St. Pius X RC Church, Plainview NY

Many of you probably know me as I am currently a Lector, Sacristan, Altar Server, and Eucharistic Minister at the 3:45 Mass on Saturdays. In my spare time, I am very involved with various societies at school, play five instruments, and enjoy playing golf. I am honored and looking forward to this new opportunity of being a member of the Parish Council!

Name:  Cathy Polz

Occupation:  Elementary Teacher, NYC (Computer Science/ Engineering and Students with Disabilities)

Parishioner since:  1987

Organizations within the parish with which you currently are affiliated:   Coordinator/Catechist for Pre-K & Kindergarten Faith Formation program, Parish Council

What are your thoughts about serving on the Parish Council?  As a new mom, I am excited to be working with the Council to develop new, more creative ways to get families with young children more involved in parish activities.

What interests, hobbies, personal information or ideas would you like to share with the parish family?  I love to bake and decorate cakes. I also enjoy spending time with family and friends.

Name:  Steve Rhoads

Occupation:  NY State Senator, 5TH SENATE DISTRICT

Organizations within the parish with which you currently are affiliated:   Coordinator Youth Ministry, Parish Council

Occupation: First Senior Vice President, NYCB

Parishioner since:  1966

Organizations within the parish with which you currently are affiliated:  Choir, Cantor, Feast & Festival Committee, Parish Council, Pastoral Associate

What are your thoughts about serving on the Parish Council?  When asked by Fr. Valentine to be the Chairman of the Parish Council, I eagerly accepted as way to help council members and all parishioners encounter Christ and especially to live out the motto of our patron saint, “Restore All Things In Christ”.  I want to help council members develop their spirituality and enrich their understanding of the faith so that the counsel they provide to Fr. Valentine is rooted in the mission of the Church.

After attending religious education classes and making my Confirmation, I, like many, became a lapsed Catholic. Then after coming to Mass one Easter Sunday, I never left and began to attend Mass weekly. While at Mass, I heard a plea for Catechists, always wanting to be a teacher, I answered the call. This ministry would be one of my many gifts to St. Pius X Parish as I taught Confirmation grades for over 25 years.  I was then “tapped on the shoulder” by our Music Director Teresa Arrigo to be in the Choir.  Once again, I accepted and became the only cantor at all liturgical celebrations for over 25 years.  I then went to the “wrong meeting” and became part of the Liturgy Committee and would later assume the role of Liturgical Coordinator to prepare liturgies, train liturgical ministers, and create the liturgical environment.  Additionally, I have served as Co-Chair of the Feast of St. Pius X since 1990 and enjoy being able to bring Italian specialties and recipes that I find on my frequent trips to Italy to the community.

What interests, hobbies, personal information or ideas would you like to share with the parish family?  I enjoy traveling, preparing Italian specialties, and of course great classical music.

Occupation:  Faith Formation Administrator

Parishioner since:  Grew up in the parish, returned in 2013

Organizations within the parish with which you currently are affiliated:  Parish Council, Columbiettes, Eucharistic Minister, St. Pius Feast committee, Liturgical design for Christmas & Easter

What are your thoughts about serving on the Parish Council?  Honored & energized to work with Council assisting Fr. Valentine to enhance the sense of community, vibrancy & prayer in the parish. 

What interests, hobbies, personal information or ideas would you like to share with the parish family?  Needlepoint, gardening