Parish Name: Corpus Christi University Parish
Location: Toledo, Ohio
Founded: 1970
Diocese: Toledo
Pastor: Msgr. Michael Billian
Number of Parishioners: We are a university parish, so our parish census is always changing. We average around 1,000 people at Masses on weekends.
Parish website: www.ccup.org
What makes your parish different from other parishes?
Our parish is a university parish, whose goal is to be a sign and instrument of the presence of Christ on the campus of the University of Toledo. Our parish supports the Catholic Student Association (CSA) at the University of Toledo, which is the one of the largest co-ed student organizations on the main campus of the university. Our parish also provides support for medical students and students in other related fields of study through the Newman Club at University of Toledo’s Health Science Campus.
What’s the most distinguishing characteristic of your church building?
Our church building which was built in 1998 has large windows made of artistic glass that face the campus of the University of Toledo. They provide a visible reminder of our parish’s connection and mission to the university students, faculty, and staff.
Who is your most interesting parishioner, and what makes them so interesting?
Perhaps one of the many parishioners who exemplify well the mission of our parish is Bruce Gradkowski. Bruce was active in our parish when he was a student (and a star quarterback at the University of Toledo). Bruce met his future wife (Miranda), while attending Mass here as a student. Bruce, Miranda, and their daughter are active members of our parish during the off-season, as Bruce continues his NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
What’s the most popular event, ministry, or holiday tradition at your parish?
Our parish is host to numerous retreats, service events, theological lectures, and social events. One of the favorite events for our students is our Pre-Christmas Candle Light Mass that takes places on the last Sunday evening before students leave campus for Christmas break. This Mass reminds everyone that the coming of Christ brings light to us in the midst of all the darkness we experience in our lives. The candle-lit altar at this Mass is a vivid symbol of how the Eucharist is a great source of joy and strength for us who receive Christ’s Eucharistic presence and are joined together to be the body of Christ (Corpus Christi) in the world.
If we asked parishioners what they love most about the parish, what would they say?
Parishioners love the youthful spirit that our students bring to the parish. This energy contributes to a vibrant sense of community that helps our students “feel at home” here.
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