By Dorothy K. LaMantia | Correspondent

On Good Friday evening, 43 members of the St. Barnabas Active Teens (BATs) youth group, Bayville, brought the Stations of the Cross to life for their parish family, visitors from other churches and special guest,  Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.

 Pastoral associate and youth minister Dan Waddington, who co-directed the program, thanked the Bishop for “praying with us tonight.

“For the past two months we have journeyed through the Scriptures.  As we read the Gospel of St. Matthew, we reflected on the Station that matched the Gospel,” he said.  “These young people reached into themselves to see the messages Jesus has for them. They grow in faith, which empowers them to minister to their parish.”

 Although a stage over the altar and white curtain behind the sanctuary promised something theatrical, Waddington cautioned, “You are not here to watch a show.  Tonight will be a form of living prayer to get you in touch with what Jesus’ love does for you.”

In darkness St. Matthew’s narrative of each Station and a reflection of its meaning for life were read. 

 Spotlights, illuminating the stage, revealed a tableau of each Station and were colored to capture each Station’s mood.   Jesus meets His mother in a soft blue light, while a violent red  befits his being nailed to the Cross.   The final Station depicting the burial of Jesus culminated with a candlelit funeral procession set to the song “How Beautiful,” sung by Jenna Hisey, a parish music minister.  The service ended with the words, “The Gospel of the Lord.”  Veneration of the Cross followed.

When the house lights went on, the silence was broken only by the invitation of Father Stanley Lukaszewski, pastor, to Bishop O’Connell to address those attending.

“I am deeply moved by this beautiful presentation,” said Bishop O’Connell.  “I wish the whole Diocese could see this service.   I am so gratified for the way you presented the Stations in such a compelling way.  May you have a blessed Easter.  You have such a wonderful community of faith.”

“Every year is it equally powerful,” said Nancy DeGisi, whose daughter worked in the production.  “Our children have been involved every year.  It is part of our Easter celebration.  I can’t imagine it not being part of our Easter.”