Pastoral Services Appeal (PSA) 2025

Dearest Corpus Christi Family,

As we end the chapter of 2024 and begin 2025, we look at this new year with new spirits and new resolve. In turning the page, we do not forget what was etched in history, especially last year’s transformation of the Grand Hall into a Church, various “tune ups” to this nearly 20-year-old building which has served many faithful souls, the changing of guard, and much more. All these movements would not have been possible without your generous hearts and the leadership that has gone before me. I see such a bright future for our parish family here at Corpus Christi as we continue to build up our “House of Prayer.”

Back in January, you may recall that I did a vision talk highlighting the theme and importance of prayer. As St. Therese of Lisieux says, “prayer is the surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy.” In this year’s PSA, I hope to continue to build on this theme of prayer, while also continuing the work that Fr. Mike, Fr. Tim, and Fr. Fred began in order to make the parish a beautiful house of prayer for all as they encounter Corpus Christi – the Body of Christ. After deep discernment and reflection, here is a list of future projects that I invite you to consider contributing to,

Statues of Our Lady & St. Joseph (with Installation) - $75,000

The goal of Church décor is to help us to transcend our thoughts and uplift our spirits knowing that God journeys with us through His Son and all the angels and saints. As God’s children, we are brought into this world by a mother and father. It is important that Jesus’ mother and father are included in our prayer, so statues of Mary & Joseph will be installed in the church. Each statue ranges from $10,000 to $20,000 in price, depending on material and style. The amount above includes installation, as we plan to place these statues where the current Our Lady of Guadalupe and Divine Mercy images stand. Those images will be moved appropriately to fit the design and cadence of the church.

Liturgical Goods for Prayer - $20,000

-Devotional Candle Stands: Four devotional candle stands will be placed before each image (Mary, Joseph, St. Jude, Divine Mercy, and other areas as necessary) for our intentions and prayers. Each stand costs about $2,000, dependent on style and candle lengths, which with our numbers that we need it comes out to approximately $8,000.

-Monstrance & Tabor: Since we have begun weekly Adoration on Wednesdays, we now require a new tabor (a stand for the monstrance) and monstrance to contain the Blessed Sacrament. The current monstrance is worn and dated, with a missing luna enclosure, which complicates exposition. The total for the set would cost approximately $10,000.

Hallow - $24,000

This Lent, we are partnering with the Hallow App to encourage growth in personal prayer. They offer a parish package that includes heavily discounted subscriptions for full access to the app, and other extremely helpful resources; some of these resources include a Parish Mission to enrich our faith, Religious Education materials for families and children, and plenty more! We are aiming for a 3-year subscription, valued at $8,000/year.

Door Refinishing / Painting - $10,000

Ongoing maintenance of our 20-year-old building includes refinishing the wooden doors on the side and back of the building, office doors, and meeting rooms. The elements cause significant wear and tear that needs to be serviced regularly.

Blinds for Office Windows - $10,000

The Parish Office currently has temporary “post-it” style blinds on the windows that are, frankly, an eyesore. The staff and I would rather not wear sunglasses indoors while working and/or meeting with parishioners. Also, the elements fade various aesthetics in the office, so blinds are needed to protect the workspace. We are currently working with a contractor to find the best value for our needs.

Rectory Bathroom Remodel - $25,000

I promise I am not that high maintenance! The rectory is in a residential community constructed in 1997, which makes it an almost 30-year-old property. A leak has developed from the shower in the main bedroom down into the kitchen below. Plumbers have assessed the situation and found that the pan in the shower needs to be replaced, meaning a complete shower remodel is required. I am currently showering down the hall in one of our guest rooms. Help!

The above items total $164,000, and our PSA assessment for the Diocese is $100,000. Therefore, we must raise a total of $264,000 in PSA contributions this year. Everything over our assessment will be returned to us and put towards the work I outlined above to build up our House of Prayer (and House for Priest 😊). The reputation of this parish in meeting these numbers precedes itself and I know that we will be able to achieve these goals to build up our home of Corpus Christi! It has been humbling and heartwarming to see our parish family’s generosity to the different opportunities presented to us throughout this year, such as assisting with the Mission Cooperative Appeal, various second collections, and the Los Angeles Fire Relief. Let us continue to work together by taking care of our spiritual home and our personal souls through these opportunities!

I so look forward to building up the Kingdom with you here at Corpus Christi in the days and years to come!



Your priest,

Fr. Brandon