Parishioners at St. George Parish are working together to enhance their church with a new image of their namesake: St. George.
In appreciation for an abundant crop last fall, they raised $45,000 — in two weeks — for a new stained glass window of their patron saint.
They commissioned artists with Conrad Schmitt Studios to create the window. The Milwaukee-based company has been creating stained glass windows and religious art for churches for nearly 125 years, including the creation windows in the chapel at the Viatorian Province Center in Arlington Heights.
“We were hoping to install it on the feast of St. George, on April 23,” says Fr. Dan Belanger, CSV, pastor, “but it hasn’t stopped raining long enough this spring to let us set up scaffolds.”
The large window will enhance the front of the church, as the first icon people see before entering.
“This gift will be a reminder,” says Viatorian Associate David Suprenant, “that the St. George spirit will be passed on to our children.”