This month the Volunteer Spotlight shines on Bill & Corinne Brengman. Corrinne has been a lifelong member of St. Matthew parish since her baptism in 1933. Corinne’s mother attended St. Matthew’s School. Corrine attended grade school at St. Matts and her first two years of high school. St. Matthew’s School only had a 2-year high school program, so Corinne then transferred to St. Agnes High School, graduating in 1951.
In 1956 Corinne and Bill Brengman were married at St. Matthew’s Church. It was then that Bill became a member of St. Matthew’s. They have six children, all who attended St. Matthew’s School. They also have 9 grandchildren and one great grandson! One of their grandsons also attended St. Matthew’s School.
Corrine’s volunteerism began during her school years at St. Matthew’s. She was a member of the choir, Girl Scouts and Sodality during this time. She joined the Rosary Society in 1964 and was elected Financial Secretary and then Recording Secretary. Bill joined the Holy Name Society, which evolved into the Men’s Club. He served as Secretary and then became President. He was Chairman of the Activities & Coordinating Committee and was responsible for the maintaining and rental of the Social Hall. Bill also took charge of the bar at all social functions. He had the bar built and built the stor- age cabinets for the outdoor manger statues. Both Bill and Corinne were Scout leaders, Bill in Cub Scouts and Corinne in Brownie and Girl Scouts. Corinne also served as Secretary on St Matthew’s first School Board. Together they co-chaired the Archbishop’s Appeal drive at St. Matthew for the first year.
Bill was an usher at the 7 pm Saturday evening Mass. Corinne has been a faithful Eucharistic Minister both at Mass and to the homebound since 1979! For over 30 years Corinne took charge of the annual collection for Our Lady of Good Counsel Free Cancer Home. (Now Our Lady of Peace). Bill has assisted with packing and delivering all the food and paper products, plus the money collected, to the home. For nearly 10 years Corinne oversaw the Sharing Food Collections and distributed necessary food to families who contacted the parish office. Bill worked at the Men’s Club fundraisers, Fisherman’s Parties and Fish Fries. He helped install the Stations of the Cross and votive candle holders. Both Bill and Corinne have worked at many of the Fun Fests in various capacities. They both worked with Habitat for Humanity for three years and for Loaves & Fishes at Dorothy Day, Faith Lutheran and St. Matthew’s. Bill counts collection money twice each month. Corrine has coordinated the funeral lunch ministry for many years. Contacting the families, calling workers, and helping prepare and serve the food. Bill has also helped serve the food and beverages and prepare the ta- bles and help to clean up. Although Corinne is no longer able to do the manual work at funerals she still contacts the families, contacts the workers and makes arrangements. She also washes and irons the linens and towels used at each Mass, and on Monday afternoons she answers the phone at the Parish Center.
There is always a need for additional funeral lunch workers. It is a rewarding task and the deceased’s families are very grateful for their efforts. You would not be required to work at every funeral, only when called and able to do so. If anyone is interested in taking part in this important ministry to grieving families and would like more information Corrine would be happy to hear from you. Call her at 450-5530 or contact Mary Leibl at
St. Matthew’s is a Volunteer Parish. Corinne and Bill Brengman are perfect examples of what it means to be a Volunteer Parish. As a parish we thank them for all they have done and for what they continue to do to keep our parish viable.
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