Holy Week Stations of the Cross Introduction Welcome

Holy Week Stations of the Cross

Introduction & Welcome Sign of the Cross Priest: During Lent, and especially on Good Friday, we take time to remember the journey of Jesus to Calvary.

Priest: Jesus loved his Father always. In his journey to Calvary, Jesus loved his Father to the end.

Priest: We will hear about people who hurt Jesus by their sins. We will be asked to reflect on how we have hurt others by our sins.

Priest: We will hear of the people who helped Jesus by the good things they did. We will be asked to reflect on how we help others.

All say: Lord, with your help we know that every single action we do can bring about change that will count. If we start today, we can make a difference. Let us work together to dismantle the cross of injustice in the world and build from that wood an ark of refuge for all in need of safety.

All say: Lord, you took on our troubles, our sins and carried them to Calvary. Your sacrifice was not in vain. Each time we participate in the Eucharist may we become more resolved to help others to carry their cross in life and to ensure that our thoughtlessness and extravagance does not add further burden to the already troubled lives of our brothers and sisters.

All say: Lord, you fell down under the weight of the cross and the taunts of your captors. Help us to find our voice for change and begin again with new determination to be worthy, responsible stewards of creation. Give us the strength to rise above the scorn of others and our human weakness.

All say: Lord, you and your mother had a special bond. Her sadness at your suffering can only be imagined. Be with all mothers today who face the loss of their children, especially through natural disasters in our world. Be their comfort, ease their heartbreak and heal their pain.

All say: Lord, help end our indifference to the plight of others. Because we cannot see them face to face we shut out their silent pleas for help. May we become Simon for them in their hour of need and take on the role of servants in imitation of Jesus who came ‘to serve’ and not to be served.

All say: Lord, Veronica shows us your face of suffering. Give us the insight to see your face in the poor and marginalized throughout the world. As we enjoy our lives here in this country, let us not forget those who hunger and thirst. Let us not forget those who weep because of disease and loss. Let us resolve to face up to the part we play in the pain of others.

All say: Lord, it is tempting to lie low, hide ourselves away when we know that our inaction is increasing the suffering of others. Sometimes we can hit a low point about the things that depress us in our own situations. Give us the perspective to see the relative nature of our pain. Give us the grace to take the first step on the long road to ensure a brighter tomorrow for all humankind.

All say: Lord, you teach us patience as we see the suffering of others in our world borne with dignity. Keep us on the road of selflessness with hearts open to the needs of others. May we reflect your outreach to others in spite of our own pain.

All say: Lord, we are human and sometimes we give up completely if we fail more than once. Give us the courage and strength to pick ourselves up as you did on the road to Calvary. Give us the humility to accept the help of others on our journey and turn to you for inner strength when we feel alone and dispirited.

All say: Lord, you knew humiliation and embarrassment when you were robbed of your very dignity. You were always the champion of the poor. Now we are called to cover the shame of the world’s greed with the garments of generosity and positive action. May we be instrumental in restoring the dignity of those who are made poor because of our selfishness.

All say: Lord, words are not enough to describe the pain and suffering of your ordeal. Open our eyes to the tragedy our selfishness can inflict on others. May we never turn away from our responsibility for the whole of creation. May our efforts ensure a reduction in the suffering of others.

All say: Lord, keep us focused on the power we have to change society and to improve the situation of others. May we never forget those who have died as a result of climate change. May we resolve to change our habits today, so that others might live.

All say: Lord, the sadness of Mary is lived again in the sorrow of mothers throughout the world. Give us the grace to continue to offer relief to those whose lives are blighted by the effects of climate change. May we resolve to change our lifestyles so that mothers may no longer be faced with the tragedy of loss and suffering.

All say: Lord, we recognize the hopelessness of people who are facing almost inevitable pain and loss because of climate change. Let us not bury our heads in the sand do nothing. Let us carry in our hearts those who suffer as a result of earthquakes, tsunami, hurricane, tornado, drought or famine. May we be always mindful of our need to work together for new life and a better world for all people.

All say: Lord, we celebrate the gift of new life on Easter day. We know that even the darkest hour can be turned around if we act with compassion and with responsibility for our global neighbours. Keep us joyful as we work to bring about change in our world. May hope live in our hearts.

Closing Prayer Priest: Lord Jesus, you were sent by your Father to bring us the Good News. You never stopped showing us God’s love. Even on the cross you forgave those who were putting you to death.

Priest: On Easter Day you rose again to new life. You ask us to live like you now so that we will live with you for ever in your new life. Let us say together: ‘Glory Be’

All pray: Glory be to the Father, And to the Son, And to the Holy Spirit; As it was in the beginning, Is now and ever shall be, World without end. Amen. Sign of the Cross

Concluding Hymn: City of God Awake from your slumber! Arise from your sleep! A new day is dawning For all those who weep.

The people in darkness Have seen a great light The Lord of our longing Has conquered the night.

Refrain: Let us build the city of God. May our tears be turned into dancing. For the Lord, our light and our love Has turned the night into day.

God is light; in God there is no darkness. Let us walk in the light, God’s children one and all. O comfort my people, make gentle your words, Proclaim to my city the day of her birth.

Refrain: Let us build the city of God. May our tears be turned into dancing. For the Lord, our light and our love Has turned the night into day.