Newest Legatus chapter launches in ‘old Kentucky home’

On the evening of February 7, 2018, the Legatus colors of red and gold adorned Hurstbourne Country Club as the newly inducted members of the Louisville chapter raised their glasses of Kentucky bourbon in celebration of becoming the 24th chartered chapter of Legatus in the Great Lakes Region.

The Louisville Chapter swiftly reached the chartering threshold in 2017, led by Amy Dillon, Legatus’ Great Lakes regional director. After an introductory dinner in May with Archbishop Kurtz and a second informational dinner hosted in July by Don Mucci, vice president of Garrett Stotz Insurance and the founding chapter president, the Louisville Chapter kicked off on September 5 with 13 official members. Inspired by the Legatus mission and the warm community of the chapter, seven more couples joined within the month to reach the chartering threshold of 20 members.

Community spurs growth in virtue

Commencing the chartering celebration, the members gathered for Confession, rosary, and Holy Mass at St. Margaret Mary Parish. Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz celebrated the installation Mass accompanied by Fr. Fred Klotter (chapter chaplain), Fr. Bill Hammer (parish pastor), and Deacon Mark Kelley (chapter vice president). In his homily to the new charter members, Archbishop Kurtz spoke of the importance of community for growth in virtue, and he emphasized that through membership in Legatus, the members might find such a community and together become better witnesses for Christ.

The chartering ceremony immediately followed the Mass, during which the members received Legatus pins, chartering certificates, Legatus anniversary books, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Following Mass, the members adjourned to Hurstbourne Country Club for a celebratory cocktail reception, dinner, and remarks by Legatus executive director, Stephen Henley and Archbishop Kurtz.

Stephen Henley congratulated the chapter and thanked Archbishop Kurtz for his instrumental support of the Louisville Chapter. “Being members in Legatus is a vocation,” said Henley, “and through this vocation I pray that you will be rejuvenated and emboldened to be ambassadors for Christ.”

“… surround ourselves with people who can help us act in the right way”

Archbishop Kurtz took the podium after a celebratory dinner of filet and lobster tail. Kurtz offered his congratulations to the chapter and spoke again of the importance of community and belonging for spiritual growth as he commented on the impact of Legatus. “I see Legatus as fundamental for the local church in Louisville,” remarked Kurtz. “Thank God for putting good people in your life. We must surround ourselves with people who can help us to act in the right way, and in turn may we do that for others. We must not be afraid to tell others about the Catholic Faith and to invite them to go to heaven with us. Three cheers to Legatus!”