A few acres of land, a rustic ranch house, an abandoned water tower and a tiny cottage...

-not a promising foundation for the new parish that Archbishop Mitty turned over to Fr. Michael Fitzsimon, along with a considerable debt and the words, "Here is your parish, Father!" But from this modest beginning grew the St. Pius Parish of the present, a thriving community of three thousand families, facing the new millennium with faith, hope and confidence in the future.

The path was clear from the start. Beyond the boundaries of the parish grounds, rows and rows of new houses were filling the fields and hills and soon hundreds of families would settle in Redwood City to raise their children. The Baby Boom of the Fifties had arrived, making a school the first priority of the parish, along with a temporary church to replace the old ranch house which served as chapel, rectory, meeting place, and parish center. Energy and enthusiasm were high as the first parishioners joined Father Fitzsimon to develop the property. Fund raising of all kinds took place - Box Lunch Suppers, Dinner Dances, Rummage Sales, Fashion shows, all successful in raising money but more importantly, in melding a new parish community together in dedication to St. Pius. By Christmas, 1952, Mass was offered in a lovely new church and in September, 1953, St. Pius School opened with grades one through three, under the direction of the Sisters of the Holy Cross.

The seeds sown were flourishing, thanks to strong leadership and hard work. But, underlying the serious tasks, ran a current of enthusiasm as life-long friendships were forged, not only among the adults, but also among the children. One has only to go to the yearly festival in June to be impressed with the numbers of parishioners who come back to visit and reminisce, particularly the young people, many of whom are raising their families in St. Pius. The festival has become a parish reunion as well as a festival, a potent symbol of the spirit of St. Pius.

A legendary Teen Club was formed which attracted young people from far and wide and families joined the Christian Family Movement. Another building project began and soon a comfortable new rectory replaced the cottage, serving also as an office for parish administration.

But, as the parish buildings expanded, so did the number of parishioners, from 400 families to over 1000, and growing. It was now time for a larger church and Father Fitzsimon once again rolled up his sleeves and made the dream come true. Architecturally inspired by the California Missions, the new St. Pius Church opened its oaken doors in June, 1968, a splendid place centered around the marbled sanctuary, illuminated by glorious stained glass windows, inspiring in its focus on the Eucharistic altar.

In 1979 the now-Monsignor Fitzsimon retired and Monsignor Armstrong picked up the reins and led the parish forward, a wonderful continuation of the St. Pius tradition. Monsignor facilitated the construction of a Senior Center, as well as an Extended Day Care Center for St. Pius School. The rectory was enlarged, the school office was remodeled, and a new efficient Parish Center added to the parish plant, all enhancing its effectiveness.

In June 2001, Monsignor Armstrong retired as pastor of St. Pius Church. Fr. Jim MacDonald stepped in as the new pastor and shortly thereafter took on the challenge of building a new multipurpose center that holds a theater, gymnasium, meeting rooms, day care and resource room. The new Fitzsimon Center opened in September 2004.

Supporting the huge task of developing the physical and spiritual growth of St. Pius over the years have been the many parish organizations. Chief among these in the present day are the Men's Club, Women's Club, PTG, St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Senior Adults Friendship Center, Parish Council, Finance Committee, and School Board. The lay ministries have always been encouraged and nurtured - more than 500 parishioners are involved in some aspect of parish ministry as Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Knights of St. Pius, Ministers for Children's Liturgy, Music, CCD, Adult Education and Liturgy Committees. Retreats for men and for women are offered yearly.

Programs for young people abound. Spiritually, the Eucharist and Penitential program, consolidated for both public and Catholic school children, brings unity among adults and children from both areas. The sacrament of Confirmation is administered, after preparation, in sophomore year. A Children's Theatre group produces a musical each year, again, open to all. St. Pius School, although no longer under the direction of the Sisters of the Holy Cross, continues to educate with a value-centered curriculum.

Wise and prudent management of parish finances has resulted in the funding of a permanent endowment for the school of approximately $2.3 million. Major fundraisers by the Men's Club and Women's Club add approximately $50,000 a year to the parish, insuring its stability now and in the future.

From the small seeds planted in 1951, a living, thriving parish has grown, nourished by the hard work and dedication of both clergy and laity. Through good and difficult times, in joys and sorrows, parish life continues to strengthen, sustain, comfort and heal the people of God on their journey toward the Father, a force that pays tribute to the past while casting a bright light of hope to the future.