Legatus’ new faith-filled Enclave

Legatus founder TOM MONAGHAN writes that a small Legatus retreat packed a big punch . . .

Thomas Monaghan

For some time I had been intending to gather a small group of Legatus members for a couple days of retreat. The idea was to hold it at a great venue, bring in some tremendous speakers, and make it a real personal experience.

So this summer, I decided to just go ahead and schedule it and see what would happen. Thus was born the Legatus Enclave of 2014.

Thanks to the generosity of a fellow Legate, we were able to secure the use of the incredible Black River Ranch with 9,000 acres of pristine land in northern Michigan. In terms of a theme for our Enclave/retreat, we selected “From Success to Significance” and lined up speaker and author Lloyd Reeb, who wrote a book by that title. Reeb travels the country giving talks and leading workshops on this topic. Peter Herbeck from Renewal Ministries, Fr. Robert Sirico of the Acton Institute, and our very own Bishop Sam Jacobs completed the lineup of speakers. We also brought in professional golfer Chip Beck to play some golf with attendees and talk about life on the tour as a Catholic.

We held the Enclave during the first week of October and the feedback has been very positive. Reeb’s sessions were powerful, and I believe each attendee was really struck by his message. It seemed to have been created for the Legatus profile. He talked about practical steps as we go from focusing on business success and excellence to focusing on a life of significance in Christ and those around us. The other speakers were also excellent, as they encouraged us to embrace what Christ is calling us to do at this point in our lives with the unique gifts and resources He has given us.

Yet, as good as all the speakers were and as impressive as the venue was, the consistent feedback we received was that it was the time with fellow members that was most meaningful and powerful. After some last-minute cancellations, we had about 14 members plus our speakers, which gave us the opportunity to really have personal conversations and get to know each other over the course of our two days together.

As we spent time together, guys were able to open up and share their personal experiences — both challenges and victories. This fellowship and peer support is really at the heart of the Legatus experience, and I was really encouraged to see it come together in this new format.

TOM MONAGHAN is Legatus’ founder and chairman. He is a member of Legatus’ Naples Chapter.