The Performing Arts Liturgy Ministry strives to gather intergenerational groups together to present to the parish and beyond. Our main work is The Living Stations of the Cross, an annual event presented during Lent at one or two local venues, and on Good Friday, here at Notre Dame. Additionally, we have produced Christmas plays (most recently, The Innkeeper's Feast) and plan to expand to other theatrical pieces. 

Would you like to join us?

Here are the details for the 2019 Living Stations of the Cross:

If you and/or your family are interested in being part of this wonderful minsitry, and/or you need additional information please contact Agnes Loughlin at 973-539-9524, or via email at agnesloughlin25@gmail.com.

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A bit of history on The Living Stations... (As of 2019)

Approximately 31 years ago, several members of Notre Dame of Mount Carmel in Cedar Knolls decided to mount a production of The Living Stations of the Cross as a meaningful way for parishioners to come to know the events of the Passion of Jesus and to feel as if they were there, while He was crucified, died, was buried and rose again.
 
For many years they continued the tradition. In 2008, there was an effort to add detail, create better production quality with more realistic costumes, props, and new music, etc. We now have the musical ensemble, consisting of piano, guitar and voices, along with an ensemble of actors who do not speak. The Stations (including the 15th) are presented in spotlight as tableaux scenes. Our backstage crew works in total darkness to reset the stage for each Station. Additionally, our lighting crew is integral to the production. All of our costumes have been designed and built by members of our parish who make up our wardrobe department for the production. In total we have about 50 people involved. Most continue from year to year.
 
All of our sets, crosses, lights and costumes are portable and can be trucked to other locations. Presentations at other venuues have included performances at The Villa (previously St. Ann's Villa), Our Lady of Mercy and St. Virgil's.  This year we will perform at St. Virgil's and the Church of the Little Flower.
 
We have chosen to cast our production multi-generationally, as we feel the opportunity for whole families to participate is very meaningful. We range in age from 12 to 95. One of of present members was in the original cast many years ago! We have found that using children under 12 is very difficult as they cannot hold still for the scenes.