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 added to the delay in the long process and we continued to wait.
Unfortunately, in November, 2022, we were very disappointed to be notified that the Vatican court has rejected our appeal.
As a follow-up to this news, we have written to Bishop Zubik and presented our improved proposal for consideration. We pray that the Spirit will inspire His Excellency to reconsider his contentious position and embrace our obvious solution. With the help of the St. George Community 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 the St. George Church Preservation Society (SGCPS).
Regardless, we intend to keep our St. George Community connected and we will continue to organize fellowship events that bring our community together. We will maintain the SGCPS and support our network of over 1400 contacts.
HISTORIC DESIGNATION
In light of this recent Vatican decision, we have notified the Pittsburgh Historic Review Commission that the decision may have an effect on the Federal Court injunction. We are waiting on their response.
You may recall that in 2020, Bishop Zubik's workers began preparations to dismantle St. George Church. In response, 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, the historic designation is still on hold.
FELLOWSHIP EVENTS
Over the years, one of our most significant accomplishments was to be able to bring the St. George Community together for our various fellowship events to gather and enjoy the company of all of our friends, family, supporters, and community. If you know of any friends and family who would like to be notified of future events, please ask them to contact us at: contact@SGCPS.net or call 412-502-5062.
CONTACTING BISHOP ZUBIK
If you would like to send a polite note to Bishop Zubik regarding his plan to dismantle 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
2022 IN REVIEW
January Sales of our St. George sweatshirts wrapped up as the 2022 St. George Calendars and sketches continued in the on-line St. George Store. Also, we continued our membership drive to reach out to the St. George Community. We try to include everyone in the community who supports our work and enjoys the member benefits.
May The St. George Community & Friends gathered at St. Pius X Auditorium in Carrick for Spaghetti Dinner III. The crowd was excited and appreciative for this opportunity to gather and reminisce.There were many compliments for the fun event and good food. In addition to the Door Prizes, Chinese Auction and Raffle, there was a slide show of St. George photos, a display of the St. George WWII memorial and the St. George trophies. Guests also gathered around the replica St. George Statue for photos.
August With sadness, we noted the passing of Fr. Donald Breier. He was our friend and a supporter of the St. George Community. Many of us have known him since he arrived at St. George Parish on his first assignment in 1969. He has been welcomed into God's loving care.
November As noted above, we were very disappointed to be notified that the Vatican court had rejected our appeal. We have written to Bishop Zubik and presented our improved proposal for consideration. We continued to pray that the Spirit will inspire His Excellency to reconsider his contentious position.
December Our Christmas Card sale was launched along with our 2023 St. George calendars, 2023 Membership Cards, and St. George sketches.
During 2022, SGCPS continued to network with these organizations:
Allentown CDC, Allentown Senior Citizens' Center Brashear Association, German American Chamber of Commerce Hilltop Alliance, Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation Preservation Pittsburgh, Young Preservationists Association Sen. John Heinz History Center
Please note: 2022 SGCPS Membership Cards have expired. Click HERE to renew your membership card for 2023. (Donation $15.00)
2023 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
To our St. George Community & Supporters: Looking forward to 2023, let's take a moment to reflect:
(Each year, we share these reflections. We have received many positive responses. The following includes some updates to those reflections.)
WHY DO WE DO THIS?
In 2015, we learned that we could do something to stop the proposed demolition or dismantling of St. George Church (St. John Vianney). We knew that it would be a challenging journey, but if we didn't try, we would never forgive ourselves if there was a windowless empty shell or a hole in the ground where our beautiful church once stood.
THE ST. GEORGE LEGACY
We have learned through our faith to respect and preserve traditions, readings, symbols, customs, ceremonies and holy places. It follows that we should also honor the legacy of those who came before us:
We honor the founders and parishioners of St. George Parish who provided the funding and oversaw the acclaimed design and construction of St. George Church. The church was built with the finest materials available because their intent was to provide a perpetual sacred edifice that will last indefinitely.
We honor their descendants who, for decades, faithfully provided for the care, maintenance and improvements to St. George Church to ensure that it will always be there.
We honor our family, friends and neighbors who continue to support the efforts to preserve our legacy with their generosity, service, and resolve.
Those who came before us never could have imagined that the church their great efforts produced and cared for would ever be discarded.
Our beloved generations of the faithful St. George Community who have gone before us are now watching over us. We are confident that they will intercede with God to protect and help us as we will do whatever it takes to preserve their precious legacy.
“If you destroy their history, you destroy their achievements and it's as if they never existed.”
