St. Jude Church
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The Sanctuary and the two windows flanking it, represent the Proclamation of the Mystery of Faith.
Tabernacle Side Window
The window on the left (tabernacle side) represents the acclamation "CHRIST HAS DIED." Pictured in the window is the Cross on which Jesus died, with small crosses on each side for the two thieves that died with Him. Hanging on the Cross are the Crown of Thorns that was placed on Jesus’ head and His Robe ‘for which they cast lots.’ Lying on the Robe is the banner that was above Jesus’ head on the cross, with the letters INRI which translates to ‘Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews.’ We see the stick with sponge on the end and a pitcher with wine that quenched Jesus’ thirst, the spear that pierced His side from which ‘blood and water flowed’, and the three nails that held Him to the cross.Sanctuary
Traditionally Catholic Churches display a Crucifix behind or above the altar. In keeping with the representation of the Mystery of Faith, our's depicts the second acclamation, "CHRIST IS RISEN." Jesus is shown clothed in a robe, with his arms outstretched, welcoming us to His Father's house. We see Him as the Disciples may have seen him in the days after His resurrection.
Organ Side Window
The window on the right (organ side) signifies the acclamation "CHRIST WILL COME AGAIN." The large cross represents Jesus’ resurrection and our hope for eternal life. We see the Crown of Christ, the King of Kings. Under the crown is the Lamb of God (Agnus Dei) who triumped over death for us. He stands on a book with seven seals symbolizing the Last Judgment as taken from the book of Revelation. In the four corners of the upper half of the window, we see four winged creatures representing the evangelists Matthew (man), Mark (lion), Luke (ox) and John (eagle). On the lower right-hand side, we see the symbol PX (Chi Rho) representing Christ atop the scales of final judgment. Finally, at the bottom of the window, we see the spring of life giving water reminding us of our baptism.West Wall
The windows on the West Wall represent three themes that are important to our Parish.
Left Window
The theme of the stained glass window shown here is "HE HOLDS US IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND." In the top center of the window we see a hand extended. Surrounding the hand is the universe over which He has charge... the sun on the left... the moon on the right. Above the hand is a cloud and surrounding the hand are the stars in the sky... together with round balls of varying size which symbolize the planets.
He also ‘holds us in the palm of His hand’ through Christ (symbolized by the Chi Rho), Who has given us the Sacraments...
The shell with the flowing water (Baptism).
The dove with the seven flames (Confirmation).
The hand raised in forgiveness (Reconciliation).
The Host, Chalice & wheat (Eucharist).
The book, Chalice and stole (Holy Orders).
The dual rings (Matrimony).
The candle with the container of oils (Sacrament of the Sick).
It makes a beautiful window for meditation.
Center Window
Depicted in the center stained glass window at St. Jude’s is “CHRIST THE TEACHER.” The first prayer taught by the Lord to His Apostles was the OUR FATHER. He also taught in the parables or stories as depicted on the left side of the window where a hand is portrayed sowing seeds as we recall His story of the SOWING OF THE SEEDS. Immediately opposite we see a green bush in which we can find birds of the air finding a resting place to depict how our faith grows from the smallest beginning to a stable, firm faith.
The Triangle depicts the Old Testament portrayal of an all-seeing, all-knowing, all-loving God who finds us as unleavened manna (portrayed by the elliptical forms) which must be nurtured from the inside out until the final product is the fully grown Christian.Right Window
The last window on the west side of the Church tells the story of St. Jude the Apostle Parish Life: "LOVE GROWS HERE". Depicted in the center of the window is a cross composed of hands representing creation by God - white, black, yellow and red joined together as a community.
In the upper section of the window there is an array of DAISIES representing St. Marguerite Bourgeoys, the foundress of the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame, who staff St. Jude the Apostle School.
The story of the Social Ministry of the Parish is represented through the seven corporal works of Mercy...
The bread and fish (feed the hungry).
The pitcher and water (give drink to the thirsty).
The robe (clothe the naked).
The chains (ransom the captives).
The house (homes for the homeless).
The bowl of fruit (visit the sick).
The casket and shovel (bury the dead).
In order to be the Lord’s disciple we must reach out and WATCH OUR LOVE GROW!