OREGON — The Madison chapter of Legatus recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary.

Legatus is an international organization dedicated to offering community and formation to Catholic business leaders.

The Madison chapter was chartered in 2016 and had its anniversary celebration on September 10 at The Legend at Bergamont in Oregon.

Celebrating the milestone

The event began with Mass, with the Rosary prayed beforehand for those who wished. 

Mass was celebrated by Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison.

After Mass, there was a brief welcome.

“We celebrate not only how far we’ve come, but also our continued commitment to the Legatus mission of studying, living, and spreading the Catholic faith,” said Tim Powers, a Madison chapter member. 

“We are grateful to all of you who have helped build this chapter, and we are excited for the blessings to come.”

Founding members, as well as past presidents, were recognized.

There was a cocktail hour while members enjoyed a beautiful sunset outside on the patio, before returning inside for a three-course dinner. 

A toast was offered at the start of the meal.

After dinner, a fireside chat with Stephen Henley, president of Legatus International, was held, with Fr. Garrett Kau, chaplain of the local chapter, facilitating the conversation.

The event officially ended with the St. Michael Prayer, although the socializing continued for any who wished.

The festivities were enjoyed by the local chapter, which is now 28 couples strong.

Community for leaders

Madison member Tom Ninneman said that for him, and he suspects for many members, community is a big part of what drew him to Legatus.

Being a leader, especially in a secular company or business, while bringing the Faith into that, can be a challenge. 

Having people that understand and can provide real solidarity makes a huge difference. 

He also enjoys the element of having speakers regularly and, importantly, how Legatus welcomes spouses and encourages participating in events as a couple. 

Amy Ninneman shared his approval. For her, as a couple, they’ve always been asking, “What can we do for the Church?” 

As their influence expanded in the businesses they’re part of, it was natural to seek out like-minded people. 

For Amy, Faith grounds them, including helping shape business priorities so profit doesn’t ever become the only goal.

Supporting ‘ambassadors’

Legatus features monthly chapter meetings, which include Mass, dinner, and a speaker, as well as “Forums,” monthly meetings of smaller groups within the chapter which aim to build community. 

Due to the membership criteria, which include the requirement of a leadership role in a workplace above a specific financial threshold, Legatus offers a unique solidarity to business executives who want to truly live their Faith in the public square.

Another practice Legatus encourages in its members is the Tres Magna, or Big 3, namely, monthly Confession, daily Rosary, and daily Mass. 

This commitment fortifies leaders to live the Faith.

In addition to regular local chapter events, the larger Legatus organization also offers a national summit, retreats, and pilgrimages for its members, as well as other benefits like online subscriptions to Catholic resources, tuition discounts at Catholic universities, and a connection with the National  Catholic Bioethics Center, which offers consultation on medical ethics decisions.

All of this is designed to nourish and support Catholic leaders who aren’t afraid to witness to their Faith in the midst of their business, even when that environment is a secular one. 

“Legatus” literally means “ambassador,” and the goal is to be ambassadors for Christ (cf. 2 Cor 5:20).

“We’re not here to be a Catholic dinner club,” said Henley during the event. 

“If you all start feeling that this is a Catholic dinner club, then that’s not worth your time, and it’s not worth ours, and we’re not building up the Kingdom. The sole purpose is to grow in our Faith and to continue to get better in all aspects.”