Once again in 2018, hundreds of individuals, organizations and businesses have supported our efforts. Click here to view the list on our website.
January
The sales of our 2018 St. George Calendars, sketches, aprons and other items continued in the St. George Store.
February
For the second time, the St. George statue from the side of Schramm Hall was rescued from a dumpster. We secured it and placed it in storage.
March
We completed the transfer of our financial records to QuickBooks and are set up to begin pledge solicitations when needed.
April
We sent a formal ownership proposal to the Diocese. SGCPS would own, operate, maintain, repair and restore St. George church at no cost to the Diocese. This was very similar to a proposal that the Diocese of Joliet, IL prepared for use in a similar situation. We haven't received a response.
May
On May 19, a sellout crowd filled the St. Pius X Auditorium in Carrick for the St. George Spaghetti Dinner as the St. George Family and supporters gathered for a fun filled evening of dining and dancing.
July
We received notification from the Vatican that our second appeal was not approved. After consultation with our canon lawyers, we found several errors in that decision and we decided to advance the appeal to the Apostolic Signitura (Supreme Court) at the Vatican.
August
We retained the services of an advocate (canon lawyer) in Rome who is authorized to serve before the Apostolic Signatura.
September
Appeal documents were prepared and sent to the Vatican.
The St. George Church Preservation Society adopted statutes to constitute the organization as an association of the Christian faithful. (such associations can be designated to own a Catholic church)
October
The 1071 Names from the St. George WWII memorial, including the 35 who lost their lives, were listed on our web site in time for Veteran's Day.
November
On November 3, we returned to the St. Pius X Auditorium in Carrick for the St. George Fall Fest. The St. George Family and supporters gathered for a fun filled evening of dining and dancing with music & singing by the VOICES.
December
We started our 2019 St. George Calendar sale and prepared to celebrate Christmas. For 2019 we launched our new membership drive to provide an opportunity to expand the St. George Family to include everyone who supports our mission while enjoying our member benefits.
During 2018, SGCPS continued to network with these 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
Teutonia Mannerchor
Sen. John Heinz History Center
In 2019, our efforts will continue to reach an agreement with the Diocese to reopen and restore the Church and end the appeal process. With the help of the St. George Family and supporters, we are ready to provide for the care and restoration of the Church at no cost to the Diocese. There are over 60 Catholic churches in other dioceses that are being cared for by similar organizations.
In the meantime, while we wait for a decision on our appeal, we'll continue to keep our 1300 contacts updated and we'll bolster the resources of the St. George Church Preservation Society. 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.
Happy New Year!
To our St. George Family:
St. George & St. John Vianney Parishioners, Alumni, Neighbors, Friends & Supporters
