Ministry makes Stations of the Cross come alive for parish audiences

St. Peter. Caiaphas. Pontius Pilate. Simon the Cyrenian. St. Mary Magdalene. St. John the Evangelist. The Roman centurion whose lance drew blood and water from Jesus’ side. Joseph of Arimathea.

Those names – some fixtures throughout the New Testament, others never mentioned elsewhere in the Bible – are among the people who witnessed the world-changing events on Good Friday in Jerusalem.

More than two millennia later, a series of programs by XIV Ministries of Omaha tries to imagine their stories – plus those in the crowd who remain anonymous – and translate to modern audiences the impact of watching the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ by expanding upon the traditional Stations of the Cross.

Kevin Euteneuer, who helped start the group’s first presentation in 2011 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Omaha, said the “XIV from the Crowd” idea started with a question during the parish’s youth ministry, which used a lot of theater and drama in its curriculum.

“Sometimes, the Bible almost intentionally leaves things to the imagination,” Euteneuer said. “Like the women who wept for Jesus – who were they? What motivated them? What’s their backstory?”

The initial answer to that question was telling the stories of 14 witnesses along Jesus’ path to the cross. But it has since grown into something far more, with a handful of presentations in parishes around the Omaha metropolitan area, bringing at least six distinct versions of the Stations of the Cross to life.

Which witness – or witnesses – varies based on which version is being presented.

Actor John Christensen plays a part in an “XIV From the Crowd” presentation. XIV MINISTRIES

It could be a larger ensemble, such as the 14 youth visiting Jerusalem for Passover in the “Such as These XIV.” Or it can revolve deeply around a single person whose life changed with Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Two of those more in-depth looks focus on Longinus, the Roman centurion beside the cross who converted to Christianity on Good Friday and eventually died a martyr’s death in Rome, and St. Mary Magdalene.

Christina Rohling, who’s acted on stage at the Omaha Community Playhouse for years, assumes the role of St. Mary Magdalene in the “Magdalene XIV” stations. She said the role gave her an opportunity to deepen her faith – and that of those in attendance.

“It’s not just a role in a play; it has meaning and impact on people’s lives,” Rohling said. “It’s our faith. It’s the Passion. It’s remarkable to help people pray.”

She emphasized that difference from other stage acting – that it’s a prayer or presentation, rather than a standard performance.

And that, Euteneuer said, is a key component of what XIV Ministries tries to bring to each presentation, adding new life and impact to the Stations of the Cross.

“If you’ve been to live theater, you know the power of someone right there looking at you, live in person, delivering their lines,” he said. “If there’s something that differentiates us, that’s it.”

Rohling said that she’s had people come up to her in tears after presentations. But, she added, audience members aren’t the only ones whose lives have been bettered by Euteneuer’s vision of a more dynamic, engaging Stations of the Cross.

“This has reinforced the notion that God gives you gifts, and not using them is a disservice to God and yourself,” she said. “The opportunity as a Catholic to perform as a Catholic has been such a gift.”

Actress Rhonda Robinson plays a role in an “XIV From the Crowd” presentation. XIV MINISTRIES

XIV MINISTRIES 2025 SCHEDULE AT CATHOLIC CHURCHES IN THE ARCHDIOCESE

THE MAGDALENE XIV STATIONS OF THE CROSS

March 21 – St. Benedict the Moor 6 p.m.

XIV FROM THE CROWD STATIONS OF THE CROSS

March 26 – St. Charles Borromeo 6 p.m.

April 4 – St. Wenceslaus 6:15 p.m.

April 11 – St. Gerald 6 p.m.

April 13 – St. Patrick Fremont 5 p.m.

THE CENTURION XIV STATIONS OF THE CROSS

April 3 – St. Patrick Elkhorn 6 p.m.

THE SUCH AS THESE XIV

March 19 – St. Patrick Fremont 7 p.m.

March 26 – St. Columbkille 7 p.m.

Parishes can reach out to Euteneuer to request a presentation at (402) 504-8451 or https://www.xivministries.org/contact-us

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