Baptismal Font
Originally placed in a separate “baptismal room” near the entrance to the church, this beautifully sculpted marble font has been placed at the entrance of the church to symbolize the waters of baptism through which each of us must pass in order to become a member of the Church and have the honor to celebrate and receive the gift of the Eucharist.
Aumbry
This is the traditional name for the encasement of the holy oils which are used in the administration of the sacraments. The three oils are blessed by the bishop every year during Holy Week and brought to every parish in the diocese.
Sanctuary
The sculpted walls of the sanctuary are designed to suggest the presence of wind and fire, the symbols of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
Altar
The symbol of the body of Christ and also the Table for the Last Supper, the altar is made of a solid block of marble, resting on other smaller blocks. The horizontal sculpture in the marble represents the waters of life that flow from the Sacrifice of Christ.
Baldachin
Over the main altar, the baldachin is made of bronze and symbolizes the Golden Ladders that the patriarch Jacob saw in a vision where angels of the Lord ascended to heaven and descended to earth. Jesus, in John 1:51, likened himself to this ladder which unites earth to heaven.
Ambo (Pulpit)
The place where the Word of God is proclaimed is made of Brazilian rosewood, bronze and marble. It contains a symbol of the Holy Spirit both in the marble design and in the bronze sculpture.
Presider’s Chair
This chair symbolizes the role of the presider over the assembly as it gathers on Sunday. Sculptured on the seat back is a fish, the ancient symbol of Christ.
Tabernacle
Made of bronze and convex in shape so as to go out to the people, the tabernacle is sculpted with symbols of wheat and grapes and mounted on a bronze column which rises above teh marble platform. There are various stages or levels in both wood and marble, with a bronze sculpture of the Burning Bush.
Cross Suspended over the Altar
Designed and executed by the German artist Timothy Schmalz, the cross is made of rosewood which becomes more radiant with the passing of time.
Cantor’s Stand
Designed and created by Mr. Thomas Tucciarone, a parishioner and professional wood worker, it is meant to reflect and match the new organ for our church.
Organ
The organ in our church is a combination digital/pipe organ designed by Cornell Zimmer Organ Builders, Opus 72. There are four divisions: Great, Swell, Choir and Pedal in 75 ranks (15 pipe/60 digital). It was installed for Easter of 2003.
Table for the Gifts
Designed and created by Mr. Thomas Tucciarone, it is meant to both match and echo the aumbry, also designed and executed by Mr. Tucciarone.
Stained Glass Windows
The lower windows are vertical in design to carry the eye to the upper clerestory windows.
Clerestory Windows
Following the configurations of the Stations of the Cross, their color grows in intensity as the Passion becomes more intense, reaching a deep red at the Crucifixion. All the stained glass windows of our church were generously designed, executed and donated by the renowned stained-glass artist, Mr. Peter Geisser.
The Stations of the Cross
The Stations of the Cross are unique in design, usually depicting Jesus in the fetal position, suggesting that He is moving not to death but to new life with the cross itself often times placed beneath Jesus as the vehicle that carries Him to the great act of love in His crucifixion.
The Blessed Virgin’s Chapel
The bronze sculpture on the back wall of the Chapel seems to place Mary in the background, suggesting the importance of the Christ Child whom Mary presents to the world.
Mary’s Chapel
Originally a meeting room attached to the church, it was renovated in 1989 and made into a permanent place of worship. The design is by Mr. Al Oakes, a parishioner and professional architect, and creates a very beautiful setting for the celebration of Mass. The statue of Mary over the presider’s chair is the only artifact that we have from the original worship space and was used when our parish church was founded.
Four Paintings of Mary
Located in the lobby, these wonderful works of art were created by Mr. Robert Venditto, a parishioner and noted artist. The paintings portray the life of Mary from the Annunciation through the Assumption.
