Reading: Mark 14:32-42Song: I Want Jesus to Walk with MeSign of the Cross

The First Station: Jesus is condemned to death Scripture Reflection

Prayer: Jesus, help us to see your acceptance of blame not as weakness, but as the ultimate example of self-sacrificing trust in God. Give us that same trust as your disciples so that, when we see wrongs we did not commit or messes we did not make, we step in to offer your healing, comfort, and hope.

The Second Station: Jesus is made to carry the cross Scripture Reflection

Prayer: Jesus, we avoid adversity. We fear humiliation and run from suffering. But you chose to take up the cross, a symbol of humiliation and suffering, and did so with steadfast acceptance. Teach us, we pray, to carry our burdens with the same grace, remembering that you will never leave or forsake us.

The Third Station: Jesus falls the first time Scripture Reflection

Prayer: Jesus, teach us your humility today. Fill us with your Spirit so that, in our schools and work places, we become examples of your self-giving love. May our weaknesses make us stronger, more accepting of the weaknesses of others, and increasingly humble.

The Fourth Station: Jesus meets his Blessed Mother Scripture Reflection

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for the gift of Mary, who models perfect love for us. In our love for you, make us fiercely protective of you. And help us remember that when we are present to those who are hungry, tired, and sad, those who are difficult, stubborn, and forgetful, we are loving you.

The Fifth Station: Simon helps Jesus carry his cross Scripture Reflection

Prayer: Jesus, please give us the eyes to see when, where, and who we can serve, and the strength to step into that call even when it causes a detour. Show us, too, how to let others help us. By your Spirit, help us to share our service generously and accept it from others graciously.

The Sixth Station: Veronica wipes the face of JesusScripture Reflection

Prayer: Jesus, through the example of Veronica, open our eyes to the suffering many of our neighbors endure. By your Spirit, help us comfort them in your name, reminding us that in every such action, you are with us.

The Seventh Station: Jesus falls the second time Scripture Reflection

Prayer: Jesus, give us the grace to identify with those who are rejected. Inspire in us compassion for the student who is cast aside and the colleague who is marginalized. May our love of you become a force that heals and unifies.

The Eighth Station: Jesus speaks to the women Scripture Reflection

Prayer: Jesus, God of both justice and mercy, thank you for the hope you embodied and shared with your heartbroken followers, even on the way to the cross. Keep us mindful of your promises.

The Ninth Station: Jesus falls the third time Scripture Reflection

Prayer: Jesus, give us eyes of faith. Allow us to see light where there appears only darkness, and life where we can only sense death. When our energy fails, inspire in us the confidence to get up, and continue our journey toward home.

The Tenth Station: Jesus is stripped of his garments Scripture Reflection

Prayer: Jesus our Wounded Healer, thank you for so fully embracing your humanity. May we ever be grateful for all you endured on our behalf. And may we pay it forward, dedicating our energy no matter the cost to protecting the dignity of all people.

The Eleventh Station: Jesus is nailed to the cross Scripture Reflection

Prayer: Jesus, on the cross you embraced the pain of generations of sinful men and women. We often see pain and suffering behind the eyes of our neighbors. Teach us to share the pain of others, and to be for them signs of your love in their lives.

The Twelfth Station: Jesus dies on the cross Scripture Reflection

Prayer: Jesus, help us to recognize your face in times of darkness and tribulation. Help us to believe in you and to trust you in our hour of need. Show yourself once more to the world. Reveal to us your salvation. Forgive our pride, when we don’t feel the need to reach out to you for solace.

Song: How Deep the Father’s Love for Us

The Thirteenth Station: Jesus is taken down from the cross Scripture Reflection

Prayer: Jesus, we sometimes face challenges that leave us at a loss. We worry that it’s beyond our power to make a difference. Show us the example of your Blessed Mother, and teach us that when we can think of nothing else to do, we can hold fast to you, and you will always lead us forward.

The Fourteenth Station: Jesus is placed in the tomb Scripture Reflection

Prayer: Jesus, by your Spirit may we, like Joseph, show our devotion to you through courage, respect and tenderness. And may we, like Joseph, do the same. Kindle in our hearts fervent devotion to you.

Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…

Song: Reckless LoveConcluding Prayer

The Shadow Stations of the Cross

Presented by Our Lady of Mercy Youth Ministry

We present these “Shadow Stations” in order that the glory of Jesus may be presented, and that we may not glorify ourselves. This format is also meant for children- that they may learn the story of Jesus’ Passion and

Death without graphic images. The music has been chosen by the members of the Youth Group and all of the players and speakers are High School students and parish children.

Please pray along with us where indicated in the program, and sing along with the songs whenever you feel inspired.

All lyrics are on the back of the program.

Thank you for praying with us!

“Reckless Love”Before I spoke a word, You were singing over meYou have been so, so good to meBefore I took a breath, You breathed Your life in meYou have been so, so kind to me

Chorus

Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of GodOh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the ninety-nineI couldn't earn it, and I don't deserve it, still, You give Yourself awayOh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah

When I was Your foe, still Your love fought for meYou have been so, so good to meWhen I felt no worth, You paid it all for meYou have been so, so kind to me

Chorus

There's no shadow You won't light upMountain You won't climb upComing after meThere's no wall You won't kick downLie You won't tear downComing after me (repeat 3x)

Chorus

“I Want Jesus To Walk With Me”I want Jesus to walk with me (2x)

All along my pilgrim’s journey, I want Jesus to walk with me.

In my trials, Lord walk with me (2x)When my heart is almost breakingLord I want Jesus to walk with me.

When I’m troubled, Lord walk with me. (2x)Lord when my head is bowed in sorrow,

Lord I want Jesus to walk with me.

“How Deep the Father’s Love for Us”How deep the Father's love for us?How vast beyond all measure?That He should give His only SonAnd make a wretch His treasure.

How great the pain of searing loss?The Father turns His face awayAs wounds which mar the Chosen OneBring many sons to glory.

Behold the man upon a crossMy sin upon His shouldersAshamed I hear my mocking voiceCall out among the scoffers.

It was my sin that held Him thereUntil it was accomplishedHis dying breath has brought me lifeI know that it is finished.

I will not boast in anythingNo gifts, no power, no wisdomBut I will boast in Jesus ChristHis death and resurrection.

Why should I gain from his reward?I cannot give an answer.But this I know with all my heart,His wounds have paid my ransom.