The most common criticism given to modern Churches is that they lack symbols and character. They are gathering places functional but not inspiring. To avoid this shortcoming people often prefer reproduction of old styles like Mission style. Art is called to mirror in an original and inspiring way the present times. The new St. Mary's Church is a beautiful attempt to express in a modern way the symbols of the Catholic Christian tradition.

    Twelve winged columns, representing the twelve Apostles in prayer, will cover you as you approach the Church. They remind us of the Catholic belief that our faith is built on "the foundation of the Apostles." The columns are joined "two by two," the way Jesus sent the Apostles to preach the Good News. A flowing fountain will be in their midst representing their mission "to baptize all people." A 16 foot statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary will be in the midst of the Apostles, welcoming people into the Church. Mary and the Apostles, according to the book of Acts, were "gathered in prayer, at the foundation fo the Church at Pentecost. Over Mary and the Apostles, with gold and green glasses one can picture an imposing symbol of Jesus, to whom the Virgin and the Apostles bring us. On one side, towering above everything else, there is a symbol of the Blessed Trinity with an 81 foot Cross. Through beautiful glass doors you can see inside the Church, and from there outside, to express a welcoming attitude and the need to be in touch with our brothers and sisters outside.  Although the facade seems too busy, the abundance of symbols will be an open Catechism for all believers.

    The rest of the outside Church, build with cement blocks and stucco is striking for its simplicity. The back which reproduces in a modern way the ancient absides, can represent the "M" for Mary, the crown of the Resurrected  Jesus, the Blessed Trinity. The roof in cement tiles matches the golden color of many external glasses, reminding us that the Church on earth is a pale mirror of what awaits us in Heaven.

A glass wall separates the entrance from the Main Church. It has a practical purpose, if parents have to leave the main body of  the Church with crying babies, but no separate "crying room" was provided to make mothers and babies feel welcome inside the main body of the Church. A Chapel for the Blessed Sacrament is provided for private Adoration and Prayer. Two reconciliation rooms are in the Chapel. The sacristy is also at the entrance to favor the procession in the Liturgy.