I. Patio The new
church was built to help foster a real sense of fellowship. This event
even from the outside. 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. 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. 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. B. The skylight above the altar
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.
2. The Low Windows
F. Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe Our Lady of Guadalupe is
patroness of all Americas – both North and South America.
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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