The Stations of the Cross take us on a journey with Jesus as he gives up his life for us. We experience with Jesus his suffering, death, and resurrection. The Way of the Cross involves movement from one to another of fourteen stops, or stations, representing significant moments in Jesus’ Passion and death. Some people add a fifteenth station, the resurrection, to emphasize the fullness of the Paschal mystery.

See Liturgical Calendar–Seasons–Holy Week for additional background information and prayer.


"The Way of the Cross" Prayer Celebration Notes

Focus		Relating our daily lives to the Way of the Cross
Materials		Prayer table, Bible, candle, copies of liturgy, large cross or crucifix, music
Music		"Eat This Bread," Blest Are We Music CD 2; "Were You There," Spiritual; "We Remember," Marty Haugen (GIA Publications)
Reading		Luke 23:26–32; 44–46
Preparation		Prior to the liturgy, recount for children the story of Jesus’ Passion and death. Print out the liturgy, "The Way of the Cross." Before you photocopy it for participants, indicate on the original the number of readers. Depending on the reading ability and size of your group, you could have from 1 to 14 readers. Help readers review their parts before the prayer celebration. Prepare your role as leader. See also Holy Week–Kids, Level 3 for a Stations Booklet.
Adaptation		Invite the children to create pictures showing the traditional fourteen Stations of the Cross. Use these for the prayer celebration and then afterward encourage children to take them home to share with their families.
Additional Materials		"Eat This Bread" Blest Are We Music CD 2 Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36653-0 Blest Are We Song Book Words and melody for children; contains music for levels 1-8 ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36617-4 Blest Are We Accompaniment Book Contains accompaniment music for levels 1-8 ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36618-2