Welcome
Saint Pius X Parish is a Catholic faith community of worship, prayer and thanksgiving, serving the world through outreach and action. Realizing our baptismal call, we envision ourselves serving the Kingdom of God through:
- vibrant and nourishing liturgies
- knowledge of the faith and personal spiritual growth
- social justice and responsibility
- responsible stewardship of time, talent and treasure
Prayer for Spiritual Communion
Below is a prayer for spiritual communion, and an interdiction to it. It will be used at the Sunday Mass livestreamed by the Archbishop, as well as our parish livestreamed Masses on Tuesdays and Thursdays:
In these extraordinary times, when we are unable to receive the Eucharist in Holy Communion, the Church invites us to make a spiritual communion, uniting ourselves to Jesus through prayer. This version of the prayer was composed by St. Alphonsus Liguori. Please pray along:
My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love you above all things, and I desire to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace you as if you were already there, and unite myself wholly to you. Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.
Click here for daily Mass at St. Pius X Livestream - Tuesday and Thursday at 9:00 am
Click here for Sunday Mass with Archbishop Jackels - Sunday at 9:00 am
Message from Archbishop Jackels
March 31, 2020
Message from Archbishop Jackels to the Catholic faithful of the Archdiocese of Dubuque, regarding the coronavirus
The President extended the restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic at least until the end of April 2020, in an attempt to slow down the spread of the disease and to reduce the number of people who get sick from it, so as not to overwhelm hospitals.
Wash your hands. Don’t touch your face. Keep your distance from other people.
As a consequence, we will not be able to gather as a community to celebrate the Holy Week and Easter services. Oh my.
Also, the provisions that were communicated a few weeks ago will remain in force until further notice:
- All public celebrations of Holy Mass are cancelled. All Catholics in the Archdiocese of Dubuque are dispensed from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass.
- During this time, the Archbishop will livestream a celebration of Holy Mass each Sunday, as well as the Triduum, and will lead the Rosary each week on Thursday. Visit www.DBQArch.orgfor more information about these livestreamed events.
- Funerals, Weddings and Baptisms may be held, but limited to the immediate family, or at least no more than 10 people present.
- Communal penance services should not be held. One-on-one confession can be scheduled, but with provisions made for social distancing and keeping common surfaces sanitized. The use of general absolution during this pandemic is allowed.
- All in-person gatherings in the Archdiocese of Dubuque of more than 10 people are cancelled. If there are gatherings of 10 people or less, the standard coronavirus practices should be observed, especially social distancing.
All of the above-listed provisions are done out of devotion to the common good, and to give good example, contributing to the solution, not to the problem.
This “fast” from Mass and sacraments does not show a lack of appreciation for them. We need God. Prayer and worship are essential practices of our faith in God, and they are ideally practiced with others, not alone. But we have to be good stewards, prudent, careful not to contribute to the spread of disease.
Pray. Do penance. Give alms to the poor.
Pray to God for speedy deliverance from the evil of the coronavirus, for those who are sick, for those who care for the sick and elderly, for those who fear for their lives and livelihood, and that we might all remain calm and confident in God’s wisdom, power, and goodness.
Do penance, if by no other way than to practice silence when tempted to pass on gossip, or to say something hurtful, or to murmur against God (and the archbishop).
And give alms, all of us, especially those who have the means, contributing to our parishes and to Catholic Charities, in their attempts to help people who are out of work, or who can’t afford rent, food, medicine, and other essentials.
God, come to our assistance. Lord, make haste to help us. Mary, health of the sick, pray for us. St. Raphael, patron of the Archdiocese of Dubuque, and patron of healing, pray for us.
March 23, 2020
Here is something I wanted to share with you:
Abstaining from meat
The Catholic faithful in the Archdiocese of Dubuque are dispensed from the obligation to abstain from meat on Friday, 27 March 2020 and on Friday, 3 April 2020.
This dispensation does not apply to Good Friday, 10 April 2020.
This dispensation is granted in view of the difficulty people might have in finding meal alternatives to meat, or to go out for grocery shopping.
The Fridays of Lent remain days of prayer and penance. Those who are able to abstain from meat, should do so. Those who aren’t able to abstain, should perform some other act of penance.
An example of an alternative penance might to bear up silently and with calm under the extra-ordinary strains and burdens of being cooped up at home.
After consultation and considerable prayer, it has been decided – out of an abundance of caution and with devotion to the common good – to take steps aimed at slowing down the spread of the coronavirus, to flatten the curve, as they say, so as not to overburden the healthcare system.
Therefore, beginning on 19 March 2020 and until further notice, the following provisions have been taken:
- All public celebrations of Holy Mass are cancelled. All Catholics in the Archdiocese of Dubuque are dispensed from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass.
- The Chrism Mass will be celebrated, but with only the liturgical ministers present. The oils will be blessed, bottled, and distributed in some way to the parishes.
- During this time, the Archbishop will live stream a celebration of Holy Mass each Sunday, as well as the Chrism Mass (and the Triduum, if the situation has not changed by then), and will lead the Rosary each week on Thursday. Visit www.DBQArch.orgfor more information about these live streamed events.
- The existing schedule for Confirmation is cancelled (the Archbishop’s office will contact the parishes to reschedule).
- Funerals, Weddings and Baptisms may be held, but limited to the immediate family, or at least no more than 50 people present, according to the current CDC guidelines.
- Communal penance services should not be held. The present circumstances do not constitute the grave necessity required for use of general absolution. Private, one-on-one confession can be scheduled by appointment.
- All archdiocesan-sponsored events where 50+ people are gathered are cancelled.
Pray to God for speedy deliverance from the evil of the coronavirus, for those who are sick or who live in fear of infection, for those who care for the sick and elderly, for those whose lives and livelihood are adversely affected by the spread of the virus, and that we might all remain calm and confident in God’s wisdom, power, and goodness.
Conscious of our great need, and confident of God’s loving care, with the above intentions in mind, all the faithful of the Archdiocese of Dubuque are invited to join in a day of fast, abstinence, and prayer on Wednesday, 25 March 2020; this is voluntary, not obligatory.
On that day, people ordinarily bound on Ash Wednesday to fast (only one full meal, taking less at the other meals) and abstain from meat are invited to make those same sacrifices. And as far as prayer is concerned, the Rosary is recommended as a powerful prayer, prayed alone or with others.
God, come to our assistance. Lord, make haste to help us. Mary, health of the sick, pray for us. St. Raphael, patron of the Archdiocese of Dubuque, and patron of healing, pray for us.
State of Public Health Disaster Emergency
Pope Francis Reflection
Please click here to read a striking reflection drawn from the Gospel passage on the apostles’ fear in a storm-tossed boat, this is the English text of the Pope’s message at tonight’s rite.
Mass Times
The following will be able to be viewed via your computer or mobile device:
Mondays – Evening Prayer at 5:30 p.m. at www.crpiusx.org
Tuesdays – Mass at 9:00 a.m. at www.crpiusx.org
Wednesdays – Rosary at noon at www.crpiusx.org
Thursdays – Mass at 9:00 a.m. at www.crpiusx.org
Fridays – Stations of the Cross at 5:15 at www.crpiusx.org
Sundays – Mass at 9:00 am at www.dbqarch.org
Office Hours
Bulletin Subscription via Email
Suspended until further notice - although St. Pius X Staff members will be available at scheduled times, for drop off MCO food or your weekly monetary donation for our parish. Please drive under the canopy (stay in your car) Wednesday 11:30am-12:30pm; Saturday 4:00-5:00pm; Sunday 10:00-11:00am.
Employment Opportunity
Fellowship Coordinator – St. Pius X Church, Cedar Rapids, IA
We are actively searching to fill a new parish position. Our Fellowship Coordinator will be a part-time position with flexible hours. Please submit your resume to Fr. Phil Thompson at [email protected] or by mail at St. Pius X Church, 4949 Council Street NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402. Resumes are requested until a perfect candidate is found.
Current FAQ
Per Archbishop Jackels’ directive, we are cancelling all Masses and activities at St. Pius. Please read this in its entirety to have your questions answered. At this point, we know no further information.
- Weekend Masses are cancelled until further notice.
- Lenten Evening Prayer and soup suppers are cancelled.
- Stations of the Cross are cancelled.
- The Blessed Sacrament Chapel is closed.
- The parish office is closed. Please call the office (393-4445) with any questions or needed information. We will get back to you as soon as we can.
- Celebration Choir and Glory rehearsals are cancelled.
- For funerals, contact the parish office to discuss our options.
- Our weekly bulletin is always available on the website: www.crpiusx.org/publications.
- Tuesday and Wednesday yoga are cancelled.
- All committee and commission meetings are cancelled.
- Religious Education classes and youth ministry gatherings are cancelled.
- Anthony Lavorata will reach out to the Lenten Scripture Study participants.
- There will not be any Lenten communal reconciliations, including the one scheduled at St. Pius on April 4. If you need to go to confession, please call (393-4445) to make arrangements for that.
- The April 6th blood drive is pending. Most likely it will be either cancelled or moved to a different location.
- Visits to the homebound, nursing homes, and hospitals are on hold. If allowed, Father Thompson will anoint the dying.
- Staff members will be available in the gathering space at scheduled times, for drop off MCO food or your weekly monetary donation for our parish. Drive under the canopy (stay in your car) Monday-Friday 11:30am-12:30pm; Saturday 4:00-4:30pm; Sunday 9:30-10:30am.
- Lenten baby shower items can be dropped off at the parish office or during one of the times listed above. We will accept donations through the end of March.
- After Holy Thursday, Rice Bowl money can be dropped off or mailed to the parish.
- As stated in the archbishop’s announcement below, he will be live streaming Mass on Sundays at 9:00am. Additionally we at St. Pius are planning to live stream the following through our parish website (www.crpiusx.org) starting next week:
---daily Mass on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:00am
---Evening Prayer on Mondays at 5:30pm
---the Rosary on Wednesdays at noon
---Stations of the Cross on Fridays at 5:15pm
- FORMED is a great resource for Catholic movies, programs, audio, and books. Sign up for free using our parish subscription: www.crpiusx.formed.org. When you sign up, scroll down until you find St. Pius X in Cedar Rapids.
What if…?
- If we are able to celebrate Mass the weekend of Palm Sunday (April 4-5), we’ll begin our liturgies in the gathering space with the blessing and procession with palms.
- If we are unable to celebrate Mass the weekend of Palm Sunday (April 4-5), Father Thompson will bless the palms and we’ll have them available for people to stop and pick up during office hours. More will be communicated about this as the date gets closer.
- If we are unable to celebrate the Triduum and/or Easter Sunday liturgies, we’ll live stream them through our website.
- Even if we’re able to celebrate the Triduum liturgies, there will not be Stations on Good Friday. There will not be Morning Prayer on Good Friday or Holy Saturday.
- If we are able to celebrate Easter Sunday, Mass will be at 8:30am and 10:30am. Pius Hall will be set up for overflow seating.
- Sandra Pickart will continue asking for ushers, greeters, servers, lectors, and Eucharistic ministers for Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, and Easter Sunday, in case we are able to celebrate these liturgies. We’d rather be prepared and then cancel, than not be prepared and scramble at the last minute.
- If we’re able to celebrate Holy Week and/or Easter, we will need lots of help decorating our church space. At that time, please volunteer if you’re able.
- We hope to celebrate First Eucharist as planned on April 25-26. If this changes, Anthony Lavorata and Barb Miller will communicate with the families.
- We hope to celebrate the Anointing Mass as planned on May 5. If this changes, we’ll try to communicate with everyone.
- We hope to host the High School Senior Celebration as planned on May 6. If this changes, Micaela Andrews will communicate with the families.
- We hope to celebrate Confirmation as planned on May 17. If this changes, Micaela Andrews will communicate with the families.
Things to consider:
- Continue donating financially to St. Pius. We have staff salaries, bills to pay, outreach programs to support, etc. You can (1) mail your donation to church at 4949 Council St. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402; (2) give it to a staff member during the hours listed above; (3) sign up for EFT by contacting Melanie Martin-Trainor at 319-393-4445; (4) click the “Donate Now” button on our parish website home page.
- Continue bringing food donations for MCO. The poor in our community need our assistance, especially now with children not receiving meals at school.
- Read your email daily so you’re “in the know” about what’s happening here. We’ll also communicate via Facebook (www.facebook.com/crpiusx/) and with signs hanging on the outside church doors. We know that not everyone uses email or Facebook, so word of mouth is important. Thanks for helping us by sharing accurate information with your fellow parishioners.
- Most parish staff are choosing to continue regular office hours. Always call or email before stopping at the church. Our contact information is on the front page of the bulletin (www.crpiusx.org/publications).
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March 16, 2020
Message from Archbishop Jackels, to the Catholic faithful of the Archdiocese of Dubuque, regarding the coronavirus
After consultation and considerable prayer, it has been decided – out of an abundance of caution and with devotion to the common good – to take steps aimed at slowing down the spread of the coronavirus, to flatten the curve, as they say, so as not to overburden the healthcare system.
Therefore, beginning on 19 March 2020 and until further notice, the following provisions have been taken:
- All public celebrations of Holy Mass are cancelled. All Catholics in the Archdiocese of Dubuque are dispensed from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass.
- The Chrism Mass will be celebrated, but with only the liturgical ministers present. The oils will be blessed, bottled, and distributed in some way to the parishes.
- During this time, the Archbishop will live stream a celebration of Holy Mass each Sunday, as well as the Chrism Mass (and the Triduum, if the situation has not changed by then), and will lead the Rosary each week on Thursday. Visit www.DBQArch.org for more information about these live streamed events.
- The existing schedule for Confirmation is cancelled (the Archbishop’s office will contact the parishes to reschedule).
- Funerals, Weddings and Baptisms may be held, but limited to the immediate family, or at least no more than 50 people present, according to the current CDC guidelines.
- Communal penance services should not be held. The present circumstances do not constitute the grave necessity required for use of general absolution. Private, one-on-one confession can be scheduled by appointment.
- All archdiocesan-sponsored events where 50+ people are gathered are cancelled.
Pray to God for speedy deliverance from the evil of the coronavirus, for those who are sick or who live in fear of infection, for those who care for the sick and elderly, for those whose lives and livelihood are adversely affected by the spread of the virus, and that we might all remain calm and confident in God’s wisdom, power, and goodness.
Conscious of our great need, and confident of God’s loving care, with the above intentions in mind, all the faithful of the Archdiocese of Dubuque are invited to join in a day of fast, abstinence, and prayer on Wednesday, 25 March 2020; this is voluntary, not obligatory.
On that day, people ordinarily bound on Ash Wednesday to fast (only one full meal, taking less at the other meals) and abstain from meat are invited to make those same sacrifices. And as far as prayer is concerned, the Rosary is recommended as a powerful prayer, prayed alone or with others.
God, come to our assistance. Lord, make haste to help us. Mary, health of the sick, pray for us. St. Raphael, patron of the Archdiocese of Dubuque, and patron of healing, pray for us.
Prayer of the Faithful
Prayer of the Faithful
Holy Thursday
April 9, 2020
Presider On this holy night, the Lord left us the commandment to love one another. We now extend our love to all our brothers and sisters as we present their needs to the Father.
For Pope Francis, Archbishop Jackels, and all priests and deacons who are called to be faithful witnesses to the example of Jesus. We pray to the Lord…
For nations throughout the world. For a commitment to peace. For all who temper justice with mercy. We pray to the Lord…
For those who daily wash the feet of others by their service and compassion. For all people of faith who hear God’s call to serve the poor with humility and love. We pray to the Lord…
For deeper unity among all Christians, an end to divisions, and a spirit of forgiveness and collaboration. We pray to the Lord…
For our parishioners who are unable to celebrate the Triduum liturgies here at our church. May our time apart make us even more grateful for the gifts of the Eucharist and each other. We pray to the Lord…
Presider Lord God, your son, Jesus Christ, demonstrates for us the way of perfect humility. Give us the strength to be like him in all that we do, serving both friend and foe. May these sacred days draw us into the mystery of his suffering, death, and Resurrection. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Prayer of the Faithful
The Easter Vigil in the Holy Night
April 11, 2020
Presider In the fullness of Easter joy, let us bring our needs and hopes to the God of Life.
For the Church throughout the world. May the power of Christ's resurrection transform all God's people, that we may live more fully the Good News of Jesus. We pray to the Lord…
For people whose lives are broken by hatred, war and oppression; and for leaders who will commit themselves to bringing peace to all nations. We pray to the Lord…
For Michelle, Jenny, and all who have received the Easter sacraments tonight. May their faith continue to deepen throughout their lives. We pray to the Lord…
For the faithful of our archdiocese who are unable to celebrate Triduum and Easter at their parish because of the coronavirus. United in baptism, may we now also be united in spirit and prayer. We pray to the Lord…
For the spiritual and physical well-being of all the sick. May they experience the healing power of the Risen Christ. We pray to the Lord…
For those who have died. May they rejoice in the reward of everlasting life. We pray to the Lord…
For the prayers we hold in our hearts. (pause) We pray to the Lord…
Presider Loving and compassionate God, by your Son’s Cross and Resurrection you have set us free. Easter’s light now shines upon us, to guide the path of your Church. Keep us faithful to our baptismal calling as we reveal by the witness of our lives that nothing has the power to destroy what your love seeks to redeem. May our hearts be filled with Easter joy. Through Christ our Risen Lord. Amen.
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Prayer of the Faithful
Easter Sunday
April 12, 2020
Presider Christ is Risen, and the power of His resurrection fills the world today with new life. With immense joy and gratitude, we lift our hearts to our loving God.
For the Church as it celebrates new life in the resurrection of our Lord. For Pope Francis and Archbishop Jackels, and for all God’s holy and priestly people. We pray to the Lord…
That the peace of the Risen Christ, which surpasses all understanding, will wash over our nation and world, bringing unity and harmony. We pray to the Lord…
For hearts of compassion to serve the hungry, the thirsty, the homeless, and the imprisoned. For those who live with depression and dwell in the darkness of the tomb. We pray to the Lord…
For an end to the pain, anxiety, and loneliness of all who are sick, home-bound, or hospitalized. For all those suffering from the coronavirus, and for all who are assisting them. We pray to the Lord…
For our deceased parishioners, relatives, and friends. May they find welcome in the Father’s house and fullness of life in Jesus. We pray to the Lord…
For the faithful of our archdiocese who are unable to celebrate Easter at their parish because of the coronavirus. United in baptism, may we now also be united in spirit and prayer. We pray to the Lord…
For the prayers we offer in silence. (pause) We pray to the Lord…
Presider Lord of life, Mary of Magdala was the first to behold your Son’s empty tomb. She ran off not knowing whether to fear or rejoice. Renew us in our Easter faith as we rejoice in your Son’s resurrection. May the whole world be enlightened by the promise of the Good News. Grant all our prayers, through Christ, our Risen Lord. Amen.
Homilies
Third Sunday of Lent - March 15, 2020 - Deacon John Kaufmann
Second Sunday of Lent - March 8, 2020 - Father Thompson
First Sunday of Lent - March 1, 2020 - Deacon Paul Zimmerman
Ash Wednesday - February 26, 2020 - Father Thompson
Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time - February 23, 2020 - Father Thompson
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time - February 16, 2020 Deacon Paul Zimmerman
Click for 2019 archived homilies
Blood donors make a difference.
Welcome!
If you are interested in joining our parish family or learning more about the parish, please fill out our online form. We will be in touch with you once the form is received! We look forward to having you join St. Pius X.
Calendar
Current Service Opportunities
Do you need service hours for school?
Are you looking to help out at your parish? Click here for service opportunities that are updated frequently.
Formed
2020 Stewardship
God asks everyone to become invested in their faith life. We can all do this by sharing in prayer, sharing our talents, and sharing financially. You are invited to plan your gift to God, giving back a fair and generous percentage of the blessings God has bestowed on you.
2020 Stewardship Survey
2020 Stewardship Book-Click here for detailed descriptions of each ministry opportunity
Metro Catholic Outreach
Metro Catholic Outreach is a collaborative project of the eleven Catholic Parishes of the Cedar Rapids Metro area. This outreach provides a food pantry, call center for referrals and assistance and emergency financial assistance to those in need in our area.
For further information, see the following link, or contact Cyndy Logue ([email protected] or 319-393-4445)
- Metro Catholic website
MCO "in the news" - November 2014
Click here to read Cedar Rapids Gazette Article - April 2014
GET MORE INVOLVED AT MASS!
Are you young, old, male, female, middle or high school,........... anyone looking for a way to be more involved at St. Pius? Try volunteering as an usher! We need friendly, helpful people who are willing to assist with the collection and communion at our weekend liturgies. No training is required; we let you “shadow” an usher once or twice to get the hang of it. After that, we’ll schedule you as often as you’d like at whichever Mass you prefer! (Our greatest needs are for the 4:30 and 10:30 Masses.) If you feel that God is calling you to serve your parish through this ministry, please contact Micaela in the Liturgy Office at 393-4445 or [email protected]. Team up with your husband/wife, son/daughter, mom/dad, Confirmation sponsor, friend, etc., and make this a fun way to share your time and talent!
RCIA
Adults enter into full communion with the Catholic Church through a process called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults or RCIA. Those who have not received baptism look forward to the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. We share Baptism with many other Christian traditions. In their case, preparation leads to Confirmation and Eucharist as they enter into full communion with the Catholic Church. Baptized Catholics who have not yet received Confirmation and First Communion may also prepare for these Sacraments through this process.
Here at St. Pius X, the process of study, prayer, and reflection will be on Sundays this fall, beginning in September 2019 and concluding after Easter. A parish companion will attend the sessions with you.
Inquirers will attend Sunday Mass as their faith journey occurs within a small, supportive group of other searching adults. On behalf of all the parish community, each individual will have a parish companion who attends and accompanies the candidate during religious rites important to the RCIA journey.
At the end of this process, the candidate will celebrate with the Parish upon receiving Baptism, Confirmation and Communion on Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday with their families as recognized members of the Catholic Church.
In addition, we are always looking for those interested in helping RCIA candidates along this journey home to the Catholic Faith. Whether speaking, hospitality, or mentoring, your living example of Catholicism is truly valued. Even if you are unable to join us for this ministry, know that your presence in the Faith can create a welcoming atmosphere to every parishioner.
If you would like to register, have questions or know someone who is interested in becoming a Catholic, please call Tony Lavorata at 393-4445x112 or send an email to [email protected].
Religious Education
Click here to register for 2019 - 2020 Religious Education
Click Here to Pay Online
(select Religious Education Tuition)
Click here for 2019 - 2020 K - 8 Religious Education Calendar
Staff
- Father Philip Thompson, Pastor
- Deacon Al Scharosch, Deacon
- Deacon Paul Zimmerman, Deacon
- Deacon Ron Ridder, Deacon
- Mary Swiderski, Secretary
- Melanie Martin-Trainor, Business Administrator
- Sandra Pickart, Director of Liturgy
- Michael Becker, Pastoral Associate
- Micaela Andrews, Liturgy Assistant
- Anthony Lavorata, Director of Faith Formation
- Cyndy Logue, Social Justice & Stewardship Coordinator
- Micaela Andrews, Coordinator of Youth Ministry & Confirmation
- Barb Miller, Catechetical Associate
Bible Search
Quick Links
Education • St. Pius School • Regis Middle School• Xavier High School • Xavier Foundation
Regional• St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church• Archdiocese of Dubuque • Iowa Catholic Conference
Religious• United States Conference of Catholic Bishops • The Holy See • Mass Times for Traveling Catholics • Mt. Calvary Cemetery
Other• Boy Scout Troop 42 (sponsored by St. Pius) • Boy Scout Pack 27 (sponsored by St. Pius) • Knights of Columbus