History of the Parish

The following excerpt is from the book, Celebrating 40 Years: 1969-2009 • The Diocese of Phoenix • Encountering the Living Christ

Corpus Christi Catholic Church
Phoenix, AZ
Established June 19, 1985

Corpus Christi Parish was established by Bishop Thomas J. O’Brien† of Phoenix on June 19, 1985. Father Louis Anthony Sigman† was appointed as the first pastor. Corpus Christi was established as a parish to serve the Ahwatukee area. The first Mass was celebrated at Mountain View Lutheran Church in Ahwatukee on September 14, 1985. Masses were continued there until January 21, 1989.

During the first few years, the parish grew from about 300 to nearly 1,000 families. A building fund program was successfully completed making possible the completion of the first parish facilities. These included a multi-purpose church seating 700, parish offices, six rooms for religious education classes, a meeting room for various ministries and parish organizations, and a rectory to house two priests. In 1991, seven more classrooms were added for the expanding religious education programs, the amphitheater-patio area was completed, and the parish offices were enlarged.

By 1994, the parish decided it was time to build a permanent church. In January 1995, a second building fund drive was completed. Construction on the church began in March 1996 and was completed in December of 1996. The new church was dedicated by Bishop Thomas J. O’Brien of Phoenix on February 2, 1997.  Father Sigman retired in July 1998 and was succeeded by Father Albert Francis Hoorman, who served until his own retirement in July 2014. Father Chad King was appointed parochial administrator in July 2014 and installed as pastor in 2015. He served until May 29, 2020. Father Reynaldo Clutario, Jr. was appointed temporary parochial administrator in May 2020 and installed as pastor in 2021. Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Phoenix currently serves more than 2,000 registered families.