Caring for Our Neighbors

Dear St. Pius V Parishioners, Friends, and Neighbors:

We are aware of the letter from the South Grand Community Improvement District requesting that local businesses stop offering water or food to unhoused neighbors, and that businesses take pictures of unhoused neighbors, call 911 to report them, and share pictures with law enforcement. 

St. Pius V Catholic Church, anchored in the heart of the South Grand neighborhood, with doors open to all, shares our community's dismay at a request to deny compassion, withhold resources, and exclude. We will continue to offer care, including food and water, to our neighbors, especially those without housing, who are our brothers and sisters and not a problem to be reported. 

As our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, wrote, “By her very nature the Church is in solidarity with the poor, the excluded, the marginalized and all those considered the outcast of society. The poor are at the heart of the Church” (Delexi Te #111).

Our parish community stands in solidarity with Pope Leo and all people of good will to advocate for and assist those who are most in need.

Fr. John Vien, Pastor

Then the righteous will answer and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’  

And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least ones of mine, you did for me.’

– Matthew 25, 37-40