Lenten Crosses at St. Francis of Assisi Support Organizations

March 23, 2026

 

By Phillip Grothus, Communications Coordinator, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church

Lent is a season for us to be more like our Lord, Jesus Christ. Rooted in the biblical account of Jesus’ 40-day journey of fasting in the wilderness, we are called to act on the three main principles of reading scripture, fasting, and almsgiving, to emulate Jesus’ actions. This season began on Ash Wednesday and will culminate on Holy Thursday as we focus on Jesus’ death and resurrection. The somber yet hopeful tone of Lent invites us to reassess our priorities, deepen our connection with God, and embrace a renewal of faith as we walk the path towards resurrection and redemption. 

The social concerns ministry has been presenting options to aid in our journey for many years. Monste Madden, who is a committee chair, has been involved with the Lenten project for 25 years. 

“When we started this project, Father Hurley encouraged us to promote service activities along with donations to encourage people to get involved during Lent by helping people in all sorts of ways,” said Madden. “That is why during the Lenten crosses time, we ask for some items to be donated for different community needs along with encouraging people to find ways to pray or do acts of service to help others. 

As you look at them, you will find that they are centered around the corporal works of mercy: feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, visit the imprisoned, and bury the dead. 

We are thankful to the many committees under the social concerns ministry that participate in the Lenten crosses project. Some committees collect items during the Lenten cross season and donate them. The generosity of the parish is always amazing and we are able to donate many things to many different places. You will also notice some of the cards encourage you to simply pray or challenge you to get more involved and volunteer in the community. 

The crosses will be up throughout Lent until the weekend before holy week, March 24. Anyone can participate by taking cross cards from the crosses that are in the gathering space. You either return your donations to the Parish Hall to the matching tub of the cross color, or just complete the action that is on the cross. These actions can range from donating items, signing up to volunteer or simple prayer.