TABERNACLE – the cabinet or safe in which the Blessed Sacrament is kept. It is, therefore, Christ’s home among us. The word tabernacle, which means tent, calls to mind the words of Saint John, “and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14), a passage in which the Greek literally means “and He fixed His tent among us.” Thus, Christ dwells among us in a way that reminds us of, while remaining far superior to, the earthly presence of God in the Tabernacle of the Old Law: “I have not dwelt in a house from the day that I brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt even to this day, but have moved about in a tabernacle and a tent” (2 Kings 7 :6).
Sanctuary Lamp – is a light, normally a burning candle, contained within red glass that is placed before the tabernacle where the Blessed Sacrament is kept.
Stations of the Cross – are a series of pictures, painting or engravings on the wall of a church depicting the passion of Christ (the events leading to his death). The faithful use them as aids in prayer.
Statue – is a likeness of Jesus, a member of the Holy Family, a saint or an angel that helps people recall the example of the person depicted. The faithful do not worship statues, they serve only as a reminder and source of inspiration.
Windows of Saint John the Evangelist Church; 1500 Majors Avenue; Butte Montana 59701
Stained glass expresses in color and figure, symbol and sign the story of God and Man. Our windows were created by Father James Barry, who worked out of his studio in Philipsburg, Montana.
What started for Father James Barry as a hobby became a devotion and an expression of talent of special quality.
Saint John the Evangelist is blessed to have his work in our Church. An explanation and share the meaning of our window follows. PRAISE GOD in all ways – including light, glass and color!
THE PENANCE ROOM – “Forgive As I Forgive”
The hand of the person asking forgiveness reaches up (FORGIVE) as the loving Father reaches down (AS I FORGIVE) and forgiveness takes place through the ministry of the priest. The light of love and forgiveness is seen in the spectrum of color in the window – green to blue with splashes of orange to purples read – golden rays of light send shafts of beauty and peace throughout the entire window.
THE WEST ENTRANCE
Jesus was recognized after the Resurrection in the “BREAKING OF THE BREAD”. We see the history of this event in the “Last Supper” window. Jesus fulfills the promise of giving us himself as our food. We rejoice in that ….
Window of the Sacrament of the Last Supper. We see the Lord Jesus gathered around the table of the Eucharist with his Apostles. The gift of Himself to all of us which we celebrate each week. If you have never used that exit you might want to do so. Or come in that way next time. THE STORY OF SALVATION IN LIGHT, GLASS, AND COLOR…THE BEAUTY OF SALVATION!
The Penance Room “FORGIVE AS I FORGIVE”
The hand of the person asking forgiveness reaches up (FORGIVE) as the loving Father reaches down (AS I FORGIVE) and forgiveness takes place through the ministry of the priest. The light of love and forgiveness is seen in the spectrum of color in the window – green to blue with splashes of orange to purple to red – golden rays of light send shafts of beauty and peace throughout the entire window.
SECOND SECTION – WEST WALL
Panel #1 and 2 – Both lamps – lamps give light when they have oil. We give light when we have faith and live it.
Panel #3 – Symbol of Saint Mark (winged lion) Lion sign of power and of the “Lion of Judah” (the old testament). Mark gives the message what it means to be called – to be a DISCIPLE – to be RENEWED …
Again we see the fist, symbol of Christian, and the water and the beautiful rainbow of color, especially purple: know your dignity . . . .
Panel #4 – Tree and the Three Rings entwined. The tree of Life and Family . . . our family and the family of God. The unity of family and the need for oneness are symbolized in the rings . . . symbol of Holiness and Wholeness . . . becoming a “whole” and “Holy” person . . .
Panel #5 – WATER JUG from Feast of Cana . . . Christ being present on festive occasions and giving us the bounty of gifts.
Panel #6 – The Beautiful Rose . . . a traditional symbol of the Blessed Mother. The bloom in the garden of life and of love. A Mystical Rose . . . Beauty beyond understanding . . . and yet understandable.
Panel #7 – The Star of Bethlehem and . . . reminding us that it is possible for “everyday to be Christmas” for everyday brings us the gift of Jesus and one another. A gift of on-going life . . .
FOURTH SECTION – WEST WALL
Panel #1 – SHAMROCK – attributed to Saint Patrick as the symbol of the Trinity. Three persons in One God. Unity in Trinity.
Panel #2 – DOVE – we are told the DOVE appeared
Section Five – WEST Wall
Panel #1 We recognize Jesus, the Risen Lord in the “Breaking of Bread.” the promise of the Eucharist was given in the miracle of the loaves and fishes . . . everyone received what they needed.