James Mraz, a parishioner of St. James Church in Falls Church, embraced the Scout oath “to help other people at all times.” His Eagle Schout project was to replace the outdoor Stations of the Cross at his parish.
From January to April, he led a group of volunteers in replacing the stations, many of which were rotting, faded and falling apart. The new stations are more noticeable and durable, made from white PVC board material. Mraz and his team also cleaned and repainted the old numbers, crosses, and reliefs.
The project spanned five months with initial planning beginning last December to its completion on Palm Sunday, April 13, providing parishioners of St. James an outdoor option for Stations of the Cross during Holy Week.
The planning process began with Mraz reaching out to his neighbor, who has extensive knowledge in carpentry, on the best way to construct the new stations. He then presented a model station to Father Paul D. Scalia, pastor, who became excited about the project after seeing the models.
Construction went smoothly but Mraz encountered some unexpected challenges, such as the discovery of 18 inches of concrete at the base of each station, leading him to adjust his original plan and adding concrete to the base of the new stations.
“The most rewarding part,” he said, “was when I would step back from all the planning, adjustments and advice, and see all of the volunteers eagerly doing their individual tasks as a group with an enjoyment of their job and appreciation for the real reason they were here: to serve God and his church.”
