Our motto, "All Are Welcome", expresses a sincere hope that spiritual and material blessings continue in this same unselfish spirit. Our Blessed Sacrament Community is more than buildings and structures. We are the church, the people of God, composed of many different members. Our faith in God has found expression in this magnificent Church built in honor of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Let this solid foundation continue to guide our prayers, visions, and aspirations for a better tomorrow.
When you enter the main doors of Blessed Sacrament Church, immediately your eyes are fixed upon the beautiful altar and mosaic in the center of the sanctuary. The architectural lines of the Church converge at the most important part of the Church, the sanctuary. The altar is made of native Iowa limestone from Weber Stone, Anamosa, Iowa. The altar weighs over 5000 pounds and is formed in the shape of a chalice or cyborium to give the effect of the Eucharist - the seventh and final Sacrament, emphasized in the art and symbols of the Church.
The Mosaic depicts the Living and Risen Christ - holding in His Hands the sacred species, the chalice and host. The mosaic was designed by Mr. Peter Dohmen of St. Paul, MN. He then sent his design to Bavaria to be executed. The mosaic was shipped to the United States in small sections and installed by local workers.
Our living water baptismal font was designed to complement our altar. The baptismal font reminds us of our baptism as we bless and sign ourselves. It is located near the entrance of our church to emphasize the importance of the sacrament. The font was made from native Iowa limestone from Weber Stone, Anamosa, Iowa.
Our beautiful votive candle space recalls the special significance light has in our Catholic tradition. Light is a symbol of faith, truth, wisdom, virtue, grace, the divine life, charity, the ardor of prayer and the sacred presence which flow from Christ Himself. Here as in early Christian times, we light a candle before a statue or sacred image of our Lord, not to honor the statue or image, but the one whom that statue or image represents. The light signifies our prayer offered in faith coming into the light of God. With the light of faith, we petition our Lord in prayer, or petition the saint to pray with us and for us to the Lord.
Stained Glass windows have a long tradition in Church history. Their principle purpose was to be a source of controlled light, but gradually the secondary purposes began to assume more importance. The beauty of the glass itself was greatly improved and the color and design of the glass became a medium of devotional inspiration.
In Blessed Sacrament Church, the beauty of the Bavarian glass fabricated by Reinhart's Studio of Winona, MN, is very striking. Perhaps more important is the overall concept conveyed by the total plan of the windows. Each one of the six windows helps parishioners focus their attention on the importance of the Sacraments in their daily life.
The baptismal window emphasizes the importance of this sacrament, which is closely connected with the Holy Trinity. The eye in the upper part of the window represents God the Father. The Chi Rho represents the Son; and the Dove symbolizes the Holy Spirit. We are reminded of the words, "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." The Escallop shell with drops of water is a symbol of our Lord's baptism.
This window is found next to the baptismal window because in the early Church this Sacrament was often conferred immediately after baptism. The seven flames in the upper part of the window remind us of the words from the liturgy, "Renew and increase in these the gifts of the Holy Spirit." The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are symbolized by these flames. The Sacrament of Confirmation is conferred on us by the Bishop, who is represented by the mitre and staff. The shield and sword indicate we have fortitude and strength. The fish signifies all of Christianity.
The importance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation in one's life cannot be underestimated. This sacrament forgives sins and heals our inner soul. Three flames representing the Holy Trinity are shown in the upper part of the window. The key and stole are symbols of the power to bind and loose sin given to Peter and all priests by Christ, which is exercised through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The symbols of the fish and scourge represent the sufferings of Christ for the sins of the world.
The purpose of this sacrament is to give mental and emotional healing. It can also be a source of physical healing. The lighted candles represent the presence of the Christ. The hour glass signifies the passing of precious time in the years of a person's life. The Chi Rho symbolizes Christ, while the palm leaves suggest triumphal joy into Eternal Life due to this great Sacrament.
This sacrament is conferred on a man to help him exercise leadership and a ministry of service to God's people. The chalice and host represent the power of the newly ordained priest to celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The stole symbolizes his pastoral power of leading and serving his flock. The book with the seven seals shows forth his teaching power.
To elevate the union of man and woman in a life of love to a supernatural level, Christ instituted the Sacrament of Matrimony. The two rings symbolize the joining of man and woman in an unending union under Christ. The two burning lights represent everlasting life found in Jesus Christ. The two blue abstract figures in the center of the window symbolize man and woman joined in marriage.