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Janie Learns the Way of the Cross: A Catholic Review

Janie Learns the Way of the Cross: A Catholic Review

Last updated on: October 16, 2026 at 8:22 am by Dennis McIntyre

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Janie Learns the Way of the Cross: A Catholic Review 2026-10-16T08:22:49-04:00 Dennis McIntyre

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The children’s book, “Janie Learns the Way of the Cross,” teaches young children about the Stations of the Cross and Jesus’ Passion. Image courtesy of Joy Rule Domangue.

Teaching children about Jesus’ Passion can be challenging. Many parents and educators want faith resources that explain deep spiritual truths in ways young readers can understand. Janie Learns the Way of the Cross by Joy Ruli Domangue meets that need by introducing children to the Stations of the Cross through the eyes of a young girl named Janie.

The book helps children connect Christ’s suffering and sacrifice to their own daily lives. Rather than presenting the Stations as distant historical events, the story encourages young readers to think about how they can show love for Jesus through kindness, obedience, charity, and small acts of sacrifice. This approach makes the Way of the Cross more meaningful and relatable for children and families.

About the Book

Janie Learns the Way of the Cross: A Story to Guide the Way follows Janie as she learns about Jesus’ journey to Calvary and reflects on what His sacrifice means in everyday life. The story teaches children that loving Jesus involves more than prayer alone. It also involves caring for others, helping family members, showing kindness, and making small sacrifices out of love.

According to publisher information, the book has received positive endorsements from clergy and Catholic leaders. Brother Leo Mary of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word praised the book’s simple presentation of Christ’s sacrifice and its message that children can love Jesus through acts of charity. Other endorsements highlight the book’s value for family faith formation and its ability to help children understand the meaning of the Stations of the Cross.

One of the book’s strengths is its focus on practical discipleship. Janie learns that helping others is a way of helping Jesus. This lesson reflects a central Catholic teaching and gives children concrete examples of how to live their faith. The story also encourages young readers to reflect on Jesus’ suffering with gratitude and compassion.

Parents, grandparents, catechists, and Catholic school teachers may find this book useful during Lent, Holy Week, or year-round faith instruction. Its child-friendly approach fosters meaningful conversations about Christ’s Passion while encouraging children to grow in virtue and love for God. By connecting the Stations of the Cross to a child’s daily experiences, Janie Learns the Way of the Cross offers a simple but effective introduction to one of the Church’s most beloved devotions. The book reminds young readers that every act of kindness can become a way to walk with Jesus on the path of faith.

About the Author

The Way of the Cross is the subject of the children’s book “Janie Learns the Way of the Cross. Image courtesy of Pixabay.com.

On October 6th, 2026, I interviewed the author, Joy Ruli Domangue, about the book. Joy was raised in a devout Catholic family, and she lives her faith every day. She wrote the book to glorify God and help spread the faith among young children. This is her second book, and she plans to create a series based on Janie to help children understand the faith: one on Saint Thérèse focusing on first confession, and one on the Mass introducing the Eucharist. She has a special devotion to Saint Thérèse.

What Was Your Inspiration for the Book?

The book is based on Joy’s personal experience. When she was about five, her father took the family to their parish for the Stations of the Cross during Lent. They arrived an hour late, and the church was empty. Her father said, “We’re here,” and led the family through each station. This was an incredibly meaningful experience for Joy. As her dad walked the stations, Joy asked her parents questions. These questions appear in the book and help young children who have questions but are afraid to ask better understand what each station means.

Where was God in your life as you discerned whether to write the book?

Joy dedicates this book to Our Lady, and the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts of Jesus and Mary. She prays the Saint Thérèse Chaplet and believes God led her to write it. She surrendered to God as she wrote the book, saying, “If this is God’s will, then let it be done.”

What is the main message you want your readers to hear?

The main message for the book is “It’s never too late to help Jesus, to please Jesus.” Some children believe that since Jesus died, it’s too late for them to do anything to help Him or to please Him. This is a good opportunity for parents to show their kids how to help Jesus, for example, by caring for others, and it’s a great message to teach young kids.

Have you written other books before? If so, were they children’s books as well?

Joy previously self-published a book focused on young teens titled “Janie’s Prayer and Our Lady’s Message” about a young girl’s faith journey based on Our Lady of Fatima. She also plans to write a third book about Saint Leopold, featuring a child who stutters and discovers her gifts.

En Route Books and Media published Janie Learns the Way of the Cross on October 14, 2026.

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Peace

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About Dennis McIntyre

In my early years, I was a member of the Methodist church, where I was baptized as a child and eventually became a lector. I always felt very faith-filled, but something was missing. My wife is Catholic, and my children were baptized as Catholics, which helped me find what I was looking for. I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself and walk with Jesus. In 2004, I was welcomed into the Catholic faith and received the sacraments as a full member of the Catholic Church. I am a Spiritual Director and commissioned to lead directees through the 19th Annotation. I am very active in ministry, serving as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister and providing spiritual direction. I have worked with the sick and terminally ill in local hospitals and hospice care centers, and I have found these ministries challenging and extremely rewarding. In addition to publishing articles on Patheos, I have also published articles on Beliefnet.com. You can read more about the author here.

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