Dear Parishioners of St. Pius X Parish and Friends,
It was July 2, 2012, that I and another priest, Father John R. Weber, moved into the rectory of St. Pius X Parish. We were both warmly greeted and welcomed by the staff and parishioners we met in those early days. Over the past 14 years, I have seen this parish flourish in so many ways.
I am especially graced with the openness of our people to extend prayer and assistance to the poor and needy. The parish already had a history with
Caring for Friends. I was happy to connect St. Pius with the Little Sisters of the Poor and Holy Family Home, at 53rd St. and Chester Ave in West
Philadelphia. We are also closely attached to the Padre Pio Prayer Center in the Frankford/Kensington section of Philadelphia. Our people support this ministry by regularly making casseroles for the Capuchin Friars to serve to the hungry, as well as supporting a wonderful Christmas Party, Easter Egg Hunt, and Padre Pio Festival each year. Generous Christmas gifts are purchased, wrapped, and find their way from our parishioners to needy/
deserving youngsters each December. Jesus told all of us, “whatsoever you do to the least among you, you do to me.” I am proud and happy with this parish’s response to Jesus’ command.
Our most sacred happening is our celebration of Holy Mass. Regularly, we see over 1500 people, of all ages, here for Sunday Mass. There are also
wonderful opportunities for spiritual growth and fellowship in weekly gatherings: women’s and men’s weekly Bible studies; the That Man is You and SHE programs; the Divine Mercy Cenacle, and the Legion of Mary. Annually, we celebrate the commitment of husbands and wives with our Married Couples Mass; and provided healing through our communal celebration of the Anointing of the Sick. It was also a joy to provide spiritual support to the Broomall Fire Company as they dedicated their new fire house, and who celebrated their 100th Anniversary with a Mass in our Church.
St. Pius X is blessed to have a parish grade school, with the presence of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters and a dedicated lay faculty and staff. Back in 2019, we were named a Blue Ribbon School by the US Department of Education. We also have a wonderful Religious Education Program called SPIRE and weekly CCD classes. I have been blessed with 52 years of priesthood in parishes and incredibly blessed with these last 14 years at St. Pius X. May God continue to watch over this community of faithful and generous believers!
Sincerely,
Msgr. William C. Kaufman