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The Crux of the Matter - July 2026
- Mark Rehagen
- Jul 2
- 10 min read
Men, Happy Independence Day (one day early)!
I have two messages for you Men of Signum Crucis this month. First, regarding the feast day today–the Memorial of St. Thomas the Apostle.
St. Thomas the Apostle, as we all know, received the rather embarrassing title of “Doubting Thomas,” due to missing out when Jesus appeared to the other ten apostles after His resurrection, and then Thomas famously said, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe” (John 20:25, New American Bible, Revised Version).
Okay, who among us has not doubted specific aspects of our faith or certain scripture passages through the years?
The more we delve into our faith as we mature, we are exposed to teachings of the faith that could be troublesome to our senses. To wit: the Real Presence of the Eucharist, the two natures of Jesus Christ, three persons in one God, and the list could go on and on.
For those of us who have ever doubted any teaching of the Catholic faith, St. Thomas the Apostle is our hero. He expressed his doubt, but remained open to the Truth. And when the Truth was revealed to him, he accepted it.
Let us pray that we and our families might all stay ever curious concerning our faith, and continually seek the Truth through our Study and Devotion. My head tells me that the Catholic Church possesses the fullness of the Truth, but I need to process that thought to the point of believing it, and then leading others to that belief.
St. Thomas the Apostle, pray for us!
Second, I can’t let the 250th anniversary of the founding of our country slip by without some comment.
I remember the celebration of the 200th anniversary in 1976 like it was yesterday. There was so much pride and patriotism exhibited in the observations of that momentous occasion. We had, and we continue to have, so much to be thankful for in our native land–our natural resources, our freedom, the resilience and grit of our citizens, our wealth, and so much more. We know we are far from perfect, but, might I say that we still are the greatest hope for this world? Despite the differences that we are free to exhibit in our country, the United States is, as President Abraham Lincoln told Congress in his annual address on December 1, 1862, “the last best hope of earth.”
Going back even further than 1976, I must also say that I remember very well September of 1973. I was a freshman high school student at St. Thomas Aquinas Preparatory Seminary, and Msgr. (then Father) Jacques Wenting introduced the Latin language to us 17 open-eyed freshmen. It was there in the first chapter of the Jenney Latin text that we learned that the Latin word, patria, means “native land.” It is the Latin word from which our English words, “patriot” and “patriotic,” are derived. To be patriotic means to be enamored with our “native land.”
We should all be patriotic.
But I would be remiss if I did not emphasize that the Latin word, patria, is also used by the Catholic Church to refer to the concept of “heaven.”
Is heaven not intended to be our true “native land”? Indeed.
So this 4th of July, when we go above and beyond in our displays of affection for our earthly native land, let’s also consider the true, ultimate native land for which we are striving.
Will we also display our patriotism for heaven? Why not? Should we not strengthen our ties to our native land beyond this earth? Let us continue to take pride in the family to which we belong–the Catholic Church, whose leader has been given the keys to the kingdom. Let us be "patriotic" in the heavenly sense, wearing our stars, stripes, and true color on our sleeves every day.
May you and yours be blessed with a safe and enjoyable observation of our “native land” this month.
Amen.
Priestly Ordination of Deacon Jacob Hartman
Men, thank you for stepping up to assist in greeting the guests of Father Jacob Hartman at his Ordination Mass on June 6, and for helping to clean up Cana Hall afterwards.
All present for any part of the Ordination day were sure to witness what I believe to be the most hopeful day in the life of any Diocese. What could generate more hope than for a man to commit to providing a lifetime of Sacraments to the people of the Diocese–bringing us the Bread of Life? Isn’t that the most crazy awesome selfless gift that a young man could commit himself to?
Let us all pray fervently that more young men might consider a vocation to the priesthood or religious life, to provide help to the priests who take such good care of our spiritual needs.
May God bless Father Jacob Hartman in his spiritual duties as a priest of the Diocese of Jefferson City.
Reasons for Hope (Part VII)
Men, I have been sharing with you reasons for hope in the last six issues of this newsletter. More and more events occur, or I hear of inspiring stories of our youth, that give me reasons for hope for our Church.
I have been inspired lately when I see some of my former students attend Sunday Mass, and also show up early to make their Confession before Mass. One of them recently told me that he has been tapped to lead a Bible study at Mizzou this fall–he has his doubts that he can do it, but with the grace of God and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, I know his future Bible study group is in good hands.
Let us all pray for our youth.
“Hope does not disappoint” (Romans 5:5).
Set your calendars now for the 4th Annual “Heart of a Hero”
Men’s Conference–April 2-3, 2027
New Weekly Mass Schedule at the Jefferson City Parishes
It is the Eucharist that brings us the joy that we should long for. Consider inserting one or two of these daily Mass options into your schedule:
Monday: 6:30a at Immaculate Conception
12:03 at Proto-Cathedral of St. Peter
Tuesday: 6:30a at Cathedral of St. Joseph
6:30a at Immaculate Conception
8:00a at Proto-Cathedral of St. Peter
12:03 at Proto-Cathedral of St. Peter
5:30p at Immaculate Conception
Wednesday: 6:30a at Immaculate Conception
8:00a at Cathedral of St. Joseph
8:00a at Proto-Cathedral of St. Peter
8:00a at Immaculate Conception
12:03 at Proto-Cathedral of St. Peter
Thursday: 6:30a at Cathedral of St. Joseph
6:30a at Immaculate Conception
8:00a at Immaculate Conception
12:03 at Proto-Cathedral of St. Peter
Friday: 8:00a at Cathedral of St. Joseph
8:00a at Proto-Cathedral of St. Peter
8:00a at Immaculate Conception
12:03 at Proto-Cathedral of St. Peter
Saturday: 8:00a at Immaculate Conception
“Heroic Men” Article of June 24
Men, I was touched by an article that I received on June 24 from a group called “Heroic Men.” It is attached here. In this article, we are told that the evil one doesn’t necessarily need us to be evil–he just needs us to be comfortable, to be complacent, and then he will gladly drive us down the road to ruin.
I hope you will take 5-10 minutes to read this insightful article, and consider subscribing to this weekly newsletter. I think it is important to receive emails that challenge us to seek the higher things in life.
Beatification of Bishop Fulton J. Sheen
Men, Fulton J. Sheen, former Bishop of the Diocese of Peoria and well-known television and radio evangelist, will be beatified (named “Blessed”) on September 24, 2026 toward his path to future canonization. The beatification Mass will take place at the Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis on September 24, 2026.
For some of us, the name “Fulton Sheen” was well known in our youth, as he took to the airwaves and unabashedly proclaimed the Gospel on prime time television. In my mind, this was a true high mark of Catholicism in our country–the reputation of the Church was respected to the extent that one of its primary evangelists was given the opportunity to evangelize weekly on major networks!
Since that time, perhaps the Church has suffered a drought in that respect, but I see a surge of evangelization occurring again, though primarily via Catholic networks. Nonetheless, I believe we have soon-to-be Blessed Fulton J. Sheen to thank for the inspiration to spread the Gospel openly on these networks.
Because of his impact on the Catholic Church of the United States, I hope you too are excited about his beatification. Several of us Men of Signum Crucis plan to travel to St. Louis for the Mass. Please consider joining us there.
Read more about the events surrounding this momentous event here.
Hope you can join us.
2026 Joseph Challenge
Men, the Joseph Challenge lived up to its name. The walking pilgrimage between St. Joseph sites in the St. Louis area was a challenge, but a worthwhile spiritual (and physical) exercise indeed.
I hope that many of you will consider joining me in next year’s event, which will likely be scheduled for May 1 and 2 next year, though these dates are not certain yet. I hope you will pencil these dates into your calendar.
If an overnight is not possible or desirable, feel free to join us for any leg of the pilgrimage. You do not have to walk the entire pilgrimage. May is a busy time of the year, so feel free to come and participate as you can.
Click here to access the website of this past year’s event.
Please let me know if you have any questions about the 2027 Joseph Challenge.
St. Peter Cemetery Progress
Thank you to Nick Dolson and his volunteers of the Men of Signum Crucis for their recent work in St. Peter Cemetery. Over 60 headstones have been cleaned so far, but much cleaning work still needs to be done.
Future dates for the work of the Cemetery Crew are
● July 18
● August 15
● September 19
● October 17 (or 24) and
● November 2 (All Souls’ Day Ceremony only)
Talk to Nick Dolson to learn more about this project, and how you can help to fulfill one of the Seven Corporal Works of Mercy (bury the dead).
Thank You to Abbot James Albers, O.S.B.
Thank you to Abbott James Albers, O.S.B., who presented at our June 17 gathering. Abbot James is the abbott at St. Benedict’s Monastery in Atchison, Kansas, which is home of the Catholic college founded by the monastery–Benedictine College. His presentation absolutely blew me away–I am always so amazed that the monks of the Order of St. Benedict have such a way to know the hearts of the people. I heard a message that evening that, as I said that evening, hit me square between the eyes.
We Men of Signum Crucis are becoming spoiled at the amazing men who present at our monthly gatherings–some of them from very far away. May God bless each one of the men who share their faith, stories and experience with us.
Men’s Retreat at St. Benedict’s Abbey this Fall
Men, we are invited to once again participate in a Men’s Retreat that is largely established for men from the Jefferson City area. The dates of the next retreat is Friday, October 30 through Sunday, November 1. We will leave from Jefferson City on that Friday at noon, and will return to Jefferson City at mid-afternoon that Sunday.
Many of you met Abbott James at the June gathering–this will be your chance to pray with the monks and gain the spiritual insight of Father Jay, our retreat Master. You will not be disappointed.
I am keeping a list of potential candidates for the retreat, so let me know before all slots are filled if you are interested in attending this retreat.
Catholic Radio Celebration Evening, July 11
Men, you and your family members are invited to attend the 13th Annual Catholic Radio Mass and Dinner to benefit Covenant Network, the provider of our local Catholic Radio station, 88.1 FM, KHJR. Please contact me if you can attend so we can have your name tags ready and enough food prepared. Let us all support such great causes that provide us with so much Catholic Study and Devotion
October 21 Gathering
Men, stay tuned for developments on an outdoor gathering on the third Wednesday of October (October 21) at a location to be announced at a later date (not Helias Catholic High School). Weather permitting, we hope to have a bonfire and the opportunity to hear some brief faith witness presentations by some of the Men of Signum Crucis. This event will be unlike any other gathering we have hosted in our four-year old history. Food will be provided, as always, but this will be a BYOB event. I hope you will make plans to attend this opportunity to mingle in an informal format.
Our Next Gathering–July 15, 2026
Adam Wright, Catholic Radio talk show host, will be our presenter at our gathering on July 15 at Helias Catholic High School. The title of Adam’s presentation is “Redemptive Suffering, Part II.”
As many of you know, Adam was a speaker at our first ever Men’s Conference in 2024, speaking about the topic near and dear to his heart: Redemptive Suffering. Shortly after the Conference, Adam was diagnosed with cancer, and he told me he really had to put into practice what he spoke about at the Conference. I hope you will come out and listen to his follow up on this very mind-boggling subject.
As always, we will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m., but feel free to come early to pray the Rosary at 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel.
Following Adam’s presentation, we will move to the Commons for fraternity and refreshments, and the evening will officially conclude with the praying of the Litany of St. Joseph at 7:55 p.m.
Please mark your calendars now to join your fraternity of men at Helias on July
In Conclusion…
I hope each of you will bring another new man or two with you to our July 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 spiritual events 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:
● July 15, 2026 (Adam Wright, “Redemptive Suffering, Part II”)
● August 19, 2026 (Jamie Smith, “Keeping the Sabbath”)
● September 16, 2026 (The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass as we begin our 5th year!)
● October 21, 2026 (“Reflections around the Campfire”)
● November 18, 2026 (Adoration, Benediction, and Confession in the Chapel)
● December 16, 2026 (topic to be determined at a later date)
Set your calendars now for the 4th Annual “Heart of a Hero”
Men’s Conference–April 2-3, 2027
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