The roof trusses are decorated to represent the seven Sacraments. The one immediately
over the sanctuary represents Baptism. The central figure shows a vessel from which two doves sip water. These doves represent
human souls. The water is the Baptismal water of eternal life. The monogram over the vessel which, to our eyes,looks like
a combination of P and X is actually composed of three Greek letters X (Chi), P (Rho) , and I (Iota). These Greek letters
are the first three letters of the Greek word "Christos" which means "the Anointed One" or "the Christ".
We are baptized in Christ, from whom the efficacy of the Sacraments proceeds. The burning candle is the baptismal candle,
which signifies our new life in Christ (the state of Grace). This new life is to be kept safe from the poison of sin until
we are admitted to Christ's eternal kingdom after judgment. The shell with the water flowing from it signifies the act
of baptizing. The water lily is another representation of Baptism.
The second truss represents Confirmation. The heads and imposed hands show the reception of the Sacrament. The flaming fire
and the dove remind us of the coming of the Holy Spirit to our Lord and the Apostles, and now to us.
The third truss represents the Holy Eucharist. The two chalices are each backed by a cross; the lambs represent
Our Lord. The grapes represent his Precious Blood.
The fourth truss
pictures the Sacrament of Reconciliation, or Penance. The cross and keys form the main symbol. The secondary figures are the
cross and thorns, and the dove with an olive branch. Evergreen, a symbol of life, forms the decorative feature.
The fifth truss represents the Sacrament of the Sick by picturing its administration
by the cross and candles, its effects by the palms and crown, and the difficulties of life and death by the cross and thorns.
The floral emblem is the tulip, symbolic of resurrection or renewed life. Keep in mind that these symbols were chosen at a
time when the emphasis of this Sacrament was primarily preparation for death.
The sixth truss pictures Holy Orders by combining the symbols of the gospel book, the stole, the keys, the chalice and the
host bearing the monogram of Christ. The open book signifies preaching the gospel, and the cross-held-in-hand represents carrying
the teaching to the world. The symbolic flower is the orange blossom.
The seventh truss represents Marriage. In the central figure we have clasped hands and ring. The star signifies hope and
confidence. The cross represents the trials, struggles and sorrows of married life, and the crown, its joys, consolation and
rewards. The artist chose the rose to symbolize Marriage.
The mural
of the Resurrection behind the altar was not completed at the time of the 1939 dedication of the church. When it was finished
later, first time visitors were struck by the colorful majesty of Jesus rising from the dead under the eye of his Father.
