
Bishop Noll Institute freshmen worked in groups to create visual depictions of Stations of the Cross. Once the project was complete and the crosses placed throughout the school, freshmen walked the stations and read scriptures associated with each stop.
Stations of the Cross project inspires freshmen theology students
The Stations of the Cross took on new meaning for Bishop Noll Institute freshmen, who recently completed a special project to better understand their personal connection to each station.
Freshman theology students received a station to work on, accompanied by multiple scriptures and reflection questions. They worked in groups to develop a moral concern, scripture, and prayer connected to their station. For example, Veronica wiping the face of Jesus could demonstrate compassion. Next, they collected magazine images to create a collage style cross.
The stations have been placed throughout the school, and each includes the collage as well as title, scripture, moral concern, prayer and students responsible for that cross.
BNI director of campus ministry Stacia Bolakowski developed the Stations of the Cross project and before beginning it, she told students that the stations are a journey. BNI theology teacher Mary Albrecht agrees.
“Working with the freshman class on this project was definitely that, a journey,” Albrecht said. “I was able to see a different side of the students, and many thrived with this tactical and visual project. They were allowed to collaborate ideas, develop prayers, and dig deep. I am proud of the work that they produced, but also that they really understand the journey of the Stations of the Cross.”

BNI theology teacher Mary Albrecht, left, and BNI director of campus ministry Stacia Bolakowski, right, stand with freshmen theology students in front of one station of the group's Station of the Cross project.