“He Holds Us in
the Palm of His Hand”
The theme of the stained glass window shown here and exhibited on the west side
of the Church is “HE HOLDS US IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND.” In the top center of the
window we see a hand extended. Surrounding the hand is the universe over which
He has charge...the sun on the left...the moon on the right. Above the hand is a
cloud and surrounding the hand are the starts in the sky...together with round
balls of varying size which symbolize the planets.
He also ‘holds us in the palm of His hand’ thru Christ (symbolized by the Chi Rho)
Who has given us the Sacraments...the shell with the flowing water (Baptism):
the dove with the seven flames (Confirmation): the hand raised in forgiveness
(Reconciliation): the Host. Chalice & wheat (Eucharist): the book, chalice and
stole (Holy Orders): the dual rings (Matrimony): the candle with the container
of oils (Sacrament of the Sick). It makes a beautiful window for meditation.
“Christ The Teacher”
Depicted in the center stained glass
window at St. Jude’s is “CHRIST THE TEACHER.” The first prayer taught by the
Lord to His Apostles was the OUR FATHER. He also taught in the parables or
stories as depicted on the left side of the window where a HAND is portrayed
sowing seeds as we recall His story of the SOWING OF THE SEEDS ... immediately
opposite we see a green bush in which we can find birds of the air finding a
resting place to depict how our faith grows from the smallest beginning to a
stable, firm faith.
The Triangle depicts the Old Testament portrayal of an all-seeing, all-knowing,
all-loving God who finds us as unleavened manna (portrayed by the elliptical
forms) which must be nurtured from the inside out until the final product is the
fully grown Christian.
“Love Grows Here”
The last window on the west side of the Church tells the story of St. Jude the
Apostle Parish Life: LOVE GROWS HERE. Depicted in the center of the window is a
cross composed of hands representing creation by God - white, black, yellow and
red joined together as a community.
In the upper section of the window there is an array of DAISIES representing St.
Marguerite Bourgeoys, the foundress of the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre
Dame who staff St. Jude the Apostle School.
The story of the Social Ministry of the Parish is represented thru the seven
corporal works of Mercy: the bread and fish (feed the hungry): pitcher and water
(give drink to the thirsty): the robe (clothe the naked): chains (ransom the
captives): house (homes for the homeless): bowl of fruit (visit the sick): and
casket and shovel (bury the dead): In order to be the Lord’s disciple we must
reach out and WATCH OUR LOVE GROW!
