Stained Glass Windows
The stained-glass windows project was recommended when we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the new church last year. There were many suggestions to enhance our church with a slightly new vision as we continue to grow both with the traditional look as well as a new fresh look. The suggestions some of our parishioners brought up was a proposal of stained-glass windows. The Pastoral Team and several groups of our parish community suggested that this project would very worthy addition to our beautiful church.
A committee was created to find two artists who could design the stained-glass windows in harmony with the style and architecture of our church. After a few months of work and consultations with priests and volunteers who built the church, Pastoral and Finance Council, Staff and you, dear parishioners, the committee chose the theme, style and artist of the stained-glass windows.
The theme “Corporal Works of Mercy,” honors St. Martin of Tours, the patron saint of our parish. We believe, St. Martin was an apostle of Works of Mercy and practiced the Works of Mercy in his life. As followers of St. Martin, we wanted to learn and witness his example. We must welcome people who are in need, especially homeless, hungry and thirsty. We are encouraged to cloth the naked, visit the sick and imprisoned. Finally, we are obliged to bury the dead with faith in resurrection. The Corporal Works of Mercy is a clear invitation to practice our faith and become true Christians. Each window of the project will have a symbol of the Works of Mercy included in its design.
The chosen style of stained-glass windows relates well to the modern architecture of our church and will bring up a sacred atmosphere for our prayer and worship. The shape of the windows as well as the small circled symbols on the top of the windows link us to the old church (narthex).
The artist, Slovic Miskow, who designed the windows, in collaboration with Kim Kostuch, placed meaningful elements of our faith in the pattern and layout of the windows. There are stars and rays of light, vines with branches, and landscaped creation as background. I believe everyone will see different elements in each stained-glass window and will relate to them. The stained-glass windows will help us to pray and encounter God’s living presence in our church.
Each stained-glass window costs us $10,000 and the total cost of the first phase of the project is $60,000. The second phase will include the Rose window which is located above the baptismal font. The second phase has not yet been designed nor the cost estimated.
I am grateful to those who brought up the idea of the stained-glass windows project, the committee, artists, those who shared their suggestions and criticism to us, and above all, to those who will sponsor portions of it. Thank you very much.
On behalf of the project committee,
Fr. Andrzej
