Walking Stations

This year's Walking Stations of the Cross is at your own pace, on your own time. Bring your family or friends ​anytime after noon on Fridays throughout Lent, and walk in these footsteps of Christ throughout the neighborhood surrounding the church. 

Start by picking up a map at the St. Peter Parish Offices at 243 W Argonne.

The Via Crucis follows in the footsteps of Jesus. Just as Jesus accepted his sentence, take a map and commit to following in his footsteps by entering more deeply into his own Passion.

Cross Argonne at Harrison to walk to 240 W Argonne.

An ancient Roman crossbar (or patibulum) weighed approximately 75–100 lbs. If you can, lift up these dumbbells and feel the actual weight of the Cross that Jesus carried for you.

Cross Argonne once again and walk north along Harrison toward 120 N Harrison.

After being beaten, starved, and humiliated, Jesus' mortal body was weak. He fell and touched the ground. Kneel for a moment, and feel the ground beneath you.

Cross Harrison and walk to 117 N Harrison.

Along the way, Jesus saw his own Mother. She walked with him and felt the pain and sorrow that he felt. Pray a "Hail Mary" and ask our Blessed Mother to walk with you now: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Walk south along Harrison, turning right at Argonne toward 325 W Argonne.

Christ humbled himself to the point of allowing Simon to help carry the Cross. Pick up a nail and carry it with you. Like Simon, you have a role to play in Christ's redeeming sacrifice.

Head west, crossing both Van Buren and Argonne to walk to 420 W Argonne.

Veronica performed an act of kindness, which Jesus himself received. Reflect on an act of kindness you have received this week, and commit to paying it forward in the week ahead.

Continue west, turning left at Geyer and left again at Madison toward 407 W Madison.

Once again, Jesus falls as the weight became too much to bear. Embrace this moment of profound humility by sitting (or, again, kneeling) on the unforgiving ground beneath you.

Cross Van Buren and walk to 337 W Madison.

In the midst of his pain and exhaustion, Jesus takes the time to comfort those weeping for him. On the way to the next Station, pray for someone in your life who needs your comfort.

Return to Van Buren and turn right to walk north, crossing Argonne and eventually turning right again on Jefferson toward 324 W Jefferson.

For a third time, the incarnate Word falls to the earth. As a sign of surrender to God's power known in weakness, lie prostrate on the ground (or, again, kneel) and feel what Jesus felt.

Walk east along Jefferson, Crossing Harrison toward 234 W Jefferson.

Jesus' last shred of dignity is taken from him as he is stripped to naked vulnerability. Look into the mirror and recognize your own vulnerability; see yourself the way Christ sees you.

Use the crosswalk to cross Jefferson and walk to 225 W Jefferson.

The word "excruciating" has the same root as “cruci-fixion.” Embrace the harsh reality of the moment Jesus was crucified by driving the nail you have been carrying into this sacred wood. 

Use the crosswalk once again to walk through the parking lot toward the Prayer Garden.

Jesus breathes his last and the eternal Logos embraces death. Stand in silence before this holy moment. Wait. Listen. Pray.

Enter the Adoration Chapel from the Prayer Garden, using the code 0822.

The lifeless body of Jesus is removed from the Cross, and he is held. Spend a moment, holding in your heart those who have died. Pray for someone who died this year by name.

Return to the Parish Offices at 243 W Argonne.

Jesus' body is laid to rest, and the world waits in stillness. As you conclude this journey, embrace the stillness of your remaining Lenten journey as you await what lies beyond.

If you used a physical map, please return it to where you picked it up. Thank you!