2005 Good Friday Faith Walk

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 and was covered by several local television stations as well as the local newspapers. 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 Jody Zukowski, Marge Griffin, Mary Korsu, and everyone else who helped to organize this wonderful event. This year, there was the extra challenge of snow. We had about 6" of snow on Wednesday night, and there was still plenty around during the Faith Walk.

As the crowd begins to gather at St. James Lutheran Church for the start of the Faith Walk, our Fr. Joe has a few words with a parishioner.

Channel 8 news was there for the entire walk to record the event, and people's feelings on this most holy day.

A part of the large cast of young players in this drama begins to gather as the walk begins.

Mrs. Z takes charge. Doing the introductions, these folks got us off on the right foot. With the weather not cooperating (That 6" of snow didn't help the planning any!) there were some last minute changes to be made and announced.

The crowd is attentive to those old and yet always new readings, telling of the suffering of Jesus.

And so it begins again. The suffering of Jesus for our sin. And how often do we condemn Jesus to the same suffering through our sins? Too many to count.

The Second Station. We are reminded of the first time that Jesus fell on the road to Calvary. Soldiers, faithful followers, friends, and enemies were there. Were You?

But Jesus got up, and was on His way after each of the falls. That's the real secret. Not that He fell, but that He got up for our sake, and continued on His way to the cross. All for me. And you.

At each stop, these ladies kept us informed as to what it was that we were remembering there. One of those jobs that seems small, but is really very important for the flow of the story.

And at every stop, we were rewarded with a beautiful song by these ladies. Lynn and Carli from Sacred Heart contributed their voices and made each stop more meaningful.

In the crowd following Jesus, we can see Pastor McGee of St. James Lutheran Church. Pastor McGee was one of those who first brought the idea of the Faith Walk to reality. Thanks for everything, Pastor McGee.

We gather at the town Library to remember Jesus. To recall all those times that Jesus fell, and got up again.

With the snow, the crowd is forced onto the sidewalks. As you can see, we were spread out for a considerable distance from front to back.

Some had it pretty easy. I suspect those beautiful blue eyes had something to do with the fact that everyone around this traveler had lots of compliments. Not a bad way to travel.

Jesus and his Roman guards face the crowd.

And then we start again. Almost there. Almost to Calvary. Almost to the end of the suffering, pain, and humiliation that has been Jesus' constant companions since the start of this day.

Where would we be without the help of the Southbury Police. Great to have their help when it comes time to cross the road safely. Thanks for all your help, guys. And thanks also go to the Knights of Columbus who help keep the spectators moving in the right direction, and offer general help wherever needed. Another wonderful job.

Another of the Southbury clergy, seen in the crowd. Rev. Walter Pitman of the United Church of Christ in Southbury here to reflect and pray on this solemn day.

This group of youth from all the faith communities of Southbury faced some extreme difficulties in presenting us with the retelling of the passion and death of Jesus. There was still several inches of snow on the ground, and the day was overcast and cold, with a brisk breeze blowing. Kneeling in the snow, being exposed to the elements, these young people really let us know what sacrifice is.

Huddled at the feet of the cross, there is nothing to do but morn, and wait for the inevitable. How could this happen to such a good man.

Eli, Eli, Lema Sabachthani? My God, My God, Why Have You Abandoned Me? Matt 27:46

Wait! Let us see if Elijah is coming to save Him. Once again, Jesus shouted, and then He died. Matt 27: 49-50

Now there was a man named Joseph from the Jewish town of Arimathe'a. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, who had not consented to their purpose and deed, and he was looking for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud, and laid him in a rock-hewn tomb, where no one had ever yet been laid. It was the day of Preparation, and the sabbath was beginning. Luke 23:50-54

And all the multitudes who assembled to see the sight, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts. And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance and saw these things. Luke 23: 48-49

Scripture references are from the Revised Standard Version (RSV) and the Contemporary English Version (CEV).