Deep in the heart of Texas

Austin Chapter charters in March as the Lone Star State’s fifth Legatus chapter . . .

by Patrick Novecosky

L-R: John Hunt, Tom Monaghan, Tim & Patricia Von Dohlen, Bishop Daniel Garcia, Fr. Albert Laforet.

Austin is often described as a blueberry in a sea of ketchup — a solid blue city in a solid red state. So developing a Legatus chapter in the Texas capital certainly wasn’t an easy task, but a handful of determined Catholic business leaders made it happen.

The chapter chartered with 20 member-couples at The University of Texas Club on March 18 with Mass celebrated by newly ordained Austin Auxiliary Bishop Daniel Garcia, assisted by chaplain Fr. Albert Laforet. The after-dinner talk featured chapter president John Oberg sitting down with Legatus founder Tom Monaghan in a “fire-side-chat” question-and-answer session.

Taking root

When Brian and Bernice Follett joined Legatus six years ago and moved to Austin, they were longing for a chapter to call their own. Follett and former regional director Brian Von Gruben broke ground in Austin by meeting individually with then-Bishop Gregory Aymond and Fr. Albert Laforet in 2009.

“We met a few times before the bishop decided to assign Fr. Albert as our chaplain,” Follett said. “At the same time, other people were asking the bishop about starting a chapter here. It’s wonderful when you have several people doing that.”

With Bishop Aymond’s move to New Orleans in 2009, the chapter’s development was put on hold until last year. The first official chapter meeting happened on May 7, 2014, when about 30 prospects gathered for Mass, dinner and a presentation from Fr. Leo Patalinghug, the founder of the Grace Before Meals apostolate.

Jamie and Alisha Lagarde were one of the couples at the first meeting.

“I had heard of Legatus from a good friend in Austin,” Jamie Lagarde said. “The name Legatus was familiar to me. My friend convinced me that this was a Catholic organization where I could meet like-minded individuals who share a common faith background and experience.”

Lagarde, president of Sedera Health, joined after attending two chapter events. “The private Mass was quite powerful for me,” he said. “On one level, it’s a great date night for us that we now look forward to. On a more spiritual level, since my wife is not Catholic, the talk gives a great opportunity to discuss and learn more about our different perspectives and many times find common ground.”

Growing in faith

Austin Legates pose for a photo after their March 18 chartering ceremony at The University of Texas Club.

Membership chair Tim Von Dohlen says the chapter has been a blessing to him and his wife Patricia. Despite the challenges of living in an unchurched part of the state, he says Legatus is needed in Austin.

“Legates are called to be leaven,” he said. “We are called to stand up for the faith no matter what, and Legatus gives us the courage to do that.”

Bishop Garcia echoed that sentiment in his homily at the chartering event by calling on Legates to embody the mission statement to learn and live the faith in love and charity.

“It’s in the everyday relationships we have, especially when we encounter people we differ with,” he said. “We must love those people. It’s not an option. It doesn’t mean we agree with them. But it’s about how we treat each other.”

Von Dohlen, who was also instrumental in kickstarting the chapter’s growth last year, also saluted the other four Texas chapters who helped launch Austin by suggesting prospective members.

Chapter president John Oberg, who has been involved with several executive networking groups, says Legatus is a Godsend for him and many others.

“Legatus is a place to learn more about my faith and connect with other like-minded people,” said Oberg, who entered the Church in 2009. “Being new to the faith, learning is essential. I learn not only from the speakers, but also from the members. It’s been fantastic.”

PATRICK NOVECOSKY is Legatus’ editor-in-chief.