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- Parish Bulletin | www.stpiusx.ca
Parish Bulletin New Here Live Stream Ministry Invitation Our Ministry Ministry Invitation for 2024-2025 will be available soon. Keep watching this space. Sign Up for Ministries Ministry of Praise Our Parish has an active Ministry of Praise who continue to pray daily. Each month we post our prayer Intentions below This Months Intention St. Pius X Parish Bulletin March 08, 2025 / PDF format March 01, 2025 / PDF format February 22, 2025 / PDF format February 14, 2025 / PDF format Join our email list to stay up to date with the latest news and events from our Parish. This Months Intention E Mail Adress* First Name* Last Name Subscribe * indicates required Donate Diocesan Bulletin Click here to read the Diocese of Calgary Faithfully Bulletin Subscribe now Insights of discipleship in the Diocese of Calgary. Faithfully gives a snapshot of faith at work in the lives of everyday people. The diocesan online publication will be sent by email to all subscribers. Subscribe Now If You Choose to Talk About It “We all have a sacred trust to protect those who are vulnerable, particularly children, and to stand up and speak when we witness that trust betrayed.” ~ CATHOLIC BISHOPS OF ALBERTA & NWT talkaboutit.calgarydiocese.ca
- St Pius X Catholic Church | St.Piusx Catholic Parish | Calgary, AB, Canada
St Pius X Parish is a Catholic parish in Calgary near the University of Calgary. It is also known as the University parish because we have many international students and teachers. Welcome to St. Pius X Roman Catholic Church “To Restore All Things In Christ” – Pope Pius X Motto NEW TO OUR PARISH LIVE STREAM Click here to learn more..... New Parishioner St. Pius X Parish in Calgary, Alberta welcomes all community members and visitors. Our vibrant parish is active in promoting the Christian message and living the motto of our patron, St. Pius X, “to restore all things in Christ”. Do you want to join our Parish? Please fill out the form below Registration Form Sunday Mass Saturday: 5:00 pm Sunday: 9:00 am & 11:00 am Weekday Mass Wednesday, Thursday, Friday at 9:00 am Join our Parish YouTube Channel each Sunday at 11:00 am for our livestream mass. Children's Sacrament Preparation Registration for First Reconciliation is open but will close on October 4th . To register please click here For First Communion registration please click here For Confirmation registration please click here Preparation for all Sacraments are held at St. Pius X Parish Food in the Desert Liturgy of the Hours Daily at 6:30 pm with Deacon Dan via Zoom. Contact Deacon Dan to join. Faith Formation Our Parish has signed up for ‘Formed’, a website to help you with daily prayers and opportunities to increase your Catholic faith. To register: 1. Visit formed.org 2. Click Sign Up 3. Select “I Belong to a Parish or Organization” 4. Find St. Pius X Parish by zip code: T2M 2A2 5. Enter your email – and you’re in! Donate Our parish relies on your Sunday offerings for maintenance and growth. Thank you for your continued support. For more information on how you can support our Parish and/or our St Vincent de Paul Society as they continue to feed the hungry, click the button below. HOW TO DONATE Grocery Card Fundraiser St. Pius X is a participant in the grocery card program offered by local grocery stores. By participating in the program, we can all help fund raise for the Parish. The Grocery Cards are on sale after weekend Masses. Thank you for continuing to support our Parish fundraiser. FIND OUT MORE Reconciliation & Adoration Father Sajo will hear confessions on Saturdays from 4:00 to 4:45 pm. Adoration is held on the First Friday of the Month after the 9:00 am Mass. Children's Liturgy Our Parish continues to support parents with their children’s faith journey with the on-line resources listed on the Children’s Liturgy page. LEARN MORE Diocese News The Diocese sends out a bulletin each week to Parishes with information to share with their Parishioners. We encourage you to read the Diocesan Bulletin and stay updated with the news in our Dioceses. Click here for the bulletin Ministry Invitation- Sign up page Our Ministry volunteers are essential. Ministry Sign ups for the current year started on the weekend of September 28/29. If you missed signing up, there are forms available in the church vestibule. Drop off your completed invitation in the Ministry Invitation Box. Fr.Sajo Jacob Email Father Sajo Priest (403) 289-3602 Dan Deck Aann Abraham Parish Bookkeeper Deacon Parish Secretary Email Deacon Dan Email Parish Secretary Email Parish Bookkeeper (403) 289-3602 Different Ministries Society of Vincent De Paul Liturgical Ministries Find out More Parish Ministries Find out More Children’s Liturgy Get Involved Pastoral Health Care Catholic Women’s League St. Rita’s Ladies Group Society of St. Vincent de Paul Knights of Columbus Manna Ministry Grocery Cards Program Service & Outreach Ministry of Praise Rosary Adult Faith Formation Eucharistic Adoration Legion of Mary Men’s Prayer and Discussion Group Spiritual Dimension of Women Young Adult Group Prayer and Faith First Name Last Name Email Message Thanks for submitting! Send Location Parish Youtube link
- Parish Updates | www.stpiusx.ca
In Memoriam Edward (Ed) Leroy Starratt July 17, 1941 ~ September 4, 2025 Thank you for sharing the pictures of your loved ones who have passed away. We deeply appreciate your participation and remembrance. Please note that we were not able to include every photo of our deceased parish members at this time, as we don't have them, but this is an ongoing process. If you notice that a family member’s picture is missing, please reach out to the parish office, office@stpiusx.ca , and we will be happy to include it. In the future, we hope to create a Memorial Wall to honour and remember all our deceased members as part of our parish community. Thanks, Pastor Weekly Schedule Friday, March 06 9:00 am SVDP Hampers (Hall) 9:00 am MASS :George Boudreau(†) 9:30 am Adoration\Benediction 9:30 am Stations of the Cross 11:30 am Funeral: Emilio Hrazdira(†) 7:00 pm Stations of the Cross via ZOOM Saturday, March 07 9:30 am Confirmation - Gathering #4(Bsmt) 10:00 am Legion of Mary (Holland Rm) 4:00 pm Confession Mass in Anticipation of the 3rd Sunday of LENT 5:00 pm MASS :Sheila Mattar (†) Sunday, March 08 3rd Sunday of LENT 9:00 am MASS :Verne Clayton (†) 9:30 am RCIA (Bsmt) 11:00 am MASS :Parishioners (Int) *Coffee & Social after Sunday morning Masses Monday, March 09 Tuesday, March 10 7:00 pm Liturgy Committee (Holland Rm) 7:30 pm Knights of Columbus (Hall) Wednesday, March 11 8:25 am Holy Rosary 9:00 am MASS :Augustine Vandanath (Int) Book study after morning Mass 7:00 pm Opus Dei Ladies Recollections (Bsmt) 7:00 pm Parish Council (Holland Rm) Thursday, March 12 8:25 am Holy Rosary 9:00 am MASS :Emma Sia (Int) 6:00 pm Twilight Retreat for volunteers @ Mount St.Francis Friday, March 13 8:25 am Holy Rosary 9:00 am MASS :Fr.Peter Nygren(Int) 9:30 am CWL Executive Meeting (Bsmt) 9:30 am Stations of the Cross 7:00 pm Stations of the Cross via ZOOM Saturday, March 14 Sunday, March 15 4th Sunday of LENT 9:30 am First Eucharist - Gathering #4 (Bsmt) 10:00 am: Legion of Mary (Holland Rm) 10:30 am Building & Maintenance Committee (Hall) 4:00 pm Confession Mass in Anticipation of the 4th Sunday of LENT 5:00 pm MASS :Suzanne Terese Eisler (†) 9:00 am MASS :Parishioners (Int) 9:30 am RCIA (Bsmt) 11:00 am MASS :Hernandez Family (Int) *Coffee & Social after Sunday morning Masses 1:00 pm Baptism🧸
- Donate | www.stpiusx.ca
Supporting St. Pius X Live Stream Be a Part of Making a Change Thank you to all of our Parishioners who continue to support our Parish. This is what keeps the lights on and the programs going. We would like to make it as easy as possible for you to make a donation, so we have a number of ways to donate. GIVING Your Generosity Matters Donation Envelopes In this traditional method of donating to the church, you can pick up a box of donation envelopes each dated for all the Sundays and Special Collections of the Catholic Church for the entire year. Boxed envelopes are available in the vestibule. (Unfortunately it is too expensive to mail them). Be sure to put your name, address, email address and phone number on the first few envelopes that you use, so that your donations are all attributed to you. If you would like BOXED Donation Envelopes please contact the office to make this request. Visitor Envelopes (Pink) Use a (pink) Visitor Envelope or (white) ‘God loves a Cheerful Giver’ envelope: These are available year round in the vestibule of the church or in the pew boxes. Ensuring that your contact information is printed on them will ensure that you will get a tax receipt at year end. Pre-Authorized Donation PAD This method makes regular contributions very easy and you can use VISA, MasterCard or Debit. Just fill in the form below and drop it, at or mail it to, the office. Annual donations over $20 will receive an Income Tax Receipt at the end of the year. Fill out a PAD form e-Transfer Donation You can make an easy and fast donation straight from your bank account to the Parish bank account. How? Log into your online or mobile banking app and select the account. Choose or add the St Pius X email (donate@stpiusx.ca ) Enter the amount you wish to donate Under ‘Message’ state where you want your funds to go, e.g. Sunday Collection, New Hall fund, Together In Action (TIA), Special Collection (state which one), etc. Cheque Donation Please make your cheque to “St Pius X Roman Catholic Church” and mail it to our address: 2424 24 Avenue NW Calgary, AB T2M 2A2 Additionally, you can drop off your cheque in the Parish mailbox. The mailbox is located next to the Office door, which faces 24th Avenue. The mailbox is locked and monitored daily. If you would like boxed DONATION envelopes, please contact our Parish Office to make this request. Grocery Card Fundraiser The grocery cards are on sale after weekend Masses. They will also be on sale Fridays from 10:00 am to 11:30 am from the Parish office. Thank you for continuing to support our Parish fundraiser. Feeding the Poor There is still a need to feed the poor. You can help by supporting St Vincent de Paul. If you would like to make a donation to SVDP you can drop off a cheque at the parish office – open Tuesdays and Fridays. Please make cheques payable to St. Vincent de Paul Society. **NEW** You can now donate directly to our St Pius X Conference via e-transfer. New donation address is ssvpdonate@stpiusx.ca Please state your full name and address in the memo line if you would like to receive a tax receipt, as St Vincent de Paul may not have access to Parish addresses. Tax receipts will be sent via email for donations over $20.00. Thank you for your ongoing support. Planned Giving Did you know that you can also make a planned gift to St. Piusx Parish ? Examples would be: naming St.Piusx Parish as a beneficiary in your will, donating a life insurance policy, gifts of registered plans, etc. To learn more, contact parish office. Tax Receipts According to CRA guidelines, valid tax receipts should have the full names of the donors and the respective addresses which are usually included in your parish registration. If you are not registered, please provide us with your full and postal address (includes postal code) in order that a valid tax receipt can be issued in your name. For etransfer donations, please include a note about allocation (ie. Mass intention, wedding or funeral, TIA or general donation). If you prefer to donate through other methods (e-transfer, preauthorized debit, text to donate, or online donation) and won’t need any more envelopes, please contact the office: office@stpiusx.ca If you have any address change, please update your new address. Pl ease contact the office
- About Us | New Faith Gospel Church
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- Ministries demo | www.stpiusx.ca
Page Title This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content and make sure to add any relevant details or information that you want to share with your visitors. Click Here Section Title Small Title This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content and make sure to add any relevant details or information that you want to share with your visitors. Small Title This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content and make sure to add any relevant details or information that you want to share with your visitors. Small Title This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content and make sure to add any relevant details or information that you want to share with your visitors. Small Title This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content and make sure to add any relevant details or information that you want to share with your visitors. Popular Recipes Read More Litergical Ministries 10 Pie Recipes to Try This Fall Make this yours. Click here to edit the text and include any relevant information. Read More Childrens ministries A Pasta Hack That Will Transport You to Rome Make this yours. Click here to edit the text and include any relevant information. Read More Prayer and Faith Creative Salad Ideas for the Veggie Lover Make this yours. Click here to edit the text and include any relevant information. Read More Parish Ministries The Health Benefits of Drinking Tea Daily Make this yours. Click here to edit the text and include any relevant information. Read More Service and Outreach Creative Salad Ideas for the Veggie Lover Make this yours. Click here to edit the text and include any relevant information. Read More New Juices Best Sellers Smoothies Bowls Order Now Very Berry Blend With raspberry, apple and beetroot Order Now Morning Detox With orange, turmeric and ginger Order Now Green Goddess With apple, celery and kale Order Now Sunshine Bliss With passion fruit, ginger and lemon Order Now Buddha's Vitality With quinoa, feta and avocado
- Sacraments | www.stpiusx.ca
Sacraments Infant Baptism Find out More First Reconciliation Find out More Confirmation Find out More Marriage Find out More Anointing of the Sick Find out More Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Find out More Priesthood Find out More
- Parish Ministries | www.stpiusx.ca
Parish Ministries CONTACT US MINISTRY SIGN UP St Pius X has a series of ministries and councils to help the Priest serve the parish community. Each ministry has a specific mission and role in the parish, touching on the different aspects of the parish life. You can fill out our Ministry Sign Up online form to register with one of the Parish committees or councils. Parish Ministries St Pius X has a series of ministries, committees, and councils to help the Priest serve the parish community. Each ministry has a specific mission and role in the parish, touching on the different aspects of the parish life. Committees meet on average once per month. Some ministries and committees have additional meetings requirements as necessary. Please note that all volunteers are required to sign a new Diocesan Model Code of Conduct. Some ministries also require a Police Information Check. Parish Pastoral Council Pastor – Father Sajo Jacob Deacon – Dan Deck Chairperson – June It is recognized that the Pastor has full responsibility for the parish as delegated by the Bishop. The role of the Parish Pastoral Council is to be supportive to the Pastor and provide all assistance helpful to his office. Members of PPC (Parish Pastoral Council) attend Council meetings held on the third Tuesday of each month, unless otherwise determined by the Council. They may also participate in the activities of various committees. Parish Pastoral Council meetings are open to parishioners who are invited to attend as observers. In addition, an Annual General Meeting for all members of the parish is on a yearly basis. At this time the activities of the past year are reviewed, significant plans for the future are proposed and the membership and structure of the Council for the coming year is confirmed. To access the Parish Pastoral Council Guidelines, please click here. Interested in being part of the PPC? Each year in September, as part of the Stewardship weekend, interest in serving on Parish Council will be solicited. Interested parishioners will be contacted and embark on a process to ensure knowledge of the responsibility and development skills. Parish Finance Council The Parish Finance Council (PFC) assists the Pastor in overseeing the finances of the parish. Please contact Rob for more information. Newsletter Financial Summary – 2019 Annual Financial Statement – 2019 Facilities Expansion Fund St. Pius X continues to plan for future expansion and renovation of the parish property. If you are interested in contributing to this process please contact the Parish Finance Council (above). LIST OF THE PARISH MINISTRIES Liturgy Committee We explore ideas for enriching and planning liturgies. Please contact the Parish Priest if you wish to be part of this committee. Church and Hall Decorating Members assist with decorating the church and Hall for special events, such as Easter, Christmas etc. Commitment is usually 1-2 hours per event. Building and Maintenance Oversees and recommends the planned maintenance for the Church and the Hall. Members of this ministry also do minor repairs and maintenance as necessary. Website For those interested in the upkeep and maintenance of the parish website and social media. Audio-Video Team The AV Team supports weekend masses, and special masses and services, especially during Advent, Lent, Christmas and Easter seasons, and funerals when needed. There are three AV roles-- audio, video/slides, livestreaming. We typically have volunteers 18 years or older, capable of handling a computer and presentation materials, and audio and livestreaming equipment. Anyone who volunteers will receive the appropriate training. If you are interested in being a volunteer please contact the parish office Office Help Assist in the Parish Office with photocopying, data entry, filing etc. Pastoral Assistant Help Assist the Pastoral Office with photocopying, organization and children’s program preparation. Faith Enrichment Assist in presenting the Faith Enrichment Sessions. Grocery Card Fundraiser Helping with selling our grocery gift cards to help fund various ministries and initiatives in the parish after each weekend mass. Commitment is for one mass per month. Linen Care Laundering, pressing, and folding the various Church linens. Commitment is once every 6 weeks. Pastoral Health Care Bringing Communion to residents at the Bethany Care Centre, Cambridge Manor, or Hillcrest Extendicare. Parish Outreach Reaching out to Parishioners via phone to build a connection with the Parish. Pew Cleaners Dusting, and tidying pews and Sacristy, with the additional cleaning. About 2 hours once per month. Reception Assistance Assist with Parish receptions (setup, clean-up, bake, or serve) for various parish receptions. Please choose to help with one or more activities. Sunday Coffee Hosts Prepare and serve coffee and snacks after Sunday morning mass. Social Events Assist with or plan one or more of our Parish social events, e.g. Stampede Breakfast. Youth Group Coordinator 14-18 Helping with one of our Youth Groups (for ages 14-18 old) Youth Group Coordinator 18-35 Helping with one of our Youth Groups (for ages 18-35 old) First Name Last Name Email Message Thanks for submitting! Send
- Spiritual Dimension of Women | www.stpiusx.ca
This is the women parish group and they meet every week Spiritual Dimension of Women Prayer and Faith Spiritual Dimension of Women Faith sharing with other women every Friday morning from 9:30 am to 10:30 am. Get Involved! Being part of one of the service groups at St Pius X means that you are also serving Christ and the Church! You are welcome to join our vibrant community! Please fill out our Ministry Sign Up online form to register with one of the Ministries and Groups. Ministry Sign up First Name Last Name Email Message Thanks for submitting! Send
- About | www.stpiusx.ca
About Us Our Patron saint Who was Saint Pius X? On June 2, 1835, Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto saw the light of earth at Riesi, Province of Treviso, in Venice; on August 20, 1914, he saw the light of heaven; and on May 29, 1954, he who had become the two hundred fifty-ninth pope was canonized St. Pius X. Two of the most outstanding accomplishments of this saintly Pope were the inauguration of the liturgical renewal and the restoration of frequent communion from childhood. He also waged an unwavering war against the heresy and evils of Modernism, gave great impetus to biblical studies, and brought about the codification of Canon Law. His overriding concern was to renew all things in Christ. Above all, his holiness shone forth conspicuously. From St. Pius X we learn again that “the folly of the Cross”, simplicity of life, and humility of heart are still the highest wisdom and the indispensable conditions of a perfect Christian life, for they are the very source of all apostolic fruitfulness. His last will and testament bears the striking sentence: “I was born poor, I have lived in poverty, and I wish to die poor.” His feast day is August 21. Source: Catholic Online Parish History A Brief History St. Pius X Parish 1954 – 2017 “On November 11, 1954, Most Reverend Francis Carroll, Bishop of Calgary, blessed St. Pius X School at 18th Street and 24th Avenue NW, which had been opened the previous September. After the school site had been chosen and the school nearly built, the Bishop, with his Diocesan Consultors, decided on June 7, 1954 to erect a parish named St. Pius X, the name chosen by the Bishop for the school, in honor of the pope who founded the Diocese of Calgary.” 1 The first Mass of the new St. Pius X Parish was held at St. Pius X School on Sunday, July 18, 1954. The first parish priest was Father Bernard Holland. Father Holland came to St. Pius from Bellevue, in the Crowsnest Pass, where he had a multitude of interests, one of these being hockey. He was even the Secretary of the Crowsnest Hockey Association. He was a very humble, gentle but nervous person. He had a big mind about what he wanted to do to please people and what was necessary for the community in general. One of the first things he did upon his arrival at St. Pius X was to form the Sarto Society. This was an all-men’s group whose expressed purpose was “to organize and attend to the temporal welfare of the parish, leaving him free to look after the spiritual needs of the people”. This wouldn’t happen today, however, in 1954, it was quite extraordinary. To the Sarto Society was entrusted the great challenge of raising funds to build a church. Father Holland decided to build the church on farm property, owned by the diocese, where the present Parish Hall is located. A census was taken of the northwest community to determine how many people would belong to the parish: at that time there were 250 families. The Catholic Women’s League was also organized by Father Holland in 1954, with Adele Schwinghamer as President. The League filled a need as a spiritual as well as a social organization in the new parish. With over 200 members, the C.W.L. was also “needed to care for the church, the rectory and the pastor’s clothes and meals. The meal book was devised to remind Father where he was expected for dinner, each day.” The membership was divided into nine groups, with the Captains on the Executive. The small groups would gather every two weeks and the whole community would gather once a month. During 1954, while Sunday mass was still celebrated at St. Pius X School, a building fund drive was launched and designs were sought for a church building for the new parish. The church was a Quonset style of building with a bell tower on the front, giving the church a Spanish Adobe type appearance. A small apartment on the north end of the church housed Father Holland. The first Mass in the new St. Pius X Church was celebrated on Christmas Eve 1955. “The building served two main functions. First it was a church with an altar at the north end; rows of stacking chairs completed the church-like appearance. The church could be converted quickly into a hall by dropping a curtain in front of the altar and removing the chairs and kneelers. Once the parish had its church/hall built, life settled into a comfortable, but active routine. Perhaps one attribute which distinguished St. Pius X was friendliness. Father Holland always preached, “if you see someone you don’t know, go and introduce yourself and learn his/her name, then, on the following Sunday, introduce that person to one other person or couple.” “The Provincial Gaol, opened in 1958, was given to Father Holland as a chaplaincy. It was his care to say Mass on Sunday afternoons, to visit weekly at the gaol, becoming acquainted with the men, counselling them, keeping in touch with their families and often assisting them when they were released. In the meantime, the parish grew rapidly. Several schools were built in the parish including St. Francis High School. The temporary church was seriously over-crowded in spite of a schedule of four masses on Sunday. In 1962, Father Holland unveiled plans for his “roundish church”; construction began in 1963 on a tender of $141,000. with a loan of $90,000.” 2 The new St. Pius X Church (the present church) was blessed by Most Reverend Joseph L. Wilhelm, Auxiliary Bishop of Calgary, on December 22, 1963. The old, temporary church was reduced and became the parish hall. Following the completion of the church, Father Holland began negotiations to buy a house immediately west of the Parish Hall to serve as a rectory. Before these were completed, he suffered a severe heart attack and died on October 2, 1964. The Basilians at St. Pius X After the death of our founding father, Bishop Carroll had no diocesan priest to replace Father Holland. “Bishop Carroll turned to the Basilian fathers to accept St. Pius X Parish with the possibility of chaplaincy and other relationships with the University of Calgary but with the proviso that the parish would first be divided. St. Luke’s Parish was divided from St.Pius X on October 8, 1964. It was agreed that the assistant priests should be supplied by the Diocese until the Basilians had sufficient personnel. The parish was relieved of the chaplaincy to the Provincial Gaol.” 3 Father Michael Oliver, C.S.B., arrived on November 4, 1964 as administrator. The first Basilian to become University Chaplain was Rev. Edward Sullivan, C.S.B., in 1966. Since Father Oliver, St.Pius X Parish was fortunate to be served, until August 2001, almost 37 years, by priests who continued to forge an alive and active Christian community. Father Oliver was only a temporary Administrator until Father Curran, C.S.B., arrived in mid-1965. His first challenge – to remodel the sanctuary, in compliance with the decision of the Second Vatican Council to have the altar turned around as the priest would be facing the congregation. At the same time, Parish Councils were to be established. A committee was set up to study already functioning Councils. “It was decided, to no one’s surprise that none of the Council Constitutions suited the needs of St. Pius. The Committee settled for a set of guidelines which could be modified as needed, but always subject to the parishioners’ approval at each annual meeting! Those initial parish annual meetings were well attended! And very lively!” Laity became much more involved in church ministries with over 100 lay persons performing liturgical functions. Church music was given new impetus and folk groups sprang up to implement the music of the “senior choir”. A new pipe organ was installed in the upper left balcony. It proved to be a very difficult organ to play. To solve the problem, Parish Council sent Leslie Smith to Toronto to learn the secret of playing this remarkable Walker from Frankfurt, Germany. He was so well trained that he was hired immediately by St. Mary’s Cathedral upon his return to Calgary.” Eventually the organ was moved downstairs, installed behind the altar, and later sold to a Lutheran Church in Pennsylvania. The Parish Council’s Social Committee revived parish social events on such occasions as New Year’s Eve, St. Patrick’s Day, and Halloween, and the hall was filled for these socials. “In addition, a Bowling League was formed and operated successfully for six years; a Mixed Bridge Club enjoyed weekly gatherings for many years;” and, even a bi-weekly Ukulele Group “made music” during Father Tom McReavy’s tenure, with his involvement. Throughout these years of change in the parish, the ladies of the C.W.L. added community projects such as catering to their list of involvements. The parish hall and the kitchen were equipped with dishes, cutlery, tables, and table linen from catering projects. In addition to these “paying” catering jobs, the ladies served dinners for deanery meetings and priests’ reception in the hall. They catered a large receptions in St. Mary’s Cathedral on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Confederation in 1967. The C.W.L. also went out to the city community to provide many Christmas dinners to the homeless of the Inner City Drop-in Center, and the mentally handicapped from Advance Industries and V.R.R.I. The arrival and presence of the University of Calgary campus within the parish boundaries meant that another Catholic Community existed in our midst with needs that were different from our parish needs. In 1964, St. Pius X priests assumed the University Chaplaincy on a part time basis, which became full time in 1966 when the Basilians, with Father Hugh Foley, then FatherTed Sullivan, took over this role until their departure in 2001, except for a period from 1971-78 when the Resurrectionist Fathers took over the chaplaincy. In 1973, the Diocese mandated that St. Pius X run Catechism classes for all Catholic students attending public school in North West Calgary. This program continued every Saturday during the school until 2012. In 1979, the Diocese of Calgary and St. Pius Parish determined that more space was needed at St. Pius to adequately accommodate the parish and the U of C Community, so an addition was built to the church. The University Community remains a vital part of our parish and yet a community in its own right. In 1997, we began purchasing property adjacent to the church. The first property, now our rectory, came by chance, when Mr. Vincent, a neighbor, passed away and his wish was that the parish would buy his property. Thus began our newest expansion journey. Over the next few years we managed to purchase all the properties west of the parish hall to 24th street on 24th avenue. In August 2001, the Basilian fathers were moved to St. Thomas More, Calgary. Thirty-seven (37) years of Basilian parish leadership saw 26 priests serve as Pastor, Associate Pastor, or, U of C Chaplain. The Basilian Fathers are a teaching order so most of the priests who served the parish were teachers, and education was very important in their ministry at St. Pius. Their influence is still apparent in our parish and our parish programs. The Multicultural Years 2001-2017 After the departure of the Basilian Fathers in 2001, St. Pius X embarked on what might be described as its multicultural period, blessed with pastors, in succession, from Poland, the Philippines, and, Mexico. In August 2001 Fr. Bogdan Sianozecki was appointed Administrator, then Pastor in 2001. During this time, our Facilities Expansion Committee set out to survey parishioners, parish groups and staff to determine the wishes and needs for the facility expansion. A plan was put in motion which included a renovated church, more meeting rooms, new offices, more storage space, new hall facilities and a new parking lot. A new Rectory was built on the Vincent property across the street. In May 2009, during Father Silvano Vargas’ tenure, renovations began to the church sanctuary. The renovations to the church required that the sanctuary be vacated over the summer of 2009, so, we moved back to our roots. All masses at St. Pius X were held in the original church, now the Parish Hall. The space was small and intimate. A general sense of closeness developed within the community. Parishioners look upon this period with great fondness. The first Mass was held in the newly renovated church on September 9, 2009. Bishop Henry presided at this Mass and the dedication of the new Altar and Tabernacle. The new fire alarm was also unexpectedly initiated during the dedication Mass. Since then a new crucifix, stained glass windows, A/V equipment, altar furnishings, and, piano have been added to our beautiful Church; the buildings west of the Parish Hall have been demolished and a temporary parking lot has been set up. During this same period, Bishop Henry instituted the Permanent Diaconate shortly after he became Bishop of Calgary. Deacon Dave Bentham was assigned as Deacon to St. Pius X in September 2004. Deacon Stephen Robinson, a long-time parishioner, joined him at St. Pius after his ordination to the diaconate in June 2008. Deacon Stephen transferred to St. Luke’s parish in 2015, and was ably replaced by Deacon Dan Deck. In 2012 the houses on the properties acquired by the parish west of the Church Hall were removed and construction of a gravelled parking lot for the Parish on that site was completed. Fr. Luis Moreno Nava presided over the Parish until Fr. Bill Corcoran’s arrival in 2014. In 2016 the Parish commenced an assessment of its current facilities with a view to determining what facilities will be required moving forward. The Parish has also been in continuing discussions with the City of Calgary on a proposed interchange at Crowchild Trail and 24th Avenue, N.W. and its impact on Parish Church, Hall, and, Parking Lot. In late 2018 a New Parish Hall Committee was struck to commence a feasibility study with the intention of planning to build a new Parish Hall within five (5) years. The Parish’s long commitment to the University of Calgary Catholic Community was moved on March 17, 2019 to the St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy, along with SAIT and MRU students to St. Bernard’s Parish in Parkdale. This brief synopsis makes it appear that the history of St. Pius X Parish has been buildings, renovations and priests, but that is far from the truth. It reflects the change and growth of the parish but not the “heart”, the remembrance of the “little things” that demonstrate the spirit and faith St. Pius X Parish flourished over the past 62 years. The life of the parish has been the people who made up, and still make up our parish family; those families and individuals who have been, and are, generous with their time and talents, ever friendly, committed, and enthusiastic. “We strive to be a Parish thriving in spirituality, gratitude, service and hospitality”. This continues to be our challenge and battle cry as we move on in our history Footnotes: 1 From the Buffalo to the Cross, M.B. Venini Byrne, pg. 181 2 idem, pg. 182 3 idem, pg. 183 Submitted by: Al Roach May 2017 Updated: June 2019 Acknowledgements: Tedd Jennings, Dawn Gartner, Dave Rowbotham Our Parish Schools "Let us thank all those who teach in Catholic schools. Educating is an act of love; it is like giving life" ~ Pope Francis Elementary School Junior High School St. Pius X School Elementary Bienvenue to St Pius X School! The school is a Kindergarten to Grade 6 French immersion school. The students’ days are filled with living and learning in the Catholic faith. Within the school, St Pius X is building more inclusive communities where respect for one another, the community and diversity are celebrated. Using these values as building blocks, they create a positive school community by developing relationships through activities such as student leadership, social justice projects and professional development opportunities. Contact St Pius X School: Phone: (403) 500-2015 Go to School Website Madeleine d’Houet School Junior High Madeleine d’Houet School is a Calgary Catholic School. Catholicity represents their “raison d’être” and for that very reason, it becomes necessary to elaborate their spiritual objectives. Presently, Madeleine d’Houet School is a vibrant Junior High that serves the northwest quadrant of Calgary. Students who have completed Grade 6 in an all-English reg ular program may enter a three-year Late Immersion program in Grade 7. Students are enrolled in separate Late Immersion classes for Grades 7 and 8 and are merged with Early Immersion students for Grade 9. Contact Madeleine d’Houet Phone: (403) 500-2008 Go to School Website
- Service and Outreach | www.stpiusx.ca
Service and Outreach MINISTRIES Join Our Service Groups Being part of one of the service groups at St. Pius X means that you are also serving Christ and the Church! You are welcome to join our vibrant community! Please fill out our Ministry Sign Up online form to register with one of the Ministries and Groups. Pastoral Health Care Catholic Women’s League Society of St. Vincent de Paul Knights of Columbus St.Rita’s Group Manna Ministry Grocery Cards Program Ministry Sign Up First Name Last Name Email Message Thanks for submitting! Send
- Grocery Cards Program | www.stpiusx.ca
Grocery Card Fundraiser Update Grocery Cards UpdateGrocery CardsSt. Pius X is a participant in the grocery card program offered by local grocery stores. By participating in the program, we can all help fund raise for the parish. Key questions regarding the program are listed below. The Grocery Cards are sold after every weekend mass in the vestibule. Contact the office if you wish to purchase some during office hours. Service and Outreach Grocery Card Program FAQ What is the Grocery Card Program? The Grocery Card Program is a fundraiser, based on “volume buying” whereby a percentage of each card comes back to St. Pius as earnings. How does it work? When you purchase the card at St Pius, you receive the full face value of the card, PLUS from every card, St Pius X Parish receives: CO-OP – 6 % Safeway/Sobeys – 6% Superstore – 5% Can I use these Cards for fuel and transit passes? You can use your cards for fuel at CO-OP Gas Bars only. Transit passes can be purchased at any of these stores where this service is available. What other supermarkets will accept my grocery card? Across the country, you can use your cards at: Safeway/Sobeys: Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, Freshco, Thrifty Foods Superstore: Loblaw stores including Superstore, Loblaws, No Frills, Wholesale Club Co-op: participating Calgary Co-op locations Can I ‘re-fill’ my Grocery Card? Yes, you can ‘re-fill’ your card, however your ‘re-fill’ will not benefit St Pius. If you wish St Pius to continue to receive the fundraiser benefit, you need to purchase a new card every time. Do I still get my REWARDS? Absolutely YES!!! Your CO-OP number, Scene (Sobeys), and PC Optimum points all apply. Do the Grocery cards expire? No, the grocery cards never expire. How can I pay for my Grocery Cards? We take cash, cheques (preferable), Debit, VISA and Mastercard. How much does it cost the Parish for debit and credit transactions? For each debit transaction (regardless of the amount), it costs the Parish $0.05, while it costs the Parish 2.2% per credit card transaction. What denominations are being sold? Grocery cards are available only in $100 denominations each. When can I purchase my Grocery Card? Grocery Cards will be on sale after Weekend Masses in the vestibule and throughout the week from the Parish office during Office Hours. What are the benefits of buying grocery cards? Each year, Parish Council makes a decision on the best way to use the net proceeds from this fundraiser. In 2023, as in the last two years, the decision was made to direct funds towards Parish operations. You will be making a difference, just by doing what you always do—-buying groceries, and fuel. These Grocery Cards are also most beneficial, for gift giving, such as students in University, Christmas giving, or any other occasion that arises. Remember,the Parish receives $5 to $6 every time you purchase a $100 grocery card and you have the full spending power of $100 including your rewards points that you acquire at the grocery stores. Who do I contact should I need more information or to assist with sales? Please contact Mirka or Ron, by email. Get Involved! Being part of one of the service groups at St Pius X means that you are also serving Christ and the Church! You are welcome to join our vibrant community! Please fill out our Ministry Sign Up online form to register with one of the Ministries and Groups. First Name Last Name Email Message Thanks for submitting! Send