An Ecumenical Celebration Of Good Friday

DANBURY — The public is invited to join a public “Ecumenical Way of the Cross” along Main Street on Good Friday morning, March 21. The walk/service will begin at 10 am in front of the “Old Court House” (80 Main Street) at the lower end of Elmwood Park.

Over the past several years, and with a few interruptions to participate in joint services held at various local churches, a group of people from greater Danbury has celebrated the Way of the Cross in this very public manner. Each year, a different route has been taken which, at least in part, included Danbury’s inner city. This year, beginning at Elmwood Park next to the Old Jail — the former Danbury Senior Center — the group will cross over into the park in view of the Old Court House and various members will read a portion of the Gospel Passion of Jesus.

Following a 12-foot cross, carried by participants — and each having the opportunity to bear it between the stations — the procession will journey north on Main Street, stopping at 14 appropriate points, to read, sing, pray, and reflect on one or another event marking said stations. Two Danbury policemen will accompany the procession, assisting participants as they cross major intersections.

This year’s walk will follow Main Street, passing in front of St Peter School and Danbury Police Station, before crossing West Street, Ives Manor, a portion of the business district, turning west through Kennedy Square to Spring Street, past the Dorothy Day House of Hospitality to a final stop at St Paul Lutheran Church. Participants will be given whatever materials for reading, etc, at the beginning of the service. People are encouraged to dress warmly, but comfortably. Bring the children, including those in strollers.

The choice of the 10 am start is to allow all to take part in other later, more traditional, services at their respective communities.

For additional information call event coordinator the Reverend Leo McIlrath at 270-0581, or send an e-mail to him at LionOfJudah56@hotmail.com.