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The Crux of the Matter - February 2026
- Perry Scott
- 2 hours ago
- 11 min read
Men of Signum Crucis, today the Christmas season has officially ended.
Don’t be glum about it. Later this month, the Church gives us another great season to observe.
Lent.
Lent?
Though things often seem to move slowly in the Church, we just as often observe that the Church continues to march forward quickly.
It’s time for Lent already? Wasn’t Jesus just born 40 days ago? Now we are about to observe a time for prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that culminates in an observation of Jesus’s passion and death?
Yes, the cycle continues quickly, and I always find that it comes at the appropriate time.
Just when the winter begins to get old, and we begin to forget those goals we set for ourselves at the beginning of the year, here comes Lent. It’s an opportunity to start again, to rise to new heights, to “choose hard.”
Why might our Lenten observations be more successful than our New Year’s resolutions? Lenten observations are done with a purpose (right?). They are done with intentionality. They are done keeping in mind that if Jesus could be scourged beyond one’s ability to stay alive, then be crowned with thorns, and drag a cross up a hill to be executed–all done for you and me–we tend to be able to fulfill Lenten observations (much) more easily and efficiently.
But, let’s not fool ourselves and know a steep challenge we set for ourselves will be easy. If we “choose hard,” as we men ought to do, then it will be hard nonetheless.
For the sake of our families and our salvation, we do this.
May your prayer, fasting, and almsgiving be a blessing to you and yours, and may your resurgence on Easter Day be acceptable and pleasing to God.
Go for it, brothers. Choose hard. Attack. It’s time for Lent.
How Do We Attack Those Challenges Facing Us?
At the January gathering, I spoke about the challenges that face us men–the Seven Deadly Sins. No doubt, for each of us, there is at least one of them that tends to trip us up if we allow ourselves to be in the “near occasion of sin.” Those deadly sins are pride, envy, wrath, sloth, greed, lust, and gluttony.
But, we also know that there are Corresponding Virtues that, with the grace of God, more than offset the Seven Deadly Sins. Those virtues are humility, kindness, patience, diligence, charity, chastity, and temperance.
One point that I wish that I had emphasized more during my presentation is the importance of relying on and cooperating with the grace of God in our dealings with the culture. Jesus died for our sins–we are already redeemed–so the good news is it is not just "up to us.” We don’t earn our own redemption–our redemption has already been paid for. That said, we still must work to accept the grace that God gives us to resist the deadly sins, and instead pursue virtue. Once we set aside the sin of pride, and take on the virtue of humility, we are then able to accept God’s invitation to be redeemed sons of the Father.
God has made it easy for us to be with Him for all eternity, but isn’t it amazing how hard easy can be?
Let go, let God.
What Are Your Plans to Deepen Your Faith in 2026?
(This is a repeat section from the January newsletter)
Men, I hope that each of you is making plans for your spiritual growth in 2026. Remember that if we are only treading water, the current will take us downstream in a hurry.
I have several suggestions for you to consider, and I hope that you will take on at least one new activity in 2026 that you know in your heart would help you most. Here is my list:
● Tops on the list for Men of Signum Crucis is a 2-3 day retreat at a retreat center of your choosing. Most monasteries in the region will host retreats (both men’s only or couples). For example, Conception Abbey hosts several men’s retreats each year. Click on this link for information on Conception Abbey retreats. The Jesuit White House in St. Louis offers dozens of retreat opportunities each year, and several of our Men of Signum Crucis are facilitators of groups attending these retreats. Click this link for information on the White House retreats. I have heard good reports for the Marianist Retreat Center in Eureka. Click on this link for information on their retreat center. Regardless of the retreat center you choose, I hope you will consider taking the plunge and getting really serious about deepening your faith in a two- or three-day retreat away from your normal routine, and let God speak to you there.
● If you really can’t get away for 2-3 days due to family obligations, Exodus 90 is a great spiritual exercise designed only for men. It’s a great challenge and not for the faint of heart. For the 90 days before Easter (beginning January 5 this year), you’ll have daily readings; one-hour meditation; no sweets; no liquor; no social media; no internet (except what is necessary for work or school); no television; cold showers only; no eating between meals; fasting and abstinence from meat on Wednesdays and Fridays; and strenuous exercise on at least three days each week. The intent is for all men participating to be a part of a small group fraternity which meets weekly to “check in.” Call me or text me if you are interested in joining the Men of Signum Crucis Exodus 90 group in 2026, but feel free to click on this link for more information on Exodus 90.
● You like the idea of a men’s retreat, but at this point in your life you need to be a little more active? How about the Joseph Challenge Pilgrimage? It doesn’t get any better than this, to hang out with a bunch of other guys honoring the patron saint of the Men of Signum Crucis, by walking 24 miles over two days between four St. Joseph sites in St. Louis, ending at the Shrine of St. Joseph in St. Louis, the location of the miracle that took place to canonize St. Peter Claver. Plans are just beginning to materialize for the 2026 event which will take place on May 2 and 3. Click on this link for more information regarding the Joseph Challenge Pilgrimage. I hope that we will have a large number of men from our fraternity to be the first group from Jefferson City to participate. This pilgrimage is planned and hosted by our December speaker, Gabe Jones, from St. Louis.
● Attend a Men’s Cursillo, or serve on the team if needed. See Men of Signum Crucis Ken Sandbothe or Larry Jansen, or click on this link for more information regarding the local Cursillo movement.
● Sign up for Eucharistic Adoration in your parish. If your parish does not have it, find one close by that does, and sign up there. Better yet, advocate to your pastor for Adoration at your parish.
● Be on the watch for other events that will deepen your faith, and never, ever shrink from taking the challenge to sharpen your faith. I hope you will let other members of the Men of Signum Crucis know of other events that have been helpful to you in your spiritual journey.
**Register Now for the 2026 Men’s Conference at
3rd Annual “Heart of a Hero” Men’s Conference–April 10-11, 2026
Retreat Opportunities in March 2026
Men, there are three special retreat opportunities that I am aware of that I would like each of you to consider.
First, on March 6-8, a Men’s Retreat is being offered for men of the Jefferson City area at the Abbey of St Benedict in Atchison, Kansas (home also of Benedictine College). I have been to two retreats at this Abbey in the past, and retreatants will be treated to praying Morning and Evening Prayer with the monks of the Abbey; several conferences led by Father Jay, the retreat master; Mass each day; and wonderful meals shared with the monks. Retreatants will also have the opportunity for a private conference with Father Jay, and Confession. There is no set fee for the retreat, but a donation to the Abbey is appropriate. Men of Signum Crucis Donnell Rehagen, Brian Johnson, and myself will be your hosts. Call me at 573-680-2520 if you have any questions about this retreat, or click here to learn more and register.
Several of you have been asking about opportunities to share spiritually enriching events with your wives. One event that will offer this opportunity is the Diocesan Marriage Retreat, which will take place at Cana Hall at the Cathedral on March 13-14, 2026. Contact Mary Madelyn Mertes of the Office of Marriage Ministries at the Chancery for more information (mmertes@diojeffcity.org).
Finally, on March 27-29, the Augustine Institute is hosting a Holy Week Retreat (the weekend of Palm Sunday). This retreat, called “Entering the Paschal Mystery: a Holy Week Retreat,” is lining up to be an awesome experience in an awesome venue in St. Louis–the location which previously was used as the Boeing Executive Center. Join me, my wife (Susan), Norb Plassmeyer, and his wife (Eileen) at this retreat by registering here.
Reasons for Hope (Part II)
Men, I can’t help but continue to share what I think are some encouraging events in our Diocese and beyond (see my remarks in the October 2025 Crux of the Matter newsletter for my earlier message regarding Hope).
First, I am observing an undercurrent of movement toward sanctity in our Diocese. I have observed the fruitfulness of the faith being nurtured in our universities and colleges in the area. While on retreat this past fall at Benedictine College in Atchison, I stood in a long line for Confession on a Friday afternoon with many students of the college (aren’t college students supposed to be somewhere other than a Catholic Church on a Friday afternoon?). Later that same Friday evening, when several of us retreatants decided to go to the campus grotto to pray a Rosary, we were upstaged by a group of a dozen college students who had just begun to pray a group Rosary–in Latin. Needless to say, I enjoyed praying that Rosary very much.
Later this Spring, at our Men’s Conference, three men from the St. John Henry Newman Parish in Columbia (formerly known as the “Newman Center”) will take center stage and tell us why their faith is front and center in their lives. I am totally blown away by the faith demonstrated by Thomas, Austin, and Alex, and I really look forward to introducing them to you. I know that the energy they bring will leave you with an abundance of hope.
Men, the FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) movement in the United States is changing the culture on university and college campuses across the United States and in Europe, the United Kingdom, and Mexico). I hear of more and more students who are becoming FOCUS missionaries and of students who are greatly influenced by them. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to host one at our March gathering at Helias–you won’t want to miss this gathering at which Wardsville native Levi Frisbie will be our presenter. Click here to learn more about FOCUS.
Finally, men, I heard through the grapevine last week that our Diocese could have as many as eight new seminarians next school year. That is amazing news! A number like that would nearly double the number of seminarians in our Diocese. So, men, now is the time to re-double our efforts in doing whatever we can to keep up the promotion and prayer for Vocations in our diocese. Our pastors are in dire need of help now and in the future that only more priests can bring. Let’s continue to pray fervently for vocations and always support our parish priest(s) in every way possible (just a simple “thank you” is a great start).
Men, with all these hopeful events occurring, it’s time we jump on board and be a part of the future by encouraging these young people to exhibit their/our faith to the world.
Maybe we need to invite hope into our lives. Why? Because I can’t say it better than St. Paul: “Hope does not disappoint” (Romans 5:5).
Update on Men of Signum Crucis Service Projects
One of the service projects that the Service Projects Committee established to fulfill the Seven Corporal Works of Mercy, service at the Mustard Seed, has been postponed due to a temporary shutdown of this ministry. We will find a suitable replacement for this service project, and will let you know later what that will be.
Service Projects that still need volunteers, and the Men of Signum Crucis lead on the projects, are
● Cemetery Maintenance–Nick Dolson
● Ministry to the Homeless–Pete Clogston
● Prison Ministry–Mark Rehagen
Please contact these men if you are interested in helping with these service projects.
Thanks to Pete, Nick, and Mark Javersak for providing leadership as the Men of Signum Crucis completes the Sign of the Cross and we bring Christ to the world.
2026 Heart of a Hero Men’s Conference Registration Open
The schedule for the 2026 Heart of a Hero Men’s Conference (HoaHMC) is finalized. As in the past, we will offer a keynote presentation on the Friday evening (April 10), followed by our Cigar and Bourbon Reception. Our speaker on Friday evening will be Pete Burak from Renewal Ministries in Michigan.
On Saturday, April 11, we will have presentations from Pete Burak (again), Msgr. Eugene Morris from St. Louis, and Father Stephen Jones from the Cathedral.
I am also very excited that three students at the University of Missouri will join us for one of our sessions, and through a Q & A session they will discuss the reasons for their faith. I very much look forward to introducing them to our attendees.
Also, as in the past, we will have Eucharistic Adoration, Confessions, and Benediction mid day on that Saturday.
Mark your calendars now to deepen your faith with the best of the best men in Missouri, and register by clicking on this link to get to our Heart of a Hero Men’s Conference Registration site. See the flyer promoting our Conference at the end of this newsletter.
Monthly Rosary at the State Capitol
Join in praying the Rosary in honor of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and for World Peace every third Saturday of the month in the Rotunda of the State Capitol. This month, it will be held on February 21 at 10:30 a.m. Bring your family and/or other men with you.
Pray for Our Priests, Deacons, and Seminarians
Men, let us pray for our priests, deacons, and seminarians–our hope for the future. Make sure when you see one, you let him know how much you appreciate his service to you and your family. Pray especially for Justin Francka, a Man of Signum Crucis and current seminarian who delivered a beautiful presentation to us in 2025.
Without our priests and future priests, we cannot receive the Holy Eucharist, which is our lifeline to heaven. It’s just that simple.
Let us all live virtuous lives that will produce vocations in our families and among our circle of friends.
Our Next Gathering–February 18, 2026
Our gathering in February, as it always is, will be the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. This will be a special evening for us, since it is Ash Wednesday, and we will have the distribution of the Ashes that evening also.
Feel free to come early to pray the Rosary at 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel. Refreshments in the Commons will follow the presentation.
Please mark your calendars now to join your fraternity of men at Helias on February 18.
In Conclusion…
I hope each of you will bring another new man or two with you to our January gathering–young or old, old or new. They’ll be glad you asked them. 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.
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
573-680-2520
Future Events:
● February 18, 2026 (The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass)
● March 18, 2026 (Levi Frisbie, “Fellowship of Catholic University Students, and the State of our Youth in the Church)
● April 15, 2026 (Father Stephen Jones, “The Shroud of Turin”)
● May 20, 2026 (Adoration, Benediction, and Confession in the Chapel)
● June 17, 2026 (Father Gabriel Landis, O.S.B., “Benedictine Spirituality”)
**Click on this link to register for the
3rd Annual “Heart of a Hero” Men’s Conference–April 10-11, 2026**
