By John Rohlf, The Message assistant editor
Corpus Christi Parish in Evansville recently broke ground on a new parish rectory.
A groundbreaking for the new parish rectory was held June 11. The plan is for Father Luke Hassler, pastor of Corpus Christi Parish in Evansville, to move into the new rectory in January.
Father Hassler said the new rectory will greatly benefit the parish by providing a separate, dedicated space for priestly life. Father Hassler is thrilled to have a space large enough to host gatherings of priests, fostering priestly fraternity in the diocese.
“During my time in seminary, summer parish assignments were very memorable and formative,” Father Hassler said. “With this new rectory, I hope seminarians of the diocese will be assigned to Corpus Christi and will get to experience the great people of this parish community. I hope this new rectory will benefit the priests serving the people of Corpus Christi for many years to come.”
Father Bill Nicholas, former administrator of Corpus Christi Parish and current administrator of St. Mary Parish in Ireland, said the rectory is the result of a thorough process of discussion and planning “by the impeccable leadership of Corpus Christi Parish.” This is the same leadership that held the parish together for 10 years without a full-time priest, he said.
“Their goal is to ensure a full-time priest for the future of the parish,” Father Nicholas said. “I greatly appreciate their dedication to this project and know Father Luke will come to appreciate them as well.”
Jerry Blanton said the parish repurposed the rectory many years ago for parish offices. A small apartment was created in another location, but this now has the Coyote Corner preschool and school library in the same building.
Blanton said the existing rectory apartment was not appealing and did not meet diocesan guidelines for priest housing. The new rectory will have three bedroom suites, including their own bath.
“Our goal and hope is to provide comfortable living space for a full-time priest, an additional priest and a spare room for a seminarian or other guest. We’d love to see a retired priest fill the second room with the intent to assist with a Mass or two per week and be part of the community through retirement.”
