The Crux of the Matter - July 2025

Men of Signum Crucis, today the Church observes the Feast of St. Thomas, Apostle.  I think the life of this saint is very important for us Men of Signum Crucis to spend time reflecting on, since we all share in his story, one way or another.

We know that St. Thomas had his doubts, but was also a firm believer in Jesus Christ as the Son of God.  We know the story of St. Thomas doubting the appearance to the other ten apostles in the Upper Room when he was away.  In a sense, this exhibits his (temporary) lack of belief in the Resurrection of Jesus.  Doesn’t this mean that, just like many in our world today, he was lacking a belief in Jesus as the Son of God, and that, instead, he was only a man and not God?  How many people today view Jesus as a man and not God?  Do we sometimes live our lives as though that is the truth about Jesus?  Do we sometimes put Jesus on a shelf and worship other gods in our lives (i.e., spend too much time stressing about or devoted to earthly, trivial matters, and not consistently turn to Him during each day in thanksgiving or in need).  Do we try to “do it on our own” as men often do (at least I do) and not thank him as we experience successes (and even failures) every day?  When we “go it alone,” are we not making ourselves a god, and leaving God out of the picture?  See how easy it is to view Jesus as a human being only, and not approach him as the Son of God?

The reality is that human beings who have done wonderful things are often observed with special days of remembrance–and rightly so (think George Washington, Veterans, Christopher Columbus, St. Thomas the Apostle himself, Sts. Peter and Paul this past Sunday, and many, many others).  But, these people did not come down from heaven to save us–these people did not perform miracles on earth–these people did not die on a cross for us–and most miraculously, these people did not rise from the dead.  Yes, St. Thomas, at least temporarily, doubted that Jesus was anything more than a mere mortal.

Yet, we also know that St. Thomas’s faith was restored–so much so that he went on to perform exemplary mission work in India.  Father Jones wore red this morning at Mass, signifying that St. Thomas the Apostle suffered martyrdom for Jesus Christ.

After his declaration when he placed his finger in the side of Jesus, “My Lord and my God,” St. Thomas did not “go it alone.”  Like St. Thomas, let us profess often the Lord of our lives, and also invoke the name of Jesus via the Sign of the Cross frequently today and in the future.  May we follow in the footsteps of St. Thomas by turning our lives over completely to Jesus Christ and suffer our own martyrdom, be it red or white.

After all, we Men of Signum Crucis should do no less.

May God richly bless you and your families, and have a great Independence Day!

Shroud of Turin Expert Coming to Jefferson City in August

I am sure this headline has you confused–we have our own Shroud expert here in Jefferson City–Father Stephen Jones.  However, all the way from Rome, Father Andrew Dalton will be concelebrating Mass at the Cathedral at the 5:00 p.m. Mass on August 3, and will celebrate daily Mass on August 4 at 8:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Church in Westphalia. 

Father Dalton will also be one of the headliners at the Shroud of Turin 2025 International Symposium and Conference on July 30-August 3 at the beautiful campus of the Augustine Institute in St. Louis.  Full Conference registrations are already sold out, but day passes are available for only $50 each.  Click here to register for a day pass.

This would be a great time to bone up on one of the most important religious artifacts ever researched and debated, and to hang out with a world renowned expert. It would be great to see a big crowd of Men of Signum Crucis at the Mass in Westphalia on August 4–mark your calendars now.

Men of Signum Crucis Ad Hoc Service Committee

Men, our motto states that the Men of Signum Crucis is a Fraternity through Study, Devotion, and Service.

You received our June newsletter (Crux of the Matter) on the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Mother to her kinswoman Elizabeth.  In observing this act of charity, I announced that I was forming an ad hoc committee to help us dive further into service projects regularly. 

I am pleased to announce that Men of Signum Crucis Pete Clogston, Nick Dolson, and Mark Javersak will join me in a meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Ahrens Room (the meeting room in the basement of the rectory) at the Proto-Cathedral of St. Peter on July 17. If you would like to help us brainstorm projects for the Men of Signum Crucis, feel free to attend that meeting.  We would love to have you join us.  If you cannot attend, I hope you will participate in our service projects in the future.

Thanks to Pete, Nick, and Mark for stepping forward to help develop our list of projects.

Catholic Radio Mass and Dinner on July 12

          Catholic Radio has greatly advanced the growth and depth of the Catholic faith in our area.  Many Men of Signum Crucis have told me how greatly it has impacted their lives and the lives of their families.  You can help advance Catholic Radio even further by attending the 12th Annual Catholic Radio Mass and Benefit Dinner on July 12 at Cana Hall at the Cathedral.  Click here if you would like me to reserve a seat (or seats) for you at the Mass and dinner.

          The event begins with the usual 4:00 p.m. Mass at the Cathedral of St. Joseph for those who would like to attend Mass on Saturday evening, then continues downstairs in the Cana Hall after Mass with a reception, dinner, and keynote presentation by Mike Roberts, Covenant Network’s Weatherman and Saint of the Day Host.  There is no charge for the event, but pledge cards will be available at the end of the keynote for attendees who wish to make a pledge or contribution.

          We hope you will attend this exciting, informal, fun event!

Radio stations in our area are 88.1 FM in St. Thomas/Jefferson City; 94.7 FM in Columbia; and 103.3 FM in Fulton.

Mark your Calendars now

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

Tim Francis to Come to Mid-Missouri in September

Tim Francis, a well known speaker on the topics of Eucharistic Miracles and Marian Apparitions, will be back in mid-Missouri in late September.  Although the dates are not yet firm, it looks as though plans are being made around the dates of September 19-28.  It appears Tim will be visiting several parishes in mid-MIssouri, so you will have your pick of a convenient place and time.  Stay tuned for more updates as September approaches.

Thank You, David Herman!

Thank you to David Herman for leading us through a study of the background of several scripture passages during our June gathering.  David is an engineer by trade but spends a lot of time satisfying his curiosity about Catholicism, and we thank him for sharing the fruits of his curiosity with us again.

Pray for Our Priests and Seminarians

Men, summer is a great time to be thinking about the impact of priests and seminarians in our lives.

Why?  Many priests will step away for a well deserved vacation during the summer months and their presence will be greatly missed in our parishes.  As they do this, I hope you will take time to offer prayers for them and to thank them for their ministry to us throughout the year.  This time of refreshment is important and necessary for them to continue to provide ministry to us during the rest of the year.

This is also a great opportunity to show our appreciation to our seminarians, many of whom will be back in the diocese during the summer months, away from their academic settings and providing ministry in the Diocese of Jefferson City.  Please take special note when you have the opportunity to say an encouraging word to one of them, and let them know that you are praying for them.  And in particular, don’t forget to say a special prayer for and offer a word of encouragement to new seminarian Justin Francka, who delivered an awesome message to us during our gathering in April.

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.

 Diocese of Jefferson City “P23 Camp” on July 9-11

And while we are on the topic of vocations, I hope you will encourage any junior high young man who might have exhibited a curiosity regarding the priesthood to attend the Diocese of Jefferson City “P23 Camp” on July 9-11.  The P23 Camp pulls from Psalm 23, is staffed by Father Clark and diocesan seminarians, and offers an outdoor setting to enjoy nature and ask questions concerning God’s call.  Click here for more details.

Note:  If I were a junior high young man, I would be there–it looks like fun!!

Father Alex Gabriel to Lead Pilgrimage from Poland to Rome

Father Alex Gabriel, pastor of St. Peter Church in Fulton and St. Jude Thaddeus  in Mokane, is leading a 15-day pilgrimage from Poland, the land of Pope St. John Paul II, to Rome on October 25 through November 8.  If you are still looking for that special something yet to do during this Jubilee Year, this might be it–and the bonus is you could travel for 15 days and still not miss a gathering of the Men of Signum Crucis!

Click here for more details, or contact Father Alex at the rectory St. Peter Church in Fulton.

Our Next Gathering–July 16

Our next gathering on July 16 will feature Gideon Barr, the Founder of the recently instituted “Encyclopedia of Catholic Theology (ECT)” and professor at the College of Philosophy and Letters at St. Louis University, will deliver a presentation to us entitled, “An Introduction to the Virtues” at 6:30 p.m.  In his work at St. Louis University, Gideon teaches seminarians of Kenrick-Glennon Theological Seminary in St. Louis.  Gideon will be joined by fellow Encyclopedia of Catholic Theology cohort Justin Keusenkothen.

Refreshments in the Commons will follow Gideon’s presentation.

Rosary begins at 6:00 p.m. for anyone who can arrive a bit early.

Mark your calendars now to join your fraternity of men at Helias on July 16.

In Conclusion…

          I hope each of you will bring another new man or two with you to our July 16 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:       

●      July 16, 2025 (Gideon Barr from the Encyclopedia of Catholic Theology, Cape Girardeau)

●      August 21, 2025 (a tour of the Cathedral of St. Joseph)

●      September 17, 2025 (The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass to mark the beginning of our fourth year!)

●      October 15, 2025 (Catholic Manliness)

●      November 19, 2025 (Adoration, Benediction, and Confession)

Mark your Calendars now

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