In September, we gather as brothers to raise a great Cross outdoors, a public declaration that Christ’s sacrifice is at the center of our lives. Jesus said:

“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23, NKJV)

This is more than a symbolic gesture. It is a call to action. By lifting up the Cross, we are committing to live lives that are visibly marked by Christ’s victory over sin and death. The Cross is not a decoration—it’s a battle standard. A sign of both sacrifice and triumph.

“The Cross destroyed the enmity of God towards man, brought about reconciliation, made the earth heaven, associated men with angels, pulled down the citadel of death, and overthrew the power of the devil.”

St. John Chrysostom (c. 400 AD), Homily 54 on Matthew

As we raise the Cross high, we will challenge each man to reflect:

Is the Cross lifted high in my own life?

What in me still needs to be crucified?

Together, we will plant this Cross in the ground—not as a monument, but as a mission post, signaling to our community that Christ reigns here.