Volume 2 | Issue 16
Sunday, Jan. 18
- Athletes' Mass - 10am
- Adult Basketball (Evening) - Click to join Signal group here if interested
Monday, Jan. 19
- NO SCHOOL - MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY
- Basketball Practices (Evening)
Tuesday, Jan. 20
- Beginner & Intermediate Band Practice (During School)
- Advanced Band Practice (After School)
- Guitar Club (After School)
- Basketball Practice (After School & Evening)
Wednesday, Jan. 21
- 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. 22
- Gala & Fundraiser Auction Fundraiser Dress Down Day
- Pre In-School Field Trip - Miss Jamie from the Farm (During School)
- Advanced Spanish (Recess)
- Knight Crew Practice (After School)
- Basketball Practice (Evening)
Friday, Jan. 23
- Advanced Band Practice (During School)
- Beginner Band Practice 4th & 5th Grade (After School)
- Home Basketball Games (Evening)
Saturday, Jan. 24
- Home Basketball Games w/ Knight Life Dance Troupe Performance (Afternoon)
A Letter from the Principal
Dear Parents,
After much prayerful reflection, I wish to share with you that I will be retiring as Principal of our beloved school at the end of this academic year. Serving this faith-filled community has been both an honor and a blessing, and I am deeply grateful for the trust and support you have shown me throughout my tenure.
It has been a privilege to witness your children grow not only academically, but also in their faith and character. Together, we have built a strong foundation rooted in Catholic values, and I am confident that the school will continue to flourish in the years to come. I will cherish the memories and relationships formed here and will keep each of you in my prayers.
Thank you for your partnership, encouragement, and commitment to our school’s mission. May God bless you and your families always.
With gratitude and warm regards,
-Dennis Owen
Catholic Schools Weeks
Sun, Jan. 25 - Sat. Jan. 31
The PSA and SPX Student Council have partnered to create a thoughtful and energetic plan for Catholic Schools Week, celebrating all that makes St. Pius X so special. From January 25–31, 2026, their collaboration will highlight our school’s faith-filled culture, strong sense of community, and commitment to excellence through meaningful activities that engage students, families, and parishioners.
Guided by the national theme Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community, their plan reflects the heart of Catholic education—bringing people together to celebrate learning, service, and shared values—while proudly showcasing what makes St. Pius X a place worth discovering and celebrating.
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.
This week's features:
A True Knight at the Races
And they’re off! One of the most entertaining feature activities at this year’s St. Pius X Gala and Fundraiser Auction will be our Kentucky Derby–style horse racing experience.
Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy three thrilling races, each featuring between 18 and 20 horses. Every race will include official post positions and odds, giving guests the chance to study the field, trust their instincts, and place their bets.
Here’s how it works: each bid on a horse is a flat $20, and each horse is capped at a maximum of 10 bids. Once the race begins, it’s all about cheering your horse down the stretch and hoping they cross the finish line first.
Winners of each race will be rewarded in true Kentucky fashion with a custom, St. Pius X–branded bottle of Maker's Mark Bourbon — a perfect keepsake and a great way to toast a winning pick.
Fast-paced, high-energy, and full of friendly competition, the Gala races are sure to be a highlight of the night. Whether you’re feeling lucky or just in it for the fun, this is one feature you won’t want to miss.
Horseshoe Tournament
We are also offering several pre-auction items that are a great way to get the excitement started early. One fan favorite is the Horseshoe Tournament, which combines friendly competition with a great cause.
Enter the Horseshoe Tournament here:
http://e.givesmart.com/events/KD8/page/horseraces/
http://e.givesmart.com/events/KD8/page/horseraces/
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!
Battle of the Books:
Team Up and Get Reading
St. Pius X students in grades 3–8 are invited to participate in Battle of the Books, an exciting reading incentive program that combines teamwork, competition, and a love of literature.
Students form their own teams of 6–8 members, grouped by grade level, choose a creative team name, and select a parent volunteer to serve as their coach. Teams work together to divide and read a diverse list of books, preparing through group meetings leading up to the competition.
Team roster forms must be completed and returned to the school office by Friday, January 23, 2026. This allows teams to receive their official book lists and begin preparing for the event.
The Battle of the Books competition will take place on May 1 from 3:15–5:00pm in the Social Center, featuring head-to-head rounds where teams answer questions based on the books they’ve read.
Battle of the Books is a fun and meaningful way for students to build reading skills, collaboration, and confidence. We look forward to seeing our Knights team up and dive into great books this spring.
The Week in Photos
This week our Preschool Little Knights enjoyed a lively in-school field trip with Miss Jamie’s Farm, a fun and interactive music and movement experience that brought the farm right into our classrooms. Miss Jamie, a professional singer, storyteller, and children’s performer with a love for animals and nature, led our students in song, dance, and imaginative play that had the whole room buzzing with excitement.
Throughout her program, Miss Jamie engaged our preschoolers with familiar and original songs, puppet farm friends, and playful activities that encouraged participation and joyful learning. The children sang, danced, and giggled as they learned about farm life, healthy eating, animals, and the world around them. Her musical storytime style made learning feel like play, and it was clear from all the smiles that our Little Knights had an unforgettable time.
Plenty of photos and videos from the day show our preschoolers singing along, stomping their feet, waving their arms, and fully immersed in the fun. These moments of joy and connection reflect the heart of our early childhood program—where curiosity, creativity, and community come together in meaningful ways.
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
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:
Dine Out for St. Pius at Culver’s! Mark your calendars! Join us on Wednesday, January 28th, from 5:00–8:00 pm at the Lombard Culver’s (1155 S. Main St.). Come say hi to your favorite St. Pius teachers and staff, who will be running food to your car and tables! Best of all, 20% of all sales will be donated directly back to our school. See you there for ButterBurgers and Custard!
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
Knight Life Performance
Join us during halftime on 1/17 during the 4:00 PM game for our Adult Dance Troupe performance of “Confetti”!
Cliff Notes:
A girl walks into a party, hoping to have a good time—but quickly realizes she feels out of place and everyone there seems a little crazy! Will she still enjoy herself? Come find out!
Choreography by our very own Fr. Matt!
Don’t miss out!
Basketball Season Update
As we pass the midpoint of the winter season, St. Pius X Knights Basketball continues to show grit, growth, and competitive spirit across all grade levels. With divisional play well underway, our teams are gaining valuable experience and setting the foundation for a strong finish to the season.
Boys Basketball Highlights
The boys program has delivered several standout performances so far this winter.
- Boys 7B has been a major bright spot, sitting undefeated at 4–0 with a perfect divisional record. The team has outscored opponents 88–49, showcasing strong teamwork and disciplined play.
- Boys 7A continues to impress with a 3–1 record, a strong +61 point differential, and consistent offensive production.
- Boys 8B is holding steady at 4–2, finding success in divisional matchups and building momentum as the season progresses.
- Boys 5A and 6A are both right in the mix at 3–2, competing hard in closely contested games and showing steady improvement.
- Boys 8A has faced a tough schedule but continues to battle and gain experience that will pay dividends later in the season.
Girls Basketball Progress
The girls teams are embracing the grind of the season and showing determination as they continue to develop.
- Girls 8A leads the way for the program with a 2–4 record, playing competitive games and staying within striking distance in several matchups.
- Girls 6A and 7A continue to fight through challenging divisions, gaining confidence and learning what it takes to compete at a high level.
- Girls 5A and 6B have shown resilience, with younger teams building skills, chemistry, and game awareness that will serve them well moving forward.
By the Numbers
Across all teams, the Knights have:
- 22 total wins in divisional play
- 998 points scored as a program
- Nearly 60 games played, reflecting the depth and breadth of our basketball program
While records tell part of the story, the true success of the season lies in the effort, sportsmanship, and growth displayed by our student-athletes each week.
With several weeks still ahead, the Knights are focused on finishing strong, continuing to improve, and representing St. Pius X with pride every time they take the court.
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.
