Praying the Steps on Good Friday

Volunteer on Good Friday

Spend time in service with us on Good Friday. Thousands of pilgrims will visit Immaculata Church after praying the steps on Good Friday. Volunteers are needed to greet them, give them information, help them find resources, and feed them! Email Amy Obermeyer for more information.

History

ARCHBISHOP PURCELL, inspired with the vision of the “Shrine to the Virgin-Cresting a Picturesque Hill,” founded on Mt. Adams the Church of the Immaculate Conception, He laid the Corner Stone on August 21, 1859, and in December, 1860, dedicated the shrine as the Parish Church of this area. The term, “Immaculata,” was originated by the good Archbishop, and is used even today. The Archbishop received the Passionist Fathers into his See City in 1871, and assigned to them the growing Parish. The Fathers, in the meantime, founded Holy Cross Retreat and Parish on Observatory Hill nearby. On August 22, 1909, after half a century, Immaculata was solemnly consecrated by Archbishop Moeller. While the Church was closed during 1953, and undergoing timely repairs, Archbishop Alter declared it a Special Marian Shrine for the Marian Year of December 8, 1953-54. Immaculata Church is a major landmark over looking the Ohio River. 

FOR OVER A CENTURY, year after year on Good Friday, thousands of Pilgrims of various faiths have been praying “The Steps” of Mt. Adams to Immaculata Church. How did this unique devotion begin? It goes back to the saintly Archbishop Purcell, who with great fervor urged the faithful of Cincinnati to pray for his Grand Venture – a Shrine to the Holy Virgin – on the most prominent spot in the City. In response to his kind requests, there began a daily trading of praying people up the mud and rocks, seen while the foundation was being dug. This evident sign of faith helped to bring about the building of wooden steps in 1859, from the street below to the entrance of the Church. The City built concrete steps in 1911, which in 1958 [and 2009] were replaced by a more convenient structure. The placing of the large Crucifix near the Church entrance, influenced more and more people to concentrate on Good Friday as “The Day” for “Praying the Steps.” The “Good Friday Steps” are a symbol of hope to millions of devout souls.                             -Published -1960’s- 

Praying the Steps FAQ

Where do I start the steps?

There are three phases of the Good Friday steps. The most popular phase begins on St. Gregory and ends at Holy Cross-Immaculata Church
– Phase One: from Riverside Drive (at Adams Crossing) to Columbia Parkway
– Phase Two: from Columbia Parkway (cross pedestrian bridge) to Hill Street. It is then a short walk from the Hill Street steps to St Gregory
-Phase Three (94 steps): from St. Gregory to Holy Cross-Immaculata Church (30 Guido St) 

How do I “pray the steps”?

Holy Cross-Immaculata offers these suggestions for Praying the Steps.
• Pray the Rosary or a Litany. Pray a Hail Mary or a petition on each step leading up to the church.
• Pray on each step, “Lord Jesus, thank you for your most holy sacrifice.”
• Reflect on the events of Jesus’ betrayal, arrest, persecution and crucifixion. (Another Way of the Cross)
• Read the Gospel of Luke from the beginning of Chapter 22 through Chapter 23, reading a few sentences on each step.

• Pray a favorite prayer of your own.
• Pray for a loved one, a neighbor, a friend on each step.

• Simply pray in your own words, talking and listening to God.

How long does it take “pray the steps”?

There are less than 100 steps from St. Gregory to Holy Cross-Immaculata. The timing really depends on how you pray the steps. Also a factor is the number of pilgrims – the line to begin the last set of steps on St. Gregory can be long on Good Friday. There are usually no lines at the first (Riverside Dr.) or second (Columbia Parkway) sets of steps.

Do you pray out loud while “praying the steps”?

Prayers are said in silence.  However, at midnight on Good Friday, after the Celebrant blesses the steps, he and the pilgrims ascend the steps and all join in reciting the rosary.

What time does it start? Can I come anytime?

At approximately 11:30pm the faithful gather in Holy Cross-Immaculata Church. Shortly before midnight the Celebrant will begin the service and then process (rain or shine) down the steps to St. Gregory St. At midnight the Celebrant will bless the steps and pilgrims and ascend the steps reciting the rosary.
Pilgrims will climb the steps continuously throughout Good Friday into the night.

We acknowledge that many pilgrims like to pray the steps throughout Holy Week. The church will be open beyond office hours, daily 9am-5pm, and for an hour before and after Masses on Palm Sunday weekend. Church will remain open after the 7:00pm Holy Thursday Mass of the Last Supper through the entire 24 hours of Good Friday.

Do I have to be Catholic to “pray the steps”?

ALL are welcome.

Will there be Confessions?

Yes, as priests are available. The volunteer at the interior fence or inside the main doors of Church can help you once you enter our Church. Has it been a while? The Archdiocese offers this pastoral exhortation of the U.S. Bishops for encouragement and guidance.

Where do I park?

The parish has a very small parking lot so we do not recommend attempting to park at the Church. Since this day is a workday for many Mt. Adams residents, on-street parking is often available. Parking availability is very fluid.
There is a parking garage at the corner of St. Gregory and Monastery, and a free surface lot near the entrance to the Art Museum.
If you park near Sawyer Point Park or the International Friendship Park, there are steps leading to Mt Adams that start on the road between Adams Landing and Captains Watch Condos on Pete Rose Way/Riverside Drive.

Do you have a fish fry on Good Friday?

Yes! Our Fish Fry will feature beer battered cod, mac & cheese, fries and slaw. Eat in or carry out!

Coffee and a light breakfast are also available in the Parish center in the morning.