Art & Architecture

We believe that faith is not so much a destination as a journey, a process of growth and development that must be sustained at every step along life's path. The Church of St. John the Evangelist must provide this faith experience for all people.

We invite you to experience the beauty of our faith and to experience God’s tender care. We believe the people of The Church of St. John the Evangelist wish to intensify the close community we have enjoyed through the years, which will encourage and enrich full liturgical participation of our parish community.

We believe that we must maintain a place to experience God's tender care, to form and transform a holy people whose lives are sustained by God's love.

Back to TopWorship Space

A Prayerful and Enlightening Setting
"I am the light of the world. No follower of mine shall ever walk in darkness; no, they shall possess the light of life." -John 8:12
Our worship space provides for the gathering around the focal points of the liturgy so all see, hear, touch and become involved in our sacramental celebrations.

Mandela-Cross or Crucifix?

Do you know the difference between a cross and a crucifix? A cross shows the two pieces of wood attached like a “plus sign”. A crucifix is a cross that shows Jesus’ body on it.

In our worship space, you can see the post-resurrection Christ in front of the cross.

The word Mandela comes from a Sanskrit word which means circle or wheel, although not all mandalas are circular in design. The meaning of the word Mandela pertains more to the focus of the image which is always in the center. The Mandela of the resurrected Christ helps to guide and focus attention in meditation and prayer, for centering, balance and healing.

Stained Glass Windows

Two Clerestory Windows - The Life of St. John and The Legendof St. John.All stained glass designed by Professor Robert A. Leader, University of Notre Dame and manufactured by the Novello Art Glass Studios of Winona, Minnesota.

Light is a powerful image and gift from God and emanates a warm welcome. Stained glass, radiant with natural light, heightens the sense of God's mystery.

The two clerestory windows, which are 4 feet high, run 128 feet down the length of the nave, are executed in antique French and German glass.

Treaded as a continuous frieze, they established the Baptismal font as the Light of Christ and the one to whom we belong.

San Riccardo Pampuri
"The Short but intense life of Riccardo is an incentive for all the People of God…He is an extraordinary figure, close to us in the time but even closer to us in the midst of our problems and our needs," - Pope John Paul II

San Riccardo Pampuri - Wood
The statue of San Riccardo is a gift from Msgr. Luigi Giussani founder of Communion and Liberation, Milan, Italy.

The presence of Riccardo in our church is a beautiful gift of memory as together we beg for the grace of healing in the name of Jesus. Our many visitors come as beggars with hearts longing and asking for strength in the face of suffering and medical needs. We are prayerfully mindful of everyone who serves at the Mayo and Olmsted Medical Community and all of the sick. We pray through the intercession of San Riccardo that all our sisters and brothers know the comfort of trusting the presence of Christ who gives purpose and meaning to sacrifice. San Riccardo, pray for us.

Stations of the Cross

The Stations of the Cross hang on the wall on each side of the church. They are made of wood, and depict fourteen events in the suffering and death of Jesus. The Stations of the Cross are a prayerful journey where we can join with Christ in thought and prayer as He walked toward His death. The Stations of the Cross are prayed often, most especially during the season of Lent and on Good Friday, the day of Jesus’ death.

Canopy Candles

These candles are located above the baptismal font, and are lit for one week, usually to honor an anniversary, baptism, birthday, or to remember someone who has gone on before us.

Ambo

As you look at the altar, the ambo is to your left. This is where the lector and the priest or deacon proclaim the Word of God. It is also the place where the cantor proclaims the psalm in song. The lector reads the first and second readings during Mass, and the priest or deacon reads the Gospel.

Altar

The table of the Lord is where we celebrate the Eucharist. We offer our gifts of bread and wine. Through consecration, they become the body and blood of Jesus. When you share in the Eucharist, you are sharing in Jesus’ body and blood.

 

Back to TopBaptismal Space

New Life and Rebirth A Call to Live Out Our Promise


Reminds us of the gift of our baptismal re-birth in water. Experiencing the "living and flowing" water in sight and sound is more important than simply seeing the vessel that contains the water. Water is used as a sign of new life.

Back to TopDevotional Space - Chapel

Sacred, Peaceful and Inviting

Within the chapel are two meditation areas: the Eucharistic Chapel where the tabernacle resides, and the Marian chapel where the post-resurrection statue of Mary resides.

Eucharistic Chapel and Tabernacle

The Eucharist is kept in the tabernacle. The tabernacle is the gold box on the altar you see in this picture. There are several chairs in front of the tabernacle so that people can come and pray quietly.

The candle next to the tabernacle is lit when the Eucharist is present. The only day the candle is not lit is Good Friday. On all other days, you bow your head or genuflect to show reverence and respect for the Eucharist … the Real Presence of Jesus.

Marian Devotional Chapel

Life seems to require times of waiting. In hope or fear, of not knowing what may come next.

This sacred image portrays Mary Waiting. One time of unknowing in her life was after she held the body of her dead son in her lap and buried him, as portrayed in the stained glass windows behind this image. Yet her face has experienced a deeper way of knowing: trust in God’s abiding love and mercy, and Resurrection.

There were other times of waiting: as a Jewish woman awaiting the Messiah, as a mother awaiting the birth of her child, and as an older woman awaiting the fullness of the life-giving Spirit at Pentecost.

Now, in this chapel near the Mayo Clinic, she waits with us in our moments of unknowing a companion of compassion, assurance and hope—Our Mother of Consolation.

Back to TopMusic Space

Lifting our hearts and voices to the Mystery of God

The true purpose of sacred music is the glory of God and the sanctification of the faithful. Our music space encourages full and active participation of all. Acoustic quality and the sound system ensure that prayer, preaching, song, and instrumentation (organ, piano, guitar, and other) are primary in liturgical celebrations.

We invite you to check our Music Ministry Photo Gallery.

Back to TopGathering Space

Fosters a Sense of Belonging and Provides Communal Center

It is the space between the outside of the church and main section where Mass is celebrated. When people enter the church, they prepare themselves to receive Jesus at Mass. As the faithful leave Mass they prepare to bring the light of Christ to others. To do this, gathering must extend beyond the worship space. A gathering space speaks to our ministry of hospitality, providing access to all and welcoming everyone who enters.

Back to TopOutdoor Space

Quiet, Peaceful and Inviting

Jesus often found solace in a garden to pray and meditate. Natural landscaping reflects a sensitivity to our local environment and complements the uniqueness of our location.

Peace Garden

The Peace Garden is a lovely spot to take a time-out from the hustle and bustle of life. A tranquil location adjacent to the Church, the Peace Garden is located amongst the skyscrapers of the city.  Many enjoy a moment of quiet contemplation for prayer and reflection. The  garden affirms life, celebrates our children, and the healing presence of God through private time.

Angel in the Garden

Jay Hall Carpenter, professional sculptor for a quarter century, earned his reputation during twenty years as sculptor for the Washington National Cathedral. He created the original carver's models for over 500 sculptures that adorn the gothic, limestone building. These sculptures include saints, angels, grotesques, and gargoyles. Many American churches contain his work, as do the State Department, the Smithsonian, Canterbury Cathedral, and the New England Medical Center.