St. Pius X Catholic Church and School

St. Pius X Catholic Church was established between the years of 1950 and 1953 under the guidance of Most Reverend Abel Caillouet, Axillary Bishop of New Orleans and Pastor of the Holy Rosary Parish. Sunday Masses of the Holy Rosary Parish were celebrated at the Lake Vista Community Center. Two other Parishes, St. Dominic of the Lake Shore area and St. Frances Cabrini of the Lake Terrace area were added to Lake Vista to create Blessed Pius X. The Parish was originally named after the Blesses Pius X and was officially changed to St. Pius the X after his canonization in May of 1954.

Through donated community funds the first Church-Rectory-School was built in 1953 and dedicated on August 16th. The first pastor of St. Pius X was Father Michael Killoughey. The Sisters of St. Josephine placed in charge of the school. In 1955 a separate parish rectory was complete and a new school, classroom, and cafeteria were added in 1957. Father Michael Killoughey was succeeded by Monsignor Arthur T. Screen in 1963. The permanent church was designed in 1963 and had several architectural aspects that set it apart from other churches. The striking roof construction and 75ft. high ceilings were one focal point. The inside of the church also featured in the round-style seating, making the altar visible from every angle. The seating capacity of the new church was 800 people and they would all be within 60ft. of the altar. The new church was dedicated in 1966 by the Archbishop of New Orleans Phillip M. Hannan.

As the enrollment of parishioners increased over the years, new programs and additional space were needed. In the fall of 1983, A new rectory, parish administration, school administration, and multipurpose buildings were dedicated. Also included was a library, computer lab, art room, science lab, and two meeting rooms for large gatherings. The new rectory provided administration office space and living facilities.

In the summer of 1991, Monsignor Clinton J. Doskey was appointed pastor of St. Pius. Monsignor Doskey continued Father Screen’s dream of building a gymnasium on the school’s campus. The Father A.T Screen Gymnasium was dedicated in 1997. Renovations were done to convert the existing facilities into new space for the school. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina landed in New Orleans. Miraculously, St. Pius Church and School did not experience any flooding. However, the copper roof of the church was peeled away due to the force of the winds. During the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, St. Pius X served as a hub for first responders. The Massachusetts National Guard used the gym, cafeteria, courtyard, and volleyball courts for several months. Following the departure of the Massachusetts National Guard, the NOFD and several fire engine companies from around the United States were stationed at St. Pius X.

St. Pius X Catholic School reopened in January of the following year. That semester students, parents, and teachers were required to undergo accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. St. Pius X Catholic School received accreditation in 1006. In 2007, they were awarded the No Child Left Behind National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award.

In March of 2007, the Church closed after Easter celebrations for repairs. They reopened again in time for Christmas Eve Mass. During the time that the church was closed, services were held in the School cafeteria. The Most Reverend Phillip M. Hannan, Eleventh Archbishop of New Orleans returned to dedicate and bless the church, just as he did for the original dedication in 1966. Monsignor Doskey served twenty years as pastor. His leadership saw an increase in parish ministries and the creation of the first adoration chapel dedicated to Blessed Francis Seelos.

Very Reverend Patrick J. Williams was appointed to pastor of St. Pius X in 2009, succeeding Monsignor Doskey. Very Rev. Williams still serves the church today. A new school building was erected in 2019 through parishioner donations. The school has new science, art, music, and resource classrooms, as well as administration areas.    

Parish Mission and History, St. Pius X Catholic Parish. Accessed August 6th 2020. https://parish.stpiusxnola.org/parish-mission-history.

St. Pius X Catholic Church, New Orleans Churches. Accessed August 6th 2020. http://www.neworleanschurches.com/stpiusx/stjpiusx.htm.

Our Campus, St. Pius X Catholic School. Accessed August 6th 2020. https://school.stpiusxnola.org/our-campus.