HNM youth stage ‘Living Way of the Cross’

BY STACI WILSON

Holy Name of Mary youth group member Eddie Fish has grown up in the Montrose parish.
As a young boy, he remembers his older brother, Joey Simone, portrayed Jesus in the annual Living Way of the Cross.

Fish remembers, “I yelled ‘Let my brother go’ from the audience.” A moment the Montrose Area High School senior still gets reminded about from time to time.

This year, Fish takes the lead in the annual performance slated for Sunday, March 29 at 7 p.m., at the Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church, South Main St., Montrose. The public is invited to attend.

Through the years, Fish has risen through the ranks and has “played most of the parts.”

To appear this year, Fish took off time from his job to make it to rehearsals. “It’s important to me,” he said. “I hope it continues to go on long after I’m gone.”

It’s also important to the church, said first year director Michael Vaccaro. “It’s a contribution the kids want to make to give back. It’s an important offering from them. It gives them a real chance to shine.”

Vaccaro said that although he’s listed as the “director” but bringing the piece together has been a group effort, with past directors Donna and Jacob Horn pitching in, as well as Andy Vaccaro and Ed Leucke assisting.

About 40 children in grades 3 through 12 are involved in this year’s production. The annual work is now in its 19th year and was started by Father Nash.

Donna Horn, a former director of the show, said this year the church youth really turned out to take part in it. “They can’t always make Sunday school,” she said, “but they come out for this.”

The youngest performer is always cast as the Apostle James, Fran Calafut, Director of Religious Education, said. This year, the part of James is being played by Kyle Oleniacz.

Gracie Lutz portrays Jesus’ mother, Mary.

Theo Lubash, Jennifer Tometchko and Zachary Oleniacz serve as the narrators.

The Living Way of the Cross begins with Jesus’ arrival into Jerusalem for Passover, then follows the events leading up to and including the Crucifixion and Resurrection.