2nd phase of our new stained glass windows

Dear Friends in Christ,

When you look up to the choir loft or toward the front doors of the church you will see clear glass. This is part of the preparation for the second phase of our new stained glass windows. These windows will complement the bronze doors which depict the baptism of Jesus. Since the Lenten Season is a time of preparation to renew our Baptismal promises, I thought you might like to hear how the new stained glass windows can relate to our spiritual journey.

The large central window behind the choir will have the traditional symbol of the Holy Spirit, the dove hovering in flight. The Spirit is the Sanctifier, Who anointed Jesus as the Christ and prepared Him for His public ministry. At our Baptism the Holy Spirit fills our souls with sanctifying grace and prepares us for our life’s journey toward the kingdom. The stained glass will show rays of light emanating from the Holy Spirit. Above the Holy Spirit, at the top of the window, you will see a symbol of God the Creator. A hand extended downward evokes the Person of the Father Who opens the heavens and announces Jesus as His own beloved Son. His creating hand reminds us that with the coming of Christ the new creation has begun.

At Baptism we become the beloved sons and daughters of God by adoption. Christ, our head, welcomes us into the family of His Church. We are joined to the great family which includes the saints in heaven and the holy souls in purgatory. We prepare to enter the new creation which Christ has established by His saving sacrifice on the Cross. Alongside the bronze doors the windows portray a continuation of the scene of nature with the water and the river banks, reminding us of Baptism.

The new windows are scheduled to be installed in May, during the Easter Season. By then we will have welcomed about 30 new Catholics. They will be washed in the saving waters and will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit at Easter. We will renew our own baptismal promises at Easter to remind us of the Spirit’s action in our lives. As we see the preparations continue and the new windows installed, may our hearts also be prepared and decorated with virtues. Let this Lenten Season be a time of spiritual renewal with prayer, penance, and works of mercy, so that the Easter celebration will bring true joy to our hearts.

May God bless you and may you have a fruitful Lent

Fr. Hildebrand