ABOUT SPX
A Brief History of St. Pius X in Portland, Oregon
St. Pius X Parish began as the Cedar Mill Mission in 1953 in the then sparsely populated area of Washington County known as Cedar Mill. The Mission had no church or other building to call its own and Mass was conducted at the Leedy Grange Hall on Saltzman Road. On May 29, 1954, though still borrowing space from the Grange, the Cedar Mill Mission was renamed the St. Pius X Mission in honor of the canonization of Pope Pius X which was announced in Rome on that day.
During the summer of 1954, the original church (now called the "old church" or Youth Center) was completed on a six-acre site fronting Saltzman Road. The first Mass was held on August 15, 1954. Priests from the Cathedral in downtown Portland took turns coming out to the building to say Mass until the summer of 1955. On June 10, 1955, the Mission was ended and the Parish of St. Pius X was established with Father Joseph M. McMahon appointed as the first Pastor. In the following years, the Parish acquired acreage from adjacent landowners and expanded to its present eleven-acre campus.
In the fall of 1960, nineteen first and second graders began their school year in a makeshift classroom in the church. The principal of the tiny school was Sister Josepha of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon.Four years of temporary arrangements for the tiny but growing school followed before the first section of the present school building was built. Archbishop Howard dedicated St. Pius X School on April 23, 1964. Since its first days, the St. Pius X Parish has been growing. In 1957, the parish had 200 registered families. Today the Parish has 1,600 registered families. The new church was completed in 1980 and was dedicated by Archbishop Cornelius Power on the anniversary date of the canonization of St. Pius X. The Community Center was completed in 1999 and was dedicated by Archbishop John Vlazny. The Smoluch Gymnasium and renovations to McMahon Hall and the Education Center were completed in 2011. Remodel and updates of the school and campus buildings were completed in 2018.
For a parish that began as a small mission less than 70 years ago, St. Pius X has accomplished a great deal. These accomplishments are the results of the vision and hard work of our pastors and parishioners who had the imagination and faith to dedicate themselves to the work of building a vibrant community in Christ. St. Pius X Parish in Portland Oregon is a very good place to call home, and this website is your guide on the internet to welcome you home.
THE ST. PIUS X ORGAN
The organ was relocated refurbished and reinstalled from the earlier parish in 1985 by Bond Pipe Organs, Inc. in Portland. The organ in St. Pius X Church is a Geo. Kilgen & Son, Inc. (1890) organ. (Note: Geor. Kilgen & Son is now known as Harley Perkins (1976).
The organ is unaltered from its original state. It is described with a Quarter-sawn oak case. Seventeen gold-painted pipes en façade. The Swell Tremolo is on a hitch-down foot lever to the left of the expression pedal. (Technical Details: Chests: Slider; 12 ranks. 629 pipes. 3 divisions. 2 manuals. 14 stops. 12 registers.)
It was purchased by Joe Smith, a long-time, beloved, deceased St. Pius X parishioner and Father Joseph M. McMahon, the first pastor (1955 to 1984). Joe used to own the Ideal Market on the corner of Cornell and Murray. The organ was brought from the Midwest (maybe St.Louis).
The link https://pipeorgandatabase.org/organ/9857 has additional information from the Organ Historical Society database.
ST. PIUS X PASTORS
CURRENT Pastor
Father Sean Weeks
2012 to Present
Prior to becoming a diocesan priest, Fr. Sean spent eight years in the Benedictine Monastery. He has overseen the continued growth of the Parish including the expansion of the School, update of the Church and completion of the Parish grounds. Fr. Sean has guided St. Pius X to be a stewardship parish and an exciting and energetic faith community.
PREVIOUS SPX PASTORS
Father Joseph M. McMahon
1955 to 1984
Fr. Joseph McMahon was the first Pastor of St. Pius X. Serving the Parish for 29 years, he watched the Parish grow from 200 families in 1957 to 700 by 1984. Fr. McMahon oversaw the building of the new Church (1980), expansion of the school (1969 and 1982) and development of the Parish’ campus. Fr. McMahon was known to meet every new parishioner and could remember where everyone lived.
Father Joseph M. McMahon
1955 to 1984
Fr. Joseph McMahon was the first Pastor of St. Pius X. Serving the Parish for 29 years, he watched the Parish grow from 200 families in 1957 to 700 by 1984. Fr. McMahon oversaw the building of the new Church (1980), expansion of the school (1969 and 1982) and development of the Parish’ campus. Fr. McMahon was known to meet every new parishioner and could remember where everyone lived.
ST. PIUS X STAFF
PASTOR
Fr. SEAN WEEKS
“What God has intended for you goes far beyond anything you can imagine.” Fr. Sean Weeks is the pastor at St. Pius X Parish serving his 10th year in this capacity. He loves serving the St. Pius X Community and beyond in their various needs. He spends quality time working with the police department. He could easily be mistaken for a police officer. With his police-officer-like demeanor, one may not see a joke forthcoming from our pastor, but yeah, he cracks and enjoys a good joke! When not busy in the office or celebrating Sacraments, you will regularly spot Fr. Sean walking around campus counting beads – praying for the SPX Mission. He loves our Blessed Mother and the prayer of the Rosary. His best hobby is working out for health and wellness. See if you can spot him in one of the fitness centers.
FR. CHI-NHAN VO
PAROCHIAL VICAR
"And I am the foremost of sinners; but I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience for an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life" (1 Tim 1:15-16). Fr. Chi-Nhan Vo was born and raised in Portland, OR. He received a B.A. in philosophy from Mount Angel Seminary in 2019 and an M.Div. in theology from St. Patrick's Seminary in 2024, and ordained a priest that year. Fr. Chi-Nhan is drawn spiritually to the Desert Fathers and to the early Church, but loves all of the one, holy, Catholic, and apostolic faith. He loves preaching, teaching, and praying with people. In his free time he enjoys playing sports (soccer, tennis, volleyball, ultimate, rock climbing, and martial arts) and board games, as well as cooking and reading manga. Está practicando su español!
SR. ANGELICAH NJUGUNA
Director of
Religious Education
“What God has intended for you goes far beyond anything you can imagine.” Fr. Sean Weeks is the pastor at St. Pius X Parish serving his 10th year in this capacity. He loves serving the St. Pius X Community and beyond in their various needs. He spends quality time working with the police department. He could easily be mistaken for a police officer. With his police-officer-like demeanor, one may not see a joke forthcoming from our pastor, but yeah, he cracks and enjoys a good joke! When not busy in the office or celebrating Sacraments, you will regularly spot Fr. Sean walking around campus counting beads – praying for the SPX Mission. He loves our Blessed Mother and the prayer of the Rosary. His best hobby is working out for health and wellness. See if you can spot him in one of the fitness centers.
On the west side of Portland for almost 30 years now, Dave, a Chicago transplant, thinks of The St. Pius X Community as his backyard, so, even as the new guy on the block, joining the parish and school team to oversee business affairs feels natural. Whether you see him on campus in his Sunday best, business casual, or jeans and hardhat, keep in mind that beyond that often furrowed brow he can be instantly tipped into a smile and laugh. If you really want to get his attention, bring up any topic about aviation, horses or dogs.
BUSINESS MANAGER
DAVE McCABE
When not assisting Father Sean with his daily schedule, working on the bulletin, or taking baptism and other type calls you can find me in the parish office next to a heater..! It has been said that I am probably the 2nd funniest Parish Staff Member..!
NICKI CARO
PARISH OFFICE MANAGER
I support the Parish and School Staff with all onsite technological needs. When not fixing PC's or running upgrades you can find me wargaming online in World of Tanks! Nicki says that I am the funniest Parish Staff Member..!
PAUL MILLER
IT Admin & Facilities Operations Manager
¡Hola! If you stop by or call the parish office during the week I will be the one to welcome you in! You have probably seen me around on Sundays during the 1PM Mass or during one of the Bilingual Masses. I grew up attending the 1PM Mass so St Pius X has been my Catholic home for many years. I look forward to meeting you and serving the St. Pius X community as part of the parish staff.
CINDY TOBON
Reception/Admin. Assistant
My Bio will go here once submitted.
VERONICA OCAMPO
Development Coordinator
Angelica has always lived in Oregon and, besides the beautiful scenery of the PNW, St. Pius X Church has been a constant throughout her life. Now, with a 4-year degree in Graphic Design, she works as editor of the SPX bulletin, socials, and vestibule slides. Art has always been important to her and she continuously thinks about color theory and design composition. If you have a flyer or event info you’d like to share with the parish, please feel free to send your request to be reviewed to the bulletin email (parishbulletin@stpius.org)!
ANGELICA OCAMPO
Bulletin AND
Social Media Editor
I am so happy to be serving Christ here at St Pius. I have worked in the accounting field for over 30 years. Through those years the ways in which we account for things has changed but the numbers themselves don’t change. I am serious about the numbers but I am always up for a good laugh. You might not see me much around campus because I’m probably tallying up some receipts but if you do I’m probably asking questions about the numbers. Either way I’m happy that you’re here and even happier that I’m here with you.
PEGGY FLORA
BOOKKEEPER
My Bio will go here once submitted.
RACHAEL KITCHENS
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
Hello! Hola! You have probably seen me running around with one, two or my three kids. I met St. Pius X community six years ago when my husband and I were looking for a school for our oldest son. We fell in love with the school, parish and community. I’m originally from Lima, Peru 😊 so feel free to ask me about Machu Picchu or how to make a good ceviche 😊. I have been living in Portland for 16 years and my heart belongs to here. My favorites activities are good conversations (specially if they come with a cup of coffee), going to mass, reading and going to the beach 😊. My favorites subjects are religion, education, entrepreneurship and science (I have engineering background). If you want to receive a missing Sacrament or want resources to learn more about our Catholic faith please contact me. It’s a joy for me to serve the community in their journey of faith.
MARIELA ARBILDO
FAITH FORMATION PROGRAM COORDINATOR
I believe that the Holy Spirit called and led me to my dream of being of service to people and to church. Melliza is a native of Manila in the Philippines and completed her education as a dentist. In 1999, she moved to the United States and registered as a parishioner at St. Pius X and since then become a volunteer in various ministry. She has been Involved in outreach and liturgy for 4 years ; parish council and ACTS facilitator for 3 years. After 21 years as a very active parishioner, she joined the staff as Liturgy Coordinator. The Holy Spirit has called her to this ministry to be of service to our community. She also felt the calling to support and serve our clergies, seminarians and religious and most especially care for our altar servers. Iza as others knows her by name loves promoting vocations through prayers and participating in vocation events. This lady loves to cook and can feed the whole army of God. She is very much involved in Vocation Ministry, the Serra Club of Portland and Oblates of Mt. Angel Abbey and very in love of the Eucharist. Melliza takes great joy in being able to serve her community with the Lord here at St. Pius X and around our Diocese as well as outside Portland.
MELLIZA PALAZO
Liturgy Coordinator
You have probably seen me in the mornings placing cones and directing campus traffic (like one of those cool air traffic controllers...) or setting up an area for an event. At other times I can be found around campus fixing broken or failing equipment or replacing a leaking sprinkler pipe. Let us know if you need any assistance while on campus.
ROGELIO ACEVEDO
Facilities Supervisor
Gabriel is our quiet guy around campus who says plenty with a nod and his ever present smile. He seems to live by Phyllis Diller’s words: A smile is a curve that sets everything straight. Gabriel works closely with Rogelio to keep curves around campus straight and well aligned. He is an attentive listener always ready to lend a helping hand when needed. Gabriel enjoys nature and the time he spends at it around campus. He also enjoys time with family. We like to think him shy!
GABRIEL BARREDA
FACILITIES
ST. PIUS X STAFF
PASTOR
Fr. SEAN WEEKS
“What God has intended for you goes far beyond anything you can imagine.” Fr. Sean Weeks is the pastor at St. Pius X Parish serving his 10th year in this capacity. He loves serving the St. Pius X Community and beyond in their various needs. He spends quality time working with the police department. He could easily be mistaken for a police officer. With his police-officer-like demeanor, one may not see a joke forthcoming from our pastor, but yeah, he cracks and enjoys a good joke! When not busy in the office or celebrating Sacraments, you will regularly spot Fr. Sean walking around campus counting beads – praying for the SPX Mission. He loves our Blessed Mother and the prayer of the Rosary. His best hobby is working out for health and wellness. See if you can spot him in one of the fitness centers.
PAROCHIAL VICAR
FR. CHI-NHAN VO
"And I am the foremost of sinners; but I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience for an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life" (1 Tim 1:15-16). Fr. Chi-Nhan Vo was born and raised in Portland, OR. He received a B.A. in philosophy from Mount Angel Seminary in 2019 and an M.Div. in theology from St. Patrick's Seminary in 2024, and ordained a priest that year. Fr. Chi-Nhan is drawn spiritually to the Desert Fathers and to the early Church, but loves all of the one, holy, Catholic, and apostolic faith. He loves preaching, teaching, and praying with people. In his free time he enjoys playing sports (soccer, tennis, volleyball, ultimate, rock climbing, and martial arts) and board games, as well as cooking and reading manga. Está practicando su español!
SR. ANGELICAH NJUGUNA
Director of
Religious Education
“What God has intended for you goes far beyond anything you can imagine.” Fr. Sean Weeks is the pastor at St. Pius X Parish serving his 10th year in this capacity. He loves serving the St. Pius X Community and beyond in their various needs. He spends quality time working with the police department. He could easily be mistaken for a police officer. With his police-officer-like demeanor, one may not see a joke forthcoming from our pastor, but yeah, he cracks and enjoys a good joke! When not busy in the office or celebrating Sacraments, you will regularly spot Fr. Sean walking around campus counting beads – praying for the SPX Mission. He loves our Blessed Mother and the prayer of the Rosary. His best hobby is working out for health and wellness. See if you can spot him in one of the fitness centers.
BUSINESS MANAGER
DAVE McCABE
On the west side of Portland for almost 30 years now, Dave, a Chicago transplant, thinks of The St. Pius X Community as his backyard, so, even as the new guy on the block, joining the parish and school team to oversee business affairs feels natural. Whether you see him on campus in his Sunday best, business casual, or jeans and hardhat, keep in mind that beyond that often furrowed brow he can be instantly tipped into a smile and laugh. If you really want to get his attention, bring up any topic about aviation, horses or dogs.
PARISH OFFICE MANAGER
NICKI CARO
When not assisting Father Sean with his daily schedule, working on the bulletin, or taking baptism and other type calls you can find me in the parish office next to a heater..! It has been said that I am probably the 2nd funniest Parish Staff Member..!
IT Admin & Facilities Operations Manager
PAUL MILLER
I support the Parish and School Staff with all onsite technological needs. When not fixing PC's or running upgrades you can find me wargaming online in World of Tanks! Nicki says that I am the funniest Parish Staff Member..!
Reception/Admin. Assistant
CINDY TOBON
¡Hola! If you stop by or call the parish office during the week I will be the one to welcome you in! You have probably seen me around on Sundays during the 1PM Mass or during one of the Bilingual Masses. I grew up attending the 1PM Mass so St Pius X has been my Catholic home for many years. I look forward to meeting you and serving the St. Pius X community as part of the parish staff.
Development Coordinator
VERONICA OCAMPO
Greetings and Welcome to St. Pius X, is probably what you will hear when calling or coming into the Parish Office. I don't take coffee orders but would be happy to assist with any bilingual translations that you may need, or help get you pointed in the right direction for your campus activity.
Bulletin AND
Social Media Editor
ANGELICA OCAMPO
Angelica has always lived in Oregon and, besides the beautiful scenery of the PNW, St. Pius X Church has been a constant throughout her life. Now, with a 4-year degree in Graphic Design, she works as editor of the SPX bulletin, socials, and vestibule slides. Art has always been important to her and she continuously thinks about color theory and design composition. If you have a flyer or event info you’d like to share with the parish, please feel free to send your request to be reviewed to the bulletin email (parishbulletin@stpius.org)!
BOOKKEEPER
PEGGY FLORA
I am so happy to be serving Christ here at St Pius. I have worked in the accounting field for over 30 years. Through those years the ways in which we account for things has changed but the numbers themselves don’t change. I am serious about the numbers but I am always up for a good laugh. You might not see me much around campus because I’m probably tallying up some receipts but if you do I’m probably asking questions about the numbers. Either way I’m happy that you’re here and even happier that I’m here with you.
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
RACHAEL KITCHENS
My Bio will go here once submitted.
FAITH FORMATION PROGRAM COORDINATOR
MARIELA ARBILDO
Hello! Hola! You have probably seen me running around with one, two or my three kids. I met St. Pius X community six years ago when my husband and I were looking for a school for our oldest son. We fell in love with the school, parish and community. I’m originally from Lima, Peru 😊 so feel free to ask me about Machu Picchu or how to make a good ceviche 😊. I have been living in Portland for 16 years and my heart belongs to here. My favorites activities are good conversations (specially if they come with a cup of coffee), going to mass, reading and going to the beach 😊. My favorites subjects are religion, education, entrepreneurship and science (I have engineering background). If you want to receive a missing Sacrament or want resources to learn more about our Catholic faith please contact me. It’s a joy for me to serve the community in their journey of faith.
Liturgy Coordinator
MELLIZA PALAZO
I believe that the Holy Spirit called and led me to my dream of being of service to people and to church. Melliza is a native of Manila in the Philippines and completed her education as a dentist. In 1999, she moved to the United States and registered as a parishioner at St. Pius X and since then become a volunteer in various ministry. She has been Involved in outreach and liturgy for 4 years ; parish council and ACTS facilitator for 3 years. After 21 years as a very active parishioner, she joined the staff as Liturgy Coordinator. The Holy Spirit has called her to this ministry to be of service to our community. She also felt the calling to support and serve our clergies, seminarians and religious and most especially care for our altar servers. Iza as others knows her by name loves promoting vocations through prayers and participating in vocation events. This lady loves to cook and can feed the whole army of God. She is very much involved in Vocation Ministry, the Serra Club of Portland and Oblates of Mt. Angel Abbey and very in love of the Eucharist. Melliza takes great joy in being able to serve her community with the Lord here at St. Pius X and around our Diocese as well as outside Portland.
Facilities Supervisor
ROGELIO ACEVEDO
You have probably seen me in the mornings placing cones and directing campus traffic (like one of those cool air traffic controllers...) or setting up an area for an event. At other times I can be found around campus fixing broken or failing equipment or replacing a leaking sprinkler pipe. Let us know if you need any assistance while on campus.
FACILITIES
GABRIEL BARREDA
Gabriel is our quiet guy around campus who says plenty with a nod and his ever present smile. He seems to live by Phyllis Diller’s words: A smile is a curve that sets everything straight. Gabriel works closely with Rogelio to keep curves around campus straight and well aligned. He is an attentive listener always ready to lend a helping hand when needed. Gabriel enjoys nature and the time he spends at it around campus. He also enjoys time with family. We like to think him shy!
what is the
pastoral council?
The Pastoral Council advises the Pastor on a wide range of issues including, but not limited to: developing a Pastoral Plan, providing feedback on ministry outreach, identifying the people within the parish that can effectively run particular ministries. The council acts as additional eyes, ears, and communicator of the Pastor.
The mission of the Pastoral Council is to be an advisory leadership body, guided by the Holy Spirit and the Gospel, that assists the Pastor and the Parish Staff in discerning the needs of the Parish and, by recommending strategic goals and priorities, guides the Parish in fulfilling its mission as a Christian Community.
The Pastoral Council aims to reflect the diversity of voices in our community and its members are open to feedback, ideas, and questions. The Council is made up with members who are engaged in one of our Parish Commissions. These Commissions are Prayer and Worship, Faith Formation, Outreach, School Advisory, and Parish Fellowship. These commissions meet about once a month and will have membership on the Pastoral Council which we hope will meet about every other month.
The time has come to renew the Parish Commissions and the Pastoral Council. If you are interested in helping with the mission here at St. Pius X Church, please send an email to frontdesk@stpius.org and let us know what area of ministry you may be interested in.