The Crux of the Matter - June 2025

Men of Signum Crucis, today the Church observes the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, at which time Mary, immediately after the conception of Jesus, exhibited charity toward her cousin Elizabeth by carrying Jesus to her as a blessing.

This is a great opportunity for all of us Men of Signum Crucis to reflect on the level of concern that we have for others.

Do we know the Corporal Works of Mercy?  If so, do we ever slow down our busy lives and put them into practice?

Maybe this is our time, as a fraternity of men, to join together and move our faith from our heads and hearts to our sleeves.

Would you get involved in service work with your brothers in the Men of Signum Crucis?  We know that our patron, St. Joseph, along with the Blessed Mother of Jesus, devoted themselves to Charity himself.  Would you be willing to serve on a team of men who will organize mission work, based on the Corporal Works of Mercy, for us to undertake in our parishes and community?  Please sign up here if you are willing to help organize works of service for the Men of Signum Crucis.  Your collaboration with other men to help organize these efforts will be greatly appreciated.

Habemus Papam!  Pope Leo XIV

Where were you when you heard that white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, announcing the selection of a new Pope?

Let me ask:  who was thinking we would have an American-born Pope?  Born in Chicago in 1955, Robert Francis Prevost was selected on May 8.

While we continue to pray for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis, it is very important that we also turn our prayers toward our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV.  We pray that he might continue to build up unity within the Church.

Do you realize that the Pope, as Bishop of Rome, is the universal bishop–not just of Catholics, but of all people in the world?  As such, let us also pray heartily for the unification of all Christians and non-Christians under Pope Leo XIV. 

Where was I when I heard of the selection of the new Pope?  We had just concluded the Baccalaureate Mass at Helias when I heard that white smoke was coming from the chimney in the Sistine Chapel.  Soon after, Pope Leo XIV was introduced to the world from the main Loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Vivat Papa!

Congratulations to Archbishop Shawn McKnight!

Our congratulations are extended to Archbishop Shawn McKnight, installed just three days ago on May 27 as the fifth Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas.  We thank him for his service to the Diocese of Jefferson City since his installation as Bishop on February 8, 2018.

In 2022, Archbishop McKnight approved the concept of a men’s fraternity that would be permitted to use the facilities of Helias Catholic High School.  This men’s fraternity quickly evolved into what we now call the Men of Signum Crucis.  We thank Archbishop McKnight for his foresight.

Let us extend our prayers for Archbishop McKnight and the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas.

How will the Diocese of Jefferson City Be Led in the Interim?

The College of Consultors of the Diocese of Jefferson City, comprised of eight priests of the Diocese of Jefferson City, will meet on Monday, June 2, to begin the process of selecting an Administrator who will oversee the diocese until a new bishop is appointed by Pope Leo XIV.  Let us pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit during this very important time in the Diocese of Jefferson City.

Mark your Calendars now

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

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.

A Note on Manliness–What Is It Really?

Men, I had a great conversation with a young man on a recent flight, where we shared our thoughts about the need for men to exhibit their faith in robust ways.  Preston had just completed a pilgrimage in the major cities of Europe, which concluded with a walking pilgrimage in Rome between the seven primary Basilicas during this Jubilee Year.  He walked 23 miles that day, spending time in prayer in each of the Basilicas.

Impressive.

          We talked about the topic of manliness, which really is God’s call to consecrate ourselves to the study and devotions of our faith.  This manliness is how we lead in our families and among our circle of friends.  This exhibition of manliness is what the world needs.

          Not everyone can fly to Europe and Rome and walk 23 miles, but we don’t have to do that to exhibit manliness.  We can consecrate ourselves everyday to become a better man for our family and friends.

          It is the world that is confused about what real manliness is.  I pray that you are seeing (and exhibiting) real manliness in our fraternity of the Men of Signum Crucis.  I hope to continue to develop a better understanding of this topic in Men of Signum Crucis gatherings in the future.

Thank You, Father Paul Clark, Father Pat Dowling, Father Tom Alber, Father James Finder, and Deacon Ric Telthorst!

Thank you to the four area priests who heard Confessions at the May 21 gathering of the Men of Signum Crucis.  These priests are just some of the many who have shown their support to the Men of Signum Crucis and the Heart of a Hero Men’s Conference in the past.

Thanks also and Deacon Ric Telthorst for assisting at our May 21 gathering by Exposing the Blessed Sacrament in the Helias Chapel during Confessions, and for offering Benediction at the end. 

It is the regular schedule of the Men of Signum Crucis that Confessions, Adoration, and Benediction is offered during our May and November gatherings.

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.

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–June 18

Our next gathering on June 18 will feature David Herman, one of our Men of Signum Crucis, who will present to us on pertinent areas of Sacred Scripture.  I know you will find this topic to be very helpful for your faith development, and I hope to see you there.

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

As always, we’ll enjoy refreshments and fellowship afterwards in the Commons, which (weather permitting) will include burgers right off the grill.

Please mark your calendars now to join your fraternity of men at Helias on June 18.

 In Conclusion…

          I hope each of you will bring another new man or two with you to our June 18 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:       

●      June 18, 2025 (David Herman, Sacred Scripture)

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

●      August 21, 2025 (Father Stephen Jones, “The Shroud of Turin”)

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

●      October 15, 2025 (Catholic Manliness)

Mark your Calendars now

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