The Inside Gathering Area
Positioned above the main entrance doors, "The Welcoming Jesus" stained glass window immediately conveys a sense of community to all who enter the church. Under the leadership of Father Cody, St. Joseph's has built a deeply rooted spirit of fellowship and community among its parishioners, and is the overwhelming theme of the parish.
Designed by Jim Piercey, this stained glass panel was carefully crafted to reflect the parish's genuine sense of openness, warmth and invitation. Christ's outstretched arms are an invitation to all, His face is open and His eyes seem to smile brightly at each person individually. The stained glass itself proclaims the invitation of the entire community: "Welcome to All"
The vestibule of St. Joseph's is equally functional and beautiful. To the right are the more public spaces including a catering area. Next door, is the Hospitality Room designed as a parlor for many social occasions. Bridal parties enjoy using it as a preparation room. It also provides quiet comfort for families prior to a funeral. On this same side of the church, parents and children can observe Mass in the Little Angels Room via television monitor.
To the left of the main entrance are more rooms for administrative services including the Religious Articles Gift Shop and a Welcome Center Office to greet new and existing members. Following down the corridor are the Ministry Room and the Altar Server's Room. At the very end is the Priest Sacristy, a spacious meditative area for Mass preparation as well as a generous storage area for vestments and sacramental accessories.
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Approaching the entrance to the sanctuary are several distinctive art works by furniture designer and craftsman Steve Rogero, who worked closely with the building committee to create pieces that bled the liturgical, theological, scriptural and architectural essence of the church. In all, he made more that 35 pieces. All of the pieces were created of select Northern oak from Canada. Some pieces are inlaid with decorative walnut and African Wenge woods. A beautifully crafted Welcome Table and two large octagonal cabinets provide space for greeting and storage and are located in the vestibule. In addition, a decorative sideboard holds "The Memorial Book" contains the names of contributors in a glass-topped drawer. Adorning the piece is an original oil paining beautifully depicting the new church and St. Joseph by local artist Gerry Geary. Through all of the pieces, a grape and leaf motif symbolizing the wine in the Eucharist is repeated. |
The donors wall plaques acknowledge special pledges to the church's building fund. Some of the wood pieces, including the donor plaques, are accented with cherub heads, the original of which was carved by Rogero and the duplicated for use on additional pieces.