Among the most deeply beautiful elements of St. Joseph's Church are the stained glass windows in the Marian Center. These seven unique works of art trace the development of the Most Blessed Virgin from the Immaculate Conception to her Assumption as Queen of the Universe.
Designed and created by Jim Piercey, the windows create a feeling of warmth throughout the church. "There is a unique aspect to the windows in the Marian Center," said Piercey. "Even though they are behind the altar and beyond the Blessed Sacrament, you can still see and enjoy them from the main sanctuary."
The seven scenes depicted in the windows are the Immaculate Conception, the Annunciation, the Nativity, the Coronation, Young Jesus at the Temple, the Pieta, and the Assumption. The windows were designed to help set a tone of reverence and respect for the Mother of Our Lord. "Because of the orientation of the church," said Piercey, "the Marian center receives a lot of morning light. It creates a very dramatic backdrop, especially during morning Mass in the summertime."
Each scene in the seven windows contains a religious symbol clarifying the significant milestone in Mary's sacred life. All of the scenes are framed by rosary beads, with the crown in the Coronation window as the crux of the rosary.
Window One: Immaculate Conception: St. Anne and Mary Symbol: The rose
Window Two: The Annunciation: St. Elizabeth and Mary Symbol: The Lily
Window Three: The Nativity: Holy Family Symbol: The Star
Window Four: The Coronation of Mary "Queen of Heaven" Symbol: The Crown
Window Five: Mary Finds Jesus in the Temple Symbol: The Scroll
Window Six: The Pieta: Mary hold Jesus after Crucifixion Symbol: Crown of Thorns
Window Seven: The Assumption of Mary Symbol: The Doves
A decorative garden of roses and plants lies outside the church near the Marian Center. This area called the Mary Garden was developed by St. Joseph's Garden Club. It was designed as a pensive point of worship and is adorned by plants dedicated by parishioners. Nearby, a stone grotto contains the cast sculpture of The Blessed Virgin Mary by Ken Pacetti.
