion and graduated from Corpus Christi School. Chairs: Michelle Castillo, 230-8710 and Nancy Thurston, 459-9331.

Community Outreach
In an effort to live the Gospel by practicing the social teachings of the Church, Corpus Christi Parish has endeavored to share the many blessings bestowed upon us as parishioners. We do this primarily through outreach to organizations and facilities that attempt to meet the needs of the underserved members of the community at large. The following are three of the programs to which our parish has made a long-term commitment.

St. Robert Center is a community-based program operated by Catholic Charities that feeds hungry people on the weekends when many other programs are closed. Volunteers from the parish make sandwiches and serve the hungry on assigned weekend days. Jennifer Clark, 454-1762.

Food for Families is a program that collects non-perishable foods to be distributed to the homeless and hungry served by St. Robert’s Center. Collections are monthly and occasionally more often during times of need. Mary Elizabeth Horan, 573-1913.

St. Joseph Center is a neighborhood-based program in Venice and Santa Monica that serves the homeless and recently housed families. The center serves a large number of single mothers and their children. The Parish and Corpus Christi School support the Center’s work by providing Thanksgiving food baskets, Christmas toys and monthly school collections of canned goods. Carol Sanborn, 454-1328.

St. Raphael Sister School is a parish school in South Los Angeles with whom we continue to build a “sister” relationship. St. Raphael School has been the grateful recipient of the proceeds from an annual community outreach benefit held by Corpus Christi students. Corpus Christi Parish and School have participated in an “Adopt a Family” Christmas program. The parish has also played host to the St. Raphael Gospel Choir and Mariachi Band as part of Together in Mission Weekend. PSA Board Representative, 454-9411.

Corpus Christi Fiction Book Group

The Corpus Christi Fiction Book Group is now in its fourth year of monthly gatherings. It is a multi-generational group of parishioners and friends linked by their love of books and their faith community. All are welcome as they meet for spirited discussions on the fourth Thursday from 8:30-10:00 am in the Parish Conference Room. Selections are posted on the bulletin board outside the parish office and in the Sunday bulletin. Carol Sanborn, 454-1328.

Homebound Ministry
Occasionally, parishioners are unable to participate in Sunday worship either temporarily or for indefinite periods of time. The goal through the collaborative work of Homebound Ministry is let these parishioners know they continue to be valued members of our parish family. Homebound Ministry, working together with Communion to the Sick, Legion of Mary and at times Bereavement Ministry provides practical and emotional support through visits, transportation and assistance with activities of daily living. If you know of someone who might benefit from this ministry, please call the parish office at 454-1328.

Lenten Soup and Stations
On Friday evenings during Lent parishioners gather in the Parish Hall to share a simple supper of soup and bread. With donations from the money that would have been spent on dinner proceeds are given to St. Joseph Center. Following supper, the group walks over to church where the Stations of the Cross are led by a different group from the parish, including Music Ministry, Confirmation Candidates, or a group of women doing contemporary readings. Consider ending the week with a time of community reflection and some excellent soup! Kathy Adams, 573-9661.

Legion of Mary
The Legion of Mary is the largest apostolic organization of lay people in the Catholic Church, with well over 3 million active members in almost every country of the world.
Members become instruments of the Holy Spirit through a balanced program of prayer and service. Works include door-to-door evangelization and parishioner visitation. Nod Mulville, 454-8693.

New Parishioners Welcome
If you are new to Corpus Christi Parish, you won’t be a stranger for long due to the warmth and hospitality of a wonderful group of people that will see to it you become fully acquainted with your new parish community. You will be invited to a fall Wine and Cheese Evening, a spring family brunch and a festive Cinco de Mayo Party where you will meet new and old members of the parish alike. In addition members of this ministry will remain a phone call away to answer your questions until you truly feel at home. Lisa Sewell, 454-6460.

Parish Christmas Party
On the first Sunday of December an energetic, creative and spirited group of parishioners work magic in the Parish Hall, turning it into an old fashioned Christmas Party for the entire family. Come enjoy dinner, a glass of wine and gourmet treats with friends old and new. There will be music, trolley rides, a petting zoo and Santa too. Ana Ashby, 459-0952 and Eliza Smith, 459-1534.

Senior Group Weekend Hospitality
Now in its second year, this group is hard to keep up with! They were among the first to tour the newly refurbished Getty Villa. They spent a day at the Palm Springs Follies. They have attended concerts and toured the Cathedral and even took time out for a French dip at Philippe’s. When they are not on the road they are enjoying speakers and throwing potluck holiday parties in the Parish Hall on the last Friday of the month from 10:15 am to 12 noon. Chairs: Lorry and Sherrie McConnell, 454-0534.

Weekend Hospitality

Most people think of it as “Donuts and Coffee” on the patio after Mass every Sunday morning come rain or come shine. But it is really one of the sweetest and best-supported parish ministries at Corpus Christi Parish. It is a wonderful time to meet new people and catch up with old friends and sometimes the best way to catch Fr. Kidney! Consider doing more than eating the donuts and take a turn at the table. Call Susan Chandler for more information: 230-3024.

Welcome Home

A developing program at Corpus Christi Parish, this ministry seeks to learn what separates you from full participation in your faith and parish community. With theme-based presentations and discussions addressing topics that have become a source of hurt and alienation, such as divorce, abortion, homosexuality and contraception, we hope to welcome home baptized Catholics to our parish community. If you are interested in becoming involved in this program either as a participant or facilitator, please call the parish office at 454-1328.