St. George News & 2023 in Review

To all Friends, Neighbors, Supporters, Alumni, and Parishioners of St. George and St. John Vianney:   HAPPY 2024 TO OUR ST. GEORGE COMMUNITY!

~UPDATES~ VATICAN APPEAL Our original appeal of the closing of St. George Church (St. John Vianney) had 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 had rejected our appeal. Regardless, in 2023 we kept 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 1,400 contacts. HISTORIC DESIGNATION In light of the Vatican decision, we notified the Pittsburgh Historic Review Commission that the decision may have an effect on the Federal Court injunction. We are waiting on their response. 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 & Allentown Community together for our various fellowship events and 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. 2023 IN REVIEW January Sales of the 2023 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.   April The St. George Community & Friends gathered for St. George Day at the Grove II. The crowd was excited and appreciative for this opportunity to gather and reminisce. There were many compliments for the fun event and good food. There was dancing to the music by our DJ. 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 gathered around the replica St. George Statue for photos. Click HERE to view the photos from St. George Day at the Grove II. November On Veterans Day we announced our partnership with Mary, Queen of Peace Parish to repair and restore the St. George WWII plaque that was once located on the front of St. George Church. A plan was developed to place the plaque on a new monument in the St. George section of St. John Vianney cemetery in Carrick. A dedicated parishioner from the Class of '66 has volunteered to perform the extensive repairs and restoration of the plaque. A very generous member of the Class of '68 will construct a monument where the memorial plaque will be displayed. Everyone, including the descendants of the 1,071 parishioners who are named on the plaque can honor those who served. With approval of our major donors, proceeds from the SGCPS restoration fund will be used to cover the costs that will be incurred for the project. December We launched our sale of 2024 St. George calendars along with our 2024 Membership Cards, and St. George sketches. During 2023, SGCPS networked with these organizations: Allentown CDC,  Allentown Senior Citizens' Center, Brashear Association,  Sen. John Heinz History Center, Mary, Queen of Peace Parish, Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation Preservation Pittsburgh, Young Preservationists Association Please note: 2023 SGCPS Membership Cards have expired. Click HERE to renew your membership card for 2024. (Donation $15.00) 2024 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) TO VISIT THE ONLINE ST. GEORGE STORE, click HERE. or Just send a note with your check to: SGCPS, PO Box 4228, Pittsburgh, PA 15203