Our Tour
The Welcoming Committee conducts tours of our beautiful house on the third Saturday of each month. Each tour group consists of one tour guide and fifteen participants. The tour last approximately one hour.
To sign-up or for more information, please call Nancy Caton at 904-9350.
Come and discover the awesome beauty of our house for the church.
3D Tour
In addition to the tour on this page, there is also a 3D tour that can be viewed here.
The Ancient Cross
Signs are everywhere; in our houses, on our roads, in our offices, and in our churches. Do you ever stop to think about what a specific sign means? For example, sometimes when we see a stop sign, we break and slow down but continue to roll along because we don’t have the time to actually stop and consider why the sign is there. Maybe it’s a dangerous intersection. Maybe there is not a clear path of vision on the road, but regardless of what the sign actually means, we tend to want to avoid doing what it says.
It is the same with another sign that we see all the time in the church; the Cross. The cross is a basic symbol of Christianity. We find crosses in many places of our church. On the top of our altar is incised an ancient cross that was used in Jerusalem. It is a simple narrow cross. You will find this cross design repeated many times in our building. It is on our Dedication Stone by the front doors of our building as well as on the stone of the Paschal Candle base located next to the Baptismal Font. How many crosses do you notice when you are in the Worship Space? Walking through the church one day at least 25 crosses were found.
So why is this symbol so important? Why should we stop and notice the cross? It is through the cross that we come to Resurrection. It is by taking up the cross and following Jesus that we gain eternal life and yet, so often, we try to go around the cross. Our challenge as we journey through Lent is to stop and look at the cross, pick it up and follow Jesus down the road to eternal life.
The Great Cross
As Lent begins, we will see many signs that indicate change. A change will take place in the environment. The Alleluia will be replaced with a Lenten Acclamation. Ashes will be placed on our foreheads in the sign of a cross. One of the most important and basic symbols of Christianity will be very prominent: The Cross. The Cross signifies the saving act of Christ and all its power, it stands not only for the redemptive act of Jesus but for the strength to bear the trials of life by following Christ. The crucifix, a Cross with an image of Christ on it, was not used in the early centuries while crucifixion was still customary. After that, triumphal crosses became popular, showing the glory won by Christ on the Cross, depicting Him in robes, without nails, with a royal crown. After the Reformation, crucifixes of the suffering or dead Christ appeared. Recent liturgical revival somewhat favors Christ glorified and ruling from the Cross.
Current guidelines require a cross, with the figure of Christ crucified upon it, to be on or near the altar. Our Great Cross is made of an ancient reclaimed beam. The Processional Crucifix is positioned upon it during liturgies. The open circle, seen above the head of Christ, indicates that Jesus’ mission was to pass through the cross to reach resurrection. On the arms of the Great Cross are two nail spikes. On Good Friday, we will venerate the Wood of the Cross with a kiss. During the Easter season, rays of gold will extend dimensionally out from the open center, encompassing the body of Christ. So this Lent, let us look upon the cross as a sign of renewal, a sign that reflects a change of heart in us!
The Stations of the Cross
In the next few weeks, we will see many signs that indicate we are entering the liturgical season of Lent. There will be a greater emphasis on the cross; ashes in the sign of a cross, adoration of the cross, a special Lenten environment throughout our church building and signs. Many signs! An abundance of signs! One unique series of signs is The Stations of the Cross. The Stations might be considered road signs on a journey; the journey to the cross and resurrection beyond. That is why our stations are placed in the floor of the ambulatory that encircles our Worship Space, so that we might walk the road. And in walking this path, through prayer and meditation, we might ourselves move closer to resurrection.
On this journey we encounter distinct signs or events. It is these events that help us understand the example Jesus set when he went down the road. As we walk this journey, we notice the pathway in each station is rough and winding.
Jesus journey toward resurrection was not smooth nor will our own journey be smooth. We might be wrongly accused. We might endure persecution. And, yes, we will experience a fall now and then. But hopefully, we will be encouraged by Jesus example to get back up and continue, to stop and encourage those around us and to forgive those who have wronged us. Our first Station begins by the Reconciliation Room. Because we must be reconciled before we reach Resurrection. And the 15th Station, Resurrection, ends in front of the Baptismal Font; the symbol of new life and rebirth. Most important to remember is that we do not walk this road alone; Jesus walks it with us every day.
One reason that we have no pictures on our Stations of the Cross, is that there are many ways to pray the Stations. The Jerusalem Stations begin with Jesus being condemned to death. The Scriptural Roman Stations begin with Jesus praying in the Garden of Olives. There are Stations of the Cross written with justice issues in mind. There are Stations written for teens and their daily concerns. What all of them have in common, though, is that the Stations are meant to be walked in a prayerful way, with each station being a time to meditate on how we are doing in our faith journey.
Throughout lent we will be offering alternative ways for you to experience the Stations of the Cross. We will provide special booklets with different ways to walk the Stations anytime the Worship Space is free. We will also have a Stations of the Cross Coloring Book for Children designed by our own ALL GOD's CHILDREN Ministry, so you can walk the Stations with your children at their own pace and then have them color the images at home.
The Music Ministry Area
Why in the Psalms do we sing God's praises? It is simple really, thanksgiving! We give thanks to God for what he has given us. One of the gifts God has given us is the ability to joyfully make music! One of the ways we make music is through the official instrument of the Catholic Church, the organ. We are pleased to have a wonderful instrument in our Rogers Trillium 967 Digital Organ and we are just now starting to explore the unique in the round installation. We also use other instruments like the piano, drums, guitar, brass, woodwinds and strings.
However, the most important instrument in the church is the voice. The church tells us that the singing by the people who are assembled is so important that there should not be a Sunday mass without singing because singing reaches a level of spirituality that regular speaking cannot.
The General Instruction of the Roman
Missal states, "Singing is a sign of the heart's joy...for this
reason...great importance should be attached to the use of singing in
the celebration of the Mass." At a birthday party, we would not just
recite "Happy Birthday" or during the 7th inning stretch at a
ballgame, only say" Take Me Out to the Ballgame" and it doesn't matter
if a person can "carry a tune" or not. Singing is part of
celebration. It creates a sense of the importance of the occasion.
Imagine being at a retirement party and only saying "For he's a jolly
good fellow." Singing lifts up the words we use and gives them a
heightened dignity and beauty, often making them more memorable in the
process. Singing also expresses and fosters the sense of unity among
those gathered whether in worship or to celebrate an event. Singing
is the primary way that a group of people can speak with one voice.
It is also a way of praying, of giving thanks. I know I give thanks
to God every day that I have a voice with which to sing!
The Working Sacristy
Today in Luke’s Gospel we hear Jesus say, “no prophet is accepted in his own native place.” This weekend on our tour we visit the Working Sacristy. This is a place where many of our own Holy Spirit prophets work quietly behind the scenes. Much of the “work” in the Working Sacristy is done by our liturgical ministers; Altar Servers, Greeters, Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Children’s Liturgy of the Word, Environment and Art, Mass Coordinators, Linen Ministry and the Ministry Coordinators. Sometimes we do not appreciate or even see all that these special volunteers do behind the scenes. So today we thank them for all the work that goes on in The Working Sacristy which lies behind the 2nd door to the left of the Baptismal Font.
In this Sacristy we store the items used in our liturgical celebrations. We have special places for altar linens, chalices, bread bowls, vestments and extra collection baskets. Here, we also store the pall, the white garment that is placed on the casket during the Mass of Resurrection as a reminder of the deceased one’s baptism. There is a place for our candles as well as the incense that will be used on different occasions to bless the word, altar, gifts and especially the people who are the church. In this room we also prepare and care for our communion vessels. A special sink called the Sacrarium is located in this room. This sink is specially made for reverent disposal of water used in cleansing our communion vessels that may contain traces of the consecrated Eucharist.
The Reconciliation
Room
This past week, on January 12th and 13th, eighty of our children celebrated their First Reconciliation.
This week on our tour we look at the Reconciliation Room.
The Reconciliation Room As you enter the Worship Space and turn left, the first door you come to on your left opens into the Reconciliation Room. It is in this room that the Rite of Penance is carried out. In this prayerful, quiet place, we seek refuge. Here is where we ask for forgiveness and healing through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The room is designed so that we may receive this sacrament in a more informal setting, face-to-face with a priest, or in a more traditional, anonymous way, with a screen between ourselves and the priest.
The beautiful wooden screen in our Reconciliation Room was designed and created by one of our own parishioners, Mark Hagen. Mark's craftsmanship has been evident at Holy Spirit for many years. He also designed and built by the presider's chair and holy water stands that were used at Kendall Elementary before our new house for the church was built.
The Ambry
Located to the left of the font in the wall are shelves of glass where three large crystal containers hold our sacred oils. This holy place of reserve is called the Ambry.
The first oil reserved in the Ambry is Chrism. Chrism is a mix of oil and perfume and is used at the holiest of moments that define Christian life – baptism, confirmation, ordination, and the dedication of a church and altar.
Next we have the Oil of the Sick. This oil is used to anoint those who are ill.
Finally we have the Oil of the Catechumens. During their initiation into the church, this oil is used to anoint the Catechumens. The catechumens are those individuals who are seeking to come into full communion with the Catholic Church.
The major significance of anointing a person is to convey the spirit of Christ and to strengthen them to live a Christ-like life.
“Wind of the Spirit” Stained Glass Window
Located in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel behind the tabernacle is the beautiful commissioned stained glass window entitled, “Wind of the Spirit”. This window was designed and constructed by Ellen Mandelbaum from Long Island City, New York. Ellen uses different techniques in her work, from traditional stained glass technique to painting on the glass and then re-firing it. Some of her paint includes metallics which take on a different color as the light changes throughout the day and night.
Ellen depicts the wind of the Spirit moving around and through us. Starting with the prairie grasses at the bottom of the window, the wind of the Spirit begins to rustle and then takes flight through the air. Many parishioners have seen different aspects of the Spirit while meditating in the chapel. Here are some of their reflections. “I love the colors, how the wind moves in the blue sky.” “I can see a dove with its wings spread right in the middle of the window…it looks like it’s open and free and I should be willing to accept it.” “The Spirit is unexpected, it may come as a bright red intersecting our lives or as a splatter, spreading through the air like at the top of the window.” The next time you are praying in the chapel, take time to look at this unique window and reflect on how the Spirit is moving in you!
The Tabernacle
“And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” John 1:14
The word tabernacle derives from the Latin tabernaculum (tent), and recalls the Jewish “meeting tent,” which housed the ark of the covenant and thus embodied the presence of God among the people. In Catholic churches today, the tabernacle houses communion bread that has been consecrated at the liturgy. The practice of reserving the eucharist dates back in some places to the earliest days. In the second century, a small amount of consecrated communion bread was placed in an ambry or a pyx, often shaped like a casket or a dove. This vessel was small enough to be carried to the homes of those who were unable to attend the community’s eucharist. This was the only reason for reservation. Devotion to the reserved eucharist grew during the Middle Ages when the reception of communion declined. By the sixteenth century, the custom of a fixed container for the reserved eucharist – the tabernacle as part of the main altar – was in place; in 1614 it became prescribed practice for most places.
The normative guidelines of the church today indicate that the tabernacle be placed elsewhere than on an altar, and never on the altar used for the liturgy. An appropriate setting would be in a chapel set apart from the main assembly area. Such a setting should also provide for the private devotion of the faithful. The tabernacle in its modern setting still recalls the ancient image of a house for the divine presence, and reminds the assembly of those in the parish who are confined to their households, waiting for the ministry of those who have celebrated the eucharist.
Copyright © 1997 Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 1800 North Hermitage Avenue, Chicago IL 60622-1101; 1-800-933-1800. Text by Philip Horrigan.
Located in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, our tabernacle houses the consecrated Body of Christ. Out of reverence we genuflect when we approach the tabernacle. Our tabernacle is suspended as if floating in space in a floor to ceiling sheet of clear glass. It is made from a beautiful white oak wood with a simple off-set brass cross. Inset in our tabernacle is a single gold mosaic piece. This gold piece represents the presence of Christ. This gold inset matches the gold mosaic set in the floor at the center of our Worship Space. Both of these insets represent the presence of the Body of Christ. Christ’s presence is in the tabernacle in sacramental form and at the center of the assembly, God’s living presence exists in each one of us, the Church, the Body of Christ.
The Presider Chair
Fr. Philip Horrigan from the Archdiocese of Chicago describes the Presider’s Chair this way:
The liturgical reform of this century has sought to recover the function of the chair of the presider. This is the chair used by the priest during a liturgy. The materials and design of the chair should identify it as part of the particular place of worship. Its style should speak of the ministry of presiding, not of remoteness or prestige. Since we now have a fuller understanding of Christ’s presence in the assembly of all the faithful, the presider’s chair cannot signify privilege, but rather a sense of leadership in prayer, as well as the dignity and service that are inherent in Christian ministry. From this chair, the presider calls the people of God to prayer, joins them in attentiveness to the word, keeps with them moments of silence, leads them in petitions of forgiveness, invites them to profess their faith, lifts up their intercessions for every need and sends them forth with God’s blessing.
The above statement reflects many of the reasons our presider’s decided to place the Presider’s Chair at Holy Spirit in the midst of the assembled people. Located beside the Presider’s Chair is a coordinating chair for the deacon.
Have you noticed that the colors of our chair cushions change? Have you wondered why? (If you attended our GIFT Christmas presentation you already know the answer to these questions.) Our cushions change to reflect the liturgical season or feast being celebrated. Right now the chair cushions are a violet-blue for Advent. At Christmas and Easter we will see White or Gold. During ordinary time the cushions are green. In ordinary time during the winter a darker green is used. Ordinary time in the spring will feature a lighter growing-green. A deep violet-purple will be on the chairs during Lent. And of course our favorite “red” will reflect the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.
The Celebration & Column Candles
We see many lights around us during the Advent/Christmas Season. Lights twinkle on trees and house eves. Candles glow during our celebrations. You might have the Irish tradition of putting a candle in the window to welcome any travelers, who like Mary and Joseph, may need a warm shelter. If you have a Scandinavian background, you might light the Christmas Table Candle on your dinner table during your meal. This candle burns throughout the night as a reminder of Christ. Or your tradition might be to light the Advent Wreath at your home anticipating the second coming of Christ.
In our Worship Space we also have many candles. There are four 9’Celebration Candles holders in the space. These candles were lighted for the first time at the Dedication of our House for the Church. They will also be used throughout the year for other special liturgies. During the Advent Season they take on a new role as the Advent Candles in our “living Advent wreath”. These four candles are located in equal distance from each other and if you drew a line directly across from one to another, a cross would develop in the center of the Worship Space. On the Celebration Candle holders are silver metal “flames” depicting the Spirit.
Also, in the Worship Space are 20 Column Candles which are lighted on special occasions like the Anniversary of our Dedication, Easter, Christmas, or for Taizé, reconciliation or healing services. The flames of these candles remind us that we are the Light of Christ present to others.
Our tour gathers us around the ALTAR
We gather around the altar, especially in our configuration at Holy Spirit. Why? Because through our baptism and gathered around the altar we are transformed and as we heard in our scriptures this week, “made...into a kingdom…priests for his God and Father.” (Rev. 1:6) The altar is “the center of thanksgiving that the Eucharist accomplishes.” (General Instruction of the Roman Missal) When we approach the altar, we bow in reverence because the altar is a symbol of Christ in the midst of the assembly of Believers. At the altar, the sacrifice of the cross is made present under sacramental signs. Here is where the bread and wine are transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ. It is the holy table where God’s people are nourished for their journey.
Our altar is built of beautiful white oak. The inset limestone is engraved with the same simple, ancient cross that is located on our dedication stone, on the paschal candle stand and on the tabernacle.
Our tour takes us to the “AMBO
Every liturgy includes the celebration of the word of God. The word of the Lord is proclaimed from the Ambo. The ambo is not just a lectern, but a dignified, sacred place reserved for scripture. From the ambo the “Christian community encounters the living Lord in the word of God and prepares itself for the ‘breaking of the bread’ and the mission to live the word that will be proclaimed.” (Built of Living Stones: Art, Architecture, and Worship) It is recommended that the altar and the ambo bear a “harmonious and close relationship” to one another in order to emphasize the close relationship between word and Eucharist. The word of God is for “everyone” and our ambo welcomes all people to proclaim the word. The height of our ambo can be adjusted lower for a child and is also wheel chair accessible. On each side is a hinged wing. One or both of the wings can be put in the upright position and used for a candle or incense bowl. It is here that we proclaim with reverence God’s word that “will not pass away.”
The Narthex
The Narthex is located just beyond the doors of our main entrance. It is an inviting space of gathering and transition. When we enter the Narthex, we begin a journey that blends the outside world, our homes and work, with our spiritual world of prayer, ritual, and celebration. Fellow parishioners joyfully greet us as we enter. Here, we can sit and converse with our neighbors. Here, we will greet our family and friends who have come for a special baptism. Here, we can greet our guest after we have taken the vows of marriage. Here, we may find ourselves being comforted after a loved one's death. Here is where all are welcomed as children of God. It is in this space that we are draw into a journey that will help us grow as we develop our relationship with God and with each other. Joyfully, let us come!
Sacred Art |
One of our talented parishioners, Kris Callham, constructed the sacred art work that reflects our building of our house for the church and enhances the niche in the Narthex. This is how Kris sees her work…
“Stairway to Heaven”
The fabric of a multi-cultural community; the red signifying the Holy Spirit within us, woven together by the threads of life with hopes to be raised to a higher level. Our foundation, the blueprint, concrete evidence that a strong faith exists and is solidified by its building; home for all. A staircase of copper wire twisting and turning, mirrors life’s trials, not always clear and straight, but with the help of a rail, (conduit), becomes a strong flowing link of communication between us, and with consistency of our creed, eventually leads us on a course to heaven.
Sacred Art |
Another talented parishioner, James Krauss, painted the two large sacred artwork pieces that enhance our worship space. This is Jim’s statement about the two pieces.
On the North wall: “Holy Spirit…Ascension”
While keeping color in a spiritual vein, this abstracted version shows not only the ascension itself, but also a reach toward Heaven by the Holy Spirit Catholic Community. The blended colors in the Ascension shape are symbolic of all ethnicities melting together for the common good of all mankind. The gold leaf is a method of reflecting God’s own light. The impasto white paint signifies our mortal struggle and at the same time is representative of angel’s wings.
On the South wall: “Trinity”
Color for “Trinity” is more representational and earth bound, with vestiges of sky above and landscape below. The work’s three main elements are represented abstractly and symbolically with “The Father” in gold leaf and iridescent white reaching down from Heaven, “The Son,” the overlapping purple enters from the right hand of “The Father,” and finally “The Holy Spirit,” in its traditional and symbolic red, again in an ascending pose. Note that all three contain their own identity and position in the composition, but also intersect, relate, overlap and connect. They remain separate, but unified.
The impasto white paint signifies our mortal struggle and at the same time is representative of angel’s wings.
On both of Jim’s works, the finished painting has been glazed repeatedly with acrylic glazes of raw sienna in an effort to help deepen and enrich the colors and give the finished piece a soft and warm Renaissance-like glow.
The Baptismal Font: A Sacred Place... a Place of Reverence |
Baptism is one of the most revered and significant actions of the church. It is clearly rooted in Jesus’ own baptism by John and grounded in the theology of Paul: “Do you not know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore, we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:1-4)
The earliest evidence of special places for baptism is in a third-century house church in what is no Syria. In the fourth century, buildings called baptistries were provided for baptism. The container or font was large enough for an adult to be baptized by immersion. Over many years infant baptism became the norm, and the font became smaller.
With the revised rites for the celebration of baptism for infants (1969) and adults (1972 and 1988), and the earlier reform and restoration of the Easter Vigil (1951), the font is regaining its place.
Baptism is celebrated at the threshold of the life of faith, so it is appropriate for the font to be near the entrance of the church. This also provides ample space for funeral procession to pause beside the font for the blessing of the casket. The design and scale of the font must clearly reflect the significance that the church attaches to initiation, to the mystery of incorporation into the eternal life of Christ that it celebrates.
The sign of baptism, however, is not the font, but the water in it. The abundant water speaks of the generous, life-giving grace of Christ poured over and into those who are “called by name” to put on the new life of Christ. The church, acting in Jesus’ name, must show by its gestures and symbols fullness of hospitality toward all those initiated. The moving water reflects that this water is somehow alive, that this water is transforming.
The font is the place for memorable rituals marking births and deaths, and the blessings of many spiritual journeys. The water of this font calls all who enter it, or touch it or are blessed by it, into enter into a transformation. This is why we treat the Baptismal Font and the water it holds with reverence. We do not use it as a “wishing well” nor do we play in the holy water for it is this water that blesses and reminds us of our Baptism.
