Stations of the Cross with kids : Lent devotions for families

As the season of Lent approaches, many families are looking for ways to deepen their faith and connect with the passion of Christ. One of the most powerful and meaningful devotions during this time is the Stations of the Cross. This centuries-old practice allows us to walk alongside Jesus on his journey to the cross, reflecting on the immense suffering he endured for our salvation.

The Stations of the Cross are a series of images depicting Jesus on the day of his crucifixion and accompanying prayers. The traditional 14 Stations focus on specific events, beginning with Jesus being condemned to death and ending with his burial. By meditating on these scenes, we are invited to share in the sorrow of that day and find hope in the redemption that Christ's sacrifice brings. Engaging children in this devotion can be a beautiful way to help them understand the gravity of Jesus' passion and the depth of God's love.

The Stations of the Cross are most commonly prayed on Fridays during Lent, as this was the day of the week that Jesus was crucified. By setting aside time each week to reflect on the Stations, families can create a meaningful Lenten tradition that brings them closer to Christ and to one another.

There are many creative ways to make the Stations of the Cross come alive for children. Some families incorporate crafts, such as making a Stations of the Cross booklet or creating a set of Stations figurines. A great activity is to mod-podge images of the stations on to candles that can be lit progressively through the devotion. For a Montessori take - collect items that are symbolic of each station and lay them out progressively as the family prays through the stations; for example a band-aid for when Jesus falls, A miraculous medal for when Jesus meets his mother, a tissue for the weeping women, and a handprint for Simon helping Jesus with the cross.

Families can find many children's books that walk through the stations of the cross and can be used in conjunction with a home devotion or at a church service. Check your local library or search your favorite catholic publishers.

No matter how you choose to engage your children, the Stations of the Cross offer a powerful opportunity to deepen your family's faith and prepare your hearts for the joy of Easter. As you walk with Jesus on his journey to Calvary, may you be filled with a renewed sense of gratitude for his sacrifice and a deeper commitment to following in his footsteps.