St. Augustine Cathedral Served Hundreds at Thanksgiving Dinner for People in Need

By Carissa Krautscheid

St. Augustine Cathedral served Thanksgiving dinner to over 200 people in need. This initiative was made possible by Cathedral volunteers through Project C.R.O.S.S., which stands for Christian Responsibility in Sharing and Service. 

Project C.R.O.S.S. was founded by Monsignor Arsenio S. Carrillo who served St. Augustine Cathedral for 40 years. After his death, the Project dwindled but was recently revived by the Cathedral’s current pastor and rector, Fr. Alan Valencia. 

The goal of Project C.R.O.S.S. is to assist disadvantaged parish and homeless communities within the Cathedral’s parish boundaries. After someone in need has gone through other service organizations such as St. Vincent de Paul Society or Catholic Community Services, they can seek financial assistance from the Cathedral in critical areas including nutrition, lodging, transportation, medical needs, rent, or utilities. Despite the pandemic in 2021, Project C.R.O.S.S. disbursed over $2,000. Throughout the first ten months of 2022, Project C.R.O.S.S. provided over $9,780 to families and individuals in need. 

The parish also intends to offer holiday meals during the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter seasons. This Thanksgiving dinner was the first and offered a hot meal of turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, corn, cranberries, and pumpkin pie. The food was donated, prepared, and served by Cathedral parishioners.


The Knights of Columbus Council #15376 was present to distribute jackets to adults and children before the winter chill sets in. The Catholic Foundation prepared 200 blessings bags, with the help of Diocesan staff, which included warm hats and gloves, toiletries, water, and snacks.


As many gathered over the Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends to enjoy an elaborate meal in the comfort of a warm home, we also recognize that countless individuals, families, and children go without food, water, shelter, or companionship. The excitement of the holidays is often overlooked in the day-to-day survival of those in need. We recall Jesus’ commission for his followers to serve the least among us and to witness Christ in all whom we encounter. As Catholics, we feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, and welcome the stranger (Matthew 25:35-45). 

Additionally, we offer gratitude for the generosity of all who tirelessly serve the least among us, including the dedicated volunteers who made Project C.R.O.S.S.’s inaugural Thanksgiving Dinner a success for hundreds of people in need.