Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

High on the list of characteristic traits of St. Pius X Parish, I always note that we have generations. It is not uncommon here to see multiple generations of one family worshipping together at Mass. When grandparents, parents, and children are able to unite together in prayer, something special is happening. This also points to something special about our broader community beyond the parish: we live in a place where generations of family can be close to one another, where family life is valued. A healthy community recognizes and treasures the gift of family. That said, it is important to point to the many generations present at any given Mass, even if they are not related by blood. Indeed, to look out at the congregation and see so much variety of age present suggests to me a robust and healthy parish family.

Over the years, I believe we have made tremendous strides in serving our young people, especially through our youth ministry. For much longer than I have been associated with the parish, our high school students have committed to a week of service to those in need through an annual mission trip with Catholic Heart Work Camp, or CHWC. This year, our teens will travel to Billings, MT for a week of Christian service. Of course, youth ministry is not primarily focused on a mission trip. I am grateful that we have been able to provide high school and middle school youth ministry during my time as pastor, and I am happy to say that we are currently opening the search for a new youth minister to continue this important work in collaboration with Fr. Brendan. Deserving of special recognition is Paola Peña, who began her work here as our youth minister, and who, though she has stepped into a different role as Director of Evangelization, has been instrumental in building up our high school students.

Forming young people does not start, of course, in high school. Elementary level faith formation is vital in any parish. Shari Mellinger has, for over a decade, helped to shepherd our catechetical efforts, working with adult volunteers (often parents and grandparents of our students) and families in the work of handing on the faith to our children. Beyond the many adjustments that have been made over the last 11 years, either because Diocesan norms were updated, or because I had a new idea that I thought would be fun to try, I would like to especially note her efforts during the pandemic, when academic instruction was thrown very much into chaos. As teachers around the country were forced to adapt to strange educational environments, so was Shari, and her adaptability kept our kids on track. As we look ahead, the educational needs of children are evolving, and so too will parish catechetical efforts.

Finally, to what may seem the other end of the spectrum, I would like to express my gratitude for our Senior Ministry. For several years, Peter Carey has devoted himself to bringing together our seniors – and many from other parishes in Fairfield – for a monthly luncheon, and regular outings for concerts, plays, and more. The energy level in any St. Pius X Senior Ministry gathering is palpable as soon as you enter the room. I know that this special effort will continue!

St. Pius X is a parish that spans generations. It is part of what makes our community so special. The visibility of generations reminds us that from our first breath to our last, we belong. Whether that is to the family into which we are born by blood, or the family into which we were born by sacramental grace, the generations that surround us are a blessing. I pray that this family harmony will continue at St. Pius X for generations to come.

Peace,

Fr. Sam