Tour of HOLY SPIRIT CATHOLIC CHURCH

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I.       Patio
          A. Gathering Space

The new church was built to help foster a real sense of fellowship. This event even from the outside.
 The large covered patio and area around it are meant to be a place where people can gather before and after services.

          B. Main door

Most people will use the here main door to enter the church. Again this is meant to foster a sense of community.


II.      Vestibule

          A. Gathering Space

One of the first impressions on entering the church is the large and spacious vestibule.
 Again this provides a gathering space for the people especially at such times as Baptisms, Weddings, and Funerals.

            B. Baptismal Pool

During recent years there have been renewals of the Sacrament of Baptism. The large baptismal font, first of all, permits baptism of adults to celebrate with full immersion. This more clearly reminds us of the purpose of Baptism: to share in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The large pool allows the symbolism of being buried in the water and being raised up from the water to be seen. Flowing water reminds us that though these waters the divine life of the grace flows into us.

Each time we enter the church we come to this font and bless ourselves -  a reminder that we enter the Church, the People of God, through the life giving waters of Baptism.

At the time of a Funeral, the first part of the rite begins at the church doors. The body of the deceased is blessed with Holy Water directly from the font is used to bring out the fullness of the symbolism.

            C. Confessionals

                        We first receive forgiveness through the waters of Baptism.

When we seek reconciliation with God after we have sinned Catholics approach the Sacrament of Penance or Reconciliation. The reconciliation Chapels are located near the front doors and the Baptismal Font, reminding us that this Sacrament renews in us the gift of Baptismal new life and re-admits us into the fellowship of the Church.

            D. Consecration Crosses and Candles

During the dedication of a new church, the Altar and walls of the church are anointed with Sacred Chrism. The Twelve Consecration Crosses and Candles mark the location of the Anoints.

The number “twelve” reminds us of the twelve Apostles, who are the pillars of the Catholic Faith. Each year on the anniversary of the church’s Dedication, these candles are lit. They are also lit on various other  special occasions. Just as the Altar is surrounded by lit candles because it is sacred, so too the assembly is likewise surrounded by lit candles since we are called to be holy too.

            E. Windows on the North Gallery and Statues

The Gospel for the Solemnity of All Saints is taken from the “Beatitudes” ( Matthew 5:1 – 10 ). The Beatitudes lay out the way of holiness. These eight Beatitudes are given to us in the windows of faceted glass ( thick pieces of the glass in concrete ). Appropriately, the statue of Jesus, under the title of the Sacred Heart, and statues of Mary and Martin de Porres are set here to aid in inspiring us to follow the teachings of Christ given us to follow the teachings of Christ given to us in the Beatitudes and the example of His saints who lived them.


 III Sanctuary

The Sanctuary is the large area in the front of the church that is set aside to provide focal point in our celebrations. It is raised in order that every one may see what is happening more clearly.

            A. Altar Table

The Altar is the center point of our worship. Its symbolism is three – fold:

1.     The Altar Table represents Christ. On the day of Dedication the Altar Table was anointed. At the beginning and end of each Mass, the priest kisses that Altar Table as a sign of greeting Christ.
2.     As an Altar, the Altar Table is a place where the sacrifice of Jesus is renewed and the celebrated again and again.
3.     As a Table, the Altar Table is a place where we are fed with the Body and Blood of Christ and share His heavenly banquet.

Reserving the Blessed Sacrament in s special chapel is meat to protect the honor due the Eucharistic Presence of Christ. Often when weddings and funerals are celebrated many of the people are non- Catholics who do not understand the special honor we give to Christ present in the Eucharist.
            Finally, the Blessed Sacrament provides a worthy place for private prayer and adoration of the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. It will enable us o continue our monthly day of Adoration ( on the fourth of each month ) even when other celebrations, like weddings, are scheduled on the same day.

            B.   The skylight above the altar

           The skylight above the altar is an architectural device balancing the one above the Baptismal Pool at the back. They lift our eyes to the Heavens in our celebration of the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, and Matrimony, which are celebrated beneath them.

The image in the window in the wall behind the altar represents the Holy Spirit, our Patron. Common representations of the Spirit are Wind, Fire and Dove. We have chosen the Dove for this instance.

The Greek word Pneuma means wind or breath or spirit, equating the breath of life with the spirit or life force in the body.  We first encounter the Holy Spirit as Wind in Genesis 1:2 . . .the Spirit of God was moving over the face of the waters.  Again we encounter the Spirit as Wind at Penetcost, Acts 2:2,  . . . And suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.  However,  it is not feasible to portray the Holy Spirit as Wind in the visual arts.

At Pentecost we also encounter the Spirit as Fire, Acts 2:3-4, And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.  The apostles are often portrayed with a flame on their head.  The Spirit, as fire, shows forth His role as the intense love of the members of the Trinity for each other and for men and angels.
The Spirit as Dove was seen at the John's Baptism of Jesus, when the whole Trinity was manifest. In John 1:32-34, John the Baptist declares: "I saw the Spirit descend as a dove from heaven, and it remained on him.  I myself did not know him; but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, `He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God." This Theophany, appearance of God,  is directly described in Matthew 3:16-17 And when Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on him; and lo, a voice from heaven, saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."  This is repeated in Mark 1:9-11and Luke 3:21-22.

C. Tabernacle

The Tabernacle is a precious chest made to keep the Holy Eucharist safe. It is specially designed to highlight the sacredness of its content -  the Eucharistic presence of Jesus Himself.

         D. Sanctuary Lamp

According to ancient customs a lit candle is kept burning in front of the Tabernacle that contains the Blessed Sacrament. Fire has been a sign of Holy Presence of God throughout the Old and new Testament times.

 

 

            E. Windows

1. The Tall Window

The tall, narrow window next to the Tabernacle uses the image of a flame. Fire is an ancient symbol of the presence of God and is often associated with the Holy Spirit.
Between the chapel and the nave, there is another tall window made of Blown Glass which has a certain distortion when you look through it. This gives the window with flame a dimensional appearance.

  2. The Low Windows
Each of the seven low windows in the Chapel represents the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit; Wisdom, Understanding, Wonder, Right Judgment, Courage, Knowledge, Reverence, Wonder and Awe.

 

          F. Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Our Lady of Guadalupe is patroness of all Americas – both North and South America.
 The Guadalupanans donated this Shrine as a sign of there love for the Blessed Virgin .

 

 

 

         G. Pro – Life Monument

 

 

The Pro – Life Monument is a recent addition to the church grounds. Located in a court yard next to the church, this monument is dedicated to the 43 million tiny victims of abortion 1973 – 2003  Holy Spirit Parish April 2003.

 

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