Welcome to the Church of St. Henry. Our new church building is a symbol of the people who built it. It is the result of dialogue with parishioners whose spiritual life, knowledge and dreams have challenged and inspired the design of our new space. We believe God has blessed the work of our hands.
This online tour can only begin to describe this house of prayer. We believe that experiencing the design and beauty of our home better tells the story of the dedication and spirit of those who have prepared this holy place.
Elements of the earth reflect the personality of St. Henry’s community. Love of God’s gifts in nature are captured in the use of stone and wood. Colors in carpet, floor tile, and brick are based on naturally occurring tones found in the earth. The wood in the worship area echoes our previous building, where wood helped give it warmth and beauty. Throughout the building process emphasis was given to the use of authentic materials.
Hospitality is the hallmark of St. Henry’s parish. Our Sunday canopy entranceand gathering space provide a fitting threshold to welcome the assembly. This space may also be a focus for various ritual actions.
Notice the crucifix, the statue of the Holy Family, and Coronation of Mary stained glass window in the gathering area, these treasures were brought from our former church. The Coronation window is a historic piece designed in 1951 by Peter Dohmen who came from Rhineland, Germany and established a studio in St. Paul.
The main area for worship is called the nave. Among the symbols with which the liturgy involves, none is more important than the assembly of believers. We gather as one Body of Christ embracing one another through the Word and Eucharist in our celebration of thanksgiving. Quality of hospitality is vital within the worship space. Pews with open ends create a sense of unity as we come together around the altar table. The nave seats 1,250 people. The pews are constructed of northern grown red oak with a natural finish. The ambulatory is the walkway around the nave, it offers the opportunity for procession especially during high feast days of the church. Tree-like pillars throughout the space echo the concept of the tree of death turned into the tree of life by Jesus’ dying and rising.
The celebration of Baptism draws us deeply into Christ and the Paschal mystery and grafts us onto the very roots of the Christian faith. As we dip our hands into the font and make the sign of the cross, there is a link made with the cleansing waters of baptism and continual cleansing, refreshment and renewal. The living (moving) water reminds is that we are made a people by water and the spirit, that we are always ready to receive new members. The upper pool is designed for infant baptism and the lower pool for adult immersion. The octagonal font beautifully conveys the new life of the baptized Christian – the eighth day is observed as the day of resurrection, the day beyond time. The font exterior is constructed of Minnesota limestone, the inner basin and pool of copper.
The choice to locate the reconciliation chapel near the baptismal area demonstrates the connection between the forgiveness of sins in baptism and God’s repeated forgiveness in the sacrament of reconciliation. The chapel opens to the Eucharistic space symbolizing our being reunited into community.
The choice to locate the reconciliation chapel near the baptismal area demonstrates the connection between the forgiveness of sins in baptism and God’s repeated forgiveness in the sacrament of reconciliation. The chapel opens to the Eucharistic space symbolizing our being reunited into community. The holy oils, stored in an ambry located to the right of the font, are easily accessed for sacramental anointing.
We are now led to the altar table, symbol of Christ in our midst. Special care was given to its construction. Sacrificial and banquet aspects were considered in the design. Beautiful wood evokes aspects of the sacred banquet and a reminder that our faith is not hard, cold and unyielding, but alive, warm, caring and growing. Chiseled sides convey the image of sacrifice. The stone under the altar symbolizes the rock upon which our Church is founded (Mt 16:18), God’s never ending love for us. It was inspired by the rock in front of the altar in the Church of All Nations in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mt 26:36-46, Mk 14:32-42, Lk 22:39-46) where Jesus prayed before His arrest and crucifixion.
The ambo, designed in harmony with the altar, represents the dignity and uniqueness of the Word of God and of reflection upon that Word. Flooring which surrounds the font and altar table connects the sacraments of initiation.
The location of the presider’s chair speaks of the priest’s role as teacher and leader of public prayer. As a section of the pews, it symbolizes that the priest is also part of the assembly gathered around the table.
The cross, venerated each Good Friday, and adorned with an image of the Risen Lord each Sunday, as a place of prominence in our worship space.
The church has an ancient tradition of reserving Eucharistic bread in a tabernacle which is located to the side of the altar. The purpose of reservation is to extend the assembly’s worship by bringing communion to the sick and to be the object of private devotion. The space behind the tabernacle serves to help distinguish these purposes from the celebration of the Eucharistic devotion.
The stained glass windows, telling the story of the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary, were restored and brought from our previous church. Pictoral and more contemporary in style, the windows have been described as “expressive, representational, and elegant”. These windows and the window of Mary and St. Anne located outside the chapel were designed and made by Felix Braunmiller, and artist in Munich, Germany. Note the fleur-de-lis at the base of each window. This is a common symbol of the Holy Trinity and is also used as a symbol of the Blessed Virgin.
Stained glass windows continued.
The Stations of the Cross, placed on the north and south walls, were hand carved in Oberammergau, Germany, by Alfred Zwink. These were also brought from our former church.
The Chapel, located in the northwest corner is an extension of the worship space. The smaller room is conductive to daily Mass, Liturgy of the Hours, small group prayer, and small weddings and funerals. The chapel has been dedicated to the Presentation Sisters for their long service in the community. The altar, ambo, and crucifix are from our previous church.
As you leave our worship space, you are invited to visit our fireside room near the Sunday entrance. This is a private space for a grieving family during visitation or for members of the bridal family who may need a few minutes to relax before the liturgy. When catechumens are dismissed, they will meet their sponsors here for reflection on Scripture. This room is also available for small formal meetings.
All furnishings and objects are hand crafted. Door handles, vigil lights, oil vessels, the door on the ambry, tabernacle light and holder, flower stands, communion vessels and the Risen Christ image were designed and crafted specifically for our parish. They are suitable for their purpose. They add to the beauty of liturgical action and reflect the care and respect given to everything we use and do in worship.
Farther on you will find the administration office area, vesting and ministry sacristies, temporary social hall and nursery. The Religious Education classrooms provide space for instruction for children and adults, and a special room with casual environment is enjoyed by the teenagers of our community. Rooms have been named after particular saints and holy people who have gone before us.
As a community we praise God for all the gifts bestowed upon us.
Worship is the heart of our faith life, we are nourished, nurtured and strengthened by our prayer. In the activities of our daily lives we live the blessing we receive “to go forth in peace to love and serve the Lord”. We return again in to worship, eager to share the Body and Blood of Christ so that we can again be broken and poured out for the needs of the world.
