Sacramental Windows 16250 Old Weatherford Road Aledo, TX 76008
Holy Redeemer s Sacramental Windows It is appropriate to enhance our Eucharistic Chapel with new stained glass representing the sacraments, the channels of grace flowing through the Church, from Jesus to us, the members of His Body. Symbolism chosen for the windows: - The seven sacraments of the Catholic faith are: Baptism, Reconciliation, Confirmation, Eucharist, Matrimony, Holy Orders, and Anointing of the Sick. Although there are 7 sacraments, we used our 8 windows to represent them. The Eucharist is shown in the two center windows as the Body of Christ and the Blood of Christ. - The depiction starts in the east window with the first sacrament, Baptism. Here is shown the sunrise in spring, symbolizing the beginning of life with Christ. The stream flowing toward us signifies new birth in Christ. - The scenes progress through spring and summer, dawn to dusk. They end in the west window with a sunset in the fall season with the Anointing of the Sick. The stream flowing away represents the end of life and return to God. This is a reminder that from birth to death the church is with us in every important step of our lives. - Native trees and flowers were chosen for our windows.
Baptism Setting: The Church at sunrise. It is the beginning of the day, symbolizing the child of God, born in Baptism. Season: Spring, the season of rebirth. Tree: The Peach tree and its blossoms are symbols of longevity and spring rebirth. It is also a prevalent tree in Parker County. Vestments: Green, signifying new life. The Lower Panel: The scallop shell is a symbol of Baptism. It is often used to pour water over the head of the person being baptized. Flower: Bluebonnet, a local springtime favorite wildflower and official state flower of Texas. - The stream, representing Baptism, is leading to new birth in Christ. - The baptismal font is a rendition of the actual font in Holy Redeemer s church. - Jesus told his disciples, Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).
Reconciliation Setting: The Reconciliation Room in early morning. Tree: Mesquite, implying desert wilderness and the thorns of sin. The thorns are also a reminder of the Crown of Thorns placed on Jesus Christ before his crucifixion. Flower/plant: Yucca, representing wilderness and solitude. Vestments: Purple, symbolizing penance. The Lower Panel: The keys are the symbol of the authority of the papacy and the Church s power to forgive sins. Jesus said to the apostles, Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven (Matthew 16:19). Flower/plant: The Prickly Pear Cactus, with its numerous thorns both large and small, is a reminder of sin. The cactus also has beautiful flowers representing the beauty of Christ s forgiveness. The plant is a symbol of endurance. It is also the official state plant of Texas. - The priest s right hand is raised, giving absolution to the penitent. Above his hand there is a crucifix, a reminder of Christ s death to bring us eternal life. - The setting outside is the desert, the place where Jesus was tempted by the devil. A mountain, similar to the one where the second temptation took place (Luke 4:5), is also visible. - The penitent, who has turned his back to Jesus by sinning, is now returning home to the Lord through reconciliation. He is halfway turned to the Bread of Life in our tabernacle. He is turning back to the Lord.
Confirmation Setting: The Church in mid morning. Season: Spring, the season of rebirth. Tree: Pecan, symbolizing strength. It is also the official state tree of Texas. Vestments: Red, the color for Pentecost and the fire of the Holy Spirit. The Lower Panel: The dove and seven tongues of fire are symbolic of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost giving the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, knowledge, counsel, fortitude, piety, and fear of the Lord. Flower: The Indian Paintbrush is a favorite Texas wildflower. The color red represents the tongues of fire of the Holy Spirit. - The candidate, who is oriented toward the Blessed Sacrament in our tabernacle, is seeking spiritual strength through the fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Eucharist - Body of Christ Setting: The Church during mid day. Season: Summer, the season of growth. Tree: Olive tree, referring to the grove of trees in the Garden of Gethsemane. Here, Jesus went, as was His custom, to the Mount of Olives (Luke 22:39). At the Last Supper, Christ gave us His Body and Blood in the first Eucharist. Wheat field: The wheat is a reminder of Christ in the Bread of Life. Vestments: Gold, representing reverence, honor, and the kingdom of God. The Lower Panel: The loaf of bread symbolizes Christ s sacred body in the Eucharistic. Flower: The Dogwood represents the wounds of Christ. The four petals and markings resemble a cross and nail marks. The center resembles the crown of thorns, and the red berries are a reminder of Christ s blood sacrificed. - The priest is facing our tabernacle, which holds the Body of Christ. - At Mass the priest prays over the bread saying, Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, for through your goodness we have received the bread we offer you: fruit of the earth and work of human hands, it will become for us the bread of life. During the Consecration, the bread becomes the Body of Christ.
Eucharist - Blood of Christ Setting: The Church during mid day. Season: Summer, the season of growth. Tree: Olive tree, referring to the Garden of Gethsemane. Here, Jesus went, as was His custom, to the Mount of Olives (Luke 22:39). At the Last Supper, Christ gave us His Body and Blood in the first Eucharist. Vineyard: The vineyard represents the wine transformed into the Blood of Christ. Vestments: Gold, symbolizing reverence, honor, and the kingdom of God. The Lower Panel: The chalice with grapes symbolizes the Blood of Christ. Flower: The Passion Flower represents faith, religious fervor, and the crucifixion of Christ. The three stigmas remind us of the three nails, the five anthers of the five sacred wounds of Christ, and the hundreds of filaments on the flower are associated with the Crown of Thorns. - The arches from the two Eucharistic windows visually join together as one. This unifies the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. - The icon on the altar is of the five loaves and two fishes. They represent the miracle of the multiplication of loaves and fish, where Jesus fed 5000 people (Mark 6:34-44 and Matthew 14:13 21). This miracle is a symbol of the Holy Eucharist. - At Mass the priest prays over the wine saying, Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, for through your goodness we have received the wine we offer you: fruit of the vine and work of uman hands, it will become our spiritual drink. During the Consecration, the wine becomes the Blood of Christ.
Matrimony Setting: The Church in the early afternoon. Season: Summer, the season of growth. Tree: Crepe Myrtle, signifying happiness, steadfastness, and beauty. The deciduous Crape Myrtle is among the longest blooming trees in existence. It is also the official state shrub of Texas. Flower: The Trumpet Vine symbolizes the bond of love, generous and devoted affection. Vestments: Green, representing the beginning of a new life in the bond of marriage. The Lower Panel: The wedding rings symbolize a continual bond of love and commitment; love without beginning or end. Flower: The Primrose, often called a pink Buttercup, is a symbol of cheerfulness and love. The Calla Lily in the lower panel and also held by the bride represents purity and chastity. - The priest is the witness. The couple receiving the sacrament is turned toward the source of all love, the Blessed Sacrament in our chapel.
Holy Orders Setting: The Church in the afternoon. Season: Summer, the season of growth. Tree: Live Oak, symbolizing strength, and bravery. Similarly, the priesthood is also alive and strong, getting nourishment from the Holy Eucharist. One sacrament cannot exist without the other. The mature Live Oak relates to the solid foundation rooted in the institution of Holy Orders. Vestments: White and gold, symbolic of purity, reverence, honor, and the kingdom of God. The Lower Panel: The bible, stole and chalice represent the power of the priest to preach and administer the sacraments. Flower: The Yellow Daisy symbolizes innocence, loyal love, purity, faith, simplicity, and patience. The daisy is also an abundant Aledo wildflower. - The Sanctuary Lamp is a rendition of the one we have in our chapel. - The Bishop and the concelebrant are oriented toward the Blessed Sacrament in our tabernacle as they impose their hands and pray for the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the candidate.
Anointing of the Sick Setting: A regular bedroom at sunset. Season: Fall, the season of transformation. Tree: Red Oak, symbolic of bravery, courage, triumph, immortality and longevity. The leaves symbolize healing and renewed strength. Vestments: Purple, signifying wisdom, dignity, prayer and penance. The Lower Panel: The Holy Oils and candle represent the Oils of the Infirm ( O. I. ). St. James said, Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint (him) with oil in the name of the Lord (James 5:4-14). Flower: The Indian Blanket, a favorite Texas wildflower, and the Easter Lily. St Joseph, the patron saint of the dying, is often shown holding a lily. It is also a sign of the Resurrection since it seemingly dies away then returns with new life each year. Because they are white, they signify the pure new life that comes through the Resurrection of Jesus. - The setting of the sun is reflected in the light on the curtain in the bedroom window. The afternoon sun and the fall leaves signify the end of the day and the end of the seasons of life. - The river, which is also shown in the first window as leading to new birth in Baptism, is now flowing away to eternal life with God. - To the young as well as to the old, the Church offers the special sacrament of the anointing; reminding us that Jesus is with us as we approach eternal life with Him. - The dying woman, resting in bed, is assisted by the prayers of her friend and the priest. She feels reassured and consoled by the holy anointing. Her soul is ready to be welcomed by her Holy Redeemer.
From sunrise to sunset, and throughout the stages of our lives, Christ assists us through the graces of the sacraments. We hope that these images, simple yet clear, have illustrated the beauty of the sacraments, and also enlightened our faith.
We would like to thank those who generously donated funds for the creation of these windows. We would also like to thank the members of Holy Redeemer s Fine Arts Committee Fr. Publius Xuereb, Francie Allen, Laura Brown, Lisa Koger, Scott Martsolf, Carolyn Pass, Jonathan Willmer, Judie Woodall and the artists of Conrad Schmitt Studio. For information about contributing toward the stained glass windows and statues for the Mary and Joseph devotional areas, and additional stained glass windows for the Reconciliation Room, please contact our parish office. 16250 Old Weatherford Road Aledo, TX 76008 (817) 441-3500 2011