The final area we are considering for sacred art and furnishings is around the Sanctuary where there is a more sacramental and liturgical focus.  Just to the right of the statue of the Blessed Mother, a stained glass window shows the symbols for the Four Evangelists, the writers of the Gospels Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.)  The Gospels are an integral part of the Liturgy of the Word, celebrated during the first half of the Mass.  Behind the Choir, a smaller stained glass window shows a sea shell pouring out water, a symbol for the Sacrament of Baptism.  To either side of the Sanctuary, are two more reconciliation rooms for the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation.  On the right side of the Sanctuary is another smaller stained glass window, with a variant of the Chi-Rho symbol combined with interlocked rings to represent the Sacrament of Marriage.  The Chi-Rho is derived from the first two letters in the Greek spelling of ‘Christ,’and has many variants.  Our last stained glass window, to St. Joseph’s statue’s right, has the various symbols of the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.

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The concept of the “procession” is integral in catholic worship and prayer.  In the Mass there are many forms of procession, such as the “Entrance Procession” of the celebrants, the “Communion Procession” of the Faithful, and other various processions on Holy Days.  Looking back at the church from the front of the Sanctuary, we see a series of fourteen small wooden plaques hanging between the stained glass windows.  These are the Stations of the Cross, and were brought over from the old church located in the current school building.  They mark the events of the Passion and Death of our Lord.  Especially during Lent and on Good Friday, individuals or groups make a procession from one station or plaque to the next.  At each station there is an opportunity for prayer and meditation on our Lord’s sacrifice and suffering.  St. Patrick’s is known for its live re-enactment of the Stations of the Cross by its parish youth on Good Friday. 

Music is living sacred art.  The Choir and other voices lifted in song, and the music played by our musicians, provide wonderful art that does not decorate the walls of our church, but fills the totality of the space with echoes of heaven.

Sacred Art is not limited to our Church interior.  Throughout the campus are various areas for reflection with statues and other artworks.  These are often visited during processions on designated Holy Days.  Many of the statues are close to our school, where they serve as reminders to our youth of our rich Christian heritage.  The school itself is also a source of endless Sacred Art that is displayed in its corridors and classrooms.  As part of the classroom experience, youth programs or through special projects, our young parishioners create wonderful works of art that fulfill the same purposes as the statues and stained-glass windows in and around the church.

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