Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

St. Pius X Parish celebrated 70 years last week in a great way. The Hoedown was a huge success and a truly fun day! Let’s do it again next year! With this note, I’d like to say a word of thanks to all the volunteers and our parish staff who made the day possible. There is nothing quite so satisfying for me as a pastor as being able to watch a parish event or activity take shape entirely in the hearts and hands of dedicated volunteers! A huge thank you is due to Maria Piccolo, Laura and Mike McPadden Ann Parise, Charlie Rich, Gerilyn DiMango, Jill Nardi, Emily Pritchard, Darcy Ronan, Catherine McDonald, Richard Earls, Paul Sposato, Kim Grasso, Noreen Zaino, Kathy Watke, Susan Horn, Cathy Hughes, Fatima Barroso, Cathy Coyle, and many more. Add to this list our Knights of Columbus Council 16347 who were instrumental in set-up and clean-up efforts, high school members of the Fairfield Catholic Youth Group, so many young men from Fairfield Prep, and other volunteers who gave our parish their Sunday afternoon. Everything about the Hoedown (except for the weather…that was all God!) happened because of their generosity, talent, and time. Thank you all for your hard work and your efforts to build up our parish family!

While I’m saying thank you, I would also like to express my gratitude to all of you who have responded to our increased offertory giving campaign, as well as to our building maintenance needs, especially to help us replace our church heating system. Your generosity goes a long way, and makes it possible for us to do the work we do here at St. Pius! Less practical and more emotional, I would like to thank you for your understanding and patience, as the timing of the entire effort was planned long before the tragic events we have seen unfolding in the last few weeks. Balancing a communication plan about offertory and building maintenance with the urgent need to address pressing social concerns and bring the light of our Catholic faith to difficult national news stories is no easy task. I am grateful to you, the parishioners of St. Pius X, for your patience, understanding, and charity.

Finally, I would like to say a special thank you to two outstanding volunteers here at St. Pius: Ann and David Parise. Every year, Bishop Caggiano bestows the St. Augustine Service Medal on people from across Fairfield County who exemplify Christian service in their parish communities. I am proud to have our parish represented by the Parises. Whether serving as usher and greeter, catechist, reader, or keeper of the liturgical linens, Ann and David give their time abundantly. Their willingness to serve wherever needed is a great example for us all. Thank you David and Ann for your many years of generous service to St. Pius X Parish!

Peace,

Fr. Sam