Good Friday Crosswalk tradition welcomes all to carry, reflect upon cross
The April 14 Crosswalk in Wauzeka welcomes people of all ages and faiths to carry the cross, reflect upon Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and proceed solemnly for a memorable moment on Good Friday. (Submitted photo)
Kristine Hanson (left) and Darlene Reichmann, parishioners of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Wauzeka, are among those who proudly advocate for the Crosswalk and the significance it can have for people of all faiths who choose to participate. (Photo by Correne Martin)
By Correne Martin
To Christians, Good Friday is more than just another day off work or school. It’s a time to reflect upon Jesus Christ’s suffering at will and death by crucifixion as the ultimate sacrifice for people’s sins. To give prominence to the Friday before Easter, the annual Crosswalk in Wauzeka will be Friday of Holy Week, April 14, promptly at 12:30 p.m. This is the 23rd year the solemn ritual will be observed in the community.
“The Crosswalk is a silent procession led by a lone drummer who is followed by a crowd of Christians carrying a large cross,” St. Paul’s United Methodist Church Pastor Lynn Schreck cited. “The walk is intended as a public witness of faith to awaken people to the true meaning of Good Friday.”
People of all faiths, young and old alike, are invited to gather before 12:30 for the event. The Crosswalk will begin at Scott Shelter by the riverside with a five-minute oration about what is expected during the event.
“The message given at the shelter will put people in the proper mood,” St. Paul’s parishioner Ed Reichmann said.
Then, slowly and quietly, participants will be led by the drummer toward the Catholic church and, finally, the Methodist church on Main Street. Two at a time, walkers will take turns carrying a large, lightweight, western cedar wooden cross about 15-20 steps. The cross will be passed to another few individuals as it’s carried through the procession, about three-quarters of a mile.
“Anybody who wants to carry the cross will have that opportunity,” expounded fellow parishioner Kristine Hanson, adding that no one will be pressured to do so. “The walk [imitates] the path Christ took to go up where he was crucified.”
Those unable to walk in the procession are encouraged to wait at the Methodist church for the arrival of the cross, Schreck said.
At the church, a short, leisurely-religious service will be given remembering Christ’s last words on the cross. The service is optional for people to attend; there will be no solicitation or offering. Afterward, people are asked to leave in silent reflection, however.
Usually, between 20 to 40 people attend the Crosswalk. Reichmann noted the cross weighs less than 40 pounds. His wife, Darlene, said parents and their children often carry the cross together and are allowed to do so if they wish. In general, Hanson said, feedback about the event is positive, people feel welcomed and the experience is very poignant.
Ministers Schreck, Rev. Joel Oines, of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Rev. Victor Feltes of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, coordinate the day. This is just one of a number of activities they collaborate on for the community.
“It’s something to do on Good Friday that all three churches can do together,” Hanson said.
