The Crux of the Matter - January 2026

Men of Signum Crucis, Merry Christmas.

For unto us a child is born–the Son of God is born to us, Jesus Christ, our Lord!

It’s happened a time or two before this year that we have observed Christ’s birth, hasn’t it??

Is it possible that the observance of Christ’s birth can become routine, blasé, ordinary over time?  Is it possible that this extraordinary event can “lose its luster”?

I say it is possible, if we “cave in” to the world around us, and cast aside the true meaning of the celebration by “canceling Christmas” on December 26.

Around us, the world has moved on to the next big thing:  for some, it is New Year’s Day; for others, it is Valentine’s Day; for others, it's next weekend.  For them, Christmas was over on December 26 when the tree went out the back door.

          But we, we Catholics, we celebrate big–as we ought to.  How so?  Well, we know that today is the sixth day with the octave of the Nativity of our Lord.  Today is another Christmas Day.  So, Merry Christmas to you.

          And, let’s not forget that there are “Twelve Days of Christmas,” which conclude on January 6, the traditional celebration of the Epiphany, the appearance of the Magi which marks an important manifestation of Christ.

          Let’s also not forget that Christmas is a season–a season so important to us Catholics, that just as Lent is 40 days and the Easter season is 40 days (from Easter till Ascension Thursday), the Christmas season is the 40 days that extend through Candlemas (Jesus’ Presentation in the Temple) on February 2.  On that day, when the Christmas season ends, we will observe the Light who came to the world on December 25 is proclaimed a “Light to the nations” in the temple.

So, men, Merry Christmas to you and yours, and may your Christmas season be blessed with much light, peace, and joy.

What Are Your Plans to Deepen Your Faith in 2026? 

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.

Links to Sources Referenced in the December Gathering, and Thank You to Gabe Jones

First, thank you to Gabe Jones from St. Louis, who delivered an exceptional challenge to our men at the December gathering entitled, “Creating Silence.”  Gabe very convincingly made the claim that we all need to make an effort and take time to place silence in our busy lives. 

Gabe referenced a couple of sources during his presentation that I would like to share with you here:

●      First, Gabe gave credit to Robert Cardinal Sarah and material in his book, The Power of Silence:  Against the Dictatorship of Noise.  Here is a link to the book.

●      Gabe also referenced a presentation by Dr. R. J. Snell entitled, “The Art of Boredom and the Culture of Death.”  Here is a link to the presentation.

If you did not get to attend the December gathering, or even if you did, I hope you find these sources helpful to you.

**Register Now for the 2026 Men’s Conference at

https://www.heartofaheromensconference.com/

3^rd Annual “Heart of a Hero” Men’s Conference–April 10-11, 2026

Diocesan Marriage Retreat in March 2026

Men, 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).

Men of Signum Crucis Service Projects

As I mentioned at our November gathering, as the snow begins to fly, there will be a need for men to join Man of Signum Crucis Pete Clogston in providing meals for the homeless at the Jefferson City Room at the Inn or the Salvation Army.  I am aware that several of you have signed up to provide this type of service on behalf of the Men of Signum Crucis.  We can always use more.  If you have not signed up yet to help serve the homeless, or to provide other works of mercy on behalf of the Men of Signum Crucis, please use this link to sign up.

          Other projects with which we Men of Signum Crucis are committed to assist are St. Peter Cemetery clean up (led by Nick Dolson); the Mustard Seed (led by Mark Javersak); and Prison Ministry (led by Mark Rehagen).  Contact these men directly to sign up to help, or use the link above to provide your contact information.

          The Mustard Seed project will likely need help this month, and the Cemetery and Prison Ministry projects will kick off this Spring.  Assistance at Diocesan events occur as needed, and I will let you know when I learn of a need for help at these events.

Thanks to Pete Clogston, Nick Dolson, 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.

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 January 17 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–January 21, 2026

Our gathering in January will feature a challenge to all Men of Signum Crucis by discussing what it really means to be a member of our fraternity.  I hope you are prepared to hear ways to ensure we are effective leaders in and for our families and/or circle of friends.

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 January 21.

Retreat Opportunities for Men??

I am well aware that several of you Men of Signum Crucis are instrumental in providing retreat opportunities for yourself and other men in our area.  If you ever wish to offer information about your retreat opportunity at one of our gatherings, please let me know and I will make sure that we have a table in the Commons set aside for you to share information with our men.

Thanks to you men who have invited me to take part in your retreats–I appreciate that you would think that I might fit in well with your group.  That said, I know there are many men in our fraternity who would fit in well with a men’s retreat group.  Your persistence will be rewarded.

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

                                                            mrehagen@heliascatholic.com

                                                            573-680-2520

Future Events:       

●      January 21, 2026 (Mark Rehagen, “Challenges for the Catholic Man:  What It Means to Be a Man of Signum Crucis”)

●      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)

  **Click on this link to register for the

3^rd Annual “Heart of a Hero” Men’s Conference–April 10-11, 2026**