The Stations of the CrossSaint Mark’s Church

Pittsfield, Massachusetts

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

May the Lord Jesus, Who suffered for us and by His Paschal Mystery redeemed us, be with you all.

And Also with you.

Lord and Father All-Holy,You willed that Your Son’s Cross should become the source of all blessings, the cause of all graces. Grant that we on earth hold fast to the mysteries of His sacred passion may in Heaven enter into the joys of His resurrection.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.Amen.

1. Jesus is condemned to death.We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You, because of Your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

Jesus prayed, “Father, not My will but Yours be done.” He was obedient unto death.

Pray for all who are near death this day.

At the Cross her station keeping, Stood the mournful Mother weeping, Close to Jesus to the last.

2. Jesus takes up His Cross.We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You, because of Your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

Jesus shoulders the heavy weight of the world’s sins. He begins His way of the Cross.

Pray for those who are burdened with difficult decisions.

Through her heart, His sorrow sharing, All His bitter anguish bearing, Now at length the sword has passed.

3. Jesus falls the first time.We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You, because of Your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

Scourged and crowned with thorns, Jesus stagers beneath the cross, He is alone.

Pray for those who are alone, those who feel abandoned.

Oh, how sad and sore distressedWas that Mother highly blestOf the Sole-Begotten One!

4. Jesus meets his sorrowful mother.We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You, because of Your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

The heart of Jesus remains united even in suffering with the heart of Mary.

Pray for all the grieving parents and sorrowing children.

Christ above in torment hangs, She below beholds the pangsOf her dying, glorious Son.

5. Simon helps Jesus carry his cross.We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You, because of Your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

A stranger is compelled to assist,While those whom Jesus loves are nowhere to be found.

Pray for those who lend a helping hand.Or who say an encouraging word.

Is there one who would not weep,‘Whelmed in miseries so deep,Christ’s dear Mother to behold?

6. Veronica wipes the face of Jesus.We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You, because of Your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

Veronica wipes the face of Jesus.One holy woman offers compassionIn the name of all who believe in Jesus.

Pray for those who are caregivers for the sick and dying.

Can the human heart refrainFrom partaking in her pain,In that Mother’s pain untold?

7. Jesus falls a second timeWe adore You, O Christ, and we bless You, because of Your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

Jesus grows weaker with each agonizing step.He suffers for each one of us.

Pray for all the shut-ins and those confined to bed.

Bruised, derided, cursed, defiled, She held her tender Child,All with bloody scourges rent.

8. Jesus consoles the woman of Jerusalem.We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You, because of Your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

Jesus reaches through His pain and comforts those who weep for Him.

Pray for those in need of consolation.

For the sins of His own nationSaw Him hand in desolation‘Til His spirit forth He sent.

9. Jesus falls the third time.We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You, because of Your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

Jesus collapses from exhaustion, but rises to continue His painful way to Calvary.

Pray for those who feel their situation is hopeless.

O sweet Mother! Font of love,Touch my spirit from above,Make my heart with yours accord.

10. Jesus is stripped of his garmentsWe adore You, O Christ, and we bless You, because of Your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

Jesus, mocked and insulted, is left with nothing but is Own trust in God.

Pray for the homeless and hungry,And pray for those who give them shelter and food.

Make me feel as you have felt;Make my should to glow and meltWit the love of Christ, my Lord.

11. Jesus is nailed to the crossWe adore You, O Christ, and we bless You, because of Your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

The Body of Christ is pierced. Jesus is obedient to death, death on a Cross.

Pray for those in great physical pain or emotional pain.

Holy Mother, pierce me through,In my heart each would renewOf my Savior crucified.

12. Jesus dies on the Cross.We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You, because of Your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

Jesus collapses from exhaustion, But rises to continue His painful way to Calvary.

Pray for those who feel their situation is hopeless.

O sweet Mother! Font of love,Touch my spirit from above,Make my heart with yours accord.

13. Jesus is taken down from the cross. We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You, because of Your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

The Body of Jesus is lovingly placed in the arms of His grieving Mother.

Pray in union with Mary for those who are burying someone they love.

Let me mingle tears with thee,Mourning Him Who mourned for me,All the days that I may live.

14. Jesus is laid in the tomb.We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You, because of Your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

Joseph, Nicodemus, and the holy women lay Jesus’ Body to rest.

Pray for all the faithful departed, especially those close to you.

By the Cross with you to stay, There with you to weep and pray,This I ask of you to give.

An act of thanksgiving

Accept, O merciful God, the Sacrifice of Your Son, In thanksgiving for all the benefits You have granted me.You have created me in Your Own Image and Likeness.You have redeemed me with Your Own Son’s Precious Blood.You have called me to the true faith,And preserved me from eternal death,Which I so often deserve for my sins.What return shall I make you for these and all Your favors?I offer You Your Only Son,Who offered Is Lifeblood on the Altar this morning, United my little sacrifices with His great Sacrifice;And thus I am able to make a real thanksgiving for all the blessings You have bestowed on me and all mankind.

”The Confraternity of Precious Blood”