St. Norbert Parish
Our Windows
Creation – Window #1
This window shows a pair of hands shaping and holding sun, moon, spirit-dove, animals, man, and woman. It’s the beginning of all stories: God creating a world in love. This act of creation is the foundation of salvation history and the backdrop of every promise and covenant to come. The hands gently gather the fullness of creation, reflecting God’s intention to remain intimately involved with the world. Every part of life, from the stars above to human relationships, is held in divine care and fashioned in the image of God’s goodness and love.
The Patriarchs – Window #2
Marked by a rainbow and a dove with an olive branch, this window recalls God’s covenant after the Flood. Below is the whale, linking the Flood to Jonah and the resurrection. Abraham’s altar holds a ram for sacrifice in place of Isaac. God’s hand appears above, halting the knife in fire. The covenant journey begins with trust and obedience. This window reminds us of God’s promise of new creation and humanity’s call to respond with faith. Even when we falter, God remains faithful, renewing His covenant and pointing the way to redemption through grace.
Leaders of God’s People – Window #3
This window honors Melchizedek, Moses, David, and Solomon. Melchizedek’s bread, wine, and crown prefigure the Eucharist. Moses is shown with a burning bush and the Ten Commandments. David’s harp and staff recall his shepherd origins and his role in temple worship. Solomon’s wisdom appears in a sword, scales, and oil lamp—signs of his discernment and the light of divine wisdom. These figures led God’s people and prepared the way for Christ, who fulfills every leadership role in perfect obedience, justice, and love, and who shepherds his Church into eternity.
The Christmas Cycle – Window #4
Wings, star, and crowns recall the Christmas story. Angels announce Christ’s birth. The Magi, guided by a star, offer gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Epiphany symbols—the baptismal shell, flowing water, and Cana jars—reveal God in Jesus. These events form the Christmas cycle: God-with-us in the Incarnation. The window proclaims joy and hope as heaven and earth meet in Christ. From angelic song to divine revelation at Cana, we behold light breaking into darkness. Each image leads us deeper into the wonder of Emmanuel—God made flesh for the life of the world.
The Waters of Baptism and the Bread of Life – Windows #5 and #6
These twin windows face the congregation beside the Baptismal Font and the Tabernacle. Fire and water flow through them, showing how God transforms lives. Water gives human life and baptismal grace. Fire expresses the love of God encountered in the Eucharist. Through baptism, we enter Christ’s death and resurrection. Through the Eucharist, that mystery is renewed and sustained in us. These sacraments are not just symbols but the source and summit of the Christian life—God’s presence made visible, tangible, and nourishing in our journey toward eternal life.
The Phoenix – Window #7
God’s Word became flesh, embracing all humanity but sin. In this, we see the Cross: life rising from death. The phoenix—an early Church image—burns, then rises renewed from its ashes. This legendary bird symbolizes Christ’s death and resurrection. Fire, ashes, and new life speak of the Paschal Mystery, the Triumph of the Cross, and the power of God to renew all things. In the phoenix, the Church sees a living image of hope: even from ruin, life bursts forth. In Christ, we die to sin and rise transformed, alive again in God’s eternal and victorious love.
Sacraments I – Window #8
The sacraments make Christ’s saving mystery real in our lives. This window shows the sacraments of initiation: Baptism (shell, water), Confirmation (Spirit-dove), and Eucharist (wheat, grapes). Through them, we enter the life of grace. When we fall, we are restored in Reconciliation—symbolized by a hand of absolution and keys of authority. These signs express the Church’s power to bind and loose sins. The sacraments draw us into the Paschal Mystery, forming us into Christ’s body. Through visible signs and divine grace, God forms disciples and restores hearts.
Sacraments II – Window #9
This window shows how sacramental grace is lived out. Marriage (rings joined in the Cross) and Holy Orders (book, stole, chalice, host) express life’s sacred callings. In them, love becomes vocation and service. At life’s end, the Anointing of the Sick and Viaticum (anointing hand and candle) offer healing and Christ’s presence. These sacraments reveal God’s love through every life stage. Vocation, commitment, service, and healing are not separate from Christ’s death and resurrection but part of it. Through these signs, Christ walks with us always.
The New Jerusalem – Window #10
Revelation ends with a dream: the heavenly city where God dwells among His people. This window envisions that New Jerusalem. The Lamb is enthroned, radiant with glory. Sun, moon, and stars grow dim in the light of Christ. There is no temple—God is the temple. Every part of life is filled with divine presence. This final image reminds us of where the story leads: not to destruction, but to fulfillment. The Church journeys toward this promise, carrying the light of Christ into every corner of the world, until God is all in all, forever.