Touring St. James Church

Around the Church

Stations of the Cross

 

The Stations of the Cross in the new church are the same ones used in the former church.   The bronze squares continue to be the main focus, but new wooden backing in the shape of the circle and cross, has been added.

 

The Stations of the Cross originated early in the history of the Church.  It was the custom of the faithful to follow the way walked by Christ from Pilate's house in Jerusalem to Calvary....The Stations of the Cross offer a way for the faithful to enter more fully into the passion and death of the Lord and to serve as another manifestation of the pilgrim Church on its homeward journey.   Paragraph 132-33, Built of Living Stones

Choir Area

 

To the right of the sanctuary as you face the altar is the choir space, which includes seating for 40 and houses the musical instruments of the parish, including piano, keyboard and drums.   Next to this area is a sound and lighting control room.

 

 

Choir Practice Room

 

In this soundproof room, which is adjacent to the worship area on the west side, the musicians rehearse for the liturgy.   Its location allows for processional involvement and easy access to the choir location in the worship area.   The room seats 40.   Choir music and instruments are stored there as well.

 

Reconciliation Rooms

                There are two rooms where the Sacrament of Reconciliation can be celebrated.  

←The main one is in the back of the nave near the baptismal font.  

                                                                                                                        The other is in the chapel.  →

                 In both rooms, confessors may receive the sacrament face to face or through a screen.  

 


Sacristy

The sacristy, situated at the rear of the nave, holds the materials needed for the celebration of the liturgy.   It is also where clergy vest for liturgy.   A double-sided closet holding vestments acts as a divider for the room.   The left side, which has a private bathroom attached, is for the priests.   The right side is for deacons, Eucharistic ministers, lectors and servers.   There are two entrances into the sacristy: one from the narthex and the other from the east entry into the church

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Sacrarium

The sacrarium is a special sink used for the reverent disposal of sacred substances.   After Mass, when the vessels are rinsed and cleansed, the water is poured into the sacrarium so that any remaining particles will not be poured into the sewer system but will go directly into the earth.   The sacrarium is between the chapel and the sanctuary for easy access following communion.

 

 

The text is taken directly from "Living our Faith and Building for Our Future", the booklet prepared for the Church Dedication, December 1, 2002, edited by  Randy Grosse, Designed by Becky Gima, written by Bob McDonald and Lisa Schulte, Coordinator Georgia Johnson, Photographer Tom Herbert, and printed by Rainbow Press, Pete and Joyce Grotzinger, owners.

Tour Part Eleven - The Bell Tower and Statue

Welcome     Clergy      History     Saint James Biography      The Sanctuary
     The Crucifix and Stained Glass     The Nave     The Adoration Chapel     The Narthex      Around the Church     
The Bell Tower and Statue       Architects and Artisans/Constructors and Craftsmen    Parish Center