Centuries ago the devotion of the Stations of the Cross was created for those who could not make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and walk the path Jesus took from Pilate to Golgotha. The ritual 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.


"Recognizing Jesus in Others" Prayer Celebration Notes

Focus		Recognizing Jesus in others
Materials Needed		Prayer table, Bible, candle, copies of liturgy, large cross or crucifix, music
Music		"Song of the Body of Christ," Blest Are We Music CD 4; "Christ Our Light," Roman Missal; "Let Heaven Rejoice," Bob Dufford, SJ (OCP Publications), "Were You There," Spiritual
Suggested Reading		Luke 23:1–26, 44–46
Preparation		Prior to the prayer celebration, recall with the children the story of Jesus’ Passion and death. Allow time for any questions they may have. Print out and photocopy the liturgy, "Recognizing Jesus in Others." Select a leader. 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. See also Holy Week–Kids, Level 3 for a Stations Booklet.
Adaptation		Invite 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		"Song of the Body of Christ," Blest Are We Music CD 4 Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36655-7 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