When you think of the Stations of the Cross, what church season of the year immediately comes to mind?  Hopefully, we all answer, the season of Lent.

My experience of the Lenten season growing up down the road in Hot Springs always included going to and serving the Stations of the Cross EVERY Friday of Lent.  My pastor used the "Malvern Missal" version of the stations each week. After more than a few years of hearing this version over and over again, I started to remember what was said about Jesus' painful journey to Calvary before they were spoken out loud during the public recitation and at other times throughout the year.  This served to strengthen my appreciation for what Jesus did for me and for all of humanity through His passion, death and resurrection.

I ask you to consider making it a prayer practice to join us each Friday of Lent at 6:00 p.m. (except April 11 at 4:30 p.m.) in church as we grow in appreciation for what Christ did over a span of only a few days, by praying the Stations of the Cross.  We have a variety of different versions of the stations that will be used each Friday (including one that looks at Jesus's passion through the eyes of Mary, His Mother).  It will be time well spent by all who come and will truly prepare us for a worthy and worthwhile celebration of the Easter Triduum (April 17-20).  FOOTNOTE: Please go into the Perpetual Adoration Chapel to see the beautiful, handcrafted Stations of the Cross that were made and donated by Dim Dyar of our parish.  Thanks Jim!