Art & Architecture

St. Patrick is home to a rich collection of beautiful art and architecture that draws the viewer toward God. This page breaks down the various images and symbols found throughout the church. The nave and sanctuary of the church were decorated to represent the humanity and divinity of Christ respectively.

There are three murals included in the arch: The Resurrection, the Holy Trinity, and the Ascension. The murals in the arch are surrounded by a depiction of a balsam tree which is known for its healing qualities. It is used here as a symbol of Christ’s Divine Nature because Our Lord, through his heavenly Grace, heals man of all spiritual diseases.

Above the murals and balsam tree is a geometric arrangement of stars and the sun and the moon, representing the splendor of the Heavens.

The Resurrection

This depiction of Jesus' Resurrection is located above the ambo on the left side of the archway when facing the altar.

One of the inscriptions in the archways refers to this image:

“I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE HE THAT BELIEVETH IN ME SHALL LIVE”
 

The Holy Trinity

Found at the apex of the arch above the altar is this depiction of the Holy Trinity. The hand is a symbol of God the Father. The fish is a symbol of Christ, and the dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. The circle encompassing all three symbols represents eternity.
 

The Ascension
This depiction of Jesus' Assumption is found on the right side of the archway when facing the altar.

One of the inscriptions in the archways refers to this image:

“I ASCEND TO MY FATHER AND TO YOUR FATHER TO MY GOD AND YOUR GOD”

In the nave of the church (where the congregation sits), you can find these painted emblems representing scenes from Christ's life in the archways over the stained glass windows. The nave of the church was decorated to represent Christ's humanity.

In addition, there are images representing St. Patrick and the Sacrament of Baptism along the back wall of the nave.

12 of the stained glass windows found in the nave of the church contain a representation of the 12 apostles.

Learn more about our
Stained Glass Dome

Stations of the Cross Mosaics