“In every age Christians have sought to give expression to faith’s vision of the beauty and order of God’s creation, the nobility of our vocation as men and women made in his image and likeness, and the promise of a cosmos redeemed and transfigured by the grace of Christ. The artistic treasures which surround us are not simply impressive monuments of a distant past. Rather… they stand as a perennial witness to the Church’s unchanging faith in the Triune God who, in the memorable phrase of St. Augustine, is himself ‘Beauty ever ancient, ever new’.” ~Pope Benedict XVI

Construction began on our present structure in 1865, and Bishop Luers dedicated St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church on December 8, 1867.  The exterior "shamrock" finish was restored in 2009, while the interior of our historic church underwent an extensive renovation in 2016, and was rededicated by Bishop Doherty on December 8, 2016. 

GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE:

The style developed in the 12th and 13th centuries in Europe, distinguished by the pointed arch and the system of stone vaulting.

CHARACTERISTICS:
1.  Use and decorative development of ribbed vaults.
Vault = covering of an enclosed room formed of small pieces of material which are wedge-shaped and form a curved surface.  Pieces are held in place by neighbors on either side.  Ribs = independent strips or arches. 
2.  Use of pointed arch.
3.  Subdivision of large window area into smaller elements (stained glass).
4.  Decorative structures such as moldings, carvings, and pillars.
5.  Emphasis on vertical lines.

MAIN ALTAR (Symbolism):

Basket of loaves and fishes = Eucharist
IHS = 1st 3 letters of Jesus in Greek
Pelican = Eucharistic and redemptive symbol
Sacred Heart = Symbol of the boundless redeeming love of Jesus
Laurel wreath = Victory and Eternity
Trefoil (clover) = Trinity
Steps = Faith, Hope, and Charity
4-Sided Clover = Dogwood
Lamb = Symbol of innocence - Christ

SIDE ALTARS:
Anchor = Symbol of Hope - Christ
Fleur de Lis = Symbol of Mary
Notice lines of altars, ambo, and choir loft - all gothic

STATUES:
Left side:  St. Brigid, Blessed Virgin Mary, and St. Francis
Right side:  St. Anthony, St. Joseph, and St. Aloysius Gonzaga
Narthex:  St. Charles Borromeo and St. Patrick

"Sacred architecture is a means for us to articulate the meaning of life for ourselves, our communities, future generations - and to honor God, because, though he does not need our worship nor our temples of stone, he deserves them.  Our response to the cross is to return his love in our thoughts and deeds, by feeding the hungry, and also by building churches.  When we come in contact with the Almighty, we stand on holy ground.  Thanksgiving and worship cause us to set aside those places where God has made his presence known to his people:  the holy mountain, the upper room, the tent in the wilderness, and the temple in the Holy City.  While none of these places can contain the Deity, they offer witness to his benevolence and to his presence with us." ~Duncan Sroik