|
|
|
Altar Area 
The current
altar at St. Martin of Tours Church was consecrated at the Solemn
Dedication Mass, presided by Bishop James C. Timlin, D.D., on November 4,
1990. Entombed in the altar pedestal are the altar stone and relics
extracted from the original high altar of St. Martin of Tours, the original
steeple cross of the first bell tower, the personal religious relics of the
donor and parishioners.
|
|
Statues 
Sacred
images in our churches and homes are intended to awaken and nourish our
faith in the mystery of Christ. Through the icon of Christ and his works of
salvation, it is he whom we adore. Through sacred salvation, it is he whom
we adore. Through sacred images of the holy Mother of God, of the angels
and of the saints, we venerate the persons represented.
|
|
Murals 
Like
all inspired works of the faithful, the murals that adorn the walls of St.
Martin of Tours Church seek to bring glory, honor, praise and thanksgiving
to the living and true God.
|
|
Stained Glass 
The
origins of the first stained glass windows are lost in history. The
technique may have originated from jewelry making, cloisonné and mosaics.
The form of stained glass windows that is widely known seemed to have
arisen when substantial church building began. By the 10th century,
depictions of Christ and biblical scenes were found in French and German
churches and decorative designs found in England.
St.
Martin of Tours Church uses a combination of New Testament and Old
Testament themes in the stained glass that calls man's thoughts to God.
Many of these themes use Old Testament themes that foreshadow New Testament
themes (e.g., the Ark of the Covenant in the Old Testament foreshadows
Jesus as the true Ark of the Covenant in the New Testament).
|
|
Stations of the Cross 
The
Stations of the Cross, also called the Way of the Cross, Via Crucis, and
Via Dolorosa, signify either a series of pictures or tableaux representing
certain scenes in the Passion of Christ. Each corresponds to a particular
incident, or the special form of devotion connected with such
representations.
The
object of the Stations is to help the faithful to make in spirit, as it
were, a pilgrimage to the chief scenes of Christ's sufferings and death,
and this has become one of the most popular of Catholic devotions. It is
carried out by passing from Station to Station, with certain prayers at
each and devout meditation on the various incidents in turn. It is very
usual, when the devotion is performed publicly, to sing a stanza of the
"Stabat Mater" while passing from one Station to the next.
|
|
Fixtures 
Worthy
art is an essential, integral element in the sacred beauty of a church
building. Through skilled use of proportion, shape, color, and design, art
unifies and helps to integrate the place of worship with the actions of
worship. Artistic creations in the place of worship inspire contemplation
and devotion. Sculpture, furnishings, art-glass, vesture, paintings, bells,
organs, and other musical instruments as well as windows, doors, and every
visible and tactile detail of architecture possess the potential to express
the wholeness, harmony, and radiance of profound beauty.-- Built of
Living Stones: Art, Architecture, and Worship Guidelines of the National
Conference of Catholic Bishops Chapter Three: The Work of Our Hands:
Art and Artists Assisting the Church at Prayer
|
|
Hall of Pastors 
Located
in the southwest stairwell of St. Martin of Tours Church, the Hall of
Pastors honors the ten pastorates (including the current pastorate) that
the Church has had since being built in the 1940's.
|
|
Confessional
Located
in the southeast corner, in the rear or the church building, is the
traditional site where the penitent, who are heavy laden with sin come to
enjoy the freeing Sacrament of Penance. The effect of this sacrament is the
deliverance from sin and reconciliation with God. It is not uncommon that
pious and devout recipients enjoy peace and calm of conscious with intense
consolation of spirit.
|
|
Other Items
Our building is adorned
with many fixtures that are used in conducting mass and providing
assistance to the faithful. These include the Pascal candle, baptismal
font, Papal Blessing, Holy water baths, annunciating bell, and other items.
|
|
