Stained Glass
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Background
In 2018, through the Parish Development Office, a group of parishioners joined together to fund the purchase and installation of stained-glass windows for the Eucharistic Chapel and the Pope St John Paul II Chapel on the 40th Anniversary of the dedication of the church.
After much research, Joseph Beyers Studio of Philadelphia was chosen for the project. Joseph Beyers designed stained glass windows for several churches and cathedrals throughout the United States including the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. and the new Catholic cathedral in Raleigh, North Carolina.
After several topics were reviewed, it was decided that the design would focus on the Blessed Sacrament. Joseph Beyers submitted several design ideas over a period of months and the elements of grapes and wheat were chosen for the design.
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Blessed Sacrament Chapel
The final design incorporates a design that features the entire color spectrum to reflect the full spectrum of diversity among our parishioners. The color spectrum then reverses to reflect the full range of the ages among the parishioners. The circular weave reflects the eternal gift of the Blessed Sacrament while the stalks of wheat and grape vines leave an open space to allow one to imagine the consecrated host. The design allows viewers to form personal reflections on the Blessed Sacrament as they meditate on this original art created by Joseph Beyers in the pair of windows.
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Pope St John Paul II Chapel
The theme is carried in the windows of the St. Pope John Paul II Chapel where one of the windows is dedicated to the Saint.
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Jerusalem Cross Tabernacle
A new tabernacle, housed in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, was also donated with the Jerusalem Cross motif, similar to what is on the back wall of the altar. The Jerusalem Cross is also known as the Five-Fold Cross and the Crusader's Cross is made of four Tau Crosses which are in the four corners of the larger Cross. It was originally known as the Five-Fold Cross representing the Five Wounds of Christ's crucifixion.
The first ruler of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem had the Jerusalem Cross as the coat of arms. This cross was later used by the Crusaders. The Five-Fold Cross is said to be symbolic of France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy and Spain.
Also, the four small Tau crosses symbolize the four corners of the earth - as we are instructed to carry the good news to the four corners of the earth as the early missionaries carried the gospel from Jerusalem which is represented by the large cross.
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