LET THERE BE LIGHT!

The motto of Project 2017 is "Lighting the Way to the Future".  Our pastor, now Bishop-Elect Schuerman, decided to have one of the main goals of the renovation be to brighten and lighten the interior of the church.

One of the definitive ways that this is being accomplished is with a new window!  You have probably noticed from the outside that there was an old window hole that had been blocked up with cement.  Years ago, this space actually held the St. Francis de Sales stained glass window (that window is now over the former choir loft).  You can see the window behind the reredos in this picture here:

We're not sure of the reason---rumor has it that the window that was over the choir loft was in disrepair---but the St. Francis window was moved to from the front of the church to the back, the hole was closed up, and a new altar and décor were completed in 1958.  

The hole has now been re-opened and a new window frame has been built and positioned. To bring in the light, we have commissioned Ed Gilbertson from Gilbertson's Stained Glass in Lake Geneva to create a new window.  Bishop-Elect Schuerman chose the theme for the window to be that of a Sacred Heart..... St. Francis de Sales' special devotion.  The window is currently in production and will be installed by Easter!

Laura Zappitelli works with Ed on colors and textures.

Ed creates the design first on a paper template.

Here you can see part of the outer circle is already leaded together.

Numbers help to determine the patterns.

Prayer to the Sacred Heart

by Saint Francis De Sales

May Thy Heart dwell always in our hearts!

May Thy Blood ever flow in the veins of our souls!

O Sun of our hearts, Thou givest life to all things by the rays of Thy goodness!

I will not go until Thy Heart has strengthened me, O Lord Jesus!

May the Heart of Jesus be the King of my heart!

Blessed be God. Amen.