“like a lamb led to the slaughter or a sheep before the shearers”
The Blind Stations of the Cross can be done with any size group, but it is best if the large group is broken up into smaller groups of 5 to 8. Each group should have one or two leaders who act as Roman Guards (Centurions). Each station should be at a different location at your church or school grounds, so that it is actually a physical walk to get from one station to another.
Station I – Last Supper
- All the youth will be seated facing the front of the room
- Centurions will choose their group, put blindfolds on them and then sit them close to each other on the ground or at tables
- Luke 22: 14-20 will be read
- Give the youth water and break bread and give each a small piece of bread in one hand
Station II – The Garden
- lead youth outside into the garden (it is best at this point to have youth put one hand on the shoulder of the person in front of them so they can walk blindfolded)
- Luke 22:39-53 will be read
- The garden is misty (us spray bottlesfilled with water)
- You fall to your knees – (group to their knees)
- Blood starts to drip from yoursweat glands (dab of water around the forehead)
- See Judas come before you…they arrest you (duct tape wristssticky side up)
- Theylead you away to be judged (weave a rope in between each youth putting the rope in between the duck tapped wrists)
Station III – Pontius Pilate’s Court
- Lead youth to Pilate’s court
- John 18:28 – John 19:1 will be read
- All the centurionsyell “crucify him!”
Station IV – Scourging
- lead youth for a while and then have them kneel down
- Describe scourging (as describing,make sound with whip. The best thing to use is a dow rod or stick and make a swish sound right by the ear of the youths as they are kneeling)
Station V – Mocking and Crowning with Thorns
- Read John 19:2-16
- youth are still kneeling
- they spit on you (squirt bottle)
- they press a crown of thorns on you (press crown on each head. You can usually find a wreath at an arts and crafts store.)
- have youth stand up
- People yell,“Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”
Station VI – Taking up of Cross
- deny yourself, pick up your cross and follow me
- lead youth to get their Cross (you can use a 2x4or 4x4, piece of wood 8 feet long and put it on the right shouldersof half the group.Be careful that no one gets their head hit)
Station VII – Simon helpsCarry the Cross
- Matthew 27: 32-33 will be read
- Have half of your group now carry the cross or if the wood fits on the whole group’s shoulder, at this point you can put the wood on the other shoulder to symbolize easing their load.
Station VIII – Veronica wipes the face of Christ
- Veronica comes out of the crowd and wipes your face (wipe face with cloth.This should be a loving wipe, not just a quick pat.)
Station IX – Crucifixion
- Bring youth into a room, the parish hall or maybe even the Church
- Take off the rope and have them lay on the floor
- Undo their hands(have some scissors ready)and stretch out their arms
- “They have nailed my hands”(get 8 to 9 inch nails and place the pointed sharp part in the middle of the inside of the hand, tap that naillightlyon the side with a second nail, then have youth hold onto nail)
- “They have nailed my feet”
- John 19:17-37
- play Crossroads while youth lay on the ground
You may want to end this reflection with a discussion on what stood out the most to each of the participants.