Join us on All Souls’ Day, November 2 at 6:15pm to pray for the deceased. A reception to follow in the Gathering Space for families of loved ones who had a funeral at St. John’s in the last year.
Helen T. Marxen, age 97, of Bird Island, died on Friday, October 16, 2026 at Mayo Hospital, Cannon Falls, MN. A Catholic Mass of burial will begin at 11am on Thursday, October 22nd, with visitation starting at 10am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Jordan, MN. Private interment will follow at St. John’s Calvary Cemetery. She was born November 6, 1928 at Redwood Falls, MN to Frank and Mary (Linsmeier) Plass, immigrants from Germany. As a young girl, the family moved to a farm near Bird Island, MN, where she grew up with three sisters and one brother.
On November 4, 1950, she married the love of her life, Hillard Marxen, and they moved to a farm not far from the Plass family homestead. She dedicated her life to being a wonderful mother of six children. Helen was a hard-working, warm-hearted person who had an appreciation for the simple moments in life. She found joy from tending a large garden and raspberry patch (even turning her front lawn into a garden when she eventually moved to town!). A scoop of ice-cream topped with raspberries was a favorite treat to share. She was an incredibly resourceful person and nothing went to waste. In addition to the farm and raising her children, she had seasonal work growing cucumbers for Gedney’s and with the Green Giant Company. In her later years she was employed at the Renville Sugar Beet Plant until she was almost eighty years old.
Her hobbies included cross-stitch, puzzles, playing cards (buck euchre), reading health books, trying new healthy recipes, crafts, and sending holiday cards with hand-written jokes. She also enjoyed a car ride in the countryside. Helen was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bird Island and it was meaningful to her to say the rosary every evening. Helen moved to Northfield, MN, to live with her daughter for the past five years. She lived a life of simplicity and humility; her quiet, smiling face and graciousness will be missed.
Helen is survived by her children: Linda Dingels, Barb (Andy) Valdmanis, Paul (Teresa) Marxen, Ann (Chris) Aanestad and Pete Marxen; sister Loretta Tersteeg; twelve grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Hillard; son and daughter-in-law Michael & Madelyn Marxen; son-in-law Gene Dingels; brother George Plass; sisters Agnes Groth and Ann Witcraft; brothers-in-law Don Tersteeg, Sr., Al Groth, Earl Witcraft; sister-in-law Theresa Plass.
October 17, 2026 - Please remove decorations, flower pots, etc. from gravesites to prepare for winter by the 17th. Any items left will be placed alongside the shed for a short time after which anything remaining will be disposed of. In an effort to reduce trash please take your items home. We invite you to come and help us clean up the grounds. Meet at St. John’s Cemetery by the shed or entrance; remember to bring rakes and gloves. Treats provided.
Nickolas "Nick" Edward Boyle, age 59, of Jordan, Minnesota, passed away peacefully Wednesday, September 30, 2026, after a courageous, nearly five-year battle with cancer.
A Time of Gathering to celebrate Nick will be held from 4 - 7 PM on Friday, October 9, 2026 at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation (104 1st St W, Jordan, MN). Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM with additional gathering one hour prior on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (313 2nd St E, Jordan, MN). Father Bryan Pedersen will preside.
Born on January 29, 1967, to James & Elizabeth Boyle. Nick grew up in Sanborn, Minnesota, and was a proud graduate of the Sanborn High School Class of 1985. He was crowned Homecoming King and excelled as a talented three-sport athlete in football, basketball & baseball. His love for sports continued into his younger adulthood, where he spent many seasons playing Legion baseball, Wanda fast-pitch softball, and town-team baseball. He graduated from St. Cloud State.
Nick was deeply involved in his community and devoted to his family & friends. He spent many years active in the Boy Scouts, coaching youth baseball & football alongside his sons and was a dedicated, proud member of the Jordan Lions Club. An avid outdoorsman and sports fan, Nick could easily be found hunting, fishing, playing a round of golf with family and friends, or relaxing while cheering on his favorite Minnesota sports teams. He saw his school and college friends as a second family and couldn't wait for their annual getaways. These gatherings were packed with hunting, fishing, and golf, though no trip was ever complete without his favorite pastime: playing cards with the whole group.
He leaves behind a legacy of strength, community service, and a deep love for his family, friends, and the outdoors.
He is survived by his wife, Tammy of Jordan; sons, Colton (Alyssa) Wiegert and their children, Cody & Miles of Hutchinson, MN, and Payton Wiegert of Winsted, MN; parents, James & Beth of Tyler, MN; siblings, Michelle & Jeff Pankonin of Sanborn, MN, Marie & Mark Kirschbaum of Savage, MN, Jim & Koree Boyle of Morgan, MN, Sarah & Brad Baltzer of Sioux Falls, SD, Erin Boyle of Crystal, MN, and Peter & Brooke Boyle of Sioux Falls, SD; mother-in-law, Marilyn Cross of Faribault, MN; nieces & nephews, Steffani, Kelsey & Cole Pankonin, Nadia Kirschbaum, Lauren & Luke Boyle, Jake Baltzer, Lincoln & Quinn Boyle; great-nephews & niece Roman & Saylor Oellien, Paxton & Nash Pankonin & many uncles, aunts, cousins & close friends.
He was preceded in death by his infant son, Gunner Boyle; infant brother, Matthew Boyle; infant nephews & niece, Colby Pankonin & Finley & Evan Boyle; father-in-law, Harry E. Cross; grandparents, Francis & Colette Kleindl; Edward & Edna Boyle.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12pm Monday, September 21st at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 313 2nd Street East, Jordan, MN. Visitation will be one hour prior to the Mass.
With profound sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Cole Lacko, age 26, of Sherburn, Minnesota (formerly Prior Lake, Minnesota).
Cole left this world far too soon, but the memories he created and the love he shared will remain in the hearts of all who knew him. Cole was a man who found joy in the simple things in life. He loved living in the country on his small farm, which was affectionately known as “CBR.” He loved watching sunsets, staring at the stars, and storm chasing. More than anything, Cole cherished time spent with family and friends. Whether joking on the couch with his brother and sister, traveling to see new places with his mom and dad, dancing and enjoying a beer with friends at a bar, or embracing a quiet moment, he brought warmth and authenticity to all those who knew him. His humble spirit, quiet strength, and deeply caring heart made him someone people could always count on.
Cole shared a special bond with his beloved dog, Pepper. Their daily walks together were the one thing he looked most forward to, providing him companionship and peace.
Though his time with us was not nearly long enough, the memories he made and the love he shared with his family and friends will be everlasting.
Cole is preceded in death by his grandfather Randy Gillette (Papa) and survived by his parents Andrew and Michelle; siblings, Ashton and Natalie; grandparents, Joanne Gillette “NanNan” and Carl and Linda Lacko; uncles, Greg Gillette and Scott (Kelly) Lacko; cousins, Kipling Gillette, Sam (Marisa) Lacko and Josh (McKenna) Lacko, and his faithful dog, Pepper.
Private Family Interment following Mass at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Prior Lake.
In lieu of flowers, Cole would have preferred memorials to Pro-Life Action Ministries.
A Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026 from 4:00-7:00 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation (104 First Street West) in Jordan.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026 at 11:00 AM with visitation one-hour prior at St. John the Baptist Church (313 Second Street East) in Jordan. Father Bryan Pedersen will preside, and Mamie will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Jordan.
Mamie Helen (Stehlik) Busch, of Jordan, MN, passed away surrounded by her family on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at the age of 87.
Mamie was born on November 1, 1938, in Minneapolis, to Joseph Stehlik and Theresa (Sipiera) Stehlik. She was raised in New Prague as the youngest of five children and graduated from New Prague High School in 1956. After graduation she followed in her father’s footsteps and worked as a switchboard operator for the New Prague Telephone Company. Her father was switchboard operator in 1900, while Mamie worked in that position until the early 1960’s. She then took time off to raise her four boys, later, taking a job at the Jordan Telephone Company, and then with the Department of Agriculture ASCS office, where she retired after 34 years of service.
Shortly after graduation she was introduced to the love of her life, Roger Busch, and on November 29, 1958, they were married at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Jordan. Mamie and Roger did everything together. For many years the ASCS office was located next door to the Jordan Independent, where Roger worked. Her desk was at a window directly across from his, so they could see each other all day while they worked, and every day at noon they went home together for lunch. They were pretty much a stay-at-home couple, except for Friday or Saturday evenings when they went to Geno’s to spend time with their friends, or when they brought the kids to Wey’s Webb to buy each of them “only one bottle of pop or ice cream cone.”
If they did travel it was usually up north with Butch and Gloria Mamer, or they would bring the kids to Rochester to enjoy a few days with Russ and Corky Welch. But most of their social time was spent with family members on holidays; including Fourth of July picnics with Chiz and Janie Busch’s family at the wayside rest, gatherings for holidays, and Sundays at Grandma and Grandpa Busch’s house.
In 1981 Roger passed away unexpectedly, leaving Mamie to raise her four boys alone, two of which were still in school. She devoted the rest of her life to her four boys, always present for family events and activities. When asked why she never remarried she always replied, “because I had a family to raise.”
Mamie was a big sports fan. This began in the 1950’s when she listened to Milwaukee Braves games on the radio. Up until recently she could still name most of the players from those teams. She was always supportive of her son’s athletic activities and rarely ever missed a game or track meet. But her favorite athlete was her husband Roger, who played many years with the Jordan Brewers, where they made many lasting friends. She also loved to watch the Twins, Timberwolves and tennis on TV.
Mamie was very devoted to her church, her family and her job. Even when she could no longer attend Mass she always had Brad drop off her weekly collection at the church. She taught her children resilience to deal with life’s hard knocks. Mamie always held a special place in her heart for all the farmers who she got to know through her job at the ASCS office. The large number of farmers who came to her retirement party was a testament to her relationship with them.
Mamie will be missed by her sons, Tom Busch, Pete (Jean) Busch, and Brad Busch; Gregg’s significant other, Connie Crimi; grandchildren, Joe (Kate), William (Kelsie), Laura (Justin), Stephen, Michael (Alex), Noah, and Sydney (Steven); great-grandchildren, Emma, Molly, Allie, William, Herschel, Olivia, Honor, Grace, Clara, Matthias, and Maximus; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Stehlik, Gloria (Butch) Mamer; and other loving family and friends.
Preceding Helen in death are her husband, Roger “Rotz” Busch; son, Gregg Busch; siblings, Theresa (Gilbert) Krohn, Joseph (Patricia) Stehlik, Margaret (Arthur) Stresnak, and Francis Stehlik.
Daily Mass will be canceled because of the Funeral Mass. All are welcome to attend the Funeral Mass to pray for Mamie Busch.
A visitation will be held at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, 104 First St. W., Jordan, MN, on Monday, August 17, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., and on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 313 Second St. E., Jordan, MN. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. Father Bryan Pederson will preside. Gary will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date.
Gary Milo Svoboda was born on July 2, 1948, in Willmar, MN, to Theodore and Catherine Svoboda as the third of four children. While in high school, Gary took a job at Pekarna Meat Market in Jordan and following his graduation from Jordan High School in 1967, he enrolled at Pipestone Technical College for meat cutting. He worked for the City of Bloomington at that time because he had a 1A draft status. In 1969, Gary drafted into the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in Korea and served as a cook during the Vietnam War.
Following the war, Gary returned to Minnesota and started working at Walsh’s Super Mart. This began a 30-year meat-cutting career that included 20 years at Sullivan's Meat Market, where he proudly retired at age 53.
Gary made his first home in Jordan, where his pride and joy, Mary was born. They later moved to Bloomington before building a home in Eden Prairie in 1977, where Gary lived for 45 years before moving to the Commons on Marice in Eagan in 2023.
Gary was a fun, loving, and protective father and grandfather to his daughter and granddaughters. He ensured his girls grew up understanding the value of education, money, and most importantly faith. He was a strong supporter of those in need and was deeply devoted to his Catholic faith. While Gary was an active member of Pax Christi Catholic Community in Eden Prairie, he always felt his “home parish” was St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Jordan.
Gary had many hobbies and interests throughout his life. He had a love of trees, even owning a tree farm at one point. He collected tractors, enjoyed a good card or cribbage game, and recently took up boxing. He treasured time at the cabin on the White Fish Chain and was known for his firm, stubborn, and endlessly positive attitude—a man who was fun and easy to be around. He stayed active and social with daily walks around his neighborhood whether it was Eden Prairie or the halls of Commons on Marice Senior Living Community. He also loved to travel, spending winters in Arizona and taking trips nationally and internationally with his special companion, Carol Pendelton.
Gary had a strong, lifelong interest in the stock market and personal finance. He enjoyed following the markets and discussing investing with family and friends, though he never told his secrets. He appreciated the value of hard work, careful planning, and making wise financial decisions in every way – whether that meant working the stock markets or ordering only from the Dollar Menu.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Catherine Svoboda; his brother-in-law, Gordy Steinert; and his special friends, Carol Pendelton and Darlene Unruh.
Gary is survived by his daughter, Mary (Konrad) Kupka; granddaughters, Kalley (Matt Theis) Kupka and Rilie (Jack Owen) Kupka; siblings, Ted (Linda) Svoboda, Gertrude Steinert, and Darlene (David) French; as well as nieces, nephews, others relatives and friends.
A special thank you to the teams at the Commons on Marice and the Minneapolis VA Medical Center for their exceptional care they gave to Gary and his family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Parkinson's Foundation, The Commons on Marice, Eagan, or St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Jordan.
Roland Andrew Menke, age 94, died on August 4th, 2026 at The Lutheran Home in Belle Plaine surrounded by his family. A Time of Gathering will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 PM on Monday, August 10, 2026, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation (104 1st St W, Jordan, MN 55352). Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM with additional gathering time from 10:00 – 10:45 AM on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (313 East Second Street, Jordan, MN 55352). Father Bryan Pedersen will preside. Roland will be laid to rest at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Jordan, MN. A reception will be held at Ridges at Sand Creek Golf Course in Jordan following the burial.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be donated to the St. John’s Building Fund.
Roland was born on August 12th, 1931 to Joseph and Marie (Hennen). He was the oldest of 4 children. As a child, he enjoyed life on the farm where his strong work ethic developed. Roland’s education ended in 7th grade and passed all the 8th grade tests so he could help on the family farm, but his learning never ended. He enjoyed reading the daily paper, listening to the daily market, was brilliant at math and could remember things like no one else - birthdays and what the corn price was 10 years ago.
In 1952, Roland was drafted to the Korean War in which he spent his enlisted time in Korea as a power man. He and Catherine later went back to Korea with the revisit program.
One sunny summer day, Roland went to the Bendzick farm to ask Henry Bendzick permission to take Catherine (Bendzick) Streiff out on a date. The date must of went great as Roland and Catherine married in November of 1957. They first lived on the farm that Roland’s parents had but in 1960, Henry Bendzick (Catherine’s father) asked them to buy his farm. Roland and Catherine resided on that farm for over 50 years, raising 8 children; faith, family and farming were the pillars of Roland’s life. He and Catherine vowed on their wedding day to attend mass at church not just on Sundays, but every 1st Friday of the month in which he tried to carry out to his last days.
He was a very meticulous farmer excelling in agronomy. Milking cows with his sons and tending to his 6,000 chickens were things he enjoyed. He was so proud of his dairy cattle, and he often received awards on production and quality of his Grade A milk. Upon his semi-retirement he became an avid gardener in which he bestowed to generations of his family. Roland was known for his old timey, sometimes quirky sense of humor and “never look back too much” sense of optimism for good times to come. Roland served on the Board of Directors for Minnesota Valley Electric, was a member of the Jordan Honor Guard, was an active member of St John’s parish and the Knights of Columbus. In 2013 Roland and Catherine moved to town to enjoy a simpler life. They played cards almost daily and socialized with their good friends at Brentwood Court in Jordan.
Roland is survived by children, Carolyn (Terry) Sullivan, Marlene (Tom) Parkis, John (Lorene) Streiff, William (Juanita) Menke, Tom Menke, Joe Menke, Ann (Mark) Holzer, Allen (Sharon) Menke; grandchildren, Terry (Maureen) Sullivan, Kate (Bob) Morgan, John (Morgan) McCarthy, MaryPat (Jonathan) Osborne, Michael (Terri) McCarthy; Sarah (Steve) DeJournett, Michael Streiff, David (Cayla) Menke, Jill (Joey) Kaiyalethe, Rachel (Buck) Lester, Calvin Menke, Ryan (Val) Holzer, Justine (Ryan) Hagness, James Menke, Alissa (Ben) Fischer; great grandchildren, Ray Sullivan, Abby, Nathan & Emma Morgan, Maura Osborne, Aubrey McCarthy, Hailey (Marcus) Norris, Hannah (Mark) Dalman, Allyson Streiff, Tessa, Taylor & Tyson Menke, Ben, Sienna & Hazel Kaiyalethe, Cam & Delaney Holzer, Lanny & Dylan Hagness, Luka and Miles Fischer; brother, Mike (Rose) Menke, Sister-in-law Darlene Menke and many other family and friends.
Roland is preceded in death by his loving wife, Catherine; parents, Joseph and Marie Menke; and siblings, LeRoy Menke and Mary Ellen Watne.
Saturday, August 15, is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In accord with the complementary norm to canon 1246 §2 confirmed for the dioceses of the United States of America, because it is a Saturday, this year the obligation to attend Mass on this date is abrogated. Mass will still be offered at St. John’s on Saturday, August, 15 at 8:30am.
Thomas “T.K.” Robert Kes, 94, of Jordan, passed away on June 16, 2026.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 2:00pm on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. Visitation at 12 Noon - 1:45pm at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church, 313 2nd St. E., Jordan, followed by burial at Calvary, Saint John’s Catholic Cemetery in Jordan. Fr. Neil Bakker will preside.
A Celebration of Tom’s Life will continue that day at Ridge’s Golf Course in Jordan beginning at 5:00pm with a Time of Sharing at 7:00pm. Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers to Saint John the Baptist Catholic School, Jordan.
Tom-TK- was born on December 16, 1931, in the family farmhouse in Lonsdale to Emil and Ludmilla Kes, number 10 of 12 children. From the beginning Tom was a farm boy. When he was six years old the family literally walked the cows to their new farm in Shakopee. He spent his childhood milking their cows by hand and planting crops using horses. Having 9 boys in the family, they were able to help the neighbors also. His mother and sisters cooked meals using the chickens and beef they raised and butchered, made homemade bread baked in a wood stove, and grew vegetables and fruit in their massive gardens. They attended Mass, prayed over meals, said daily rosaries, and cared for others in need. Tom’s parents instilled in their family the strong values of hard work, family and faith. Values he carried with him to his last breath.
In 1952, Tom enlisted in the United States Army. In total, six of the boys served in the miliary. His mom would write letters to her sons often during their time in the service. While on a temporary leave, he attended his brother’s wedding where he met Catherine Pieper and danced the night away. The two kept in contact while Tom finished up his service.
Tom was a very proud Korean War Army Veteran. He carried the victories alongside the grief throughout his life. Especially of the Outpost Harry Battle in the closing stages of the war.
Once his service was through, he returned home to Catherine and they were married on September 18, 1956, at the Marystown Catholic Church.
The couple purchased a farm outside of Jordan and established their life together. Tom was an extremely hard worker, who went 13 years without a day off of milking the cows.
He could work all day in the fields and after chores he would still take time to play a ball game with his kids, something they cherished and looked forward to.
Tom and Catherine raised their 11 children with a deep devotion to their Catholic Faith and never missed Sunday mass. Though when needed, Tom would make sure to get special permission from the priest to work in the field on a Sunday.
Once their children started their own families, Catherine and Tom loved spending time with their grandchildren. They tried their hardest to never miss an event that they were involved with. Their love of playing cards was passed onto the children and then grandchildren.
Tom also enjoyed golfing, bowling, and fishing or just relaxing with beer or two and a burger.
When it was time for Doug to take over the farm, Tom and Catherine built a home near the farm stead, where he could “keep an eye” on operations, as a farmer never truly retires. Tom also found time to give back to his community through the Jordan VFW Honor Guard and the Knights of Columbus.
A gentle, humble, and honest man, Tom will be missed greatly by his children, Marvin (Cathy), Ellen (Dave), Ruth, Lucy, Laura (Steve), Sue (Ken), Doug (Susan), Lee (Deb), Julie (Mike), Marcia (John), Eric (Wendy); 34 grandchildren; 37 great grandchildren; and many other loving nieces, nephews, and friends.
Tom is preceded in death by his wife, Catherine; grandkids, Benjamin and Lydia; parents, Emil and Ludmilla; and 8 brothers and 3 sisters.
"Please join the family in wearing red, white, and blue in honor of Tom’s service to our country.”
ADORATION
Once again this year, we will have a celebration during Corpus Christi weekend. From Friday, June 5 (starting at 7:00 pm) until Sunday, June 7 (ending at 12:00 pm noon), we will have someone in the Church adoring Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament hourly. Please enter through the E. Second Street Chapel entrance.
PROCESSION
On Sunday, June 7, at the end of the 10:00 am Mass (around 10:50 am), we will have a procession through the streets of Jordan, coming back to the Church to continue adoring the Lord until 12:00 pm noon. Then, we will have a 40-hour closing liturgy (which lasts about 30 minutes)
PARISH PICNIC
After our wonderful days of prayer, the JCCW and Knights of Columbus will host a parish picnic starting around 12:30 pm that day for everyone to enjoy!
The Saint John the Baptist Parish Council is again offering a college scholarship program for graduates of our school! The Pillar of Faith College Scholarship Program is available for those scholars who:
1) graduated from Saint John the Baptist Catholic School in Jordan, MN (either in 6th or 8th Grade),
2) are currently attending a high school (either public or non-public/private/Catholic), and
3) fully fill out the application by the appointed deadline (Tuesday, June 30, 2026).
This $500 scholarship is awarded each year to a High School senior who will be entering college in the fall of that award year. The SJB Parish Council will choose the scholarship recipient, notify the winner, and publicly announce the results in July 2026.
LESSONS IN SURRENDER:
LEARN TO LET GOD LEAD YOU THIS LENT
Lent brings us to the Cross of Jesus Christ - the heart of our Faith. Starting Ash Wednesday, you'll learn to surrender to God through the adoption of four daily challenges:
Daily physical exercise
A dietary fast
Daily reading of Scripture
A nightly Examen of Conscience
Why:
God made us body and soul, and these practices are holistic, bringing these parts of us together. Encountering the weaknesses we all have and encountering God there. This is a program to facilitate a NEW encounter with God. Let’s make this Lent not just about giving up, but about being filled up in a new way!
When:
Starts Wednesday, February 18 - Ash Wednesday
Ends on Sunday, April 5 - Easter Sunday
How:
Devotional book with daily reflections offered FREE to you at Saint John’s (while supplies last). At the end of each week, there is a special reflection for entire families.
Daily videos through the Ascension App
Weekly small group meetings
After 8:00 am Mass - Leader: Sue Pieper - Meet in School Conference Room
After 10:00 am Mass - Leader: Loree Heinkel - Meet in the School Library (basement)
Optional: purchase a journal to log your prayer and progress through the program.
The Official Action Plan for Crux: A Lenten Journey of Surrender with Fr. Columba Jordan
Welcome to the Crux action plan that follows along with Fr. Columba Jordan’s Lent Program, Crux: A Lenten Journey of Surrender!
In this plan, you’ll find:
Scripture readings and a discipline tracker for every day of Lent
A guide for the Daily Examen
Ideas for Lenten Disciplines
Surrender to God allows his providence to work in our lives, leading us to holiness and love that we cannot achieve on our own. St. Paul does not describe his weaknesses as failures in 2nd Corinthians, but instead as an opportunity for God’s grace to work through and within him.
Inspired by a holistic view of the body and soul, Crux will lead you in a journey through Lent, balancing physical and spiritual disciplines that will require you to encounter weakness and surrender to God.
For our spiritual growth, each day we’ll read passages from the Gospel of Mark (or the Sunday Gospel on Sundays) and commit to a Daily Examen. Fr. Columba Jordan, CFR, will offer daily reflections on these readings and guidance on how to surrender to God, available with a Premium Subscription in the Ascension App.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.””
We’ll also practice two physical disciplines: daily exercise and a dietary fast. It is up to you to decide what form of these God is calling you to this Lenten season.
Crux is designed to challenge you, because in our weakness we reach out for God’s help and surrender to his incredible love. When you begin to encounter difficulty, that is the time to run to God and experience the power of surrender.
In surrender, you will receive an outpouring of his grace and strength, bringing you closer to the saint you are meant to be.
How to Pray the Daily Examen
Begin by drawing your attention to God’s presence and love for you. Pray the sign of the cross and any other prayers you normally start or end your day with.
Step 1: Gratitude: First, thank God for his gifts of the day, large and small.
Step 2: Petition: Petition God for any graces that you may need as you pray the Examen.
Step 3: Review: Review your actions and feelings throughout the day. This entails more than a mere overview of each hour, but should focus on interior movements such as your desires, struggles, anxieties, and joys.
Where did you hear God’s promptings and draw close to him?
Where might you have turned away from God’s promptings?
Step 4: Forgiveness: Ask God for his mercy and forgiveness for any wrongdoing. It is essential that we root this step in a deep trust in God’s love. God rejoices in our desire to return to him, and not only awaits us, but runs to meet us: “while [the prodigal son] was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him” (Luke 15:20).
Step 5: Resolve: Finally, turn your attention to the next day, planning concretely how you’d like to grow closer to God.
Ideas for Exercise
God’s grace builds on nature: he gave us bodies and souls, and we can use both to bring us closer to him in cooperation with his grace. The physical disciplines may seem intimidating, so we encourage you to honestly evaluate your own state in life, your unique gifts and talents, and prayerfully consider how God might be asking you to grow this Lenten season.
As you reflect on what God may be inviting you to take up this Lent, remember that there is no single ‘right’ way to integrate physical discipline into your life. What matters is choosing an exercise that fits your circumstances and helps you offer your strength, however great or small, back to God. This is not medical advice, and anyone with medical conditions, pregnancy, or other concerns should consult professional guidance before beginning a new exercise routine.
To help, we’ve put together several approachable workout formats you can tailor to your unique God-given circumstances.
If you need…
Short, simple options for busy seasons of life…
Pick a time each day for a short walk, or stroller walk if you’re a parent
Micro-workouts: pick a single exercise, like wall sits, stretches, or planks, and fit in one to three minutes of movement
Playtime with kids or grandkids is an often overlooked source of movement!
Habit stacking: connect a short 5 or 10 minute bodyweight moveset with another habit you do daily
Gentle or adaptive movements for maintaining strength and stability…
Commit to daily balance training or a simple stretching routine
Explore chair-based exercises, which allow for gentle strength training
Try mobility exercises to stay active without stressful intensity
Shared or community-friendly exercise…
Partner exercises with a spouse, friend, or a brother or sister in the community you live in.
Group walks can help to maintain daily accountability.
Explore classes in your area. Gyms or running aren’t for everyone, and that’s ok! Exploring options like dance cardio, water aerobics, free run clubs, or other groups can help you discover a new form of movement you love.
Options for easily integrating movement…
Commit to a morning stretching routine, or an evening one before bed.
Find one extra movement you can add each day: taking the stairs at your workplace, add some extra steps to walking the dog, or setting a daily alarm for a quick movement break.
New ideas because you already exercise each day…
Bring God into your current routine! Keep doing what you’re doing, but add a short prayer before or bring him to the focus.
Try something new that stretches your comfort zone. This could be a group or individual sport, or an active hobby like biking.
Invite a friend or family member to join you: sometimes we can get comfortable with our own habits and routines. This could be an opportunity to allow a strength of yours to uplift someone else!
Ideas for Dietary Fasting
Everyone’s dietary fast will look different depending on your age, health, and personal circumstances. According to Canon Law, those age 14 and up are required to abstain from meat on Fridays in Lent and Ash Wednesday. Healthy adults from the ages of 18-59 must also fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, allowing one full meal and up to two smaller meals that are together less than a full meal.
Our dietary fast in Crux is similar to the common Lenten practice of “giving something up,” whether it be desserts, snacks between meals, alcoholic beverages, or some other fast. While you should still adhere to the traditional one full meal and two smaller meals on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday as required by the Church, Crux encourages you to pick a general food item to fast from, just as you’d normally “give something up” for Lent!
Several groups, such as pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as the elderly, are exempt from fasting by Canon Law due to health considerations. They are nonetheless encouraged to capture the essence of fasting in accordance with their condition. We encourage you to prayerfully consider your own circumstances when considering your dietary fast. This is not medical advice, and anyone with medical conditions, pregnancy, or other concerns should consult professional guidance.
To assist with your discernment, we’ve put together a selection of ideas to help you find the right fast for you.
If you need…
Something simple, yet challenging…
Fast from desserts, or a specific dessert
A snack fast – eliminate snacking between meals
Alcoholic beverages
Don’t drink alcohol? Try giving up soda or similar “special” drinks
“Junk food,” which could mean fast food, or maybe your favorite chips or snacks like pretzels ○ Simply pick a favorite food or snack, and commit to giving that one thing up this Lent!
An out-of-the-box fast…
Try fasting from extra condiments: sauces, dressings, or other additional flavorings
Skip cream & sugar in your coffee or tea
Late-night eating fast: if you love your midnight snack, commit to finishing the day with dinner
Consider foregoing takeout foods or eating in the car
Questions to help you pick a fast…
What foods might have the strongest emotional pull?
What would allow me to grow in discipline without destabilizing my health?
What could I realistically sustain throughout Lent?
Remember to invite God into your discernment and ask him what would be most beneficial for you!
As you discern your physical disciplines for Lent, remember: holiness is not measured by intensity. Choose something that is feasible, yet a stretch, that allows you to embrace God’s help and surrender to him.
Friday, February 20, 2026
Friday, February 27, 2026
Friday, March 6, 2026
Friday, March 13, 2026
Friday, March 20, 2026
Friday, March 27, 2026
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Mass at 10:00 am (School Mass)
Enter through the Gathering Space doors
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Mass at 10:00 am (School Mass)
Enter through the Gathering Space doors.