Built in 2009, the St. Stephen Deacon + Marthyr Sanctuary of the Catholic Diocese of El Paso represents the final phase of a project that took 10 years to complete, he 25,745-sf sanctuary. Design was inspired by the themes of light and journey, accommodates a capacity of 1,000 people and was completed on a 3.6m budget. A small courtyard divides the new and older buildings, creating a small gathering space that encourages social interaction among parishioners. The santuary's entry has three portals, referencing the Holy Trinity, that lead into the light-filled worship space. Different from traditional double-aisle churches, St. Stephen's pews are set in a semi-stacked pattern facing the altar, a configuration that brings the congregation together in closer fellowship. Placement of the rectilinear baptismal font at the entrance further supports the sense of community, with surrounding seats and water gently cascading down the sides of the basin. Wanting the sanctuary to reflect the community diversity and communal spirit, church officials commissioned works of art from regional craftsmen. Among them Ken Grlesemer, a liturgical designer from Albuquerque, assisted on the design of the project, while Jeff Smith of Fort Davis created a wall of stained glass. Also, artist John Nava created nine tapestries of saints that correspond with the ethnic spectrum of the congregation, a clear departure from Euro-centric tradition.
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