Volume 2 | Issue 25
Sunday, Mar. 22
- Full Choir at 10am Mass (Arrive at 9:30)
- Adult Basketball - Click to join Signal group here if interested
Monday, Mar. 23
- CANCELLED Homework Club (After School)
Tuesday, Mar. 24
- Beginner & Intermediate Band Practice (During School)
- Advanced Band Practice (After School)
- Student Mass
- CANCELLED Homework Club (After School)
- Intermediate Band Practice (After School)
Thursday, Mar. 26
- "Amigos" Conversational Spanish Club - Optional for Grades 6-8 (Recess)
Friday, Mar. 27
- TEACHERS' INSTITUTE DAY - NO SCHOOL
Saturday, Mar. 28
- SPRING BREAK BEGINS
- Observance of Earth Hour (Last Saturday in March): Global event taking place at 8:30pm in which non-essential lights are turned off for one hour. Light some candles, spend time with the family, reflect on environmental impact. Share your experience on the Parents of St. Pius X Parish School Facebook Group HERE.
The Knight's Watch
The Statistically Impossible Miracle
There was a recent headline, 'At the edge of what we thought possible': Astronomers find extremely rare star from ancient universe.
It's always amazing when something rare and statistically impossible is discovered in the cosmos.
But sometimes it’s worth stepping back and realizing something astonishing about your own lives:
The simple fact that you exist at all is statistically almost impossible.
Scientists estimate there are roughly 10⁸⁰ atoms in the observable universe. That number is so large it’s hard to imagine—10 with 80 zeros after it. Every star, every planet, every grain of sand, every drop of water is made up of those atoms.
Yet the odds of you—exactly you—coming together through history are even more staggering.
For you to exist, thousands of ancestors had to live, meet, and pass life forward through generations. Just 20 generations back (about 500 years), it took over one million individual ancestors whose lives and decisions all had to align perfectly for you to be here.
One missed meeting.
One different decision.
One generation that never happened.
And you would not exist.
Some researchers have tried to estimate the probability of your specific genetic combination occurring. One commonly cited estimate suggests the odds of your exact existence are roughly 1 in 10²,⁶⁸⁵,⁰⁰⁰.
That number is so large it dwarfs the number of atoms in the universe.
In other words, you are more improbable than almost anything we can measure in nature.
Albert Einstein once reflected on this sense of wonder when he said:
“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”
From a faith perspective, that realization points somewhere deeper. Life is not just a lucky roll of cosmic dice—it is a gift from God, entrusted to each of us.
So maybe the better response to life isn’t constant criticism of ourselves or endless comparison with others.
Maybe it’s gratitude.
Take in the sunrise.
Notice the sunset.
Spend time with family.
Laugh with friends.
Pray.
Serve others.
And remember that every person you encounter carries the same astonishing rarity you do.
In a universe filled with stars and galaxies, a human life is one of the rarest things that can exist.
Which means the person reading this right now is, quite literally,
a statistically impossible miracle.
-The Mighty Knight
That number is so large it dwarfs the number of atoms in the universe.
In other words, you are more improbable than almost anything we can measure in nature.
Albert Einstein once reflected on this sense of wonder when he said:
“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”
From a faith perspective, that realization points somewhere deeper. Life is not just a lucky roll of cosmic dice—it is a gift from God, entrusted to each of us.
So maybe the better response to life isn’t constant criticism of ourselves or endless comparison with others.
Maybe it’s gratitude.
Take in the sunrise.
Notice the sunset.
Spend time with family.
Laugh with friends.
Pray.
Serve others.
And remember that every person you encounter carries the same astonishing rarity you do.
In a universe filled with stars and galaxies, a human life is one of the rarest things that can exist.
Which means the person reading this right now is, quite literally,
a statistically impossible miracle.
-The Mighty Knight
Spring Extracurricular Enrichment Opportunities
BRICKS4KIDZ - LEGO® Engineering Adventures Spring Session! (Grades K-5)
In this 6-week session students will experience hands-on engineering fundamentals as they construct motorized machines using LEGO® bricks and components! This session will introduce brand new exciting models and lessons for the students to enjoy! Our one-of-a-kind technic LEGO® kits and model plans incorporate gears, beams, axles, bricks, motors & batteries packs! The students will explore a variety of STEM related topics during each weeks engaging lessons. Each session this school year will be unique with different lessons and models for the kids to construct. Every week the students will work to engineer a different motorized moving LEGO® machine! The students will explore the mechanics with each machine and how it works! Don’t miss out! Please join us as we learn, build, and play with LEGO® bricks!! Limited spots are available, please visit us online to register today! **Students can bring a nut-free snack to class each week**
Grades: K– 4
Dates: (Thursdays) April 9 - May 14 (6-weeks)
Time: 3:15PM – 4:15PM
Rate: $115/ 6-Week Session
Min/Max: 12/18
In this 6-week session students will experience hands-on engineering fundamentals as they construct motorized machines using LEGO® bricks and components! This session will introduce brand new exciting models and lessons for the students to enjoy! Our one-of-a-kind technic LEGO® kits and model plans incorporate gears, beams, axles, bricks, motors & batteries packs! The students will explore a variety of STEM related topics during each weeks engaging lessons. Each session this school year will be unique with different lessons and models for the kids to construct. Every week the students will work to engineer a different motorized moving LEGO® machine! The students will explore the mechanics with each machine and how it works! Don’t miss out! Please join us as we learn, build, and play with LEGO® bricks!! Limited spots are available, please visit us online to register today! **Students can bring a nut-free snack to class each week**
Grades: K– 4
Dates: (Thursdays) April 9 - May 14 (6-weeks)
Time: 3:15PM – 4:15PM
Rate: $115/ 6-Week Session
Min/Max: 12/18
SKY CENTERS MARTIAL ARTS
Two week martial arts character education course on campus at St. Pius X! Students will learn powerful life skills, martial art basics and the best way to burn off energy! All proceeds are donated back to St. Pius X School.
Grades: K–8
Dates: (Mon/Wed) April 20, April 22, April 27 & April 29. Graduation is held at Sky Centers on May 2nd.
Time: 3:15PM – 3:45PM
Rate: $29
Two week martial arts character education course on campus at St. Pius X! Students will learn powerful life skills, martial art basics and the best way to burn off energy! All proceeds are donated back to St. Pius X School.
Grades: K–8
Dates: (Mon/Wed) April 20, April 22, April 27 & April 29. Graduation is held at Sky Centers on May 2nd.
Time: 3:15PM – 3:45PM
Rate: $29
iCOOK - SUPERHERO SUPERFOODS
Our young chefs-in-training will whip up superhero-worthy dishes packed with delicious, nutritious superfoods! From vitamins to antioxidants to protein powerhouses, kids will discover ingredients that fuel their bodies for peak performance. Through hands-on cooking, they’ll master kitchen safety and fundamental techniques like peeling, breading, blending, melting, slicing, dicing, and chopping. Favorite recipes like berry crumble, stuffed mushrooms, veggie tots, veggie pizza, and more make every class a tasty adventure, inspiring kids to create healthy meals that make them feel like real-life superheroes!
WHERE: St. Pius X School
WHEN: 3:20pm-4:20pm
DAY: Tuesdays
GRADES: K-4th
COST: $138
Our young chefs-in-training will whip up superhero-worthy dishes packed with delicious, nutritious superfoods! From vitamins to antioxidants to protein powerhouses, kids will discover ingredients that fuel their bodies for peak performance. Through hands-on cooking, they’ll master kitchen safety and fundamental techniques like peeling, breading, blending, melting, slicing, dicing, and chopping. Favorite recipes like berry crumble, stuffed mushrooms, veggie tots, veggie pizza, and more make every class a tasty adventure, inspiring kids to create healthy meals that make them feel like real-life superheroes!
WHERE: St. Pius X School
WHEN: 3:20pm-4:20pm
DAY: Tuesdays
GRADES: K-4th
COST: $138
The Week in Photos
It was a memorable and meaningful week at St. Pius X Parish School, filled with moments that highlighted the faith, learning, and community that define who we are.
Our student musicians took center stage during this week’s band concert, showcasing their hard work and dedication. Their performance was a testament to the commitment of our students and the strength of our fine arts program.
We also witnessed an incredible act of generosity as Montini Catholic High School delivered a large donation to support our St. Vincent de Paul Pantry. Seeing students come together in service of others is a powerful reminder of our shared mission to live out our faith through action.
Our student musicians took center stage during this week’s band concert, showcasing their hard work and dedication. Their performance was a testament to the commitment of our students and the strength of our fine arts program.
We also witnessed an incredible act of generosity as Montini Catholic High School delivered a large donation to support our St. Vincent de Paul Pantry. Seeing students come together in service of others is a powerful reminder of our shared mission to live out our faith through action.
It was great to welcome several alumni back to St. Pius X this week. Their visits are always special, reinforcing the lifelong connection our students have with this community—once a Knight, always a Knight.
The week included joyful celebrations of both St. Patrick’s Day and the Solemnity of St. Joseph, bringing faith and fun together in our classrooms and hallways.
A special hands-on learning moment came when Mr. and Mrs. Gamboa brought their new chicks in for Mrs. Kaefer’s class. Experiences like these create lasting memories and bring learning to life in a unique way.
In the classroom, Mrs. Igoe’s students continued their journey “around the world,” adding a creative twist by painting their own versions of the Mona Lisa. Meanwhile, our 4th graders stepped back in time during their field trip to Naper Settlement, gaining a deeper appreciation for history through immersive learning.
Our liturgical dancers continued their preparations through practice, using their talents to serve our faith community, while our students gathered in prayer for the Stations of the Cross, reflecting on the Lenten season with reverence and purpose.
From academic exploration to faith formation, service to celebration, this week was a beautiful example of what it means to be part of the St. Pius X community—building minds, hearts, and souls.
The week included joyful celebrations of both St. Patrick’s Day and the Solemnity of St. Joseph, bringing faith and fun together in our classrooms and hallways.
A special hands-on learning moment came when Mr. and Mrs. Gamboa brought their new chicks in for Mrs. Kaefer’s class. Experiences like these create lasting memories and bring learning to life in a unique way.
In the classroom, Mrs. Igoe’s students continued their journey “around the world,” adding a creative twist by painting their own versions of the Mona Lisa. Meanwhile, our 4th graders stepped back in time during their field trip to Naper Settlement, gaining a deeper appreciation for history through immersive learning.
Our liturgical dancers continued their preparations through practice, using their talents to serve our faith community, while our students gathered in prayer for the Stations of the Cross, reflecting on the Lenten season with reverence and purpose.
From academic exploration to faith formation, service to celebration, this week was a beautiful example of what it means to be part of the St. Pius X community—building minds, hearts, and souls.
Tracking Volunteer Hours at St. Pius X
All St. Pius X adult members — school and parish — are asked to complete a minimum of 6 volunteer hours each year to help support and strengthen our community.
Volunteer opportunities and hour tracking are now centralized through MobileServe. The platform includes a digital bulletin board of service opportunities and will serve as the official place to log all volunteer hours, whether through school events, athletics, parish ministries, or outreach efforts.
This initiative is now formally known as the St. Pius X Service Society. For questions about service expectations or opportunities, contact servicesociety@stpiuslombard.org
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A MobileServe Getting Started Guide is attached with instructions for downloading the app, creating an account, joining the St. Pius X Adult Volunteers group, and logging hours accurately.
Volunteer opportunities and hour tracking are now centralized through MobileServe. The platform includes a digital bulletin board of service opportunities and will serve as the official place to log all volunteer hours, whether through school events, athletics, parish ministries, or outreach efforts.
This initiative is now formally known as the St. Pius X Service Society. For questions about service expectations or opportunities, contact servicesociety@stpiuslombard.org
.
A MobileServe Getting Started Guide is attached with instructions for downloading the app, creating an account, joining the St. Pius X Adult Volunteers group, and logging hours accurately.
Current Families Register Now!
2026-27 School Year is Registration is OPEN.
(click to go to FACTS Family Portal)
Financial Aid Information from the
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools Office
Additional Upcoming Events
SPX Summer Care is a weekly summer program for children ages 3-5, offered over 11 weeks this summer (with the exception of June 28-July 3 due to parking lot work and school deep cleaning).
Each themed week is filled with hands-on activities, creative play, outdoor fun, and faith-filled moments - all led by our trusted SPX staff in a safe, nurturing environment.
The program runs Monday-Friday from 8:30 AM-3:00 PM and offers flexible week-by-week registration. Whether you need full summer coverage or just a few "Mom's Free Days," SPX Summer Care is a joyful and convenient option for your family.
Please we aware that:
- You child must be registered at St. Pius X Parish School for the 2026-27 school year.
- Space is limited. Your spot is not held until you complete the online registration and pay
- Children must be potty trained to attend.
- Limit of 20 students per week
- $250 per week
SPX Athletics Summer Camps Announced
St. Pius X Athletics is excited to offer a full lineup of Summer Camps for students of all ages, providing opportunities for young Knights to stay active, build skills, and have fun throughout the summer.
The season begins with Intro to Sports Camp (June 1–5) for students in Kindergarten through 4th grade, focusing on fundamental athletic skills, coordination, and teamwork. Young dancers can join Intro to Dance Camp (June 8–11) for students entering Pre-4 through 1st grade, introducing the basics of dance in a fun and welcoming environment.
Athletes can continue developing their skills at Volleyball Camp (June 22–26) for grades 3–8 and Basketball Camp (July 13–17) for grades 3–8, both emphasizing skill development, gameplay, and teamwork.
Dancers entering grades 2–8 can participate in Dance Technique Camp, held on select evenings from July 9 through August 13, focusing on building technique and preparing for future performances.
The summer concludes with Strength & Conditioning Camp (July 20–24) for grades 5–8, designed to help students improve strength, agility, endurance, and overall athletic performance.
These camps provide a great opportunity for students to stay active, develop new skills, and enjoy the spirit of St. Pius X Athletics all summer long.
St. Pius X Athletics is excited to offer a full lineup of Summer Camps for students of all ages, providing opportunities for young Knights to stay active, build skills, and have fun throughout the summer.
The season begins with Intro to Sports Camp (June 1–5) for students in Kindergarten through 4th grade, focusing on fundamental athletic skills, coordination, and teamwork. Young dancers can join Intro to Dance Camp (June 8–11) for students entering Pre-4 through 1st grade, introducing the basics of dance in a fun and welcoming environment.
Athletes can continue developing their skills at Volleyball Camp (June 22–26) for grades 3–8 and Basketball Camp (July 13–17) for grades 3–8, both emphasizing skill development, gameplay, and teamwork.
Dancers entering grades 2–8 can participate in Dance Technique Camp, held on select evenings from July 9 through August 13, focusing on building technique and preparing for future performances.
The summer concludes with Strength & Conditioning Camp (July 20–24) for grades 5–8, designed to help students improve strength, agility, endurance, and overall athletic performance.
These camps provide a great opportunity for students to stay active, develop new skills, and enjoy the spirit of St. Pius X Athletics all summer long.
St. Pius X at the Lombard Lilac Parade!
Calling all dancers, athletes, scouts, band members, and more! St. Pius X is excited to announce our participation in the Lombard Lilac Parade on May 17th! This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our school pride and bring the St. Pius X community together for a fun and memorable event! Sign up by May 1st.
Stay tuned for more details on how you can get involved, what to expect, and how we’ll represent St. Pius X in this beloved local tradition. We can’t wait to see our students, families, and friends coming together to make this a fantastic day!
Mark your calendars and get ready to march with us on May 17th!!! Theme: Happy 250th Birthday America! For questions, please email spxdance@aol.com
Stay tuned for more details on how you can get involved, what to expect, and how we’ll represent St. Pius X in this beloved local tradition. We can’t wait to see our students, families, and friends coming together to make this a fantastic day!
Mark your calendars and get ready to march with us on May 17th!!! Theme: Happy 250th Birthday America! For questions, please email spxdance@aol.com
Behind the scenes at St. Pius X Parish School, a dedicated group of parents and parishioners works to help guide the continued success of our community—the School Board.
The St. Pius X School Board serves in an advisory role to the Pastor and Principal, collaborating to support the overall direction and growth of the school. Their focus is simple but impactful: to ensure that every decision made benefits our students and strengthens the future of St. Pius X.
The St. Pius X School Board serves in an advisory role to the Pastor and Principal, collaborating to support the overall direction and growth of the school. Their focus is simple but impactful: to ensure that every decision made benefits our students and strengthens the future of St. Pius X.
Spring is just around the corner, and the PSA has a packed calendar to keep our community buzzing! Please take a moment to review the exciting events we have coming up over the next few weeks.
Portillo’s Give-Back Night
Looking for a night off from cooking? Join us on March 24th at the Portillo’s in Downers Grove between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Whether you dine in or order online using the code PORTILLOS7, 20% of the proceeds will go directly back to our school!
Savers Clothing Drive – April 14th & 15th As you start your spring cleaning, please keep our Savers Clothing Drive in mind! Donations will be collected on April 14th and 15th. We are aiming for a 5,000-pound goal this year to support our programs. To help us determine what size truck to rent, please pledge how many bags you plan to donate.
Pledge here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/savers2026#/
Mother-Son Event at Dave & Buster’s Join us on Sunday, April 19th (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM) for an afternoon of gaming and a full lunch buffet! Tickets include a $20 Power Card and Unlimited Video Games for just $80 per couple ($35 per additional son).
Purchase tickets here: https://26motherson.give
Deadline: Sales close Monday, April 13th. Please note that no walk-ins are allowed. You can also register by scanning the QR code on the flyer or visiting the school website.
Portillo’s Give-Back Night
Looking for a night off from cooking? Join us on March 24th at the Portillo’s in Downers Grove between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Whether you dine in or order online using the code PORTILLOS7, 20% of the proceeds will go directly back to our school!
Savers Clothing Drive – April 14th & 15th As you start your spring cleaning, please keep our Savers Clothing Drive in mind! Donations will be collected on April 14th and 15th. We are aiming for a 5,000-pound goal this year to support our programs. To help us determine what size truck to rent, please pledge how many bags you plan to donate.
Pledge here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/savers2026#/
Mother-Son Event at Dave & Buster’s Join us on Sunday, April 19th (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM) for an afternoon of gaming and a full lunch buffet! Tickets include a $20 Power Card and Unlimited Video Games for just $80 per couple ($35 per additional son).
Purchase tickets here: https://26motherson.give
Deadline: Sales close Monday, April 13th. Please note that no walk-ins are allowed. You can also register by scanning the QR code on the flyer or visiting the school website.
Teacher Appreciation Campaign
Let’s show some extra love to our teachers and staff! Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated and go directly toward activities like lunches, treats, and more. Contribute to the Teacher Appreciation Campaign
Let’s show some extra love to our teachers and staff! Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated and go directly toward activities like lunches, treats, and more. Contribute to the Teacher Appreciation Campaign
The SPX Service Society connects members of our St. Pius X community with meaningful opportunities to serve one another. When a need arises within our school or parish community, we share it — giving families, students, and parishioners a simple and organized way to step in and lend a hand.
Helping counts toward your St. Pius X volunteer hours! Remember to log in MobileServe (see article above, "Tracking Volunteer Hours")
Helping counts toward your St. Pius X volunteer hours! Remember to log in MobileServe (see article above, "Tracking Volunteer Hours")
PSA Needs Help!
We can always use help with our events. We are currently looking for help with our remaining 2025-26 school year events. Please check the tabs at the top of the page at the link below.
We can always use help with our events. We are currently looking for help with our remaining 2025-26 school year events. Please check the tabs at the top of the page at the link below.
Volunteers Needed: Palm Sunday & Easter Church Setup
The SPX Art & Environment Ministry is looking for student volunteers to help prepare the church for Palm Sunday and Easter. Help decorate and transform our worship space as we enter Holy Week.
The SPX Art & Environment Ministry is looking for student volunteers to help prepare the church for Palm Sunday and Easter. Help decorate and transform our worship space as we enter Holy Week.
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.
We’d like to share with you some our upcoming events in the next two months. Flyers with additional information are attached below.
Sunday Afternoon with the Sisters : Sunday, March 22, 2026
Ss. Peter and Paul Parish @ 2:00pm to 3:30pm
For women ages 12-35
(Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult)
Mundelein Seminary (Time TBD)
For young men (grades 7-10)
Seoul, Korea (Optional pre-tour of South Korea and optional post-tour of Vietnam)
Sunday Afternoon with the Sisters : Sunday, March 22, 2026
Ss. Peter and Paul Parish @ 2:00pm to 3:30pm
For women ages 12-35
(Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult)
- Saints Peter and Paul Parish is honored to welcome Mother Assumpta and Sister Joseph Andrew of the Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist. Mother Assumpta and Sister Joseph Andrew will be hosting a luncheon for women ages 12-35 and will be speaking about vocations for women in the Church. They will also be sharing stories of their own discernment and the background of their religious community.
Mundelein Seminary (Time TBD)
For young men (grades 7-10)
- The Diocese of Joliet Department of Vocations is thrilled to invite young men (grades 7-10) for our annual Jeremiah Day. Join us for a day for a day of exploring, prayer, and games with our Joliet Seminarians currently studying at Mundelein Seminary. Learn more about what being in Seminary is like at Jeremiah Day!
Seoul, Korea (Optional pre-tour of South Korea and optional post-tour of Vietnam)
- The Diocese of Joliet is inviting all young adults(must be 18 by July 1, 2027)for World Youth Day in Seoul, Korea! Join us as we take part in the largest gathering young Catholics in the world. This pilgrimage offers an extensive tour of South Korea and also offers an option for a pre-tour to see more of South Korea, as well as a post-tour in Vietnam. Don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity! Proceeds from our pilgrimages are used to support our office as well as the seminarians during their formation. The vocations office is always looking for ways to support our diocesan young adults in their journeys, if you’re unable to join us at World Youth day but you are interested in sponsoring or contributing to the young adults desire to join us, you can call our office at 815-221-6171 or you can email us atvocations@dioceseofjoliet.org
