St. Pius X Catholic Church

History

     July 12, 1957, St Pius X started with 315 original families from St. Peter's Prince of the Apostles and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church of Selma.

     The First Parish Orientation produced an enthusiastic gathering which immediately began laying the groundwork for the organization of The Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, the Parish Block System and the Parish Council for men, women and youth.

     The first Parish Council of Catholic Women meeting was held on September 15, 1957 which included 440 families.

    A special Mass was held on September 17, 1957, honoring St. Pius X, the patron saint of the parish.

   In July, 1959, St Pius X Parish had the privilege of participating in a Mass at a portable altar facing the people - the first such mass in San Antonio.

    St. Pius X School opened its doors for the first time on September 3, 1959.

    The first parish organizations were the Parent Teacher Club, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Religious Education Program, the Legion of Mary and an involved Youth Group.

    The first Parish Board (Parish Pastoral Council) was formed on May 16, 1966.

    Our first Lay Parish Administrator was named in 1967, and in 1968 our Folk Group was formed.

     In 1972 the first School Board was organized, and the Parent-Teacher Club became the Home and School Organization.

    August, 1974, was the date our first permanent deacon was ordained.

    The first Arts and Crafts Festival was held in October of 1975.

    A residence for the priests was purchased in 1976, and ground-breaking for the permanent church was held November 28, 1976.

    On August 21, 1977, the six day celebration and dedication of the permanent church began.

     The Senior Citizens Group was formed in February, 1978, and 1979 brought many firsts. The Family Ministry was organized, and they began the Friendship Sunday Coffee, the Pot-Luck Suppers, the Parish Family Celebration, Families for Prayer and the Weekend Family Retreats.

     In 1979 our full-time Coordinator of Religious Education was appointed which led to the organization of the Young Group and the Summer Children's Program.

     Maneth Hall was dedicated on August 21, 1980, and the Children's Choir was organized in 1981.

     St. Martin-of-the Fields, also known as the Arboreans, was started in 1981; they are dedicated to beautifying the grounds of St. Pius X.

     The grotto, located adjacent to the church, was dedicated September 8, 1986.

     The Children's Plaza, located between St. Pius X School, Maneth Hall, and the Family Center, was dedicated on October 6, 1996.

     The blessing of the Millennium Cross took place on January 9, 2000.

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Father Rhin's letter

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