Mothers’ Union has over 4 million members world-wide spread across 84 countries. Members work together to solve challenges in their local communities. By helping to restore and strengthen relationships in families and communities, Mothers’ Union gives a sense of belonging and acceptance to the stigmatized and vulnerable. Visit the worldwide Mothers' Union website.
The Mothers’ Union Approach
Strengthen communities all over the world
Help the most disadvantaged at home
Shape how we advocate for the rights of families
Build supportive, loving relationships
Develop a relationship with God
Globally, Mothers’ Union focuses its efforts on
Creating a peaceful and safe environment for all,
Fighting for gender justice, and
Building individuals’ self-reliance.
Locally, branches are at the very heart of all that Mothers' Union does, coming together to work and pray in fellowship.
Social togetherness is more important now than it ever was. Traditional festival days and related celebrative events in the calendar bring people together and strengthen communities. Mothering Sunday has come a long way from its origins but remains a means of fostering closeness.
Mothering Sunday, not to be confused with Canadian Mother's Day, is celebrated in Anglican Churches on the fourth Sunday in Lent.
Mothering Sunday customarily celebrated on the Fourth Sunday in Lent
It is a very old liturgical feast known by several names over the ages: Laetare Sunday to honour the Virgin Mary, Refreshment Sunday, Rose Sunday and Mothering Sunday. It dates back to the custom in England when domestic servants in the grand houses of the landed gentry were permitted to go home to visit their home church and mother. Often the housekeeper or cook would allow the maids to bake a cake to take home to their mother. Sometimes a gift of eggs or flowers from the garden (or hothouse) was allowed, or they may have picked wildflowers from the wayside, violets especially.
In Canada, Mothers' Union branches sometimes observe Mothering Sunday by distributing flowers to mothers and serving the traditional Simnel cake and/or cookies after the church service. Simnel cake is a light fruit cake made with a layer of marzipan in the middle and if desired a layer on top. The cake is decorated with 11 marzipan balls representing the 12 apostles minus Judas, the betrayer of Christ. If 12 balls are used, the 12th one is to represent Jesus.
Recipe for Simnel Cake
3/4 cup soft butter
3/4 cup sugar
4 eggs
1/2 tsp almond extract
2 cups raisins
1 cup currants
1/2 cup mixed peel
1/3 cup chopped candied cherries
2 tsp lemon rind
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
500 grams of almond paste, at room temperature
Directions:
Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs 1 at a time. Add almond extract. Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Add to eggs, then add the fruit and mix.
Put 1/2 the mixture in an 8” springform pan lined with waxed or parchment paper. Roll half of almond paste and place in pan. Spoon remainder of batter on top. Bake 30 min at 350°F then reduce heat to 300°F and bake 1 1/2 hours longer. Cool 10 min. Heat oven to 425°F.
Roll remaining almond paste into an 8” round circle and 12 small balls.
Put the circle on top of the cake and place the balls on top like the numbers on a clock.
Bake for 8 min watching closely so the balls do not flatten too much or burn.
Washington National Cathedral in the United States has assembled an educational resource for Lent and Easter, filled with family-friendly resources to celebrate the seasons. It answers some commonly asked questions, and includes prayers and activities to explore the stories and traditions that bind us together.
From the review on A Mama's Corner of the World - Marvellous Macey spotlight - Can you va va voom? Do you light up the room? Marvellous Macey does! She may not quite fit the mould, but she is living delightful days. Embrace Macey's world of imagination and ability to love and accept everyone. Life may not be perfect and some things might be hard, but Macey shows us how to live in the moment and find the delight! Be inspired by Macey to make everyday the BEST day.
5 4 3 2 1 GO
It’s a launch. The book is real. It’s on the internet. And in a local shop here in Okotoks AB.
Time to sit back and relax.
Or be busier than ever wildly trying to cover my bases, step up to the plate, and score - these are mixed metaphors. I think they are sports-related, but you get the point.
Flipped-lid-magic
Macey “flips her lid” daily. That simply means that her feelings get big and she loses her ability to think and act clearly.
She lives in a world that often doesn’t make sense. Her functional age is younger than the almost eight-year-old she is. I feel like a good parallel would be me living in a country where I don’t understand the language.
On Monday, March 1 we set out to have a little celebration to mark the official launch of “Marvellous Macey, The Delightful Days.”
And we did. It was lovely.
The magic part was that after supper when Macey did “flip her lid” I was not deflated.
Everything doesn’t have to be perfect to be perfect. I know I’m not done learning this lesson, but I have gotten so much better at accepting that we wouldn’t have the magic we have without the “flip side.”
Everything doesn’t have to be perfect to be perfect.
I finally have a tool to help start the conversation and to demonstrate that disability most definitely does not mean inability.
Into the unknown
A song from Frozen. And the place I’m wandering into.
One year ago (on March 6th exactly) I shared the first draft of “Marvellous Macey, The Delightful Days” with a group of authors in a publishing group I’m a part of.
I chewed my hangnails (like a do every day) and waited to see if I had written garbage or sunshine.
They suggested it was “delightful.” Having a draft is a far cry from having a real-life book in the world.
Now I do.
But having a real-life book is a far cry from it selling enough to pay your illustrator (or pay a desperately needed house cleaner).
I’ve been walking “into the unknown” for a long time so I guess it isn’t something to fear.
The unknown is uncomfortable and exciting all wrapped together.
True or false? “I made this book thing happen all by myself.”
False.
There is not one SINGLE thing I did all by myself. Not ONE.
I didn’t pay for the investment myself.
I have never self-published a book so I needed a coach, subscriptions, and memberships to things.
Um ... a picture book needs pictures so I had to hire an illustrator.
I didn’t even write all the words alone. I have a trusty side-kick who spent hours helping me (because even fully grown children need help from their mom).
I had help from a gracious editor for the fine-tuning.
There were logos to create, a website to build, publicity and marketing, and then books to be printed,
And more.
PLUS, there are all of you - the cheerleaders, buyers, and reviewers.
I love you so much for sharing screenshots of the book(s) arriving, pictures and videos of your kids and grandkids reading, words of encouragement, private and public reviews, and telling other people about the great new book you just ordered!
You. are. the. best.
The proof is in the pudding.
Is week two of the launch “the pudding” or is “the pudding” far away in the distance?
I don’t know. But I hope there is proof of this book filling hearts and homes with hope.
Press on,
Cait
P.S. Unless you really really really want off the hook please tell people about Marvellous Macey - the real girl - and about her book!
P.P.S. I was on a podcast last week talking about trial and triumph. I hope you will find it encouraging. See the graphic and go find it.
During the Season of Lent, all members of the Cathedral congregation are encouraged to consider individual or small group study or reflection. The 40 days of Lent are an excellent time to take on a discipline of deeper reflection on the Christian life, growing personally in discipleship as well as helping us grow as a community of Christian faith. (See BAS p. 282 and BCP p. 612)
MONDAYS
12:10 - 12:50 p.m. “Hope for Hard Times”
Noon-time talks with Bishop Bill Hockin and Friends.
Find them ONLINE at billhockin.ca 8, 15, 22, 29 March
2:00 - 3:15 p.m. “Choices and Promises”
Studying lections for the following Sunday. Background reading in advance provided.
PLEASE NOTE: First session Wednesday 17 February!
Facilitated by the Dean: in person. Board Room (12 max) and ONLINE
17, 22 February and 1, 8, 15, 22 March
7:00 - 8:30 p.m. “Hide This in Your Heart”
Memorizing Scripture for Kingdom Impact.
Book study of the recent offering from Michael Frost and Graham Hill.
Bishop recommended Lenten reading.
Facilitated by Cheryl Jacobs: ONLINE via Zoom
22 February and 1, 8, 15, 22 March
TUESDAYS
2:30 - 4:00 p.m. “Hide This in Your Heart”
Memorizing Scripture for Kingdom Impact. Book study of the recent offering from Michael Frost and Graham Hill. Bishop recommended Lenten reading.
Facilitated by Cheryl Jacobs: in-person. Cathedral Hall Lounge (12 max)
23 February and 2, 9, 16, 23 March
5:30 - 6:00 p.m. “Art & Faith”
An Ignatian-flavoured contemplative consideration of select works of sacred art.
Facilitated by Kurt Schmidt: ONLINE via Zoom. See the Cathedral web calendar.
23 February and 2, 9, 16, 23 March
7:00 - 8:00 p.m. “The Wisdom Books”
Some Old Testament wisdom books (Ecclesiastes, Wisdom, Ecclesiasticus (Sirach)
Facilitators Canon Tom Smith and Alan Hall: in-person. Cathedral Hall Lounge (12 max)
23 February and 2, 9, 16, 23 March
WEDNESDAYS
12:10 p.m. “Word on Wednesdays”
Gospel-based discipleship (a version of group lectio divina). Facilitated ONLINE by the dioceses of Fredericton and NS & PEI
17, 24 Feb. & 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 March
7:00 - 8:00 p.m. “Monk See, Monk Do”
Modern and Recent Monastic Movements.
The third and final series in the 3-year 'course' on monasticism (attendance at either of the prior two NOT a prerequisite!).
Facilitated by Kurt Schmidt: in-person. Cathedral Hall Lounge (12 max)
24 February and 3, 10, 17, 24 March
THURSDAYS
5:30-6 p.m. Virtual Taizé Thursdays
As usual ONLINE via Zoom. See the Cathedral web calendar.
18, 25 February; 4, 11, 18, 25 March
FRIDAYS
12 NOON “Stations of the Cross”
An opportunity to introduce and use the Stations as a Friday prayer discipline.
Facilitated/led by Kurt Schmidt: in-person. Christ Church Cathedral.
19, 26 February and 5, 12, 19, 26 March
With a new Church year upon us! ...
Why not add something to your devotional life to mark a fresh start?
Listen to Christian Formation Director Kurt Schmidt talk about opportunities for ADVENT-ure
Choose from the following list of diverse opportunities on the Advent weekdays to deepen your prayer or study—you’re encouraged to add at least one new ADVENT-ure to your schedule!
MONDAYS
“Shopping for a Messiah” series with Bishop Bill Hockin and friends. Video talks made available beginning at 12:00 Noon each Monday. Details at billhokin.ca.
TUESDAYS
Short guided meditation on the upcoming Sunday Gospel in the tradition of Ignatian contemplation (imaginative prayer), 5:30-6:00 pm on Zoom. Link through the Cathedral Calendar or from Kurt Schmidt.
WEDNESDAYS
“Advent of the Heart” series—an in-person study of some of the Advent meditations of Alfred Delp, heroic German priest and martyr of the 20th century. Cathedral Memorial Hall Lounge, 6-7pm. Sign up with Kurt to access the preparatory reading materials.
THURSDAYS
Virtual Taizé worship series, 5:30-6pm on Zoom. A simple and contemplative blend of prayer, song & silence. Link through the Calendar or from Kurt.
FRIDAYS
“Mini” Advent Lessons-&-Carols series—in-person and live-streamed (both) each Friday evening, 6-6:30pm, with different musical styles and singers featured:
4 Dec—Come Worship Group
11 Dec—Traditional Choir and Organ
18 Dec—Cathedral Youth Group (CYG)
Please use the Cathedral Sign-Ups platform if you would like to attend in person.
________________
Please also consider the diocesan Advent Retreat with Archbishop David, online with live teaching and guided prayer. 11-12 December (Fri-Sat), beginning at 4pm on the Friday. Register here.
The Cathedral Branch of Mothers' Union has advent wreath candles available for purchase again this year. Contact a branch member or the Cathedral office.
Questions or expressions of interest can be communicated to Kurt Schmidt <formation at christchurchcathedral.com> by phone/text to (506) 259-3711, or contact the Cathedral Office.
“Being shaken awake is entirely appropriate to thoughts and experiences of Advent. But at the same time there is much more to Advent than this. The shaking is what sets up the secret blessedness of this season and enkindles the inner light in our hearts, so Advent will be blessed with the promises of the Lord.” Fr. Alfred Delp, SJ -- December 1944
The Diocese of Fredericton Fall Christian Forum, which usually takes place in Fredericton, will be held online, October 8, 2020 at 7:00 PM.
Does Liberalism need Christianity?
Liberalism owes a deep debt to Christianity, having grown out of Christian theological ideas and moral commitments. The talk will explore whether liberalism therefore may not be intelligible or sustainable outside of that theological and cultural framework. Dr. Bateman will also offer some speculations about the shared future of liberal politics and Christian faith. Something may be rotting in the state of Denmark!
Speaker: Dr. Tom Bateman
Tom Bateman is a Professor of Political Science at St Thomas University, where he has taught since 2003. His teaching and research interests are in Canadian government and politics, constitutional politics, civil liberties and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and the relationship between liberalism and religion. He is co-author of a popular undergraduate text entitled The Canadian Regime: An Introduction to Parliamentary Government in Canada (University of Toronto Press), and co-editor of two collections of Supreme Court of Canada decisions.
The Jubilee year (Hebrew) – every fiftieth year – and the Sabbatical year – every seventh year – are Biblical commandments concerning ownership. Every seventh year, farmers are to let land lie fallow. The celebration of the Jubilee is the fiftieth year (7 x 7 + 1), that is, the year after seven Sabbatical cycles. All debts are forgiven (zeroed) in the Jubilee year. In Christian tradition, a Jubilee is a year of confession, remission and forgiveness of sins.
The Baptismal Covenant
Will you strive to safeguard the integrity of God’s creation, and respect, sustain and renew the life of the Earth?
Gospels for Year A
Proper 23 Matthew 18:15-20 “Conflict in community”
In the church, how should a strayed “member” (sinner), who offends us be treated? First, point out the fault; if necessary, then take it to the church, if no resolution, treat that one as a Gentile or tax collector.
Proper 24 Matthew 18:21-35 “The unforgiving slave”
The story-line of the parable is straight-forward. The slave owes a large sum which is forgiven. When asked to forgive a fellow slave, he refuses. The king withdraws his forgiveness and orders him tortured, a fate for those who not forgive their brother from the heart.
Proper 25 Matthew 20:1-16 “Laborers in the vineyard”
The landowner appears to be unfair. The passage begins “... the kingdom of heaven is like ...” The wages stand for God’s grace. God chooses to give the same to all: the landowner pays “whatever is right” – there is no hierarchy. The landowner decides to whom he is “generous.” The last will be first and the first last.
Proper 26 Matthew 21:23-32 “Tough question/two sons”
Jesus teaches in the Temple. “Chief priests and the elders” ask who has given him “authority.” His answer is a question about the authenticity of the baptism of John who they consider a prophet. The parable of the sons, one is asked to go and refuses then goes, the other promises and did not go. Which one does the will of his father?
Proper 27 Matthew 21:33-46 “Wicked tenants”
Jesus tells the story of tenants of a vineyard who eventually kill the only son of the landowner. It’s impossible for the members of the Sanhedrin not to recognize the similarity between the tenants (leaders of Isreal), the vineyard (God’s people) and, the son (Jesus the only Son of God).
1. Think specifically about a Cathedral ministry in which you are engaged and identify one connection point between either a scriptural theme or the over all theme of responsibility and care of creation emphasized during the Season.
2. If some way we do what we do as a church community could better reflect our regard for creation and the better stewardship of it, what would it be?
WHO
Christian Schwarz is the leader of Natural Church Development, now a worldwide organization offering tools to help Christian church congregations toward greater health “naturally.”
WHAT and WHEN
On weekdays, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., during Thy Kingdom Come (Thursday, 21 May to 31 May 2020) the Dean of Fredericton invites you to read and study “God Is Indestructible.” In seven “virtual” sessions, we’ll discuss two chapters per day. Ideally, join us using a device with a microphone and camera, but we can also call you by telephone or, you might just choose to read along and discuss with others in your own time and according to your own schedule.
Getting the Book You’ll need a copy of “God is Indestructible.”
WHERE and HOW
Using your internet web browser, sign up for the class via Google Classroom. If you already have a Google account, you’ll be all set. If not, you can create one at no cost or obligation when you sign up. For joining the virtual meetings, you shouldn’t need any additional software or logins.
Refer to recent emails from the Dean for the Class Code
Use the class code to sign up and sign in to the Classroom.
At the top centre: “Stream” is a log of our interactions; “Classwork” is material organized according to each session; “People” are the members of the group. So you’ll find the reading assignments for each session, links to other materials you might wish to explore, the opportunity to chat or message other members of the group and at the top left, the link to the meeting space for the sessions.
Once logged in to Classroom, in “Classwork” see GET THE E-BOOK at the very top of the list. One of three formats available (.mobi; .pdf; .epub). The one you’ll need depends on your device (Kindle, Kobo or Nook readers, tablet, smartphone, PC etc.). [See below for more information about using these files.] The cost of the e-book is $20. Payment please through the Cathedral HERE, mail or drop off in the secure mail slot at the Cathedral Hall or, add to your next offering.
If it’s impossible for you to read the e-book, or you wish to join us by telephone, please contact me <dean at christchurchcathedral.com> (506) 450-7761. We can arrange to call you and/or have a printed copy of the e-book for you at the same cost. You can also purchase the e-book or print online at NCD Canada (without the 10% discounted bulk pricing being made available by NCD).
Come back to the classroom or have us call you each day just before 4:00 p.m. and join the discussion.
More about the e-book: Amazon Kindle. Use the .mobi file. Visit your Amazon account page and view “Content and Devices.” Find your Kindle device and the unique email address to send files to your Kindle. Attach the .mobi to a message and send to that address. Your book will appear in your library. PDF. This is a normal document file that can be read using any PDF reader or most web browsers these days on a desktop PC, Mac, tablet or smartphone. Other. epub is a generic e-book format used by Kobo, Nook, Calibre and other apps and devices. Adding the file to any of these will enable your reading in the way you usually do.
Visit the Classroom, sign up and sign in. We’ll do everything possible to end by 5:00 p.m. each day but feel free to come and go as you need to do!
Feel free to contact me if you have unanswered questions.
12 Responses to the Relevance Crisis of Christianity Christian A. Schwarz Daily studies with the Dean
Weekdays at 4:00 p.m., during Thy Kingdom Come (21-31 May 2020)
New research from churches in eighty-six countries around the world reveals that, throughout the last few years, there have been dramatic shifts in Christianity. In this book, Christian A. Schwarz not only presents these findings for the first time, but also pleads for twelve practical reforms that could unshackle the relevancy of the Christian faith, restoring it as a fascinating, transformative pursuit for people in our time.
Three main benefits:
Understand the background of the relevance crisis of Christianity
Learn 12 practical responses to dramatically increase the relevance of your church
Apply new ways of interaction between Christians and non-Christians
Introduction: Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s wake-up call
In his letters from prison, Dietrich Bonhoeffer formulated a vision for the church of the future, a time when “the world has come of age.” This vision was about Christianity’s spiritual and theological compass. Bonhoeffer’s message has gained urgency in this time of unparalleled shifts in the way both religious and non-religious people process reality.
Chapter 1: Face the challenges of the global participation shift
The research presented in this chapter reveals that participation in Christianity around the world has gone through a massive shift during the last decade. Approaches that were celebrated as innovative until a few years ago, don’t seem to work any longer. While many Christians might feel threatened by these changes, this chapter shows how the global shifts open up new possibilities for living out what church is all about.
Chapter 2: Re-define leadership
In recent years, the public has been shocked by a never-ending series of leadership scandals in churches around the world, involving spiritual, emotional and physical abuse. In discussions on the topic, it is widely overlooked that the vast majority of these scandals are rooted in disempowering leadership paradigms. This chapter introduces a leadership approach that results in the systematic increase of people’s freedom, maturity, and sense of responsibility.
Chapter 3: Learn from both Eastern and Western Christianity
Alienation between the Eastern and the Western wings of the church has led to two amputated forms of Christianity that are becoming increasingly irrelevant in their respective cultural contexts. The surprising discovery is that the very elements that are lacking in the West can be found in the East, and vice versa. This chapter shows how this insight can lay the foundation for a vital and inspiring spirituality that contains the very elements that are so lacking today.
Chapter 4: Reclaim the New Testament reality of God’s energy
As unlikely as it may seem, there is a reality in the texts of the New Testament that is virtually unknown in Western Christianity -- God’s energy. This chapter shows what the results are when people discover this reality and relate it to the daily challenges of their lives. The outcome will be a fundamentally deeper connectedness with God, and new spiritual experiences to which both Christians and non-Christians can relate.
Chapter 5: Encounter the transpersonal dimension of God
Throughout history, Christianity has rightfully stressed the personhood of God, as this is a central feature of both the Old and New Testaments. However, the transpersonal aspect of God that is also found in the Bible (transpersonal = not less than a person, but more than a person) has been neglected. This chapter demonstrates how a biblical understanding of God’s energy can open the door to experiencing the God of the Bible in ways that an increasing number of people are longing for.
Chapter 6: Acknowledge different spiritual styles
One of the major reasons for dissatisfaction within existing churches is an insensitivity to people’s spiritual styles— the ways they best connect with God. Research reveals that churches typically appeal to an extremely limited spectrum of styles, thereby creating a situation in which people who have a different “spiritual antenna” are expected to express their spirituality in ways that feel unnatural to them. This chapter shows how a higher appreciation of various spiritual styles would increase the relevance of Christianity dramatically.
Chapter 7: Abandon the us/ them divide
Whenever people groups stress an “us,” they tend to position it against a “them.” People placed in the “them” category are usually very sensitive about this “us versus them” mindset, since it makes them feel that they are in the wrong place. This chapter suggests alternative forms of interaction between people of different persuasions— processes of mutual learning that provide new perspectives to the most diverse of dialogue partners.
Chapter 8: Communicate at eye level
Even if you may not agree with another person’s position, you can usually learn something from it. Such mutual learning exercises should not be targeted primarily at changing others, but at becoming stronger yourself. This chapter presents four examples of mutual learning processes, initiated by atheists, that can serve as an inspiration to Christians.
Chapter 9: Defuse fundamentalist tendencies
The past few years have seen an unprecedented increase in fundamentalism, both religious and atheistic. The research findings presented in this chapter reveal that fundamentalism is not the problem of a select few; rather, fundamentalist tendencies exist in all kinds of groups, though to varying degrees. This chapter demonstrates how Christian fundamentalism can be reduced, while at the same time increasing people’s commitment both to the Bible and to sharing the gospel.
Chapter 10: Update outdated notions about science and faith
Many people have the impression that there is an irreconcilable contradiction between science and faith. However, in most cases that notion is the result of a phenomenon called “category confusion,” comparable to the question: Is a pear green or a fruit? This chapter shows how science and Christian faith can be related to each other in such a way that both science and faith benefit.
Chapter 11: Embrace the 10/90 reality
Given the fact that even the most active church members seldom spend more than 10% of their waking hours in church-organized activities, the remaining 90% of their time needs to become the focus of attention. How can people support each other to be change agents in their sphere of influence? This chapter shows how acknowledging the 10/90 reality helps Christianity rediscover its unique purpose and, in doing so, increases its relevance to those who have not yet experienced the Christian faith.
Chapter 12: Pursue ongoing growth
One of the hallmarks of Christianity should be the pursuit of ongoing growth. However, research reveals that the very opposite is true: The longer people are Christians (and church members), the more likely they are to regress in their Christian journey. This chapter pleads for processes of continuous growth that take people from where they presently are, and help them start and sustain a never-ending journey with God.
We’ll gather by video conference for 7 sessions (considering two chapters each day) ending by 5:00 p.m. Sign up for the sessions, preferably before 21 May 2020.
Upon sign up in the classroom, (refer to recent emails from the Dean for the Class Code or contact the Dean) the e-book is available immediately at a 10% discount in Kindle, .epub or .pdf formats. Arrangements for payment can be made through the Christ Church Cathedral.
Visit the Cathedral at Noon on Fridays during Lent to participate in Stations of the Cross, and find two different meditations here on our website.
The depiction of the Stations of the Cross below features photos of the stations in the Cathedral, with text adapted from The Stations of the Cross for Kids, which we have used in the past. The video above contains alternate meditations. There are many different versions of the Stations of the Cross. Try a different one each Friday!
The First Station: Jesus Is Condemned to Death
Jesus stood before Pontius Pilate.
Jesus was alone.
Jesus had done only good things in life.
Jesus had to be put to death.
The procession was ready.
The gates were opened.
The soldiers lead the way.
Jesus followed.
Dear Jesus, you stood all alone before Pilate. Nobody speaks up for you. Nobody defends you. Sometimes I feel alone. Sometimes I feel afraid. Sometimes I feel like I am treated unfairly. Help me to accept unfairness and not complain. Help me pray for those who have hurt me.
Almighty Father, many times people don't seem to understand me. Sometimes they are unfair. You accept me when I make mistakes. Help me to accept others when they make mistakes. Help me to forgive as Jesus did. This I ask through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
The Second Station: Jesus Accepts His Cross
The people wanted to crucify Jesus.
Pontius Pilate did not want to crucify Him.
He tried everything he could think of to change the crowd's mind but nothing worked.
He washed his hands in front of the crowd saying, "This is a righteous man."
He gave Jesus to the soldiers to be crucified.
Dear Jesus, you carried your cross. You knew it wouldn't be easy, but you carried it just the same. Sometimes I get upset with the troubles that I have. Sometimes I get upset when people ask me to do things for them. I don't want to carry my cross. Give me the courage to carry my cross as You did.
Almighty Father, Jesus carried his cross without complaint. When I am tempted to complain, help me to remember Jesus and the cross he carried for me. This I ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Third Station: Jesus Falls the First Time
The procession moves out of the city gate.
Jesus was unsteady on his feet.
The soldiers were pushing Him.
Jesus is tired. He can hardly carry the cross. He fell.
The soldiers yanked him up.
The procession is moving again.
Dear Jesus, sometimes I don't pay attention to what I should be doing. When things get hard for me, sometimes I give up. Your cross was so heavy. It was hard for you. You never gave up. You fell, but you got up and moved on. Help me to get up when I fall and keep moving.
Almighty Father, I know there are many times when I give up before I should. When I fall, help me get up again and keep going. This I ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Fourth Station: Jesus Meets His Sorrowful Mother
Mary sees the procession moving through the streets. She sees her son. She hurries to him.
There he was in front of her. The cross was so heavy, he was trembling. His body was bleeding. His mother tries to get closer to him. He tries to get closer to his mother but the soldiers pushed him away.
The procession moves on.
Dear Jesus, help me to see those around me who love me. Help me to understand that I need them as much as they need me.
Almighty Father, when I feel alone, help me to remember to turn to my parents for help and most of all, to you. This I ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Fifth Station: Simon Helps Carry the Cross
The soldiers saw that Jesus was weak. They were afraid that he might not make it to the place where he was to be crucified. The soldiers see Simon of Cyrene.
A soldier pushes Simon toward Jesus telling him to carry the cross. Simon saw Jesus was bruised and bleeding and quickly picked up the cross. He carried it for Jesus. They moved on with Jesus following Simon.
Dear Jesus, sometimes I pretend not to hear when my parents call me. I leave when I know others could use my help. You gave help to everyone. When you needed help, you accepted it. Help me to give and accept help.
Almighty Father, help me to be a friend to friendless. Help me to help the needy. This I ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Sixth Station: Veronica Offers her Veil to Jesus
Veronica steps towards Jesus with a wet cloth.
She wanted to comfort Jesus in any way she could.
She gently wiped his face.
The soldiers roughly pushed her back.
They continued along their way.
Dear Jesus, there are times when I see someone that is being picked on. There are times when I see someone that is sad. Just as Veronica wiped your face to comfort you, help me to always help others in whatever way I can.
Almighty Father, help me to see the needs of others. Remind me to be helpful, even if I am not asked. This I ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Seventh Station: Jesus Falls the Second Time
Jesus is getting more tired.
Jesus is getting weaker.
Jesus falls.
Jesus struggles to get up.
He tries until He makes it to his feet.
He moves on.
Dear Jesus, you didn't give up. Sometimes when things get hard for me, it's hard to keep trying. I want to quit. When things get hard for me, help me to get up and keep going as you did.
Almighty Father, help me to keep trying when things get hard and when I fall. Help me not to give up. This I ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Eighth Station: Jesus Speaks to the Women of Jerusalem
Jesus could hear the crying of the women in the crowd.
He knew they were sad.
He stopped and talked to them.
Even at this terrible time, Jesus was not thinking of himself, he was thinking of all of us.
Dear Jesus, you stopped to help those in need. I get selfish at times and think only of myself. Help me to reach out to others as you did. Help me to see the needs of others and put their needs above mine.
Almighty Father, help me not to be hurtful or selfish. Help me to see the needs others have even when I have problems of my own. This I ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Ninth Station: Jesus Falls the Third Time
Jesus continues walking, tired, in pain, and pushed by the soldiers.
Jesus falls once more.
They laugh at him.
He gets up, steadies himself and walks the last few yards to the Place of the Skull.
Dear Jesus, help me to see that nothing is greater than you. Nothing is greater than your love for me. Help me to see that with your help, I can do your Father's will.
Almighty Father, Thank you for sending Jesus to us. Help me to always follow Him. This I ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Tenth Station: Jesus Is Stripped of His Garments
Jesus arrives at the Place of Skull.
The soldiers remove his clothes, tossing them in a heap.
The soldiers didn't know what to do with his clothes.
They decided to throw dice for them.
Dear Jesus, You set an example of truth, humility and love. Help me to set a good example for others to follow.
Almighty Father, help me to always be respectful and follow the examples of Jesus. This I ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Eleventh Station: Jesus Is Nailed to the Cross
The soldiers grab Jesus and lie him face up on the cross stretching his arms. They hold his wrist and hand to the wood. They drive the nail with a hammer. They do the same with the other arm. Raising his knees so that his feet would lie flat, they hammer.
It was done. Jesus was nailed to the cross.
Dear Jesus, sometimes I say or do hurtful things to others. You stretched your arms of love on the cross. Help me to bring Your love to others and cause them no hurt.
Almighty Father, help me to follow your son and make his hands bleed no more through my fault. This I ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Twelfth Station: Jesus Dies on the Cross
As Pilate had ordered, a soldier placed, above Jesus' head, a notice reading 'Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews."
The cross was hoisted into place.
Mary and John stayed at the foot of the cross and prayed.
Jesus looked down and said to his mother "Dear woman, here is your son" and to John "Here is your mother."
Even at this terrible time, he was taking care of his mother.
The sky was dark.
Jesus said "I am thirsty". A soldier offered him wine mixed with vinegar.
The two thieves that were crucified beside Jesus talked to him. Looking at one of them Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
Jesus said, "EIi, Eli, lama sabachthani? - My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
Then he said "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit."
A few moments later He said, "It is finished."
He died.
At that instant, the earth shook, rocks split, the curtain in the temple ripped from top to bottom. The centurion guarding Jesus saw the earth quake and said "Surely he was the Son of God".
Jesus died at 3 p.m. on the Cross at Calvary.
Dear Jesus, death is hard for us to understand. Remind us always that faith will carry us through our losses.
Almighty Father, help me to understand Jesus' death. Help me to understand the love Jesus has for me. This I ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Thirteenth Station: Jesus Is Taken from the Cross
Sabbath was rapidly approaching and the crucified ones had to be taken down before the beginning of the Sabbath celebrations.
A soldier pierced the side of Jesus with his spear to be sure that he was dead.
The crowd hurried to their homes before the beginning of Sabbath or they would be excluded from the celebration.
Mary stayed under the cross with her son.
Two men came to the soldiers with orders from Pilate, Joseph of Arimathea, and Nicodemus. Joseph had offered his burial tomb for Jesus.
Jesus was gently removed from the cross.
Dear Jesus, how bad was your death but how gently you were removed from the cross. Help me to treatothers kindly always.
Almighty Father, help me to be a kinder, gentler person. Help me to always see the good in others. This I ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Fourteenth Station: Jesus Is Laid in the Tomb
People had returned to their homes for the Sabbath.
John, Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus, and Mary, went from Calvary to Jesus' burial tomb.
Joseph and John carried Jesus into the tomb.
They laid him on the rock bench in the burial chamber.
The men moved a big boulder in front of the entrance to block it.
Dear Jesus, help me to carry on your work.
Almighty Father, thank you for sending Jesus. Help me to be like Jesus. Help me to share my life and love more fully. This I ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Mothers’ Union Approach
3/4 cup soft butter
Once 
Three main benefits:
