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Men of Signum Crucis, many men spoke to me after Mass at our last gathering, telling me how inspiring it was to hear Father Clark’s homily, or to say that Mike Rackers surely is smiling, looking at the great turnout of men on a Wednesday evening in September when there are so many other things to do, and observing the tremendous participation of our men at Mass. There is no doubt that this is what Mike and all other members of our Planning Group envisioned when we planned for our first gathering on September 21, 2022–a robust group of robust men who inspire other men to become an inspiring leader of faith among families and friends.
And, yes, Father Clark’s homily was awesome–dynamic as always, but I believe he would tell us that his homily did not compare to the Real Presence of Jesus himself on the Altar.
I am so thankful for Father Clark’s ministry to the Men of Signum Crucis. His serving as chaplain is not a Diocesan assignment that he is fulfilling, but rather a favor for the Men of Signum Crucis. Like all priests, Father Clark is very busy. I hope you will take time when you can to thank him for his service to our fraternity–it goes without saying that the inspiring Mass last week would not have been possible without him.
And thank you for making our gatherings so enjoyable. Your participation and enthusiasm is inspiring to me as well. We add new men each time we gather, and that is due to your invitations, encouragement, and enthusiasm–who would come if there’s no excitement or reason to come? I hope you will bring a new member, or just as well, bring back a man who hasn’t been able to come lately–he’ll be glad he did.
Moving on to other important announcements…
Catholicism and the Culture–Part Two with John Paul II
As a follow up to the topic presented in August and some comments I made in last month’s newsletter, I want to encourage all men to pray and fast. If there’s an answer to the negative influence of the culture on our youth (and us!), it’s prayer and fasting. I tell my students that it is a very good thing to pray–but if you really want to get God’s attention, fast along with your prayer. No doubt God delights in hearing our pleas, but we substantiate our pleas with our fasting.
Our relationship with God is no different than our relationship with our wives or best friends–they might be suspicious of our regard for them if we wouldn’t occasionally go out of our way to do something special for them. That’s what fasting does.
As St. John Paul II said, “Jesus himself has shown us by his own example that prayer and fasting are the first and most effective weapons against the forces of evil,” and “Prayer joined to sacrifice constitutes the most powerful force in human history.”
Our culture has taught us to indulge–now it’s time to fight back and show God whose side we’re on.
Keep up the good work, men.
Vote No on Amendment 3” Yard Signs and Efforts
Men, Brian Johnson still has yard signs to encourage all who drive by our yards to vote “No” on Amendment 3. I personally believe that every Man of Signum Crucis should want one of these signs in his yard. If you would like one, please reply via this Google Form to have Brian reserve one for you.
I know it seems rather bold of me to think that every Man of Signum Crucis should want a sign in his yard, but, men, we Men of Signum Crucis should be looking for ways to defend and protect women and children, and honor God. I believe that the Men of Signum Crucis ought to be “that” group that can always be counted on to do the right thing and defend women and children in every cause.
And speaking of helping women…
Help Needed at Women’s Retreat!
With apologies that my Google Form in last month’s newsletter did not work...
I am pleased that we have been asked again to help the ladies at their Women’s Retreat this fall on the evening of Friday, November 1 and all day on Saturday, November 2 at the Cana Hall (St. Joseph Cathedral). We have been asked to fill six time slots with four men at each time slot, so I’ll need up to 24 men to step up to help either set up on October 31, help with registration on November 1, help serve food on November 1 or 2, etc. Click on this Google Form to see more details and to sign up to help (this Google Form works!!!).
Men who volunteer will be able to listen to presentation(s) from the retreat master, Father Leo Patalinghug. I saw him in Indianapolis and was greatly impressed (and humored) by his very lively presentations. Volunteering in and of itself is always worth your time, but to see Father Leo is “icing on the cake” (no pun intended). Click on this link to see a brief YouTube video on Father Leo.
I am greatly thankful to Barb Prasad and the ladies who helped at our First Annual “Heart of a Hero” Men’s Conference this past Spring. Now it’s our turn to serve again.
We have lots of openings that need to be filled–if you are available, I hope you will sign up to help!!!!
We Need Your Input on a Possible Change of Day for our Monthly Gatherings!!!
Men, as I mentioned at our gathering in September, the Administration at Helias has asked us to consider moving the day of the week that we gather each month, since the third Wednesday is a conflict for some men who are needed at a Helias event scheduled for the same evening. I said in September that I would provide a survey in this newsletter to find out to what extent a change in the evening we gather would affect the attendance of our 260 men who have attended our Men of Signum Crucis gatherings in the past.
Please click on this Google Form to let me know how other days of gathering would affect your attendance. Your response to this survey is critical to the success of future planning and success of Men of Signum Crucis gatherings. Please complete the form as soon as possible, and thank you for your honest responses to this survey.
Men of Signum Crucis T-Shirts Available
We provided a t-shirt to attendees of our August gathering, but we have since purchased more shirts. We currently have sizes Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large available. If you would like me to hold one for you, let me know by reply to this Google Form.
Please take one only if you will wear it. Wearing the shirt gives you an opportunity to evangelize your family, neighbors, and the community. Please be ready to explain the symbolism on the shirt.
I have seen these shirts around town, so keep up the good work of evangelizing others while raising awareness to the Men of Signum Crucis.
Congratulations to the Mark Cozart family…
Congratulations to Man of Signum Crucis Mark Cozart and his family on the birth of their fourth child, Kylan Joseph, on September 23. We look forward to having Kylan Joseph contribute to the success of the Men of Signum Crucis in the future.
Our Next Gathering–October 16
Our next gathering is on October 16. During this month of the Rosary, we are fortunate to have with us Ed Galbraith, who will speak to us about the four primary dogmas of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The study of Mary is known as Mariology, and I know that we will all benefit from a deeper understanding of the woman whose “fiat” was a necessary choice for our salvation.
Our program will begin in the Chapel at 6:30p. As always, the Rosary will begin at 6:00p in the Chapel for those who can arrive early.
Food and fellowship will follow in the Commons after Ed’s presentation.
In Conclusion…
I hope you are thinking about that one new man (or two) whom you plan to bring with you to our October 16 gathering.
We are called to be disciples, and as disciples we have a calling to spread the Gospel in whatever way we can. Bringing someone new to our monthly Gatherings is a great way to fulfill our missionary calling.
Thank you for your fidelity to the Men of Signum Crucis. Your dedication to this growing apostolate is inspiring. I pray that you are growing in your faith each month.
Men, don’t forget to express your gratitude to your priests as often as possible. Thank them after each Mass you attend for giving you the opportunity to receive the Real Presence of Jesus himself.
And, let us never forget: St. Joseph “chose hard.” When given the choice, let’s choose to do the same.
St. Joseph, Foster Father of the Son of God, and patron saint of the Men of Signum Crucis, pray for us.
In hoc signo, vinces,
Mark Rehagen
P. S. In hoc signo, vinces: https://veterumsapientia.org/in-hoc-signo-vinces/
Future Gatherings:
● October 16, 2024 (Ed Galbraith on the Four Primary Dogmas of the Blessed Virgin Mary)
● November 20, 2024 (Adoration and Confession)
● December 18, 2024 (Father Dylan Schrader on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit)
● January 15, 2025, the Shroud of Turin, the Eucharistic Miracles, and the Stigmata
Mark your Calendars now
2nd Annual “Heart of a Hero” Men’s Conference–April 25-26, 2025
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