By your holy cross, you have redeemed the world

On April 2 St. Matthew the Apostle School (SMA)in River Ridge created an interactive Stations of the Cross for students in grades pre-K3 through seventh grade to walk through and experience in real time. 

Throughout the day, classes took turns walking through the Monsignor Bendix Center (parish hall) collecting small symbols from each station along the way and learning what Jesus endured.

By the end of the day approximately 450 students participated in the Stations of the Cross as they ventured through the dimly lit center with a candle and image lighting each station. 

The pre-K students were paired with sixth- and seventh-grade buddies who helped them collect items from each station for their bags and guided them through mini meditations. A small booklet went home with each student to explain everything in the bags to parents at home.

“At the twelfth Station – Jesus dies on the Cross – students received a very special crucifix with a medal of St. Benedict that was blessed at St. Joseph Abbey, a Benedictine monastery on the Northshore,” said Becci Sheptock, St. Matthew director of youth ministry and formation. “Schools from across the country and even one in Canada, have reached out saying they would like to host a similar event. We have put together a handout with purchase links, graphics and meditations that we will happily send to anyone interested.”

Seventh-grade student Isabella Godbold said she really enjoyed helping the younger students learn about the Stations of the Cross. “I think the younger students enjoyed it, too,” she said. “Also, God calls us to help others to learn about Jesus' suffering, and that is exactly what we did. The whole experience was very touching.”

For St. Matthew parent Cindy Kass, the moment her daughter Charlotte walked in the door after school, she asked her mother to sit down so she could explain every piece of the stations she received. She went through them one by one and read the prayer as well. 

“I am astounded at how much work went into this. Every item is beautifully explained in simple terms and made such an impact on my first grader. Those items remain in the correct order on my kitchen table as she continues to look at each one,” she said. “This is why we send her to a Catholic school.” 

Kass added that she understands that describing the stations to young children can be a daunting task, but whoever came up with this wonderful idea should be commended. Charlotte intends to bring this to her grandparents to share what she experienced with them as well. 

“Please give my sincere appreciation to everyone involved in this activity,” Kass said. “It was so beautifully communicated to the children.”