Photo provided by Br. Matt Rehagen, C.S.C.
When a Holy Cross religious is assigned to a new placement, he is given an official position with regular duties that come with that assignment. For example, a new associate pastor at a parish could be assigned to help lead the Youth Group or take charge of the faith formation or Sacramental preparation. A young priest or brother is often told either informally or formally that in addition to his regular obediences, he can expect more duties to come as assigned later. Essentially this boils down to, “Be ready for more. More things will certainly be added to your plate as you get settled and more needs come up.”
In the Classroom
At Cathedral High School, my regular duty is to be a teacher. This includes all of the requirements of teaching precalculus and moral theology this year — lesson planning, professional development, teaching the courses each day, the differentiation, the grading, etc. And I love what I do! Every day brings new adventures as I push my students to pursue the Truth and strive to achieve the greatness for which God created them! In addition to the regular tasks of teaching, I’ve been able to take up a few more “duties as assigned.” These somewhat surprising tasks have already borne so much fruit in my early years of religious life, and now I really can’t imagine my time at Cathedral without them. A couple of these duties include coaching girls soccer and leading the Champions Together group at the high school.
Champions Together
This year is my third year leading Champions Together, a group that partners Cathedral High School with the local Special Olympics programs. Throughout the year, we raise money for Special Olympics while playing with, coaching, and supporting Special Olympians in basketball, bocce, bowling, track and field, soccer, cornhole, and so much more. We’ve even won two IHSAA Unified State Championships in the past two years! My favorite activity is leading the high schoolers in the Polar Plunge each February as a Special Olympics fundraiser.
Champions Together helps me to give back to my community while giving the opportunity to show what relationship building and outreach looks like for our high school participants. Volunteering with Special Olympics also keeps me rooted with my own family back in Missouri. My uncle, Darrell, had special needs, and my Grandpa Rehagen was his coach for decades in a variety of Special Olympic sports. I always think of them as I head to our practices or begin one of our large tournaments. Being part of Champions Together has connected me to so many great athletes and students, and our regular meetings and practices are always some of the highlights of my week.
Coach, Mentor, Brother
This school year is also my third season as the head coach of the JV girls soccer team. It has been such a joy and privilege to watch the team develop and now see the former JV players become leaders, contributors, and captains on the varsity team, as well as leaders in the classroom and school community. As a coach and mentor, I’ve seen my players and supported them in the highs and lows of their lives. I’ve been by their side in times of serious injury; I’ve tutored them to prepare for upcoming tests; I’ve attended visitations and funerals when a family member has passed away; I meet with each of them to talk about their grades and involvement at Cathedral; and I’ve supported them in their journeys of faith as a Confirmation sponsor, retreat leader, and sounding board for them as they ask the deep questions of life. Being a coach of such an amazing group of young women is something I will never take for granted.
Overall, I strive to be a brother and mentor in and outside the classroom at Cathedral High School. That is my religious identity in Holy Cross. A brother is always there when you need it. That’s what I try to be for my students and for my team. Are any of these extracurriculars part of my official role as a teacher? Not necessarily. But, these are just some of the “duties as assigned” that come with the role. They are additional ways for me to be a brother at Cathedral, and I couldn’t imagine my time at Cathedral High School without them!
By Br. Matt Rehagen, C.S.C.
Published September 23, 2026 by the Office of Vocations
