Most Precious Blood celebrates 50 years of serving God

Established on Oct. 10, 1966 by Bishop Thomas J. Drury, Most Precious Blood Parish in Corpus Christi celebrated its Golden Jubilee during September and October. The celebration got underway on Sept. 25 with Bishop Michael Mulvey celebrating Mass, followed by a dinner at the Msgr. Thompson Family Center.

The following week, on Sept. 30, the parish hosted a concert of musicians and parishioners at the church, followed by refreshments at the Family Center. On Oct. 1, parishioners held a "family fun day" and the following day they had doughnuts and coffee in the school after morning Masses.

Priests of the diocese join Bishop Michael Mulvey and Father Bob Dunn to concelebrate the 50th Anniversary Mass of Thanksgiving. David Perrone for Most Precious Blood

"We are so blessed and privileged to be called Most Precious Blood and to be in Corpus Christi, Texas; the Body of Christ and his Most Precious Blood, the source of salvation," pastor Father Bob Dunn said. "It is no wonder that we have grown to become a vibrant, active community because Christ, in his true presence, is our strength."

Father Dunn is only the third pastor at Most Precious Blood in its half century of service. Its founding pastor, Father William Kinlough—later Msgr. Kinlough—served as pastor for 24 years. His successor, Msgr. William Thompson served for 10 years and Father Dunn has been at the parish for the last 16 years.

Parishioners gathered at the reception after the Mass celebrating the 50th anniversairy of Most Precious Blood.   David Perone for Most Precious Blood

Starting out with a modest 184 families that held services at the Corpus Christi Minor Seminary, now St. John Paul II High School, Most Precious Blood is now the largest parish in the Diocese of Corpus Christi with 2,653 families. Located in the city's fast-growing Southside, on Saratoga Road, the parish moved into its first sanctuary—a multi-purpose building—in 1968 and 20 years later built its current church.

"It is very multi-generational, multi-cultural," Father Dunn said of the parish. "Very vibrant, lots of activities. We are a large community but there is a sense of a small community. There is an air of warmth and a connection to one another that people sense when they come to the parish. "

From early in its development the parish recognized the importance of Catholic education and founded a school with the first kindergarten class opening in October 1968. Today, Most Precious Blood School has 219 students in eight grade levels, from Pre-K 3 to fifth grade.

Children in the parish's religious education program, which number some 750 students, learn about the life of Christ and his Church through the "Catechesis of the Good Shepherd," a Montessori based program. In addition, the parish's active youth ministry involves some 200 young people in the life of the parish and the community. 

"The people know the importance of prayer and know personally Jesus," Father Dunn said. "They are catechized that Jesus is present in the Eucharist; have learned to love Jesus and his presence at the Mass." 

The parish mission statement is "To be Christ to each other and lead others to Christ." Father Dunn said parishioners are encouraged to live out this mission by being the "hands and feet of Jesus in the world." Many of its ministries perform community service, like visiting nursing homes.  One group goes downtown once a month to feed the homeless. People collect supplies for the mother Teresa Shelter. The parish supports the Ministry of the Third Cross, which ministers in jails and holds retreats for inmates as well as parolees. 

The ministries not only serve the parish and community, they are also a source of support for Father Dunn who has a part time parochial vicar, Father Patrick Higgins who also serves as chaplain for St. John Paul II High School, Bishop Garriga Middle Preparatory School and the disabled community. The parish has five deacons: Erick Simeus, Ken Bockholt, David Castillo, Felix Muniz and Frank N. Newchurch. 

"I couldn't do it without them," Father Dunn said.

Father Dunn said everyone "understands that you work for Jesus Christ and every person that comes in the door is Jesus to you." 

During its half century of existence, Most Precious Blood has given six of its sons to the priesthood, including Father Patrick Donohoe, Father Ben Martinez, Father J. Patrick Serna, Father Joseph Lopez, Father Brion Zarsky and Father Alfredo Villarreal. 

"I am certain that 50 years ago, the Holy Spirit came upon this community and set it on fire. We have done great things for Christ through the Holy Spirit's inspiration," Father Dunn said. "I am certain now, 50 years later, the Holy Spirit will come upon us in a new way. Christ has a mission for us as a parish family, and I know that we will continue to say yes to cooperating with the work of the Holy Spirit to lift up broken and weary hearts and bring them to the source of all love."