Good Friday Praying the Steps

Tens of thousands “pray the steps” on Good Friday–a tradition more than 150 years old.

A priest will bless the steps at midnight, when prayer will begin and last for 24 hours. Also this day:

3 PM: The Passion Narrative in the Church
7 PM: The Passion Narrative in the Church

6 AM until it runs out: coffee and light snacks for pilgrims in the Parish Center
4-7 PM: fish fry for pilgrims in the Parish Center

How does it work? There’s no one rule. Many people pray a Hail Mary on every one of the “short” flight of 94 steps leading to the church’s front door, but some begin at one of the two lower flights, and some pray other prayers.