New Candidate Journeys

The Way of the Cross

This Lent, as our Elect and Candidates move forward in their faith journeys they will be learning about The Way of the Cross. Jesus said, “Come, follow me…” He showed His disciples, and now us, how to carry our crosses, deny ourselves, and sacrifice.  

There are fourteen Stations of the Cross which depict the places where Jesus stopped.

• First Station - Jesus is Condemned to Death. Our sins condemned you to die! My conscience is the tribunal - like Pilot - I am unkind and critical, condemning you to die.
• Second Station - Jesus Carries His Cross. Jesus, you willingly accepted your cross - help me to carry my cross with courage and patience.
• Third, Seventh, and Ninth Stations - Jesus Falls. By falling three times, Jesus atoned for our temptations of the flesh, the world and the devil. Jesus, help me rise above my weaknesses, not give in to hopelessness.
• Fourth Station - Jesus Meets His Mother.  Jesus, your Mother showed me such depth of love! Oh, Mary, show me how to suffer for Jesus like you!
• Fifth Station - Simon Helps Jesus Carry the Cross. Jesus, help me accept my cross and lean into the love Simon showed you.
• Sixth Station - Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus. Oh, Jesus - would I love you so much that I could wipe the sweat and blood from your face? Make me strong enough to disregard anything that prevents me from showing your love to others through my actions.
• Eighth Station - Jesus Comforts the Women of Jerusalem. Jesus, I don’t see my sins as causing your pain. Open my eyes, my heart - help me see!
• Tenth Station - Jesus is Stripped of His Garments. Jesus, in death you gave all. In doing so, you remind me that I need to give you my all.
• Eleventh Station - Jesus is Nailed to the Cross.  Jesus, how often do I turn away from your outstretched arms - desiring to give me love! Help me turn to you for redeeming love!
• Twelfth Station - Jesus Dies upon the Cross. Jesus, by dying on the cross you showed that I, too, must die and rise every day.
• Thirteenth Station - Jesus is Taken from the Cross. Jesus, help me to claim you always - especially when I am weak.
• Fourteenth Station - Jesus is Laid in the Tomb. Unless I die to myself I cannot live with you. Unless there is a cross, there will be no empty tomb.

Jesus, you are The Way.