On Sunday, Jan. 21, the Corpus Christi Parish kicked off its 100th Anniversary celebration with an opening Mass at 11:15 a.m. in the church. Parishioners braved the snow that had fallen that morning to attend the parish's centennial celebration.

Bishop John Dunne returned to Corpus Christi where he once served to give the homily. Elizabeth Conlon, who has been a member of the Corpus Christi Parish for close to 50 years, said despite the snow, all the festivities came off according to plan. "It was just wonderful. Everybody had a wonderful time."

Village workers cleared out the snow from the area to make sure visitors were able park and get to the parish. The Mass marked the beginning of a year-long celebration. A large quilt with each square representing a part of the Corpus Christi community was unveiled.

A committee has been working for a year, planning the festivities so that the anniversary would be special. Parishioners who attend Corpus Christi think of themselves as a family. The celebration could then be thought of as a family gathering complete with a luncheon after the Mass at the New Hyde Park Inn.

One important member of the Corpus Christi family who attended the Mass was Father Kenneth Winkler. Father Winkler has been instrumental in the church's anniversary and didn't want to miss the start of the festivities.

The next event in the Corpus Christi celebration will be the first lecture on Feb. 22 in a series of talks by noted speakers. On June 15, a 100th Anniversary Ball will be held at the Floral Terrace. Formal invitations will be sent to all parishioners.