About Saint Pius X · Rock Island, Illinois
St. Pius X is a Roman Catholic parish of the Diocese of Peoria located at 2502 29th Avenue in Rock Island, Illinois. Established on June 7, 1955, the parish was created to serve the growing Catholic community in south Rock Island and has remained a stewardship parish centered on the Eucharist and the sacraments. Today it is served by Conventual Franciscan (OFM Conv.) priests — Father Witold Adamczyk as pastor and two associate priests — together with four permanent deacons and a strong lay staff. St. Pius X is known for its unique mid-century church architecture, its relics of St. Pius X in the altar, Chartres stained glass, perpetual Eucharistic Adoration, and a vibrant mix of faith formation, youth, family, and outreach ministries.
- Established
- 1955
- Patron
- St. Pius X (Pope), known as the "Pope of the Eucharist," canonized May 29, 1954
- Rector
- Father Witold Adamczyk, OFM Conv.
- Diocese
- Diocese of Peoria
Why belong here
St. Pius X is a Eucharistic-centered parish in south Rock Island with a striking mid-century church, a relic of St. Pius X enshrined in the altar, and perpetual Eucharistic Adoration available 24 hours a day. Families have access to Jordan Catholic School, a parish-based CCD program, youth and young adult groups, men's and women's faith groups, plus a charismatic prayer group and ongoing adult formation including RCIA/OCIA. With multiple weekend Masses, daily Mass and confessions, and a long list of lay ministries (altar servers, lectors, choir, greeters, extraordinary ministers, rosary leaders, and more), it offers both a deep devotional life and an active stewardship community where parishioners can find a place to serve.
Mass times at Saint Pius X
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Monday – Friday: 6:40 a.m. – 6:55 a.m.
- Wednesday: 5:10 p.m. – 5:25 p.m.
- Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
- Saturday: 3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
- Advent and Lent: communal parish reconciliation service with the opportunity to receive the Sacrament
Adoration times
- Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration in the Adoration Chapel — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Sunday: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Holy Hour for the Unborn (in the Adoration Chapel)
About St. Pius X Parish
St. Pius X is a Roman Catholic parish of the Diocese of Peoria, located at 2502 29th Avenue in Rock Island, Illinois. The parish describes itself as devoted to Jesus as Lord and Savior and centered on the Eucharist and the Sacraments that 'mold us in holiness.' Members strive to become intentional disciples while serving one another and the wider community as 'priests, prophets and kings.' The parish is led by Conventual Franciscan (OFM Conv.) priests and four permanent deacons, supported by a strong lay staff and many active ministries.
- Motto: 'to restore all things in Christ' (from St. Pius X)
- Diocese of Peoria parish
- Centered on the Eucharist and the Sacraments
- A welcoming, stewardship parish
History of St. Pius X
St. Pius X was formally erected on June 7, 1955 by Bishop William E. Cousins, D.D. The site — about 7½ acres at 24th Street and 31st Avenue — was originally proposed in 1947 by Msgr. Thomas J. Jordan, then pastor of Sacred Heart, who saw Rock Island's growth moving south of Eighteenth Avenue. The first Mass was offered in an old construction warehouse on June 19, 1955 by founding pastor Rev. Edward M. Farrell. He was succeeded in 1957 by Msgr. Jordan himself. A school staffed by the Sisters of the Humility of Mary opened in 1957, the rectory was built in 1958, and the present church — designed by Ed Lerch, with cornerstone laid April 22, 1963 and dedicated February 18, 1964 — gave the parish its permanent home.
- 1947 — Msgr. Thomas J. Jordan proposes the south Rock Island site
- 1948 — Bishop Joseph H. Schlarman confirms the site
- June 7, 1955 — Parish officially erected by Bishop William E. Cousins
- June 19, 1955 — First Mass in 'the old barn' warehouse
- 1955 — First Baptisms: Samuel P. Durr, Michael D. Palmer, Peter C. Spaeth
- December 4, 1957 — Msgr. Thomas J. Jordan named pastor
- 1957 — Sisters of the Humility of Mary open school and convent
- 1958 — Rectory built
- 1959 — Temporary church built onto the school
- April 22, 1963 — Cornerstone of the new church laid
- February 18, 1964 — Church solemnly dedicated
- 1974 — Jordan Catholic School formed under Father Edward J. Bader
- 1980 — Father Bader dies; memorial tuition fund established in his name
The Patron Saint — St. Pius X
The parish is named for Pope St. Pius X (1835–1914), born Giuseppe Sarto in Riese, Italy. Ordained in 1858, he served as curate, pastor, chancellor, bishop, and Cardinal Patriarch of Venice before being elected Pope on August 4, 1903. His pontificate was marked by opposition from Modernism and by sweeping reforms — most famously his program 'to restore all things in Christ' and his restoration of frequent, even daily, Holy Communion. He lowered the age of First Communion to about seven, famously writing: 'Holy Communion is the shortest way to heaven.' He was beatified on June 3, 1951 and canonized on May 29, 1954 — while designs for the new Rock Island church were still being drawn — making him a fitting 'saint of our times' for a parish founded the following year.
- Patron of the parish since its founding in 1955
- Canonized May 29, 1954
- Feast day: August 21
- His pontifical acts fill eight volumes; 3,322 official documents
The Church Building
The present St. Pius X church, designed by architect Ed Lerch, was described by a local newspaper as 'one of the most unique buildings in the world' when construction began in 1962. The cornerstone was laid on April 22, 1963 by Msgr. Thomas J. Jordan, and the church was formally dedicated on February 18, 1964 by Archbishop William E. Cousins. The design keeps the visual focus on Christ as the center of worship. The building seats roughly 1,300 people and cost about $760,000, with the walls alone accounting for $65,000. A relic of St. Pius X is enshrined in the main altar.
- Architect: Ed Lerch
- Cornerstone: April 22, 1963
- Dedicated: February 18, 1964
- Seating: approximately 1,300
- Total cost: about $760,000; walls: $65,000
Stained Glass from Chartres
The church's stained-glass windows were imported from Chartres, France. The image of St. Pius X at the entrance and the two windows in the Sanctuary are formed from Art Glass. Eighteen chipped chunk-glass windows form the outer wall of the church and tell the story of salvation — beginning with the Nativity and the Good Shepherd, depicting the fourteen Stations of the Cross, and concluding with the Resurrection and the Coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
- Origin: Chartres, France
- Two Art Glass windows in the Sanctuary + St. Pius X image at the entrance
- 18 chipped chunk-glass windows on the outer wall
- Series: Nativity and Good Shepherd → 14 Stations of the Cross → Resurrection → Pentecost
Clergy & Staff
St. Pius X is led by Conventual Franciscan Father Witold Adamczyk, Pastor, with two associate priests, four permanent deacons, and a lay staff that includes a Director of Liturgy & Faith Formation, Music Director, Finance Director, Parish Secretary, and Parish Nurse.
- Father Witold Adamczyk, OFM Conv. — Pastor (ext. 211, [email protected])
- Father Mieczyslaw 'Mietek' Wit, OFM Conv. — Associate ([email protected])
- Father Peter Sarnicki — Associate ([email protected])
- Deacon Joseph Dockery-Jackson — 309-786-2385
- Deacon Timothy Granet — 309-794-0246
- Deacon Paul Martin — 309-236-1715
- Deacon Russ Swim — 309-786-3097
- Shaunnessy Shaw — Director of Liturgy & Faith Formation (ext. 212, [email protected])
- Kathy Schluter — Director of Faith Formation/Evangelization (ext. 214, [email protected])
- Stephen Steely — Music Director ([email protected])
- Karen Gibbs — Finance Director (ext. 216, [email protected])
- Katherine Moens — Parish Secretary ([email protected])
- Rosemary Montez — Parish Nurse (ext. 226, [email protected])
- Joseph Shaw — Maintenance ([email protected])
- Sandy West — Prayer Chain (309-230-3550, [email protected])
Faith Formation
Faith formation at St. Pius X is directed by Kathy Schluter, Director of Faith Formation/Evangelization, and Shaunnessy Shaw, Director of Liturgy & Faith Formation. Programs are offered for children, youth, adults, and whole families.
Children's Religious Education (CCD)
The Rock Island-Milan Catholic Parishes Religious Education programs serve children in pre-K through 8th grade from St. Pius X, Sacred Heart and St. Mary's in Rock Island, and St. Teresa of Calcutta in Milan and Andalusia. Sessions are held on Wednesdays from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. in Farrell Hall or Jordan Catholic School. Two consecutive years of religious instruction (CCD, Family Formation, or Jordan Catholic School) are required before receiving First Communion and Confirmation. Mrs. Shaunnessy Shaw directs the program with the help of volunteer catechists. Tuition is $60 for the first child and $40 for each additional child (up to four); additional children attend free.
- Pre-K through 8th grade
- Wednesday sessions 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. in Farrell Hall or Jordan Catholic School
- Director: Shaunnessy Shaw (309-793-7373 ext. 212)
- Tuition: $60 first child / $40 each additional (up to four)
- Two consecutive years of instruction required before First Communion and Confirmation
- Scholarship opportunities available
Adult Faith Formation
Adult faith formation opportunities include men's and women's groups, a young adults group, RCIA/OCIA, the Servants of Christ charismatic prayer group, the Vocation Station kiosk, and seasonal programs such as the 33-day Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary and the annual Art of Faith Art Show in February.
- St. Pius Father's Group (Adam Ziegler, 309-948-6118)
- Quad City Men's Group — 2nd Saturday of the month after 7:00 a.m. Mass, McCarthy Hall (Deacon Joe Dockery-Jackson, 309-786-2385)
- St. Pius Young Women's Group ([email protected])
- Young Adults Group (ages 20–30)
- Servants of Christ Prayer Group — Mondays 7:00 p.m.
- 33-day Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary, concluding Dec. 8
- Vocation Station kiosk in the church foyer
- Annual Art of Faith Art Show & Sale in February
RCIA / OCIA — Becoming Catholic
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA, formerly RCIA) is the parish's process for adults who wish to become Catholic, as well as for baptized Catholics who have not yet received First Communion or Confirmation. Meetings are held on Tuesday evenings in McCarthy Hall from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. OCIA begins each September.
- Open to non-baptized adults and Catholics seeking First Communion/Confirmation
- Tuesday evenings 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. in McCarthy Hall
- Begins in September each year
- Contact: Shaunnessy Shaw, [email protected] or 309-793-7373
Catholic Schools — Jordan Catholic School
Jordan Catholic School (JCS), formed in 1974 during the pastorate of Father Edward J. Bader, is the parish school serving St. Pius X families. Its mission is to form students of strong moral character and deep faith who become lifelong learners, serve others, and participate in the life of the Church and community. A memorial fund in Father Bader's name (who died in 1980 at age 54) continues to provide tuition assistance for active St. Pius X parishioners attending Jordan Catholic School or Alleman Catholic High School.
- Jordan Catholic School formed in 1974 under Father Edward J. Bader
- Principal: Kelly McLaughlin — (309) 793-7350
- Fr. Bader Memorial Tuition Assistance Fund for St. Pius X parishioners
- Also assists students attending Alleman Catholic High School
Sacraments
St. Pius X celebrates all seven Catholic sacraments. Parents are recognized as the primary teachers of the faith, and the parish supports them through faith formation programs (Jordan Catholic School, CCD, or approved homeschool) especially for the sacraments of initiation. Couples should contact the rectory at least eight months before a wedding.
- Baptism: classes for parents 3rd Wed. of Jan/Mar/May/Jul/Sep/Nov at 7:00 p.m., McCarthy Hall; Baptisms after 10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass; no Baptisms in Lent; parish membership required.
- First Reconciliation & First Communion: 2nd grade or age 7, after two consecutive years of instruction.
- Confirmation: 8th grade or older; service hours, January retreat, Saint report, and sponsor interview required.
- Marriage: notify the rectory 8 months in advance; complete Diocese of Peoria marriage prep.
- Anointing of the Sick: call 793-7373, press 9 to leave a message.
- Reconciliation: see weekly confession schedule above.
Parish Ministries & Volunteer Life
St. Pius X identifies itself as a stewardship parish, where parishioners are called to share their time, talent, and treasure. The parish website lists a Ministry Handbook and a wide range of liturgical and devotional ministries that welcome new volunteers — no special expertise is required, only the desire to serve.
- Altar Servers (youth from JCS and CCD after First Communion; adult servers for funerals)
- Greeters
- Lectors
- Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (Shaunnessy Shaw, 309-793-7378)
- Choir and Cantors (Music Directors Steve Steely and Shelley Walljasper)
- St. Pius Teen Study Group (7th grade – high school seniors, Friday evenings in the Church library)
- Servants of Christ Prayer Group (Deacon Paul Martin, 309-236-1715)
- Rosary Leader (Bob Carton, 309-786-7183)
- Prayer Chain (Sandy West, 309-230-3550, [email protected])
- St. Pius Lending Library (Charlene Vogele, [email protected])
- Family Planning and Infertility (Brenda DeLathouwer, CFC, 309-269-0797)
Contact, Location & News
Parishioners and visitors can contact the parish office by phone, fax, or email, and stay informed through the parish website, social media, and weekly bulletins. Bulletin announcements must be submitted in writing by 9:00 a.m. on Mondays; bulletin inserts require two weeks of advance approval.
- Address: 2502 29th Avenue, Rock Island, IL 61201
- Phone: (309) 793-7373; Fax: (309) 793-7376
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: http://www.stpiusri.org/
- Facebook: St. Pius X Rock Island
- Instagram: @stpiusxri
- Bulletin announcements: email [email protected] by Monday 9:00 a.m.
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. Edward M. Farrell1955–c. 1957
Founding pastor; came from St. Louis Church, Princeton, Illinois; celebrated the first Mass in the 'old barn' warehouse on June 19, 1955; resigned due to a series of heart attacks.
- Rt. Rev. Msgr. Thomas J. Jordan1957–
Appointed December 4, 1957; originally the pastor of Sacred Heart who in 1947 proposed the parish site; laid the cornerstone of the present church in 1963.
- Rev. James P. Cullertonmid-1950s
Senior Assistant who administered the parish during Father Farrell's illness.
- Father Edward J. Bader1974–1980
Died at age 54 in 1980; served as Jordan Catholic School was formed in 1974; a memorial fund in his name still provides tuition assistance for St. Pius X parishioners.