MANVILLE: Stations of the Cross

By Mary Ellen Day, Special Writer
   The Lenten season in the Catholic Church is a time of reflection on the death of Jesus.
   As part of the Lenten Parish Retreat, Christ the King and Sacred Heart parishes showed their faith with the Outdoor Way of the Cross walking the streets of Manville on Tuesday night.
   This was the second year of the Way of the Cross. It was started last year as part of the Renewing the Church in Manville.
   ”Spiritual renewal is a key to the success of any renewal; personal, family, community and, especially, parish renewal,” said the Rev. Stan Slaby. “A vibrant community is a community that is spiritually strong, able to work together facing challenges with forgiveness, patience understanding and love.”
   About 300 people participated in the hour- plus walk, reciting the Stations of the Cross. The procession began at Christ the King Church on North 3rd Ave and walked to North Street, North 13th Ave and Washington Ave to Sacred Heart Church.
   The procession was led by parish priests, the Rev. Slawomir Romanowski and the Rev. Mariusz Mazurkiewicz and deacons Bill Stefany and Thomas Giacobbe. They were joined by the Rev. Charles Sabella of Immaculate Conception of Somerville, who also is participating in the Lenten retreat this week.
   Each of the church groups, both Altar Rosary Societies, Knights of Columbus ushers, parish staff, Sacred Heart Blessed Virgin Mary Society, Sacred Heart Choir, Christ the King School children, women of both Christ the King and Sacred Heart, Polish School, Renewal of the Church Manville Discernment Team, Christ the King and Sacred Heart children, priests and deacons, Piast and the Caritas Sharing Ministry all participated at various corners while en route.
   Members of the group carried the large cross through the streets as the congregation followed behind singing.
   The walk ended at Sacred Heart Church, and participants were invited to the auditorium for soup.