The Stations of the Cross for Children used to be designed especially for younger children, with colorful illustrations and simple text that introduces them to the Passion of Jesus Christ on their level. Every station takes about two minutes to complete, including about thirty seconds of silent prayer. Optional prayers and Scripture references for Every station offer numerous how one can adapt and expand The Stations of the Cross for Children for older kids. The opening and closing prayers place the Passion in the larger context of Jesus’ mission…and each Christian’s call to continue that mission on the earth lately.
The Stations of the Cross for Children features “The New Way of the Cross” approved by the uses the form of the stations approved by the bishops of the Philippines and used extensively there. It’s well suited for younger children who aren’t yet aware of the story of Jesus’ Passion. It connects the sacrifice on Calvary to the sacrifice of the Mass, and it places that sacrifice within the larger context of the story of salvation. It also prepares children for the Triduum, which begins with our recollection of the Last Supper on Holy Thursday and ends with the Resurrection at the Easter Vigil. The contents of the book include:
Opening Prayer
- The Last Supper
- The agony in the garden
- Jesus is condemned to death
- Jesus is scourged and crowned with thorns
- Jesus carries the cross
- Jesus falls
- Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the cross
- Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem
- Jesus is nailed to the cross
- The Good Thief
- Mary and John at the foot of the cross
- Jesus dies on the cross
- Jesus is laid in the tomb
- Jesus rises from the dead
Closing prayer
Optional prayers: Stabat Mater Dolorosa; We Adore You; Our Father