As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our families, our parish and our community, we can still embrace our commitment to a stewardship way of life through service and solidarity.  

Please visit the information below and see where you and your family can answer the call to service while sheltering in place:

• At home
• In your neighborhood
• At Saint Pius X Parish
• In the Michiana community

• Spring Cleaning - Indoors:  Clean out your dressers, closets, and kitchen cabinets and donate to one of the following organizations:
  • Christ Child Society of South Bend is accepting gently used clothing for children ages birth - 12 years.  As we head into warmer weather, consider donating gently used winter gear!  Donations can be dropped off in the bin in the SPX Parish Life Center.
  • The St. Vincent dePaul Society provides clothing vouchers to Goodwill for clothing and household goods to individuals and families.  Drop off your donations at the Goodwill store located on State Road 23 in Granger.  They are accepting donations Monday through Saturday 11-6 (furniture is not currently being accepted).
• At Home Chore Challenge:  Encourage family members to surprise your household with completing an extra chore each day (without being asked...).

• Spread Cheer:  With an increase of walkers and bike riders in many neighborhoods, use your driveway or front yard as a way to spread cheer.  Include inspiring images and scripture passages or messages of faith.  Share photos on social media, tagging @StPiusGranger and the hashtag #SPXParishLove.
  • Use chalk to decorate the end of your driveway
  • Paint rocks and/or bricks and place near your mailbox
  • Decorate posterboard affixed to a stick in your front yard
  • See the photo album HERE for more ideas!
• Be a Good Neighbor:  Check in on elderly neighbors.
  • Leave a note letting them know you are thinking of them
  • Ask if they need any help with errands or groceries 
  • Ask if they would like help with spring cleaning of their yard - picking up trash or leaves, trimming bushes and overgrown vegetation, and/or planting flowers.

• Parish Community Outreach:  We are attempting to contact EVERY parish household by phone.  Volunteer to make as many calls as you can.
  • The only tools needed are a phone and a gmail or Google account
  • Contact Betsy Quinn at bquinn@stpius.net to learn more!
• SPX Senior Residences:  Our parish serves 6 residences for senior citizens that are on lock-down, unable to have routine visitors.  
  • Send a note of good cheer and an Easter greeting
  • Have a child color a picture to brighten someone’s day
  • Include in your note that you are a Saint Pius X parishioner so they know our parish cares for them and are praying for them
    • Bell Tower Health & Rehab Center: 5805 N. Fir Road, Granger, IN  46530
    • Brookdale Granger: 430 E. Cleveland Road, Granger, IN  46530
    • Fountainview Golden Living Center: 609 Tanglewood Lane, Mishawaka, IN  46545
    • The Hearth at Juday Creek: 6330 N. Fir Road, Granger, IN  46530
    • Arborwood: 820 E. Cleveland Road, Granger, IN  46530
    • Waterford at Edison Lakes:  email to staff that can be printed to display for the residents:  kellybuwa777@hotmail.com
• Tech Assistance: Because we cannot gather in person, all parish offerings have moved online, forcing many parishioners to navigate technology in ways they have never done before. 
  • Volunteer to be a resource to guide parishioners through these new and creative ways of embracing our faith.
  • Contact Betsy Quinn at bquinn@stpius.net to learn more.
• Support Parishioner-Owned Businesses:  So many small businesses in our community have been greatly impacted by this pandemic - many of which are owned and operated by SPX parishioners. 
  • Work with parish staff to come up with creative ways to share with the SPX and Michiana community to support these businesses.
  • Contact Betsy Quinn at bquinn@stpius.net to learn more. 

• Fleece Tie Blankets for St. Vincent dePaul:  The SVDP Sweet Dreams Ministry (HERE) provides beds and bedding for children in need in our community.  One way you can help is to make a no-sew fleece blanket to be a part of the Sweet Dreams package.
  • Click HERE or HERE for detailed instructions on how to make the blanket.
  • Completed blankets can be dropped off at the Parish Office at any time!
• Food Drive:  One of the greatest needs for the poor and vulnerable right now is food.  Help support the SVDP Food Pantry by organizing a neighborhood food drive.
  • Volunteer to be a neighborhood captain.
    • Distribute pre-made flyers
    • Collect food on a designated day
    • Deliver the food to the SVDP District Office
  • Fill out the interest form HERE to learn more.
• Casseroles and Baked Goods for Hope Ministries:  Hope Ministries is currently serving 300 meals per day to the homeless.
  • Donations needed are: meatloafs, lasagnas, and baked treats
  • Food should be in disposable containers and clearly labeled
  • Food can be dropped off at Hope (432 S. Lafayette Blvd., South Bend) any day from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Donations can be dropped off at the front desk or you can call when you get there (574-235-4150 x221) and they’ll send someone out to your vehicle
• Sew Masks:  Local health care providers are still seeking masks for their employees and are seeking our help.
  • Sign up HERE to indicate that you are willing to sew masks.
    • Parishioners can make their own masks using their own pattern or following the step-by-step instructions HERE.  Masks can then be dropped off at SPX when completed.
    • You can also enlist with "Sew Loved", a nonprofit organizing production of handmade masks for various organizations. The nonprofit trains the sewer, mails materials, and then distributes completed masks to organizations in need. Sewers can sign up HERE.
• Center of the Homeless:  The CFH is seeking help with their community garden and bringing cheer to the residents.
  • Families can start seedlings and grow at home. The plants could be dropped off the first week of June for planting along with a bag or two of donated top soil.
    • Sign up to start your plants HERE.
    • A comprehensive guide to growing vegetables and flowers from seeds can be found HERE.
    • A how-to video can be found HERE.
  • Letters and cards of encouragement are being collected at the parish for the guests of the Center.  Drop off at the parish office, attn: Tara Schmitt.
• Donate Blood:  The blood supply in our community is very low due to the coronavirus. Visit the Medical Foundation's website HERE to make an appointment to donate now! 
• Volunteer at the Food Bank of Northern Indiana:  Healthy, able-bodied volunteers are needed to help Monday through Friday.  For more information, call (574) 232-9986 ext. 129 or fill out the form on their website HERE.
• La Casa de Amistad:  This local organization that serves Hispanic youth in South Bend is looking for adult volunteers who are local, healthy, and not part of an at-risk population.  To inquire about volunteer opportunities, contact Nancy Diaz at nancy@lacasadeamistad.org