Is it being led by a group?
Go in with an open mind, and be attentive to everything that happens.
They will begin with a song, and then there will be readings and prayers for each of the Stations. These vary from place to place, and from age group to age group, other than that they will be related to the event of that Station - for example, on “Jesus is Condemned,” there are choices of Scripture readings, but it will be one of the ones that recounts that event - they won’t just pick something totally random.
Two people will carry candles (one candle each) and one person will carry a cross from station to station. If it’s a large group, the people will stay in their places rather than follow the cross and candles. Smaller groups follow behind the cross and candles.
In between each station, it’s customary to sing a short verse; the choice of verse will depend on who’s leading the event.
Certain things remain the same no matter what:
As the person carrying the Cross arrives at each Station, everyone genuflects. A leader will say, “We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee.”
Everyone will respond: “Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.”
(Younger groups will use “your” and “you” instead of “thy” and “thou.”)
There are 14 Stations in all, and they recount the last journey of Christ from when He was condemned until He was buried in the tomb.
At the station where He was crucified, it is customary to remain kneeling throughout the whole prayer and Scripture reading. There is also a time of silence after the reading.
