In ancient times, Christians made pilgrimages to Jerusalem, usually during Holy Week.  As part of their pilgrim journey, they would walk the route Jesus took with his cross to Calvary, stopping along the way for devotions to commemorate certain events that took place. 

The Service known as Stations of the Cross allows us to trace the last steps of Jesus.  In the Episcopal Church, this Service is usually conducted during Holy Week on Good Friday. The word “Stations” come from the Latin word that means to stand. As we come to each “Station” we stop, pray, read scripture, and contemplate the walk of Jesus to the cross.  Following the Stations of the Cross becomes a devotional act for us as we follow Jesus to his death.

The number of “Stations” as varied over the centuries.  However, by the 18th century they were fixed at 14.  Eight are based directly on events recorded in the Gospels, and six are based on references either from the Gospel accounts or pious legends. 

In 2011 the Church of the Redeemer acquired a wooden set of the Stations of the Cross thanks to the generous donation of Mickey and Carolyn McHale.   Hand carved in Italy, the stations originally hung in St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church in Cambridge, MA.  They are a focal point in our church sanctuary that can be enjoyed at any time.

At the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, each Friday during Lent, the Service known as "The Stations of the Cross," is observed..  This Service Liturgy can be found in the Book of Occasional Services called:  "The Way of the Cross."   Please consult our church calendar for the the dates and times of the Services.