Stained Glass Windows

St. Stephen Window - North Wall

This window depicts the powerful moment of St. Stephen's martyrdom. Like Jesus on the cross, with his arms tautly extended, his head arched back, there is a powerful cry for God's mercy on his executioners. The radiant light surrounding Jesus, whose arms are extended toward Stephen in welcome, also encircles the upper portion of Stephen's face and arms. Stephen's face is ablaze with glory. The city of Jerusalem, also lit by a heavenly light, is placed to Stephen's right.

To the left is the pyramid of executioners hurling their heavy stones, some of which are lying on the ground around Stephen's legs. A small stream, symbolic of the living water of Baptism flows through the lower portion of the window. By the time it reaches the far left, it is red with Stephen's blood. This blood of the martyrs has been considered the seed of the Church, so red flowers bloom, symbolizing new life, love and the fruitfulness of the early Church.

Resurrection Window - West Wall

The Resurrection Window is on the west wall. This window reminds us of the central place Jesus’ resurrection from death to life holds in our Christian faith. Based on the Gospel of John, we see Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene. Behind Mary is the open door to the empty tomb. While the tomb is empty, Mary’s faith is still buried there. Though she at first thinks He is the gardener, we see Mary Magdalene at the very moment of her recognition of Jesus as the risen Lord as He calls her by name.

Church in the World Window - East Wall

This window relates to the activities of mankind expressing committed membership in the Christian Community. The circular blue-green background represents the world and above it, on the left, arches a star-filled galaxy relating to our thirst for knowledge of the universe. The ship moving through turbulent waves symbolizes the church as a continual place of salvation through the ages. The computer chip circuit board represents a universal symbol of communications in the present computer age. Beneath the chip at right center burns the Lamp of Knowledge, suggesting not only the importance of learning, but also the sharing of it for the empowerment of the neediest persons.

At the center far left, the red-fruited plant represents our attachment to Christ the True Vine and our fruitfulness in Him. Plants also give food and healing and precious seeds for future crops of biodiversity. The DNA molecule and the Erlenmeyer flask stress achievements in science and medicine.

The bottom areas of the window are a tribute to the importance of the arts in the development of the soul: theater, music, and painting.