ST. GEORGE NEWS & 2021 IN REVIEW

To all Alumni, Friends,  Neighbors, Supporters and Parishioners of St. George and  St. John Vianney:   HAPPY NEW YEAR TO OUR ST. GEORGE FAMILY! UPDATES & 2021 IN REVIEW   VATICAN APPEAL 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 late 2020, the pandemic has added to the delay and we still wait. As we pray for a positive decision from the Vatican court, we can also pray that the Spirit will inspire Bishop Zubik to reconsider his contentious position and embrace our obvious solution. In 2022, 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.   HISTORIC DESIGNATION In 2020, 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. Throughout 2021, the historic designation remained on hold.   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. Tentatively we are hoping to start planning for Spaghetti Dinner III in the Spring. 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.   CONTACTING BISHOP ZUBIK If you would like to send a polite note to Bishop Zubik regarding the dismantling of St. George Church and his opposition to the historic designation, here is his contact information: Bishop David Zubik 2900 Noblestown Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15205 412-456-3010 dzubik@diopitt.org 2021 IN REVIEW January We continued our membership drive to reach out to the St. George Family. We try to include everyone who supports our mission while enjoying member benefits. Sales of our 2021 St. George Calendars and sketches continued in the on-line St. George Store. April Due to the pandemic, planning for the St. George Spaghetti Dinner III was deferred. June We secured a storage locker to consolidate all of our supplies and memorabilia, etc. August A large gathering of old friends & neighbors, many with St. George and Allentown roots, was organized by Frank Singleton at a picnic in South Park. It was a wonderful time to catch up and reconnect with everyone. Thank you, Frank September After a lot of preparation, we were pleased to announce that the new St. George Church Preservation Society website, sgcps.net, has been launched. November Some parishioners discovered that the gas and water utilities at the church have been recently turned off. We expressed our concern to the Diocese that catastrophic freeze damage would occur to the boiler, radiators and the plumbing when the freezing temperatures arrive. After emails that were sent to his staff received no response, a certified letter was sent to Bishop Zubik. Weeks later, we received a response from his staff that informed us that the church has been “winterized”. Although we have serious doubts, we pray that this could prevent any freeze damage. December The successful St. George Dragon sweatshirt sale was concluded in our on-line St. George Store. The sweatshirts were delivered in time for Christmas. Also, our 2022 St. George calendars, 2022 Membership Cards, and St. George sketches are still available.   During 2021, SGCPS continued to network with these organizations to support our mission: Allentown CDC, Allentown Senior Citizens' Center Brashear Association, German American Chamber of Commerce H&R Block Referrals, Hilltop Alliance Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation, Preservation Pittsburgh Young Preservationists Association, Sen. John Heinz History Center   Please note: 2021 SGCPS Membership Cards have expired. Click HERE to renew your membership card for 2022. (Donation $15.00)   2022 St. George calendars are still available! 11” X 17” wall calendar featuring St. George photos for each month. (Donation $12.00, card members $10.00)   CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE ONLINE ST. GEORGE STORE or Just send a note with your check to: SGCPS, PO Box 4228, Pittsburgh, PA 15203