“Jesus Is Moving” – The Restoration of Our Stained Glass Windows
In the late winter of 2023, after Mass one Sunday, a concerned and observant parishioner approached Deacon Paul with a surprising message: “Jesus is moving.” Unsure of what she meant, he asked for clarification. She pointed to the large Ascension window near the organ on the south side of the church, where — with each gust of wind — the stained glass seemed to pulse in and out. It turned out she was right: Jesus was moving. Upon closer inspection, it became clear that the retaining bar above Jesus’ head and the lead seam along his left side had broken. A portion of the window was dangerously close to detaching. Our maintenance crew acted quickly to secure a temporary fix, and a stained glass restoration company, Omnibus Studios, was brought in to assess the damage.
A Significant Need
In April 2023, Omnibus Studios completed their inspection and provided a comprehensive estimate for restoring 13 windows — including the large Ascension window, 7 windows on the south side, 5 on the west side, and 1 in the northwest corner. These windows are most exposed to wind, temperature changes, rain, and snow — and many were rated in Fair to Poor condition. The total cost for the full restoration: $421,335. Given the scope and expense, our pastor, business office, and finance council asked Omnibus Studios to identify which repairs were most urgent. This led to a phased approach.
Phase 1 – Emergency Repairs
Omnibus recommended prioritizing two windows in critical condition:
- The Ascension window, with severe structural damage
- The “Pope Gregory the Great” window in the southwest corner
Both required off-site restoration and custom frames. In addition, 8 of the 10 ventilator windows on the south side needed immediate work. These small, square windows — which open to let air into the sanctuary — had significant damage to the painted glass and reinforcing barsand also needed to be rebuilt off-site. New polycarbonate protective coverings were ordered for all 10.
Phase 1 began in July 2023 and was completed in May 2024, at a cost of $137,044, fully funded by local parish funds(not diocesan deposits).
Phase 2 – Continuing the Work
Following review and approval by the Diocesan Finance Council and Bishop Walsh, Phase 2 began in May 2025. This phase covers:• The six remaining south side windows
- All five west side windows
- One north window
The restoration includes off-site repair of the most damaged sections, reinforcement of internal supports, and installation of new custom exterior frames. Phase 2 was completed in September 2025, at a cost of $316,530. This was paid from local parish funds until a fundraising campaign was undertaken.
Where We Stand Today
Our total financial commitment for Phase 1 and 2, $453,574, was part of a Phase 1 $750,000 Capital Campaign, which included a $200,000 matching grant opportunity for the windows project from a generous anonymous donor through their family foundation. With deep gratitude, we are pleased to share the joyful news that we reached this target in April 2026. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the generosity, faith, and commitment of St. Francis Xavier parishioners and supporters to the mission and ministries of our parish.
Looking ahead, Phase 3 would address the remaining windows of our worship space. The scope and timeline for this future phase will depend on a professional assessment and available resources.
Honoring Our Legacy
Our ancestors in faith built this church with great sacrifice, vision, and hope for future generations. Now, it is our turn to protect and preserve it. As the Gospel of Luke reminds us,
“To whom much has been given, much is expected.” ~Luke 12:48