In 1950, Father F.B. Ostdiek, pastor of Holy Trinity, envisioned the need was approaching for the spiritual care of the families within Urbandale who were attending Holy Trinity. Urbandale was expanding and with the increasing number of Catholic families in the district, it was becoming apparent they would soon need their own parish. With this in mind, Father Ostdiek purchased about five acres of land from Mrs. Mary Lewis in Cornbelt Acres in Urbandale for a possible future site of a church and school.

From 1950 to 1955, the Catholic community in Urbandale grew from about 50 families to more than 250 families. On January 6, 1955, Father Ostdiek sent a letter to the Most Rev. Edward C. Daly, O.P., Bishop of Des Moines, requesting a new parish be incorporated in the Northwest Des Moines/Urbandale district. Acting on that request, Bishop Daly issued a decree to be read at all Masses on February 27, 1955 in Holy Trinity Church. The decree stated: On March 1, 1955, a parish shall be incorporated under the patronage of St. Pius X. A new church and school shall be constructed on the five-acre site at 66th Street and Oliver Smith Drive.