Dear Friends,

As many of you will recall, we have recently completed a parish-wide survey to gather information about parishioners’ preferred Mass times. We undertook this process at the request of Bishop Tobin (as Fr. Augustine mentioned when the survey was initially distributed) and in light of the reality of our own personnel limitations. With the parochial staff of St. Pius being comprised of two priests, the number of masses we are able to offer is limited.

After a broad consultation with the parish (through the survey) and with advisory bodies (e.g., parish council), and hearing the considerations of the parish staff, we have decided to implement the following changes to our Masses: Beginning July 1, we will no longer offer a weekly Sunday Mass at Capitol Ridge. It is our hope that the priests of Providence College will be able to take on this commitment. It should be noted that according to the requirements of the diocese, a parish is responsible for offering Mass monthly at all residential facilities in its boundaries. We have been able to offer pastoral care at Capitol Ridge at a level well beyond this in the past, but presently we are no longer able to do so.

With the results of the survey varying widely, we have decided to keep the Mass schedule as it presently stands. Worth noting is the fact that many people indicated in the survey their preference for the Vigil Mass time at 4:30 p.m. Responding to requests of present parishioners and hoping to attract new parishioners to our already-wonderful parish community, we have decided to make some changes to continue to renew our liturgy. Aware that different styles of worship appeal to different people, and after consultation with David Martinez, the parish council, and the liturgy committee, we intend to implement the following plan for music and worship beginning the weekend of September 9-10 (the week after Labor Day):

Vigil Mass – This Mass will continue to have a cantor or cantors, accompanied by David Martinez.

Sunday 8 a.m. – “Low Mass” - To facilitate the quiet nature of this Mass, we will no longer provide music. This decision, supported by David, is in part financial, since the savings will allow us to hire a qualified musician to lead music at the 6 p.m. Mass.

Sunday 10 a.m. – “Family Mass” – We will continue to have our parish choir, directed by David Martinez, sing. This Mass is well attended and stands at the heart of our parish community.

Sunday 11:30 a.m. – “Chant Mass” – To facilitate requests from parishioners for more traditional liturgy, this Mass will include hymns accompanied by the organ, chants sung in Latin (some of which are already familiar to the parish, e.g. “Agnus Dei”), and some parts of the Mass prayed by the priest in Latin. David will accompany this group on the organ, and a rotation of cantors and small choirs will lead the singing.

Sunday 6 p.m. – “Praise and Worship Mass” – Recognizing the need to build a consistent, attractive, and engaging outreach to our parish teens, this Mass will feature music led by a qualified musician. Presently St. Pius does not incorporate contemporary Christian music in our worship. This Mass will use the best of new takes on classic hymns and new compositions to facilitate a contemplative, contemporary worship experience.

It is our fervent hope that these changes will meet the real and present spiritual needs of our current parishioners by adopting modes of worship that are at once inclusive and diverse. Every Catholic should feel at home at St. Pius V. Also, we hope that these changes will inspire new involvement. Please contact Fr. Patrick if you are interested in singing or playing musical instruments at either the 11:30 “Chant Mass” or the 6 p.m. “Praise and Worship” Mass.

As Christians, we are always called to renewal and growth, and in this moment, we undertake this challenge, together, as a community. Finally, as we joyfully anticipate our Parish Centennial, we thank God for all that He has given our parish over the years. We pray that our worship may always redound to His glory…after all, that’s the whole reason why we’re here. Should you have any concern or suggestion, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Wishing you every blessing in the Risen Christ,

Fr. Augustine, O.P.
Fr. Patrick, O.P.