THE STAINED GLASS OF

ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA PARISH

Our stained glass windows are beautiful works of art, referencing powerful moments from Sacred Scripture. We hope this guide helps to familiarize you with these Biblical anecdotes and that it serves as an opportunity for prayer and reflection, bringing you closer to God and our Parish family.

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St. Catherine of Siena is pictured amidst nails and crown of thorns, representing her reception of the wounds of Christ, and lilies, representing purity and chastity. She holds a book of her writings, signifying her contributions as a Doctor of the Church.

11T H E

A N N U N C I AT I O N

10T H E NAT I V I T Y O F O U R L O R D

9T H E M I R AC L E

AT CA NA

8T H E T R A N S -F I G U R AT I O N

*Windows are numbered in a clockwise fashion. (If included, the altar Crucifix would be labeled “12”)

“And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun” MT 17:2

Jesus radiantly “transfigured,” signifying His divinity. The Old Testament law giver, Moses (left), and prophet, Elijah (right), appear with Jesus, indicating Jesus’ supreme authority and fulfillment of Old Testament laws and prophecies.

For Prayer and Reflection: Though differently than the Transfiguration, the glory of God shines for us in all places. Where do we perceive the glory of God? Do we appreciate the beauty and wonder of creation?

“The steward tasted the water that had become wine…” JN 2:9

Jesus affecting a miracle at a wedding feast, turning water in the six jars to wine (120-180 gallons!). Mary, the Blessed Mother, looks on along with the bride and groom.

For Prayer and Reflection: The Blessed Mother intercedes on behalf of the bride and groom, asking Jesus to provide more wine. Jesus honors the request of His mother. Do we entrust our needs to Mary, so that she can bring them before her Son? Do we follow Mary’s example by praying for others?

“Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” LK 1:38

The Blessed Mother, Mary, kneels before the angel, Gabriel. The Holy Spirit (dove - top right) rests with Mary as she raises an open hand, submitting to the will of God.

For Prayer and Reflection: Mary, the Mother of God, displays perfect faith as she accepts Gabriel’s unbelievable message, that she will bear the Savior of all people. Do we take the necessary time to discern God’s will for us? After exercising proper discernment, do we act accordingly?

“They saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage” MT 2:11

Infant Jesus rests in the manger. Mary gestures toward Jesus as the three wise men adore Him and present Him with their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The guiding star that led the wisemen to Jesus is overhead.

For Prayer and Reflection: The three wise men travelled a great distance to give costly gifts and to adore Jesus. Do we make a great effort to adore Our Lord in the Eucharist? Do we pray and adore Him frequently in our hearts?

12/31/15

2M A RT Y R D O M O F

S T. S T E P H E N

1C H R I S T, K I N G O F

T H E U N I V E R S E 3 P E N T E C O S T

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R E S U R R E C T I O N 7T H E G O O D

S A M A R I TA N

5J E S U S C L E A N S E S

T E N L E P E R S“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Lk 23:42

Jesus portrayed as King. He offers a blessing for all with his right hand, holding the Globus Cruciger (Cross-Bearing Orb) in his left, an ancient symbol of Jesus’ universal authority.

For Prayer and Reflection: As Catholic Christians, we profess that Christ is King of all people, all nations, and in fact all of creation. The entire universe is made new in our Lord and Savior. Have we truly allowed Him to be Lord of our lives?

“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:4

Mary, mother of God, with the other disciples in the upper room after the Ascension of our Lord, receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit, manifest as tongues of fire.

For Prayer and Reflection: Through the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation), we are given new life in God by the power of the Holy Spirit, who is constantly at work in our lives. Do we live His great gifts?

“He gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God” Acts 7:55

St. Stephen, the first Martyr of the Church, before being stoned to death, praising God as he receives a vision of glorified Jesus, amidst his executors.

For Prayer and Reflection: Even at the moment of his violent death, Stephen demonstrated amazing faith asking God to pardon his attackers. Do we pray for others, even those who do us harm? Do we regularly ask forgiveness for our sins? Do we accept God’s merciful love in the sacrament of Reconciliation?

“Christ died for our sins… was buried, and…

was raised on the third day” 1 Cor 15:4

The risen Lord, still bearing the wounds of crucifixion, carries a banner signifying his triumph over sin and death as He stands outside the empty tomb.

For Prayer and Reflection: All of our assured hope rests on the glorious triumph of Jesus. We must always remember, despite the pains and difficulties we may face, that God has already won. Do we give thanks to God for all things, made new in Christ’s victory over sin and death?

“Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.” Lk 17:19

A thankful Samaritan praises God, kneeling at the feet of Jesus, having been miraculously healed of leprosy. Nine others who were healed, seen in the background, set out without offering thanks.For Prayer and Reflection: Jesus points out that the thankful man is a “foreigner,” a gentile - not of the Jewish faith - and yet he is healed due to his faith in Christ. How can we better share that faith in Christ is for all, that He desires a deep, meaningful relationship with all in His Church?

“He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them.” Lk 10:34

A Jewish priest and a member of the tribe of Levi pass by a man seriously beaten by robbers on their way to Jericho while a Samaritan stops and cares for him.

For Prayer and Reflection: Similar to the cleansing of ten lepers, Jesus highlights the example of a gentile, the only one willing to stop and help the man in need. Do we allow our faith to affect all areas of our life - including work, leisure, and civil engagement - so that no one is left unaided?”