Father James A. Wehner, STD

There are two principle focal points: the Crucifix and the streams of living water. The suffering and dying of Jesus on the cross to take away sin and death out of love for US is central to Christianity, which is why it is so important in the Catholic tradition that the Body of Christ (Corpus Christi) be depicted on the cross, rather than a bare cross. From the pierced side of Jesus flowed blood and water – symbols for Eucharist and Baptism. In Christian symbolism, water is also often used to represent God’s grace. Therefore, the
three streams of life-giving water flowing from the side of Christ crucified show us that our three parish communities have a common origin in the grace-filled waters of Baptism into Christ and His Church. Those waters have a regional connection for us too – as we said in our recommendation to Bishop Zubik:
“The waters of Brush Creek that flow through Cranberry Township and to the Connoquennessing Creek that then flows through Zelienople and onward to Ellwood City connect our three parish communities and serve as a symbol to unite and share in God’s divine grace”. The color scheme evokes ties with our three communities. Blue and gold are colors familiar to both the St. Gregory and Holy Redeemer neighborhoods, and, of course, the cranberry red is a natural for St. Ferdinand. Lastly, the three dots on either side of the image remind us once again of our three originating parishes.

• Diocese of Pittsburgh Announcement and Parishioner Letter
• Decree

St. Gregory Catholic School