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 ministers now 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.


"Praying the Stations" Prayer Celebration Notes

Focus		Praying the Way of the Cross together
Materials		Prayer table, Bible, candle, copies of liturgy, large cross or crucifix, music
Music		Blest Are We Music CD 2; "Were You There," Spiritual
Reading		Mark 15:1–5, 16–21
Preparation		Recall with children the story of Jesus’ passion and death, helping them to understand. Print out the liturgy, "Praying the Stations." 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		Prepare costumes for Jesus, Pilate, soldiers, Mary, Simon, Veronica, the women of Jerusalem, Joseph of Arimathea, and the crowd. Ask volunteers to dramatize the stations as they are being read.
Additional Materials		"Be Merciful, O Lord" 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