Stations Studies, Now With Color

For Towaco residents Arlene Sullivan and Dan Grant, the transition from a Stations of the Cross project at school to a published workbook was natural.

Sullivan, an art teacher at Morris Catholic High School, could not find a teaching of the Stations of the Cross for her students that offered them the real connection with the story of Jesus' last hours that she wanted.

"There was nothing for the middle-of-the-road, novice reader of the Stations," Grant said.

So she did what an innovative, motivated art teacher would do, and created her own.

The Spiritual Journey of the Stations of the Cross: An everyday devotional of the journey of Jesus Christ, is a 76-page workbook that brings an interactive approach to the Stations of the Cross that neither Sullivan or Grant had found before.

 Sullivan, who also operates the nonprofit organization Changing Images, which creates team-effort murals in hospitals, orphanages, schools and nursing homes internationally, began this chapter of her art journey by working with her art classes to create 14 window shade murals to teach the Stations at school. Her outlines were based on statues from her local church.

"It forces the student to take ownership," said Sullivan, who was thrilled with the discussions her students were having about Jesus' ordeal as they painted the murals. She thought the paintings would fulfill the need she had noticed if they could be turned into a workbook that allowed for readers to both color the book if they chose as well as openly reflect on each station.

"It can be as interactive in that way as you want," Grant said.

Sullivan asked for the help of Dan Grant, another leader in Changing Images who drums up financial and media support for the group's projects. Grant, who had been an Elder in his church and served as an adult Christian education teacher, wrote reflections to go with each of Sullivan's paintings, and left open space for the reader to write in their own reflections as well.

"It gives the reader the chance to do his own interpretation," he said. "This requires the reader actually put some thought into it."

The book contains two versions of the stations, the traditional, 15th century version and a more contemporary adaptation created by Pope John Paul II in the early '90s. They also chose to include the Resurrection in the book, which is not typically part of the stations but something they considered necessary for a full reflection.

"The most important part of that was that He wasn't there anymore," said Grant of the addition. Regularly the stations end with Jesus being laid in his tomb.

For Sullivan, the most difficult part of the process was the designing. "It was very upsetting for me to do these drawings," she said, and hopes that her students will learn not to be apathetic and to stand up against injustice from these teachings.

The duo self-published the workbook through iUniverse.com, and it was released this past March. Since then, they have sent over 4,000 e-mails contacting dioceses, schools and faith groups in all 50 states to spread the word.

Grant said the book has received a lot of positive feedback as far as the book helping readers increase their devotional experience.

 "This one is a keeper," wrote Michael Brown from Valencia, Calif in an Amazon.com customer review.

"The meditations offered at each Station of the Cross provide important insight and relevance," said Oak Hill, VA resident Jim Harrison. "The artistry is beautiful."

The workbook has also found some versatility, with several Protestant churches expressing interest in the project.

 "That's very rewarding, given the subject matter," Grant said.

Sullivan, who is in her fifth year of teaching after a hiatus to raise her three children, wants students everywhere to get the most benefit from the lessons of the Stations as they can and hopes that the workbook will help fill that gap.

"It's good for adults and it's good for students," she said.

The two received an invitation to talk about the book at the annual Faith Formation Congress in Metuchen this November. Over 500 Catholic educators typically come out to this convention. Sullivan is excited for the opportunity to share the work.

"We would love for a publisher to take it on," she said.

The Spiritual Journey of the Stations of the Cross can be purchased online at amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com, or directly through Sullivan by calling 973-402-0842.