By Jeff Peters
Catholic Herald correspondent
Land O'Lakes students portray living Stations of the Cross
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In the living Stations of the Cross, Ryan Peterson, left, played a Roman soldier and Daniel Sparks played the part of Jesus. (Photo by Jeff Peters) |
Land O' Lakes -- In the living Stations of the Cross on Palm Sunday, students in the religious education class at St. Albert Parish acted out each of the stations to gain a better understand of the life of Jesus, according to parish director Pat Pintens.
Each of the 14 Stations of the Cross commemorates a stop on Jesus' journey from Pilate's court, where he was condemned to death, to his burial in the tomb.
"This is a great way to get youth in the parish more involved and a great opportunity for the 25 students to experience the Lenten Stations of the Cross.
"The kids enjoy this because it gives them insight into Jesus' passion," she said. "We also try to include everybody -- everyone has a part singing, reading or portraying one of the people at the stations."
Each of the students was dressed in appropriate costumes under the direction of religious education coordinator, Nancy Dittmer, who said, "They kids get a better understanding of what Jesus suffered and what transpired before Easter. I think they look forward to this each year and Easter has a real significance for them."
12-year-old Lucas "Bubba" Kroeger, who played the role of Simon, said, "I help Jesus carry the cross. This is a good learning experience because we learn a lot about Jesus."
Religious education student, Paula Schindelholz, 17, a member of the parish her entire life, said, "Its fun because we work with the kids -- help them get dressed in their costumes. It's a simpler way to understand the Stations of the Cross and what they mean. We also get to know Jesus better and what he went through for all of us."
© Superior Catholic Herald, 2003