Legatus re-charters its Rockford Chapter

Bishop David Malloy calls members to stand with Christ

When Legatus members stand together with the Church in witnessing the Catholic faith, they “stand with Christ,” Bishop David Malloy said to the 20 founding member-couples of Legatus’ newly re-chartered Rockford Chapter.

“We’re going to be asked to be faithful witnesses,” he continued in his homily, noting that the world needs the truth of Christ. “Our task is to be faithful, to be joyful … to keep our eyes on Christ.”

Work to do

The chartering ceremony and commissioning of officers took place on June 30 at St. Rita Church in Rockford. Festivities continued at Giovanni’s Restaurant where members and guests socialized over dinner. Bishop Malloy spoke at the dinner and later answered members’ questions.

The bishop focused on the need for Catholics, including the laity, “to commit a blatant act of faith” as American society continues to move away from what had been common Judeo-Christian values and worldview.

Bishop Malloy asked them also for their prayers and support for him and for their parishes. “Your willingness to come here [to Legatus and] be part of this chartering says, ‘I’m willing to live what Christ has told us.’”

Legatus’ executive director John Hunt noted that the members’ work would determine the impact that Legatus has in the diocese — now and in the future.

“All of you are founders” of the Rockford Chapter, he said, calling it a “happy burden.”

Legatus, he said, offers members a once-a-month date night; a chance to interact with other senior executives and share the “burdens of leadership;” a means to grow one’s personal faith life; a vehicle for living the New Evangelization; and an opportunity to walk with the Church as it navigates various threats to faith.

Re-chartering

John Morrissey

John Morrissey and his wife Fran have been the main promoters of the chapter’s re-chartering. Rockford was initially founded on Sept. 19, 2001. At the dinner, Morrissey called Legatus a support group — “an enabling group” to help members “hopefully to become a better businessman.”

Legatus provides “always a positive, upbeat, you-can-do-it” atmosphere, he said.

Nancy Haskell, director of Legatus’ Great Lakes Region, said the Morrisseys worked hard to resurrect the Rockford Chapter.

“They are a remarkable couple, and a great gift to Legatus and the Diocese of Rockford,” she said. “This chapter has a great board and will continue to do well.”

AMANDA HUDSON is the news editor of The Observer. This article was originally published in The Observer’s July 13 issue. Legatus staff contributed to this article.