Welcome!
The pictures on the church grounds of St. Francis In-The-Fields Episcopal Church are a part of the Stations of the Cross. The Stations of the Cross (also called the Way of the Cross) is a traditional Christian devotion of pictures and prayers depicting Jesus Christ on the day of his crucifixion.
What is the Stations of the Cross?
The devotion originated with pilgrims in Jerusalem retracing the traditional steps Jesus is believed to have followed on Good Friday. Since not all Christians could make pilgrimages to Jerusalem, a custom of replicating the devotion allows us retrace the steps of Jesus Passion on the cross in 14 stations (or stops) on the Way of the Cross.
This journey offers a contemporary Stations of the Cross experience using artwork from artist Janet McKenzie. Each station follows the story of Jesus’ life; however, McKenzie’s artwork might bring up new perceptions, reflections, and connections. These stations also offer a less traditional 15th Station as the final stopping point — The Station of Resurrection.
There is a short prayer service at each of the stations. These devotions come from The Episcopal Church’s Book of Occasional Services, 2018. The prayers challenge us to think about how we – the ministers of God’s reconciliation in Christ – can honor Christ’s sacrifice by offering ourselves to the healing and repair of the world God sent his Son to save.
Where do I go?
Begin your journey with the Way of the Cross in the northeast corner of the parking lot, across from the Blessing Box. Continue across the parking lot and follow around to the front of the building.
When is this open?
This outdoor Stations of the Cross is open to all during daylight hours until April 12th, 2021.
About the Artist
Janet McKenzie is a native New Yorker, born in Brooklyn and raised in and around New York City. She now lives in Vermont.
McKenzie studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology (NYC) and the Art Students League (NYC). She was the recipient of the Edward McDowell Traveling Scholarship, which sent her to Europe for a year to study and travel. At the time she was one of the youngest recipients of the McDowell, which is the Art Students League's most prestigious award. After returning to New York the League gave Ms McKenzie her first solo show.
In the mid nineties Janet McKenzie began to incorporate diversity, children, and symbolic imagery into her work with women. At the same time the need to explore a sacred voice within her work surfaced, partly influenced by time spent in New Mexico.
Collections include, The State of Vermont, Archdiocese of Chicago, The Cathedral Church of St. Paul (Burlington, VT) and the Daughters of the Heart of Mary (Holyoke, MA). She has received commissions from The University of Dayton, Carlow University (Pittsburgh, PA), St. Mary's University of MN (Winona), Loyola University. (Chicago), Mepkin Abbey (Moncks Corner, SC) and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, (Carnegie, PA).
How can I get in touch?
If you have any questions or want to respond in any way to the Stations please email us at info@stfranicszionsville.org, or call 317-873-4377.
The Way of the Cross
About the Devotional
These prayers may be read aloud in a dialog with two or more people, one reading the plain text, and one reciting the text in italics, or it may be read by an individual, either silently or aloud. The leader at the service, whether priest or lay person, customarily begins the opening verse at each station and reads the concluding prayer.
There are audio recordings listed below the titles of each Station. Please click on the triangle icon to hear The Rev. Allan Wallace and Amilcar Recarte read the prayers responsively.
Opening Devotion
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
We will glory in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ:
In whom is our salvation, our life, and our resurrection.
Let us pray. Assist us mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that we may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
