On Good Friday, youth from the Sacred Heart Youth group, together with the youth groups from St. James Lutheran Church and several other local churches, gathered together for our annual Good Friday Faith Walk. The event was extremely well attended this year. Hundreds followed the youth through the streets of Southbury from St. James to Sacred Heart Church as they reenacted the Stations of the Cross. Thanks to Marge Griffin, Mary Korsu, and everyone else who helped to organize this wonderful event.
The Faith Walk starts, as it does every year at St. James Lutheran Church.
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Before the start, Fr. Joe has a few words with Patti, the wonderful organist from Sacred Heart.
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Thanks go to Mrs. Griffin for her part in the organization of the day, as well as doing the introductions before the walk. Waiting their turn are several young actors in the drama.
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A part of the assembly of believers who gathered to observe the story of the passion and death of Jesus.
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Station 1. Jesus is condemned to death. Readings, songs, and so the great drama starts to unfold.
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Jesus takes up his cross, and starts on the road to Calvary.
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Gentle reminders found throughout the crowd. Reminders of the solemnity of the day, and the need for prayerful silence as we progress.
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The forth station found the procession in the parking lot of the Town Hall. The large crowd of followers listen attentively as the story unfolds.
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A good supply of youngsters sprinkled around in the procession. Here Matthew and Christopher (Or is it Christopher and Matthew?) are enjoying the time with Mom and Dad.
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And Jamie is having a wonderful time with mom Katherine.
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Leading the way for the entire route, Barry from the Knights of Columbus carried his sign, and somehow knew where the next stop was to be.
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Crossing Main Street is never easy. Many thanks to the Southbury Police, and the Knights of Columbus for all their help in keeping things moving all day.
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Jesus starts up the hill to his destiny with the cross. For the crucifixion, the procession wound up the hill at Sacred Heart Church
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The procession waits for the ending that we all know is coming, but is shattering every time it happens. Please don't cross the tape.
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Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani, My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me? (Matt. 27:46) And so another Faith Walk comes to an end. The actors walk off the stage, the crowd fades away. Probably not unlike another hill 2000 years ago. But we know that this isn't the end, but only the beginning. The beginning of our eternal life, promised by that man who gave up his life, that we might live forever.
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