(Stock Photo – Canva)
By Rose Mary Hartney
The Stations of the Cross, a prominent Lenten devotion, are prayed by many people each year, including the parishioners of COOL, Moose Jaw. It was pre-COVID when the Liturgy Committee realized that many of the devout Station “followers” were no longer able or available to attend this devotion at the church. A decision was made incorporating the Parish Mission Statement of “taking Christ to our local community and to the whole of God’s world” to take the stations to the people.
It is easy to pray the Stations of the Cross at Chateau St. Michael as the scenes leading to the Passion hang on the Chapel walls. However, other facilities do not have scriptural depictions installed. Therefore, electronic versions, including Social Justice themes, and traditional and scriptural stations, were prepared. A computer projector focused the scenes on a screen or wall. In addition, reflections were displayed, and music was included so the “congregation” could be involved.
This liturgy was well received by the senior residents and allowed them to participate in the life of the parish. Members of the parish were also invited to attend and mingled and visited with the Retirement Home residents. The fellowship complemented the prayer.
It is hoped that health and well-being will permit us once again to pray the Stations – “on the road” in 2023.
