John XXIII Catholic Community

A Vatican Council II Concept of Christian Community and Mission

The Meanings of Our Stained Glass Windows by Fr. Ark

In designing our windows, we had in mind to continue the Southwest and Native American themes already established in our church. We incorporated various scenes that can be found in different parts of the state: the Jemez Mountains, the Brazos, Truchas Peaks, Herron Lake, Nambe Falls and our southern desert areas. The windows also represent the Native American blessing of the four ways, the four directions, the four seasons, the four major elements (earth, water, wind and fire). To symbolize the Sacraments, we used local Native American implements and rugs. Some of the implements we designed are not found among the pueblos, but used as construction so that people would more readily see their meaning. The two implements were the chalice and the water pitcher. Other than those, the rest are close facsimiles of originals. Two of the windows have Navajo rugs on which implements are placed.

The window closest to the cross on the left side as you face the Altar symbolizes the sacrament of Baptism, the direction west, the season of spring and the element water. In this window, there are melting snow fields, a lake and flowing water over falls. Also the water vessels and the oil vessel are implements used in the sacrament of Baptism. Together these signify washing, rebirth, and transformation into children of God and a new life.

The next window, which is furthest south, symbolizes the sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Orders, the direction south, the season summer, the element fire and faith commitment. The forest fire at the top of the window and the dove symbolize the coming of the Holy Spirit. The implements are the oil vessel used in Confirmation and Ordination, the chalice and plate with bread used in celebrating Mass, the missal open to the words of consecration ending with “do this in memory of me,” all placed on a Navajo rug with a cross pattern and also a Bishop’s crozier at the edge of the window. These are the sacraments which enable us to proclaim and continue the actions of God’s grace in the world.

Moving to the east side, the first window symbolizes the sacraments of the Eucharist and Matrimony, the season of fall, the direction east and the element earth. The implements on this window are a chalice and plate with bread showing the Holy Eucharist and a wedding vase and plate with two gold rings on it demonstrating the life bond of two people as one in marriage. In Matrimony, we create new life and in the Eucharist we are nourished by our Creator. Also in this window, the fall colors of the aspen, the wheat and grapes ready for harvest and used in the Eucharist signify maturity, preparation for new life and our sustenance into everlasting life.

The final window symbolizes the sacraments of Reconciliation (Penance) and the Anointing of the Sick, the winter season, the direction north and the element wind. The implements are the priestly stole draped over the broken door for reconciliation and the oil vessel for the anointing of the sick, both sacramental means of healing, forgiveness and preparation for union with God. In this window, we have walls in ruins, a broken and decaying door, old keys, a lock on the door, dead shrubs and trees, all showing our brokenness and frailty, and our spiritual and physical suffering because of sin or ill health. These last two sacraments are also the means of healing and bringing us back to that new life we once received in baptism. Under the mantle of snow, new life is beginning. The high Truchas Peaks soaring towards the blue sky raise us towards our ever present God who is with us always.

Many hours went into all of these concepts and the completion of these windows. Much thanks goes out to those who helped us with their contributions and our talented artist, Sue Gross, assisted by Art Grumblatt, Sr.