We would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the significant progress in our mission to reopen & restore the former St. George Church. With the help of our St. George Family and our supporters, it has been a productive year.
2016 in review
January
It was announced that the closing mass will be on April 3.
A group of parishioners notified the Diocese of their intention to appeal this decision.
February
St. George Church Preservation Society (SGCPS) received word from the IRS that their 501(c)(3) status was approved retroactive to August, 2015.
March
A Town Hall Meeting was held to update the community on the efforts to reverse the decision to close the church.
SGCPS organized a pledge campaign that resulted in a pledge total over $50,000.
127 parishioners signed mandates to support an appeal to the Vatican.
The appeal documents were sent to the Congregation for the Clergy in Rome.
April
Attendance at the closing mass was 796.
With help from Preservation Pittsburgh, a parishioner nominated the church for historic status at the Pittsburgh Historic Review Commission.
SGCPS held the St. George Sunday Matinée at the Hollywood Theater in Dormont. In addition to the film, there were raffles, souvenirs and T-shirts available.
May
A successful on-line sale of St. George T-shirts was held and shirts were shipped to the St. George Family around the Country.
June
SGCPS participated in the N3D community festival in Grandview Park.
August
Plans were started for the St. George 130th Anniversary Dinner to reunite the St. George Family.
September
Parishioners were notified that the decision to close the church was revoked by the Congregation for the Clergy in Rome. Since this is not final, parishioners reached out to the pastor and the Diocese to discuss an arrangement that would result in the reopening and restoration of the church.
The very successful St. George130th Anniversary Dinner was held at the Castle Shannon Memorial Hall. The event was attended by almost 250 of the St. George Family and supporters. There were many positive responses to the wonderful evening that was enjoyed by all.
October
SGCPS was notified by the Young Preservationists Association that our church was selected to lead their annual “Top 10” list of preservation opportunities. A reception was held at The Frick to recognize this award.
November
A member of the St. George class of 1969 made a very generous donation of over $25,000 in memory of her parents.
The on-line Pledge Drive II campaign resulted in pledges of over $100,000 from the St. George Family around the Country.
December
Parishioners met with officials of the Diocese to try to form an arrangement to reopen & restore the church. A response is expected early in 2017.
Another successful Christmas Card Sale resulted in hundreds of St. George cards being sent to friends and family everywhere.
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- During 2016, SGCPS joined and networked with various organizations to support our mission:
Allentown CDC, Allentown Senior Citizens' Center, Brashear Association, German American Chamber of Commerce, Hilltop Alliance, Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation, Preservation Pittsburgh, Young Preservationists Association and Teutonia Mannerchor.- In 2017, efforts will continue to try to reach an arrangement with the Diocese to reopen and restore the church in order to avoid additional appeals.
- Events and fund-raisers will be planned to keep the St. George Family together and support our mission.
Please check our web site often for updates.
Thank You and Happy New Year! |
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