The New Church Doors at Our Lady of Sorrows 2012

 The installation of new church doors at the principal entrance of the church is part of the general renovation of that entry area. In addition to providing a more attractive entrance to the Lord’s House, the doors’ design was modified in response to many comments of funeral directors over the years to facilitate a more orderly and respectful handling of caskets during funerals. The original position of the doors with respect to the stairs and the rather large central “box” made entry and exit by pallbearers with a casket very unwieldy.
 
The doors were a donation to the parish—a memorial gift made by a parishioner. The work was executed by Baut Studios, Inc., Ecclesiastical Designers, of Swoyersville, PA.
 
Each door is dedicated to an aspect or characteristic of parish life. The following description will help us in our appreciation of this new entry into the Lord’s dwelling. A blessing of the new doors will take place in the near future.

 
Door I            Life

The Christian’s life is illustrated by water flowing from a baptismal shell. It reminds us of the cleansing and purifying that takes place in baptism, which realizes the washing away of sin and the rising to newness of life. The Catechism teaches us that Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to the life in the Spirit and the door which gives access to the other sacraments.
 
In the door’s uppermost panel is etched the Cross, one of the oldest and most universal of all Christian symbols. It symbolizes Christ because of his sacrifice on the cross. It is the sign of our religion, the emblem of atonement, and the symbol of salvation and redemption. This cross is of Greek design, having four equal arms.
 

Door II Praise (Worship)

A disciple’s life should be one of perpetual admiration, praise, worship, thanksgiving, and love towards God. This door reminds us of this duty. Every disciple should lend his or her heart and voice to render homage to God. A Catholic does this most especially through the Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office). This is illustrated by the harp and scroll of musical notation. The harp is an attribute of King David, who played before God. (I Chon 13: 8) It is also the symbol of the Book of Psalms and all music in honor of God. The harp as an instrument of divine music is referred to in Rev. 5:89.
 
The scroll of music in Gregorian notation recalls the central tradition of chant, a form of liturgical music within the western Church for centuries. It is named after Pope St. Gregory the Great (590-604), who is traditionally credited for having ordered the simplification and cataloging of music assigned to specific celebrations during the church calendar.
 
In the door’s uppermost panel is etched the Greek letter Α (Alpha), the first letter of the Greek alphabet used to identity Christ. This usage is based upon Rev. 1:8 which reads, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the ending” referring to the eternal nature of Christ.
 

Door III  Community

The vine is one of the most vivid symbols of the Scripture and expresses the relationship between God and his people. It often refers to the protected place which the children of God (the vines) flourish under the tender care of God (the Keeper of the Vineyard). “For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, the men of Judah his pleasant plant.” (Is. 5:7) The vine is thus used as a symbol of the Church, in which alone, this relationship exists.  Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser…I am the vine, you are the branches; He that abides in me, and I in him, shall bear much fruit; for without me you can do nothing…In this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; so shall you be my disciples.” (Jn 15: 1, 5, 8)
 
In the door’s uppermost panel is etched the Greek letter Ώ (Omega), the last letter of the Greek alphabet used to identity Christ. This usage is based upon Rev. 1:8 which reads, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the ending” referring to the eternal nature of Christ.
 
 

Door IV Service

This door emphasizes the service that should characterize the life of a disciple in imitation of Christ who came “to serve and not to be served. This is illustrated by a beehive. The bee, because of its industrious habits, has become the symbol of activity, diligence, work, and good order. The beehive is similarly the symbol of a pious and unified community. St. Ambrose compared the Church to a beehive and the Christian to the bee, working ardently and forever true to the hive. Moreover, since according to ancient legend, the bee never sleeps, it suggests Christian vigilance and zeal in acquiring virtue.
 
The door’s uppermost panel repeats sign of the cross.