Pittsburgh (or ex-Pittsburgh) Catholics

Hello All: I know I haven't been here in a very, very long time. But I just wanted to check in to make a suggestion to all Pittsburghers out there. Have you ever gone for a retreat at St. Paul of the Cross Retreat House? I just returned after spending a weekend there and it was lovely. I've been to the Church many times over the years, but the weekend retreat I went on was so refreshing to me. I highly recommend it for everyone (especially any women out there). I was there with some women from my parish and other parishes in the Pittsburgh area. We all had a lovely time. I'm already planning on attending again next year.

Hi All -- I was wondering how many people here have been to the Vatican exhibit at the Pittsburgh History Museum. I went last Sunday and was very impressed. I would highly suggest anyone go to see it while you can.

Well All, I had the chance to see Cahal Dunne at St. Thomas More Parish on Sunday. He's always very entertaining to listen too. Even though he would be classified as an Irish entertainer, he really is quite diverse in what he sings. I became familiar with his music when he would entertain at the Blarney Stone. When it was closed, my family and I would always enjoy seeing him at the Irish Festival. But we've also seen him in other venues as well. I'd highly recommend anyone see him in concert if they have a chance.

Kathy

Happy Dingus Day , yinz all -- Go splash water on your best girl!

Whatevergirl, since your heart is set on returning, I wish you and your family the best. Remember, things are not perfect here, either. I´ll give you a few examples.

Back in 2001, Governor Ridge signed a bill increasing pension benefits for state employees and teachers. Back then, nobody was worried about the stock market. Today those plans are underfunded. There is a state constitution article forbidding the cutting of these benefits and a tax increase is very possible.

This past winter has been awful. I haven't seen this much snow since I was 11 years old. Granted, these winters don't happen every year - or every decade. Still, as I age, and I'm 46, I grow more and more tired of winter every year. Last summer was the coolest on record, too.

The Pirates still stink. Ben Roethlisberger is in legal trouble - again. You can look up for yourself what it is this time. At least we have Sidney Crosby and the Penguins and the new arena.

After I pay off some bills, I plan to make some updates to our house. I want to sell it after Obama is put out of office in 2 1/2 years, buy a new one with a 15 yr loan, and when it's paid off, retire. that's my goal, anyway.
Best wishes.

Hi all...I was looking at the real estate in a few areas in southhills area...and wow, there are great deals out there, and you get a lot of house and yard for the money, unlike Florida...I am done bad mouthing Florida...it has had its positives, it's just not somewhere I want to be for much longer. My dh and I came here, we believed it was God's will...and it wasn't a bad thing. It still isn't...I just miss Pgh and don't think that feeling will go away anytime soon. SO...that said, we have decided to move back ....just a matter of this or next summer. If I had my druthers it would be this year...we'll see. I just wanted to share that here, and comment about the real estate. AND the taxes for Allegheny County are not bad either...compared to where we live. It's like $5+k per year here, and in most of these areas, it's not more than $3k.

Prayers for all my Pgh friends here, that the weather wasn't too bad this weekend. I talked with one of my coworkers from out Pgh office on Friday, and he said it was really coming down, the snow. Prayers that you all stay safe on the roads...and warm!

Hi JW...Thanks for the reply. I wondered..we are tossing the idea around about moving back to Pgh next year. I'm in Florida, compared to Florida, those stats look much better. I wonder if they only take into consideration, people who are drawing an unemp. check.

it is slightly better than in other parts of the country. Unemployment is around 8%, which is 2 points lower than the nation as a whole.

My employer wants to eliminate about 100 jobs in a particular department due to declining business in that department.

On the other hand, the subsidiary I work for had its best profit ever in 2009.

I have been meaning to ask in here...how is the job market in Pgh these days...as compared also to the rest of the country? One of my brother in laws lost his job last year...he was an IT analyst. Poor guy, he is sooo talented, and still out of work. I feel so badly. I don't know if the economy was completely to blame...his company was bought out, so that sometimes happens, they don't need two of everyone. Just was curious how Pittsburgh matches up?