NEWS UPDATES VATICAN APPEAL - Final decision delayed by pandemic. Our appeal of the closing of St. George Church (St. John Vianney) advanced to the Apostolic Signatura (Supreme Court) at the Vatican in 2019. Although we expected their final decision in early 2020, the pandemic closed down the court until this Fall and we still wait. As we pray for a positive decision from the Vatican, we can hope that the Spirit will inspire Bishop Zubik to reconsider his contentious position and embrace our obvious solution. In 2021, we will continue to reach out for an agreement to reopen and restore the Church. 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 organizations like SGCPS. Regardless of the final decision, we intend to keep our St. George Family connected and we will continue to organize fellowship events that bring our family together. We will maintain the St. George Church Preservation Society and support our network of over 1400 contacts. NEWS CONFERENCE ON THE STEPS OF ST. GEORGE CHURCH In August, parishioners held a news conference on the steps of St. George Church to express their outrage regarding the proposed dismantling of the church. The news conference was well attended by the community, the public and the media. After the news conference, the church was found to be open and everyone was able to enter the church for reminiscing and photographs. HISTORIC DESIGNATION After Bishop Zubik's workers began preparations to dismantle St. George Church, a faithful parishioner advanced an application for a historic designation to protect the structure. The nomination was then approved by the Pittsburgh Historic Review Commission, the City Planning Commission and the designation received preliminary approval by City Council. As City Council prepared for the final vote, Bishop Zubik filed a complaint in Federal Court to prevent the vote from taking place. At this time, a meeting has been proposed to try to resolve this issue. FELLOWSHIP EVENTS Over the years, one of our most significant accomplishments was to be able to bring the St. George Family together for our various fellowship events. We look forward to the near future when it will be safe for us to gather and enjoy the company of all of our friends, family and supporters. If you know of any friends and family who would like to be notified of future events, please ask them to contact us at: savestgeorge@gmail.com or call 412-502-5062. | 