The chapel is under the auspices of the episcopal see of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix and its ministry is conducted by St. John Vianney Parish, Sedona.

[4] The chapel is built on Coconino National Forest land; Senator Barry Goldwater assisted Staude in obtaining a special-use permit.

Its doors will ever be open to one and all, regardless of creed, that God may come to life in the souls of all men and be a living reality.

The main feature of the chapel is a 90 ft (27.4 m) tall iron cross on the southwestern wall, which serves both aesthetic and structural purposes.

Staude was inspired by the powerful image of the steel framework in the Empire State Building and other skyscrapers.

The effect of the materials pallet combined with the simple angled shapes in the chapel creates an impression of grandeur and strength.