Each grade in St. Paul School, Princeton, has an opportunity during the school year to take on a particular responsibility – receiving a Sacrament, performing a special program or a service project. The sixth-graders’ role takes place during Lent with a dramatic mimes presentation of the Stations of the Cross.
This year’s presentation will be April 7, with a 1 p.m. performance for the school, and again at 7 p.m. for families and all who wish to attend.
“I have been here 16 years, and it was a tradition well before I arrived at St. Paul School,” said sixth-grade teacher Shannon Rooney. “We always end up with a full church.”
Dressed completely in black with faces painted white, the sixth-graders act as “living Stations” representing the Passion of Christ throughout his journey to Calvary. They will be accompanied by readers of the Stations of the Cross narrative, with the school’s fourth and fifth grades serving as the choir.
“Each song will be representing the different stages of Jesus’ Crucifixion,” said music teacher Anthony Figliano. Musical pieces include “Jesus Walked this Lonesome Valley,” “Return to God,” “Jesus, Remember Me” and “Sing with All the Saints in Glory.”
“It is a moving experience,” Rooney said. “In past years, I have received letters from parishioners from other parishes praising the students for their wonderful performance.”
In asking the current sixth-graders what the Stations mean to them, Rooney said that one responded “that in watching it all these years, it is finally our turn to perform.” Another student said that “it’s nice to be able to share the Stations and the story of Jesus.”
St. Paul Church is located at 214 Nassau St., Princeton.