Indianapolis chapter of Legatus celebrates 25 years
Pictured are members of the 2015 Legatus of Indianapolis board of directors. Seated, from left, Carmel Brand, secretary; Terry Langsenkamp, program chair; Tina Malone, trustee; and Kathryn Densborn, past-president. Standing are George Maley, founder emeritus; Tim Rushenberg, trustee; Msgr. Joseph Schaedel, chaplain; Tom Penno, president; Kevin McCarthy, membership chair; Pat Carr, treasurer; Tom Spencer, ex-officio, and Jim Zink, trustee. (Photo by Rhythm in Focus)
Special to The Criterion
Legatus of Indianapolis celebrated its 25th anniversary on Dec. 11 with a Mass at St. Michael the Archangel Church, followed by dinner and a short program at the Woodstock Club.
Legatus is an international organization for Catholic business leaders whose mission is to “study, live and spread the Catholic faith in our business, professional and personal lives.”
Indianapolis area resident George Maley originally learned about Legatus from his friend Tom Monaghan, who founded the organization, and joined as an at-large member in 1987. Monaghan then encouraged Maley to charter a chapter in Indianapolis. Archbishop Edward T. O’Meara of Indianapolis gave his approval and appointed the archdiocesan vicar general as chaplain.
The then-named Indiana chapter first met at the Indianapolis Athletic Club on Dec. 8, 1989. Ten member-couples joined after the first gathering, and Jerry Semler became the chapter’s president.
Growing the membership was slow during the first two years, but took off with the gathering of 20 member-couples in the third year. Today, there are 55 member-couples who gather once a month for Mass, a speaker and dinner. There are also chapters in the South Bend/Elkhart area and Ft. Wayne.
The recent evening was shared with Legatus of Indianapolis alumni and representatives from the Legatus international office, including John Hunt, executive director.
Msgr. Joseph Schaedel, pastor of St. Luke the Evangelist Parish in Indianapolis and Legatus of Indianapolis chaplain, celebrated Mass and offered his thoughts on the organization.
The evening also served as the chapter’s annual meeting where president Kathryn Densborn passed the gavel to Tom Penno, incoming president, and the 2015 officers were installed. The chapter is currently accepting new members.
More information about Legatus of Indianapolis can be found at www.legatus.org/chapter/indianapolis. †
