Volume 2 | Issue 15
Sunday, Jan. 11
- Adult Basketball (Evening) - Click to join Signal group here if interested
Monday, Jan. 12
- Spanish Club - Session A (After School)
- Homework Club (After School)
- Uniform Resale (Evening)
- Basketball Practice (After School & Evening)
- Littlest Knights Dance Team Practice (Evening)
Tuesday, Jan. 13
- Beginner & Intermediate Band Practice (During School)
- Advanced Band Practice (After School)
- Guitar Club (After School)
- Basketball Practice (After School & Evening)
- Marketing & Development Committee Meeting (Evening)
Wednesday, Jan. 14
- Student Mass - Wear Faith Family Colors (During School)
- Chess Club (Lunch/Recess)
- Homework Club (After School)
- Intermediate Band Practice (After School)
- Basketball Practice (After School & Evening)
Thursday, Jan. 15
- Gala & Fundraiser Auction Fundraiser Dress Down Day
- Pre In-School Field Trip - Miss Jamie from the Farm (During School)
- Advanced Spanish (Recess)
- Pre - 2nd Grade Christmas Concert
Friday, Jan. 16
- NO SCHOOL - TEACHERS' INSTITUTE DAY
- Advanced Band Practice (TBD)
- Beginner Band Practice 4th & 5th Grade (TBD)
- Home Basketball Games (Evening)
Saturday, Jan. 17
- Home Basketball Games w/ Knight Life Dance Troupe Performance (Afternoon)
The Knight's Watch
A New Year, A Steady Shield
The turning of the calendar has always carried a certain quiet power. Across history, new years were marked not just with celebration, but with reflection. The ancient Romans dedicated the month of January to Janus, the god with two faces—one looking back, one looking forward. Even then, people understood something we still wrestle with today: we cannot control everything that lies ahead, but we can choose how we step into it.
That truth feels especially fitting as we begin a new year together. Life will bring moments we did not plan—unexpected challenges, changes of pace, even disappointments. Much of that is beyond our reach. But what is within our control is our response. Our effort. Our attitude. Our commitment to grow.
That truth feels especially fitting as we begin a new year together. Life will bring moments we did not plan—unexpected challenges, changes of pace, even disappointments. Much of that is beyond our reach. But what is within our control is our response. Our effort. Our attitude. Our commitment to grow.
This is where resolutions come in—not as grand declarations meant to impress others, but as quiet promises made to ourselves. A promise to be more patient. More grateful. More intentional. For us as Knights, it may be a resolve to live with greater servitude, to carry peace into noisy spaces, or to show gratitude even when it’s easier to complain. These are small choices, made daily, that shape who we become.
As a Catholic community, we are reminded that we do not walk into this year alone. God asks us not to control the future, but to trust Him with it. Our task is simply to be faithful today—to do the next right thing, to love well, and to stand firm in our values even when the path ahead is unclear.
So as the new year begins, take up your shield with confidence. You don’t need to have every answer. You only need the courage to begin again, grounded in faith and guided by purpose.
Here’s to a new year of steady steps, faithful hearts, and Knights who choose growth over fear.
Stand watch. Stay faithful. Begin again.
— The Mighty Knight
— The Mighty Knight
Tracking Volunteer Hours at St. Pius X
Dear St. Pius X Parish Families,
As members of the St. Pius X Catholic Community—whether you are connected through the school, the parish, or both—we ask that all adult members log a minimum of 6 hours of volunteer service throughout the year. This shared commitment strengthens our mission, builds community, and ensures that the many programs and ministries of St. Pius X continue to thrive.
To make this easier and more organized, we are centralizing both volunteer opportunities and hour tracking within MobileServe. Within the platform, you will find a digital bulletin board of service opportunities, making it simple to see where help is needed and how you can get involved.
To give this aspect of our community a name and a home, we are officially introducing the St. Pius X Service Society. If opportunities are ever needed or questions arise regarding service expectations, you may reach out directly at servicesociety@stpiuslombard.org.
We will be using MobileServe to track all volunteer hours in one convenient location. Whether your service takes place through school events, athletics, parish ministries, or community outreach, all hours should be logged in MobileServe.
Attached is the MobileServe Getting Started Guide, which walks you through:
- Downloading the app
- Creating your account
- Joining the St. Pius X Adult Volunteers group
- Logging your hours accurately
Attachment: MobileServe Getting Started Guide for St. Pius X Adult Hours
Thank you for the many ways you support St. Pius X through service. Your time and generosity are a vital part of who we are as a Catholic community.
With gratitude,
Fr. Matt Nathan
Knightly News Feature:
Our Gala Site Is LIVE!
One of the most anticipated events of the St. Pius X school year is fast approaching—our Gala & Fundraiser Auction, a night where community, celebration, and purpose come together in true Knightly fashion.
The Gala is more than an evening out. It is a cornerstone event that directly supports the mission of St. Pius X Parish School, helping us bridge the gap between tuition and the true cost of providing a faith-filled, academically excellent education. From supporting programs and resources to investing in our students and staff, every bid placed and every paddle raised strengthens the future of our Knights.
As always, the Auction will feature a curated lineup of experiences, outings, and one-of-a-kind packages designed to bring families and friends together. And to kick things off in a big way, one item is already stealing the spotlight.
Featured Item:
Smile Big - A $5,000 Orthodontic Package from Dr. Andrew Clark 😁
A smile-worthy highlight of this year’s auction comes from Dr. Andrew Clark, a board-certified orthodontist with more than 15 years of experience—an achievement earned by only one in three orthodontists nationwide. Since opening his full-time practice on Main Street in downtown Lombard, Dr. Clark has been a steadfast supporter of the St. Pius X School Auction, generously donating each year since 2016. This incredible package includes an initial consultation, complete diagnostic records, full orthodontic treatment with metal or ceramic braces, retainers upon completion, and one full year of follow-up care—a comprehensive investment in a confident smile valued at over $5,000.
Our Gala plays a vital role in helping bridge the gap between tuition revenue and the true operating cost of our school. This year, we aim to raise more than $100,000 in net revenue to support our teachers, programs, and students. Your participation—whether through pre-sale items, attending the Gala, sponsoring, or donating—makes an enormous impact.
Visit the Gala site today to explore, bid, and purchase early items. Let’s kick off Gala season strong and make this a Derby night to remember!
The Week in Photos
This week was a whirlwind in the best way—but Friday was truly something special.
We were thrilled to welcome our friend Ana Belaval from WGN Morning News to St. Pius X, and what a morning it was. From school spirit filling the gym to joyful performances by our Knight Crew and Littlest Knights Dance Teams, our students showed Chicagoland exactly what it means to be a Knight.
Smiles, movement, faith, and community were on full display—capturing the heart of who we are. Here are a few moments from a Friday we won’t soon forget.
And a special shout out to Coach Sarah Canciller for coordinating this event for us!!!!
Dates to Remember
2026-27 School Year is Registration is
OPEN. Register Now!
Registration Fees increase by $50 February 1st!
(click to go to FACTS Family Portal)
Financial Aid Information from the
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools Office
Upcoming Events
Dads Club Watch Party
Chicago Wolves Family Night Out!
Gala & Fundraiser Auction
Knights of Columbus
Free Throw Contest
Meet Your St. Pius X
School Board
The St. Pius X Parish School Board works in partnership with our pastor and principal to support a long-term plan for the success of our school. Guided by our vision of Building Minds, Hearts, and Souls, the board is made up of school parents who serve in an advisory role, offering counsel, perspective, and support to help strengthen our faith-based community.
A key part of this work is listening. The board helps ensure that parent voices are heard and considered in school planning and priorities. In the coming weeks, families will receive invitations to participate in small-group listening sessions focused on key aspects of school life. The insights gathered will help inform our discussions with school leadership and guide future planning.
To learn more about the School Board, view meeting materials, or share feedback, visit our webpage on the school site or contact us anytime at schoolboard@stpiuslombard.org.
—Stephen Bannon, School Board President
Uniform Refresh Time
Is your student outgrowing their current uniform? Stop by the St. Pius PSA Uniform Resale to grab the next size up or find replacements for the rest of the school year. We’ll have gym uniforms and spirit wear available too!
Click here to volunteer
Click here to volunteer
When: Monday, Jan 12th | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Where: Room 201
Note: Cash or checks only!
Where: Room 201
Note: Cash or checks only!
Father–Daughter Sock Hop
St. Pius X is hosting a Father–Daughter Sock Hop on Friday, January 23 from 6:00–8:30 PM at the SPX Social Center! Get ready for an evening of dancing, music, and memories. Tickets can be purchased here
Catholic Schools Week:
As part of Catholic Schools Week, PSA will be treating parents to Donut Day on Friday, January 30, during morning drop-off (7:50–8:30 AM). Grab a donut, and start your day on a sweet note!
Chicago Wolves Family Night
St. Pius X families and friends are invited to a Chicago Wolves hockey game on Saturday, January 31, at 7:00 PM at Allstate Arena. Join us for an exciting night of school spirit and fun—tickets can be purchased here
St. Pius X families and friends are invited to a Chicago Wolves hockey game on Saturday, January 31, at 7:00 PM at Allstate Arena. Join us for an exciting night of school spirit and fun—tickets can be purchased here
- 1/23: Father Daughter Dance
- 1/30: Family Knight Out--Wolves Game
- ONGOING: Teacher Appreciation Campaign
Tomorrow, St. Pius X proudly continues a powerful Knights tradition as we host Hoops for the Troops, a day dedicated to service, gratitude, and community.
Now in its 7th consecutive year, Hoops for the Troops takes place during all home basketball games tomorrow, Saturday, January 10, beginning at 10:00am and continuing through the final game of the night in the SPX Social Center. While the games will be exciting, the heart of the day is something even bigger.
Throughout the day, we will be collecting donated items in support of the Fisher House at Hines VA, an organization that provides free lodging and support for families of veterans receiving medical care. Fisher House allows families to stay close to their loved ones during difficult times, easing both financial and emotional burdens.
This event is not a fundraiser, but a collection drive—an opportunity for our community to give back in a meaningful way. Families, fans, and visiting teams are encouraged to bring items to support this worthy cause and help show our gratitude to those who have served our country.
Adding to the energy of the day, the Knight Crew and Littlest Knights Dance Teams will perform special afternoon halftime performances, bringing extra spirit and celebration to an already special Knights tradition.
Hoops for the Troops is a reminder of who we are at St. Pius X—a community rooted in faith, service, and respect. We invite all families, alumni, and friends to join us tomorrow, cheer on the Knights, and help us honor our veterans in the best way we know how: together.
Basketball Season Update
If there’s one thing the St. Pius X Knights basketball season has proven so far, it’s that this group shows up every night ready to compete—sometimes learning the hard way, often flashing what’s possible, and always representing Pride in Pius.
Across all boys and girls teams, the Knights have logged 35 divisional games, compiling a combined 14–20–1 record. The numbers tell part of the story—but the growth, grit, and momentum tell the rest.
Boys Basketball: Setting the Pace
The boys programs have been a major bright spot midway through the season.
- Boys 7B and Boys 8B have been nothing short of dominant, each sitting undefeated in divisional play.
- 7B: 2–0 with a +18 point differential
- 8B: 3–0 with an impressive +33 point differential
- Boys 6A and 5A are right in the mix, both sporting 2–1 records and winning 67% of their games, showing consistency and toughness in competitive divisions.
- Boys 7A continues to battle nightly at .500, while Boys 8A, despite facing a challenging stretch, is gaining valuable experience that will pay dividends down the road.
Overall, the boys’ teams have shown strong scoring ability, highlighted by multiple teams averaging over 30 points per game, and a willingness to play hard, physical defense.
Girls Basketball: Building, Battling, Believing
The girls’ side continues to be defined by perseverance and progress.
- Girls 7A and Girls 6A have been in close contests throughout the season, learning how to finish games and compete possession by possession.
- Girls 8A has shown offensive firepower, scoring 91 points so far, and remains competitive in every outing.
- Girls 6B, with a tie on the books, has been tested early and often—experience that will only strengthen them as the season continues.
While the wins may not yet reflect the effort, the improvement from week to week is evident. These teams are laying a foundation built on resilience, teamwork, and confidence.
The Big Picture
As a school, the Knights have scored 615 points this season, a testament to our athletes’ effort and commitment. More importantly, every team is learning what it means to compete the right way—supporting teammates, responding to adversity, and wearing the black and gold with pride.
The second half of the season is where growth turns into results. With league play tightening and tournaments ahead, expect these Knights to keep pushing, improving, and surprising people along the way.
Win or learn—either way, the Knights are moving forward together.
Strength in Faith. Pride in Play. 🏀⚔️
Strength in Faith. Pride in Play. 🏀⚔️
Youth Ministry is Alive and Thriving at SPX!
Youth ministry, you might ask? What exactly IS youth ministry? Youth ministry offers a safe space for teens in our parish to come & gather to learn more about our Catholic faith. Is it like religion class? No, not exactly. The teens develop fellowship, are openly encouraged to ask questions about our faith, dig a little deeper into Catholicism, and have a new outlet to hang out in. They will learn more about who they are, their relationship with God, and gain faith encounters and experiences they may otherwise miss out on. Give YM a try - ya never know what God has planned for YOU!
Contact Gina at gwiedman@spxlombard.org to find out more.
