As Easter 2024 approached, the school community at St. Bernard came together for this year’s 8th-grade student performances of the Living Stations of the Cross. This tradition, which has been a part of the school for many years, takes on a special significance as students perform the Passion of Christ.
Preparations for the Living Stations began weeks in advance, with students first delving into the story of Christ’s Passion, exploring its themes of sacrifice, compassion, and forgiveness during religion class. The students then applied for the role that they would like to have in the performance. Students could choose between an acting role, a narrator, a costume designer, a music director, a props/publicity coordinator, or a program writer. This process of selection allowed students to connect with the story in a personal way, choosing a role that resonated with them.
“I had always wanted to be Jesus. Ever since I was a little kid and saw previous performances, I knew that was something I wanted to do,” said Joey. “I was so happy to have been selected for the role.”
In addition to selecting roles, students also assisted with writing the script for the performance. This was a collaborative effort, with students working together to ensure that the script was accurate and respectful of the source material. This process of scriptwriting allowed students to look deeper into the story, gaining a deeper understanding of the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. It also encouraged empathy and reflection amongst the students.
Mrs. Swanson and Mr. Jodar gave up their class periods for several weeks to have the students practice and prepare for these performances. Mrs. Swanson has been doing these performances for over 20 years. “When I first started this project many years ago, I wanted the students to not only read about the Stations of the Cross but to experience them in a more profound way,” said Mrs. Swanson. “By actively participating in a production, they are able to connect with the story on a personal level.”
Costume design was another aspect of the performance that was student-led. If students chose not to have a speaking or publicity role, they worked together to create costumes that were both historically accurate and visually striking. This process of costume design allowed students to use their creativity and imagination, resulting in costumes that truly brought the characters to life.
The performance itself was nothing short of breathtaking. Students performed with a level of maturity and professionalism that was beyond their years, bringing a sense of reverence and solemnity to the proceedings. Each station was performed with care and attention to detail, with students conveying the pain, suffering, and ultimately the hope of the Easter story.
The audience, which included parents, teachers, and fellow students, was deeply moved by the students’ portrayal of the Stations of the Cross. Many were brought to tears by the students’ heartfelt performances and the powerful message of love and redemption conveyed through their acting.
“As I watched the performance, I was struck by the dedication and talent of our students. They had truly embraced the spirit of the Easter season, using their talents to bring the story of Christ’s Passion to life in a way that was both moving and inspiring. It was a reminder of the power of faith and the importance of coming together as a community to celebrate our shared beliefs,” said Mr. Gusloff, school principal.
In the end, the performance of the Living Stations of the Cross was not just a school event, but a spiritual experience that brought the school community closer together. It was a reminder of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us and a reaffirmation of the Catholic faith. This year’s performances certainly created lasting memories for all who attended. The school looks forward to continuing this tradition for many more years to come.
St. Bernard Catholic School is part of the Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System. It is a private Catholic school serving Preschool and Elementary through 8th grade (PK3-8) with open enrollment. St. Bernard’s provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually.
