The church of St Pius X in Fairfield, Connecticut, will mark the beginning of a three-month renovation, reconstruction and restoration with a Solemn Mass in the Extraordinary Form in honor of its patron saint on Sunday, September 1st at 7 p.m. This Mass will be the last big event in the church, which will then be closed for renovations until at least Christmas; the Mass anticipates St Pius X’s feast, which is on September 3. The church is located at 834 Brookside Drive.
The Rev. Samuel Kachuba, pastor, will celebrate his first EF Solemn Mass to mark the occasion. Fr. Kachuba has taken the summer to learn the rite, and saw this first Mass as a way to amplify the theme of the renovation work, echoing the Saint, whose Papal motto was “To restore all things in Christ.” He will be assisted by Fr Michael Novajosky, rector of St Patrick’s Cathedral as assistant priest, Fr Timothy Iannacone, parochial vicar, as deacon, and Mr Brendan Blawie as subdeacon. The parish choir will provide the proper Gregorian Chants and sing a polyphonic setting of the ordinary.
The plans for the renovation call for a new main altar which allows for celebration on both sides, restoration of the rail, new flooring, pews, side chapels and confessionals. The Patrick Baker Company of Bristol is in charge of the work.
St Pius has become one of the leading parishes in the Diocese of Bridgeport for the celebration of the Extraordinary Form, with Fr Iannacone as the regular celebrant. Fr Kachuba made the decision to learn the Mass and has celebrated private low Masses over the summer.
