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Catholic News Herald

Serving Christ and Connecting Catholics in Western North Carolina
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Windows to heaven

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The light which passes through the five colors of the stained glass is like a "window to heaven.”

This reflection from Father Mark Lawlor, pastor, helped announce and celebrate the completion of four stained glass windows recently installed in the sanctuary of St. Therese Church in Mooresville. The church, built in 2015, was designed to include four windows flanking the altar and shining rays of colored light down into the church. Those windows were installed Feb. 22-26 and portray the sacraments of baptism, Holy Eucharist, confirmation and marriage.

Father Lawlor noted that the project has been in the works for two years and was made possible by one couple’s generous donation.
“In our discernment of what scenes or saints to portray in the windows, we finally decided on four sacraments that are often celebrated in the church, and so the windows will be a focal point for parishioners, guests and those celebrating sacraments,” he explained.

The new windows were created and installed by Salem Stained Glass of East Bend.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter. St. Therese Parish contributed.

‘Sacraments are encounters with the Blessed Trinity and opportunities to receive grace.
It is my hope that the new windows will affirm our faith in the Risen Lord.’
— Father Mark Lawlor, Pastor, St. Therese Church

SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM WINDOW

The Sacrament of Baptism window includes an image of the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by St. John the Baptist.
Jesus was not baptized because of original or actual sin as we are. Jesus was baptized to inaugurate a new sacrament. At the end of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus commissioned His Apostles and charged them to “make disciples of all nations and to baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” (Mt 28:19). In the lower panel, there is an image of the old baptismal font that was used for many years when the parish was located on Main Street.

SACRAMENT OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST WINDOW

The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist window shows the priest distributing Holy Communion. The Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith. It is Our Lord’s gift of Himself. Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst” (Jn 6:35). The lower panels include an image of a chalice and the monstrance which is used in Eucharistic Adoration.

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION WINDOW

The Sacrament of Confirmation window includes an image of the bishop administering confirmation. During the anointing on the forehead with the sacred chrism, the bishop (or his delegate) says, “Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.” The candidate depicted in the window is shown with her sponsor, who is a spiritual guide and companion. In the lower panels, there is an image of a dove, representing the Holy Spirit, and the oil stock containing the chrism.

SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE WINDOW

The Sacrament of Marriage window depicts the covenant relationship and vocation in the Christian life for those who are called. The couple profess their vows to each other in the presence of God, a minister of the Church and at least two witnesses. The lower panels feature images of joined hands and wedding rings.