Detailed History

Bishop Hilary B. Hacker established a parish in the north section of Bismarck on August 1, 1964.  Its first eucharistic liturgy was held in the gymnasium of St. Mary's Central High School on August 2, 1964.  Fr. Thomas Dolan was named its pastor.  The name chosen was "Corpus Christi" -- BODY OF CHRIST.  There were 294 registered households.  Parish CCD classes were held at St. Mary's Central High School on Saturday mornings for 338 students.

Architects Ritter and Kosir were retained to design a parish center with classrooms and a gymnasium in hopes of having a junior high parochial school.  The structure was completed in 1965 at a cost of $296,000.  Mass was celebrated in what is now the parish hall on December 19, 1965.

Fr. Thomas Dolan's dream was to have a parochial school staffed by religious sisters.  None were available, so the parish relied on its lay people to set up a Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD).  The CCD Board and Board of Control later merged into what is now the Parish Council.  By 1967, the parish had grown to 490 households with 499 children in grades 1-8.  Fr. Thomas Kramer was appointed associate pastor.  Women's guilds were also organized in those first years.

In 1970, Fr. Blaine Cook replaced Fr. Thomas Dolan as pastor.  Fr. Blaine had a firm conviction that the parish needed to minister to more than our CCD classes and St. Mary's Central High School.  Our staff began to grow as the needs of the parish expanded.  In 1972, Scout Troop 89 began; it remains strong today.  Music ministry, prayer group, and Thursday fellowship began, and lay involvement was encouraged.  Then came the Seton Group, the Neighborhood Program, the first parish picnic and fall festival.  Other ministries and committees flourished.  By 1976, the parish had grown to 750 households.  A family program was held on Sunday afternoons.  A vocation committee was established, a full-time youth minister was hired, which led to guitar Masses and youth choir.

In the meantime, plans were being made for a church with offices, choir room, storage, and restrooms.  Before the church was completed, Father Cook took a position at the University of Mary in June 1977.  Father Don Fischer served as administrator at Corpus Christi from June 1977 - June 1978 during the last six months of construction on the new church.  On December 25, 1977, the first Mass was celebrated in the new church.  In June 1978, Father Steve Zastoupil became the third pastor.  More committees were added to the parish council and the Corpus Christi Knights of Columbus was formed in 1987.

The Spiritual Life and Outreach Committee was formed, which led to Corpus Christi's adoption of the Haiti mission in 1982.  Over the years, many people have visited the mission and the missionaries visited our parish.  In 1982, the parish had grown to 1,100 households.

In 1981, Lynn Clancy became the first ordained deacon of the parish.  Bob Schuller, Rex McDowall, and Steve Harmon were ordained in 1984.  Other deacons ordained at a later date included James Ressler, Harry Deichert, Joe Mathern, and John Tharaldsen.  Two men from Corpus Christi were ordained to the priesthood:  Bob Kavaney (1985) and James Braaten (1989).  Fr. Stan Sticka served the parish from 1975 to1985.  Fr. Jeff Zwack was an associate from 1984 to 1988 and Fr. David Zimmer from 1988 to 1990.  Fr. Richard Wilhelmi, OSB, from the University of Mary, helped the parish on weekends until his death on April 1, 1999.

In 1990, the Parish Council decided that it was necessary to hire a parish administrator.  Darlene Schuller was hired as a part-time administrator.  After her resignation, she recommended a full-time administrator.  Duane J. Koble was hired in 1994 and served until June 30, 2000.  Leonard Baenen was hired in October 2000 and resigned in 2001 to become superintendent at St. Mary's Central High School.  Since July 2001, the administrative duties have been assigned to present staff.

The staff (teaching, secretarial, and outreach ministry) had very little turnover, but sociological and demographic changes altered the description of "ministry."  During the 90's, many new ministries evolved.  We continued to promote the Small Christian Communities and each year there are a few more new groups.  Our parish community offered counseling.  In 1996, the Parish Council began developing the Corpus Christi 2000 Parish Plan, which set in motion goals and timelines for parish ministry.  The food pantry, grief sessions, wellness program, Ft. Yates mission, and refugee program are some of the additional ministries of the Church of Corpus Christi.  We have an effective sponsoring couple ministry for couples planning marriage and several wedding coordinators.  The parish newsletter is mailed to every household three or four times each year.  A parent Parish Advisory Council was formed to facilitate faith formation for our families and youth, including RCIA.

Vision 2000 involved several hundred people who met over a three-year period and confirmed the need for building or renovating to provide a larger handicapped accessible gathering space, better staff offices, more meaningful worship space, and expanded church capacity.  That report led to the formation of the renovation committe.  The committee consisted of Vern and Margaret Fahy, Bruce Gallagher, Yvonne Harlow, Ted and Joan Jirik, Bill Marion, Dave and Colleen Pearce, Raymond and Alita Zink, Bob Schuller, Patrick and Lenny Hall, Richard and Sonvy Sammons, Millie Graner, and Moni Krantz.  Bob and Marge Valeu were co-chairpersons along with Dave and Linda Schmitz.  Fr. Steve Zastoupil, pastor; James Moudry and Fr. James Notebaart, renovation consultants; and DuWayne Ternes, general contractor, made up the remainder of the committee.

Listening sessions were held with an advisory board of 90 parishioners comprising a cross-section of people from the parish.

Our goal was to strive toward a quality worship space that embodies the central beliefs of our Catholic faith and provides a beautiful, uplifting place to encounter the holy God.

A capital campaign committee was formed which was led by Leo and Rose Reinbold, Al and Karen Wolf, Matt and Jeanie Kraft, and Ron and Carol Bodine.  The total cost of the new structure was $4.5 million.  By July 2000, we had passed the $2 million mark. 

Our original plan included a youth center on the south side of the parish center.  To stay within the project budget, the decision was made to defer building the youth center.  Provisions were made to use space in the new community room, lower gathering space, kitchenette, parish hall, and parish center for special youth activities and programs.  The youth facilities include a game room and an office for a youth minister.   

In April 2001, we carried out the tabernacle in procession to our temporary sanctuary.  Weekday Mass were held in the hospitality room of the parish center.  Weekend Masses were held at Horizon Middle School.  We are deeply grateful for their hospitality during the construction of our new church.

Our old church was razed.  Geothermal heating wells were installed in the lower parking lot.  Plastic piping for 180 geothermal wells was placed 200 feet down in the earth.  This system will allow much lower costs of heating and cooling.

Footings, forms and cement work were done.  When the steel beams were put in place, we could see the church becoming evident in shape and form.  Next the white aggregate concrete slabs were installed on the building.  When the glass on the north end, south wall, and east entrance was finished, we could see the basilica-style look of our church.

It was Christmas, 2001 and amidst the construction, the workers erected a wooden cross with white lights on our bell tower.  This was a welcome sight as we impatiently waited for the completion of the church.

Our pastor, Father Steve Zastoupil, left the parish on March 20, 2002 before the completion of the church.  Fr. Dennis Schafer was appointed administrator from March 20 - May 15, 2002.  He led the topping off ceremony when our permanent cross was placed on the tower in May 2002.  The beautiful glass and steel bell tower serves as a striking landmark to identify our parish.  Father Paul Becker was appointed the new pastor beginning May 15, 2002.

New offices were completed in June 2002.  Painting and carpeting were finished.  Tile was laid and then pews and stations of the cross were put in place.  A large temporary crucifix was hung.  The organ pipes were installed which would enhance the music ministry greatly.

Through the prayers, volunteerism. and financial support of many, we have been successful in this endeavor.  We have a unique opportunity to take Corpus Christi into a new century of life together, and our bricks, mortar, steel, and concrete will praise the Lord.

Our first weekend Masses were held July 27-28, 2002, in our magnificent new church.  We are truly Corpus Christi, "The Body of Christ."  The parish by now had 1,400 households. 

We want to acknowledge Capital City Construction, with DuWayne Ternes and Mike Haider, company officers, and Duane Reitmeier, site manager; Joe Larrivee and Doug Beaudoin, AWBW Architects, and everyone who took part in the extraordinary work on this magnificent edifice to God.  Ray Zink, a retired engineer, represented the parish, overseeing the day-to-day construction of the church.

About our Church Building

The Tower

As we approach the Church of Corpus Christi we are visually drawn to the new glass tower on the south end of the new building.  For centuries, churches have used towers and bells to call the faithful to prayer.  While the new tower does not contain bells, the stunning vertical glass-and-steel tower forces us out of ourselves.  We experience a delicate tension in its height, even a certain rhythm as our eyes move upward focusing finally on the cross.  The graceful structure is designed to let light pour into the church.  The light theme plays continually throughout the structure, reminding us that this is the place where the parish community comes to know Christ -- the light of the world.

The Gathering Area

We enter the church building through the south doors.  Here we encounter one another and begin a movement toward becoming a worshipping community.  This gathering space is the hub of our parish facility.  A skylight floods the room with natural light -- continuing the theme of light.  All parish activity is connected from here -- to the left is the parish hall and above to the north is the nave or worship area.  This comfortable room enhances our ability to meet and embrace one another.

In centuries past, people entered churches by going through the portals or gates.  These ancient dark passageways reminded the faithful that we are re-born in Christ.  Thus, the progression from the gathering space to the nave symbolizes our spiritual journey to God.

The Baptistry

As the gathered community enters the nave it encounters the baptistry.  This is the place of initiation where the sacramental rites are celebrated by the community and ministers. 

In 1969, the Church published "The Rite of Baptism of Children," and in 1972 "The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults."  These rites tell us that the initiation rites are public celebrations.  Most properly we are to celebrate them at the Easter Vigil, or at Sunday Eucharist.

The rites also call for assembly participation.  This has led to the understanding that the baptistry, with its font, be located at the entrance of the nave.  Through baptism we enter the Church of Christ and receive his new life.  By having the font at the entrance, each of us experiences a renewal of our own baptism commitment through the signing of ourselves.  It also allows for the ritual blessing of a body at a funeral.

Our baptistry is eight-sided, as is the altar platform.  The number eight has had deep significance through the centuries.  It represents the eighth day of the week, the day after Sabbath, or the day the Lord rose from the dead.  But eight is one beyond seven.  As such, it is a symbol of completed time.  It stands for that permanent dimension of reality that lies beyond time -- eternity!

The permanence of the baptistry also allows for the stational character to be maintained during baptism as the presider, family and community move to the font.

The Ambry

On the west wall to the left of the baptistry is the ambry.  The ambry is the clearly visible chest where the holy oils are reserved.  The oils are used for anointing in baptism and confirmation, and for anointing the sick and ordained.

The Nave:  The Gathered Assembly

The new church space forms a whole.  Inside the church, the space itself communicates an integrity -- a sense of oneness and wholeness.  It communicates a place where all the initiated gather in community.  It is one room just as we the initiated are one people.  This is a movement away from the understanding of the worship space as two rooms:  one for ritual actions and one for those who attend the ritual.  Thus, this one large room is the place for our worship since we all participate in the worship.

There are a number of factors which enhance our ability to participate in worship together and to build unity as the body of Christ.  Corpus Christi is designed to promote this participation.  As Catholics we celebrate central liturgical actions.  Among these actions are baptisms, the proclaiming of the Word, and the Eucharistic liturgy.  These ritual actions happen in central locations to encourage full participation by the parish family as we worship together.

Seating

The seating has been arranged to maximize a sense of community and involvement.  Seating is arranged around the liturgical centers, and parishioners worship in full view of one another.

The Presider's Chair

The place of presiding becomes the focus at the end of the entry procession.  It is from this center that the community is led in prayer.  From this spot through the laying on of hands, the Spirit will be imparted, marriage vows will be exchanged, people will be commissioned for ministry, and the Word of God may be broken open through preaching.

The Liturgy of the Word

After the assembly has been called to prayer, the Liturgy of the Word begins.  It is here that we hear the Word of God and reflect upon it.  The scriptures are our most honored and cherished possession.  They are to be proclaimed with dignity and force so that the entire community may participate in the Proclamation of the Good News.

The Liturgy of the Eucharist

The primary focus of the Sunday assembly is the celebration of the Eucharist.  It is the central mystery of our faith.  When the bread, wine, and water are brought forward, the altar becomes the ritual center.  This altar is the common table of the assembly who surround it.  It is here that the Eucharistic sacrifice is celebrated.  Our table serves as a sign of Christ himself.  It is here that the saving mysteries are carried out.  It is here that we become the body of Christ.  This banquet nourishes us and changes us, but it also changes the world.  Our Eucharistic prayer leads us to become people of justice, and -- even more importantly -- people of mercy.  Everything done at the table of the Lord is done for the world.

The Eucharistic Chapel

The Eucharistic Chapel is located on the east side of the church building.  It is a devotional chapel capable of seating thirty.  The Eucharistic liturgy requires the full and active participation of the assembly.  The reservation of the Eucharist, on the other hand, is a static activity.  While they both represent the same reality, we cannot give full attention to each at the same time.  Thus, the Eucharistic Chapel helps us give proper attention to the reserved sacrament, which acknowledges the mystery of the Lord.

Three stained glass windows from our former church building have been incorporated in its design.  These windows originally came from St. Placidus Church, north of Mott.  These windows represent the faith and devotion of the prairie pioneers.  We honor that faith and join it to our own.  A fourth stained glass window from the former church is now in the upper gathering space.

The Crucifix

The crucifix is a basic symbol in any liturgical celebration.  Its presence may remind us of our brokenness and pain, but most importantly it serves as a symbol of life and a vista of hope.  Christ is risen, alleluia!  There are several crosses at Corpus Christi.  The bell tower is topped by a cross.  We use a processional cross during worship.  When the church was dedicated, the bishop anointed the altar and the four walls of the Church.  The anointings on the walls are marked by crosses.  These four crosses remind us of several realities of our faith.  They represent the four gates of Jerusalem, the four gospels, and the four corners of the earth.

Liturgical actions represent the worship of the full Church.  Our congregation is called daily to worship together.  Here we find no audience, no passive observers.  Our liturgical actions represent the full participation of the entire assembly.  When the assembly gathers, we bring together the ordinariness of our lives but as we pray together we transform the ordinary into the sacred -- we meet God.