2026 Parish Partner: St. Pius X
Catholic Charities and St. Pius X Parish in Urbandale, IA, have shared a strong partnership for more than 30 years. From parishioner involvement to parish-wide support, St. Pius continues to make a meaningful impact at Catholic Charities.
Rooted in its commitment to living out the Gospel through service and following the example of St. Pius X, St. Pius Parish views caring for neighbors in need as a central part of parish life. Through its many groups and committees, parishioners have numerous opportunities to serve, including ongoing involvement with Catholic Charities.
“It doesn’t surprise me that St. Pius has been such a good partner to Catholic Charities,” said Jay Mar, St. Pius parishioner and Catholic Charities Food Pantry volunteer. “St. Pius is a parish of many people who want to serve and help those in need.”
In 2025, parishioners donated more than 800 hours of service to Catholic Charities Food Pantry and provided 63 meals to guests at the Catholic Charities Emergency Family Shelter.
Most notably, St. Pius has partnered with the Catholic Charities Food Pantry for the Giving Thanksgiving event for more than 30 years. Held each November, the event helps food pantry clients celebrate the holiday season by providing a turkey or other holiday meat, along with sides, bread, and dessert. Each year, St. Pius donates the turkeys distributed at the event — a contribution that has helped thousands of individuals celebrate the holidays over the years. This past year alone, 680 individuals benefited from St. Pius’ generosity and the event.
“It makes me joyful knowing we have touched so many of God’s people,” said Jay. “It also makes me hopeful that we can continue to do so for the next 30 years.”
St. Pius Parish will be honored at the 10th Annual Shamrocks and Shenanigans event on Saturday, March 7 2026, for its partnership and support of Catholic Charities. Guests attending the event will have the opportunity to celebrate St. Pius and other dedicated parish partners who make this work possible.
“I’m so proud of St. Pius Parish,” said Jay. “It’s a wonderful partnership.”
Partnerships like the one between St. Pius and Catholic Charities show the powerful difference a faith community can make. Catholic Charities is deeply grateful for St. Pius’ decades of service and lasting commitment to those in need.