Partnership Information
Corpus Christi Catholic Church
Shiloh, IL
Our Partnership Vision Statement:
"Together we are a dynamic Eucharistic community sharing our Gospel values while being dedicated to our faith and service."
Though each parish has a separate office, bulletin and website, both strive to support activities at the partner parish. The churches have a combined Liturgy Committee, Youth Group, and OCIA program plus shared responsibility for Joseph House (for McKendree University students). Several outreach initiatives are jointly organized such as Griffin Center Back to School backpacks, Catholic Urban Program Angel Tree Gifts, Box of Joy, Dollars for Diapers (name varies between the churches) for Pregnancy Care Center, and more. As a partnership, we strive to stay in contact with all of our parishioners. A weekly email is sent through a shared Flocknote account to all who have email addresses on file. Additionally, a special joint parish flyer is put out at the beginning of Advent & Lent that covers all upcoming liturgical and community events occurring during the respective season. Holy Week, Penance Services, and the Partnership Mass & Lunch rotate between the parishes. Events like the Outdoor Mass & Blessing of Pets and Musical Stations of the Cross are held for both parishes at one specific church each year.
Though each church maintains its individuality, the partnership committee and office staffs continually find ways to come together on numerous fronts. Besides sharing a priest, the partnership shares a liturgical committee who help organize combined liturgical events throughout the year such as Holy Week and the Partnership Mass & Lunch. Though each parish has a separate PSR program, they unite for some sacraments and retreats. Our combined youth group, sjandcc.youthgroup for children from 7th—12th grade rotates between the churches with events such as flashlight Easter egg hunt, game night, BBQ, pumpkin decorating contest, cookie baking/decorating, movie night, and service projects. Both parishes support and donate numerous hours and copious amounts of food to the Joseph House program held on Monday evenings during the school year at St Joseph’s rectory for McKendree University students. Also both churches come together in support of multiple outreach projects for St Vincent de Paul, Catholic Urban Programs, Pregnancy Cares, Boxes of Joy, and more.
