The year is 1946! World War
II has ended and the pulse of an invigorated and growing America is
beginning to beat in Saratoga County.
At this time the small, somewhat sleepy, town of Ushers, New York
was just a drive-by for those vacationers bound for Saratoga, Lake
George and points north. The few Catholic residents in this primarily
farming community, who had to journey to Mechanicville or other distant
locations to attend Mass, had been petitioning the Diocese of Albany
for a church of their own.
Within this tiny seed of hopefulness lay the initial stirrings of
Corpus Christi, a parish destined to become a treasured member of
a community marked by almost explosive growth.
One of the petitioners, the Hynes family, owned a two-story farmhouse
on the northeast corner of Ushers Road and Route 9. On May 31, 1946,
this property was deeded as a gift to The Roman Catholic Diocese of
Albany, While not a church in the traditional sense of the word, it
followed the convention of the earliest days of the diocese in which
many communities held services in private homes.
On October 1, 1946, Father Charles A. Gaffigan, the first pastor,
proudly announced in a letter to Bishop Edmund F. Gibbons:
Your Excellency,
I am so happy to advise you that the new parish of Corpus Christi,
at Ushers, New York will be opened formally with two Masses on Sunday,
October sixth, at nine and ten-thirty. It gives me so much comfort
to say that this has been made possible through your zeal and generous
cooperation. Thanking you for your generous help and with a promise
to remember you in the opening Masses, I remain,
Respectfully,
Charles A. Gaffigan
And so, the seed was planted. The community of Corpus Christi was
born on October 6, 1946!
To say the initial size of the parish was small would be an understatement.
At its inception, attendance ranged from five to forty parishioners
depending upon the weather. That quickly changed! Father Gaffigan
conducted missionary work convincing the residents in the area to
attend their own parish church. Attendance grew steadily as more families
moved into the area and soon the chapel, which could accommodate only
105 persons, was filled to overflowing.
The organ was moved to the vestry and its music piped in. In addition,
a large mirror was mounted on a wall to allow the overflow attendees,
now in another room, to observe what was occurring within the chapel.
In 1953, Father C. Edward Hickey replaced Fr. Gaffigan, who moved
on to Stillwater. Growth continued and it was evident that something
would have to be done to accommodate this ever expanding community.
On September 24, 1954, Corpus Christi Church purchased a tract of
land adjacent to its current facility. This land was to be the site
for the new church.
Father Hickey and a core of 30 parishioners conducted a door-to door
fundraising appeal to raise money for the new church. In addition,
bake sales were conducted by the ladies of the parish. Of interest,
at one of the fundraisers, one of the parishioners lacking time for
baking, donated a live chicken to the effort. This prompted Father
Hickey to observe, "I knew then that I was back home in the country."
With the successful fundraising completed, groundbreaking for the
new church building took place in October of 1954. The church was
designed to seat 400 persons, had a choir loft, a vestry and unlike
the farmhouse, "looked like a church."
In 1965, Father Arthur P. Carroll succeeded Father Hickey, who was
transferred to Schenectady as a Monsignor. It was at this time that
the population of the community began to grow at a dramatic rate.
To assist Father Carroll in serving his ever growing flock, a number
of "circuit priests" became regular participants celebrating
Sunday masses. Father Bertrand Fay, Father Thomas Vail and Father
Howard Hubbard, destined to become Bishop of the Albany Diocese, were
among the more frequent visitors.
Sadly, in 1969, Father Carroll died while serving as pastor of Corpus
Christi. His passing was deeply felt within the community.
Father M. Kenneth Doyle was appointed to succeed Father Carroll.
By now the requirements for serving the needs of the now burgeoning
community was clearly beyond the capability of a single individual.
It was at this point that the ministries, which so clearly define
Corpus Christi, began to emerge. Incoming families were looking for
an active religious education training program for their children.
At the time, religious education was being conducted by Sister from
St. Colemans in the original farmhouse, which was also serving as
the priests' residence.
To respond to this critical need, Father Fay, with the Sisters help,
developed classes designed to equip parishioners with the skills needed
to conduct in-parish Religious training. Father Fay provided the religious
content and the Sisters, the classroom techniques needed to deliver
a quality program. As more and more lay persons completed training,
additional Religious Education classes were offered, not only in the
farmhouse, but in some parishioners own homes as well. Still the demand
for additional classes and space continued unabated. In an example
of ecumenical support, the Methodist Church of Jonesville opened its
doors and provided Corpus Christi with more, much needed, space.
With added pressure for additional use of the facilities at the farmhouse,
the church trustees voted to purchase a more suitable priests' residence
and thereby dedicate the farmhouse to parish functions. On September
14, 1979, approval was granted to acquire such a facility in County
Knolls and Father Doyle moved out of the farmhouse into this new location
on Southwood Drive.
Because the parish has grown so rapidly and the schedule of Sunday
masses has increased accordingly, the diocese began assigning associate
priests to Corpus Christi. Father Richard Rataczak, Father Michael
Sheridan and Father Richard Jones were among the early arrivals.
On September 1, 1975, Father Lionell Guillaume replaced Father Doyle
who retired from active ministry. Two of Father Guillaume's priorities
were the establishment of a Parish Council and the building of a parish
center. The number of families had increased to over 1,200 and there
was no sign of a slowdown. In addition, Father Guillaume pressed for
the formation of a Liturgical Committee to work with the clergy in
planning and executing church celebrations.
Father Guillaume's charge that "anonymity destroys community"
was a challenge to each member of the parish to become involved in
the life of the parish family. It was a challenge enthusiastically
met by Corpus Christi!
During Father Guillaume's tenure, Father Richard Fragomeni was assigned
to the parish. Father Fragomeni was gifted with musical talents and
brought a whole new dimension to the use of music in worship and play.
Under his guidance, the parish produced its fun filled musical production
called the April Follies. Many parishioners participated in this delightful
program which featured the talents of Father Fragomeni and his mother.
The community bonding within Corpus Christi continued to build through
these and other parish activities. A youth CYO program was introduced
during this period.
When Father Fragomeni was reassigned, another associate, Father Gelfenbein,
took his place and to everyone's joy, he too was an accomplished musician:
the "musical beat" within the parish went on. Father Gelenbein
introduced the extremely popular Folk Mass, a service alive with song
and guitar music.
At this time another significant development occurred. The Diaconate
Program was introduced to the Albany Diocese on June 30, 1976. Vatican
II had restored this ministry which had been an established position
in the early church. The Albany Diocese was a first adopter of this
reactivated ministry and Corpus Christi became an immediate beneficiary
of this decision.
One of the graduates of this initial class, John Phelps, was assigned
to Corpus Christi. John Phelps was followed by Michael Sheppeck, who
was ordained in September 1979. John Tierney, an additional deacon
ordained in 1988, also joined the community.
Father Guillaume leased space in a medical center building on Ushers
Road to supply Religious Education classrooms and to house his Office
Staff, which he had activated to manage the increasing administrative
requirements of the now rapidly growing parish.
Yet, all of these efforts were not enough. The need for a Parish
Center could no longer be denied and clearly it has to be addressed.
A spirited fundraising campaign was begun and once again the community
responded, In an example of committed support similar to that witnessed
in the original church drive, one of the parishioners grew, potted
and sold 300 African violets. The proceeds of this effort were donated
to the building fund.
After a successful campaign, Father Guillaume presided over the groundbreaking
ceremonies for the new Parish Center on April 17, 1977.
Upon its completion, the dedication of the long awaited Parish Center
was conducted on Saturday November 19, 1977.
At this point, the scattered elements of Corpus Christi came home
to its new center which provided six classrooms, four private offices,
an open administrative section, plus a huge gathering area for religious
and social activities.
On June 25, 1979, Father John DeCaprio arrived at Corpus Christi
to replace Fr. Guillaume, who had transferred to Salem, NY. Shortly
after his arrival "Father John" as he was called, experienced
some of the wonder of being part of the Corpus Christi community.
During his seminary training, Father John had read a poem entitled
"Limbo" written by a Sister Mary Ada OSJ. Father
was touched by the beauty of this poem and carried it in his heart.
One morning after Mass, Sister Eileen Lomasney, a Sister of St. Joseph
of Carondolet, residing in the parish, stopped in to introduce herself
and welcome Father to the parish. During this conversation it was
revealed that Sister Eileen was the poetess who had written the poem
so long ago adopted by Father John! Here, at last, two kindred spirits
had met!
During Father John's pastorate, several more associates arrives at
Corpus Christi; Father Richard Alban, Father Patrick Butler, Father
Raymond Ethier, Father Edward Golding and Father Marty DeRose all
found their way into the lives and hearts of a welcoming community.
Building community was not the only type of building activity taking
place at Corpus Christi. By now the church building was beginning
to show it's age. Ceiling tiles were literally falling from the ceiling.
Once again Corpus Christi looked within itself for "healing."
Almost by magic, scaffolding appeared within the church and for several
months services were held in what resembled a construction site. Teams
of parishioners worked evenings and weekends stain painting, cutting
and mounting the ceiling boards to replace the falling tiles. One
group of volunteers painted the boards while another scampered aloft
on the scaffolding to secure the shiny new boards in place. The entire
project was completed by over 40 parishioners-men, women and children-
in June of 1980. At the conclusion of this shared effort, a softball
game was held between the "Painters" and the "Nailers"
with Father John umpiring this epic sporting event. Christian charity
prevents the publication of the resultant score.
Despite the recent face lift, sustained growth continued to stress
the facilities of the church. During the more popular Masses, the
church was literally bursting at the seams. Attendees were standing
in the side aisles and others, unable to enter the church, stood outside
in the reception area. Unlike in a previous time, a mirror was not
the answer.
It was time to build again. In September 1983, another fundraising
drive was launched for the Expansion and Renovation of the Church
at Corpus Christi.
The renovation was substantial, The side walls were extended outward
to provide additional seating capacity. The entrance to Route 9 was
close, the choir loft was removed and the alter was relocated to what
had been the front of the church.
On February 12, 1985, the Most Reverend Howard J. Hubbard "came
home" to preside over the Rite of Dedication of the newly renovated
church building.
When not in a construction mode, Corpus Christi continues on its
community building mode. The growth of new ministries stands as testimony
to the spirit of the family of Corpus Christi. The sharing so necessary
for the spiritual growth of all it's members is found in the ministries
which continue to shape and define this loving community.
On July 1, 1994, Father Edward J. Fitzpatrick became pastor of Corpus
Christi replacing Father DeCaprio, who retired from active ministry
on June 16, 1995, after 45 years of service. Having previously spent
some time in the early days of the parish, it was something of a homecoming
for Father Ed. Father was supported by two deacons and Father Bernard
Turner who assisted with masses on the weekends.
Late in 1996, Father Fitzpatrick resigned the pastorate of Corpus
Christi due to ill health. Father Barry Lonergan assisted with the
pastoral responsibilities while a search for a new pastor was conducted.
Rev. Edward C. Pratt was appointed Pastor by Bishop Hubbard at the
end of November 1996 and continues in that capacity today.
Before leaving Corpus Christi, Father Fitzpatrick brought Sister
Danielle Bonetti to the parish to oversee adult faith formation. Sister
Danielle administrated the parish during Father Fitzpatrick's illness
and became Pastoral Associate with Father Pratt. In her time with
Corpus Christi, Sister Danielle provided a guiding light to those
involved in any number of ministries. She oversaw the establishment
of the Bereavement Ministry; the visitation of the sick and infirmed,
offered hospital and nursing home visits and was a source of wisdom
and insight for the liturgical and adult educational concerns of the
parish. Further, Sister was instrumental in the establishment of Renew
2000 at Corpus Christi. Sister Danielle left the parish in the spring
of 1999 having been asked by her community, the Sisters of St. Joseph,
to take on a leadership position with the order.
In the early days of 1997 Father Pratt saw that the Finance Committee
was rejuvenated as an integral aspect of parish life. The Parish Council
moved to a Pastoral Council format, taking on a more visionary and
forward thinking aspect of parish life. The Pastoral Council took
on the industrious task of forming a Mission Statement by soliciting
input from the members of the faith community. During Lent, 1997,
both Father Pratt and Sister Danielle held several listening sessions
throughout the parish to hear the concerns of the parishioners. Many
thoughts were shared and among the more concrete needs assessed from
these sessions was that of more worship space and an expanded faith
formational setting. The seed for the present building program had
been planted. This vision was brought to fruition when on April 25,
2004 the new structure was dedicated to house the Body of Christ,
the Church, the parishioners of Corpus Christi.
The parish is blessed with a hard working staff. After Sister Danielle
left in early 1999, Father Pratt brought Deacon Frank Herlihy to Corpus
Christi to assist with day-to-day parish operations. Helen Morone
had been the Pastoral Associate/Director of the Faith Formation Program
since July of 1994 providing for the catechetical needs of the parish.
When Helen retired in June of 2003, Susan Sweeney was hired to fill
the position left vacant by Helen's departure in July of 2003. Susan
is the Pastoral Associate/Coordinator of the Faith Formation Program.
Erin Cencula took on the full time role of Pastoral Associate for
Youth Ministry in 1999 having been involved in the ministry for several
years prior to accepting the full time position. When the Cencula
family found themselves having to relocate, due to a change in Erin's
husbands' employment in 2001, Laura Evoskevich accepted the challenge
of the position for one year. Sr. Sue Wieczynski replaced Laura in
July of 2002 when Laura decided to return to her teaching position.
In September of 2004 the Faith Formation Program fully entered into
a whole community catecheses program - Generations of Faith - a Program
that involves the youngest to the oldest parishioners in ongoing,
life long Faith Formation. Another new member of the staff is Luanne
Hetz who assumed the role of Music Coordinator, replacing Jacki Chamberlain
in 2000.
At this time, Corpus Christi has just about 1950 households in the
parish. This is a far cry from the modest beginning of around five
members at its inception.
As Corpus Christi pauses to reflect on over 55 years of existence,
the parable of the mustard seed (Mark: Chapter 4 verses 30-32), which
addresses the reign of God, seems applicable. From a tiny mustard
seed, our faith community, planted over 55 years ago, a massive sharing
community tree has sprung forth. And with its branches, formed by
the numerous ministries now alive within the parish, the seeds of
faith are nourished by its members, the leaves, which in turn draw
strength from this giving tree of life.
We are hopeful that the spirit of the Corpus Christi community will
continue on through generations to come, providing a place of worship
and comfort to all who stop by this church...somewhere along the road.
