St. Pius X

St. Pius X

The parish center. That tile wall is very nice, but the lighting in the picture doesn't do it justice.

St. Pius X

St. Pius X

This is different.

St. Pius X

I've been thinking about it all week, and I've come to the conclusion that this may be the most beautiful crucifix in the diocese.

St. Pius X

One of the best lessons to be learned from this church is, perhaps, the most important lesson any parish with a contemporary building, or planning to build one, can learn. I should make that "relearn", since before my own generation came along, everyone knew it.
The lesson's simple. Older sculpture, and sculpture in older styles, looks fantastic against the backdrop of a contemporary sanctuary.
Every parish is a community, and a community needs a home, not something that looks like a meeting room at the Holiday Inn. The judicious use of artwork makes a church feel homelike and welcoming. Isn't that the goal?
Now, with that said, maybe someone could forward this post to the planning committee at Little Flower Parish. They could get some very good guidance at St. Pius.

St. Pius X

The exterior's utilitarian, without being boring. I like the idea of placing the church in the middle of the school, rather than off to one side. Keeps the priorities straight, as well as giving the building a balanced appearance.

I'm not sure how the lighting effect around the crucifix is done, but it works very well. By the way, the easel was there for the retreat, so it's not a regular feature.
Now I remember how I made the Morse/Morris mistake in yesterday's post. I was thinking of the line from William Morris. Something about having only things you "know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." It sort of sums up my reaction, and reinforces my notion that the place is like the better sort of monastic chapel.

Whoever does the landscaping is an artist.
Another statue of my confirmation patron. This one's outside the school gymnasium.

St. Pius X, Toledo

So many churches aim at "noble simplicity" and end up with something more like sterility. St. Pius X parish aims at it and hits right on the target. There's an almost monastic air about it. Simple, but dignified.
All of the artwork seems carefully chosen, and every piece is a gem.

I've been wanting to see this ever since I first heard of it. It's one of the saint's zucchettos. Just how many parishes are fortunate enough to have a relic of their patron?

The eponymous saint. Notice the papal tiara and keys on the base.
It's good to see a picture of Bishop Blair in a church vestibule. I like the idea, and it's made even more appropriate since Bishop Blair's episcopal lineage, the line of consecrating bishops, goes back to St. Pius. You'll find the details HERE.
I particularly like the enamelled cross on top.


St. Francis de Sales. Rather a Romanesque feel to this one. The parish is pastored by the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, currently by Fr. Dick Morse.

I'll post more pictures and comments later.

Later

I have pictures from St. Pius X parish, but they'll have to wait until tomorrow. I'm quite impressed with the place, and even more impressed with the parishioners, but after spending two days there, with alternating Adoration, good stories, massive meals, and ( From Gerry Tremblay ) one of the best talks on the Real Presence I've ever heard, I'm afraid I'm at the farther stages of exhaustion.
And, yes, I have more pictures of this magnificent crucifix.