A Catholic organization of business leaders is looking for new members

to serve as “ambassadors in the marketplace.”

Legatus, named after the Latin word for “ambassador,” is an international Catholic lay organization founded to help business executives and their spouses study, live and spread their faith in their business, professional and personal lives.

“The leaders in businesses often set the tone and have the opportunity to define the vision for a company,” says Father Michael Billian, chaplain for the Legatus chapter in the Diocese of Toledo. “The people who have those roles need support to do that, and also need good ideas from one another for how to do that in the business world.”

Bob Savage, a member of Toledo Gesu and co-founder of Savage & Associates, joined Legatus with his wife, Sue, when the first chapter formed in Michigan 20 years ago. The headquarters for that chapter, known as Genesis, recently moved from Ann Arbor to the Diocese of Toledo.

“We are actively pursuing enlarging the chapter,” says Mr. Savage, membership chair.
Legatus has about 40 members, but hopes to attract more business leaders from communities throughout the diocese. As membership diversifies, Fr. Billian says the group will move meetings around the region.

Each monthly chapter meeting includes an opportunity for confession, rosary, Mass, dinner and conversation, and a speaker presentation. Members are invited to participate in an annual pilgrimage to Rome, and to attend national events. Mrs. Savage says she appreciates that spouses are treated as equal members who are welcome to all events sponsored by the organization.

Chapter meetings can even serve as a relaxing date night for couples, says Jim Shrader of Shrader Tire and Oil, chapter president and member of Toledo Historic Church of St. Patrick.

“It’s not a business meeting, it’s not a fundraiser, it’s not a convention,” he explains. “People can go out and enjoy the evening without any pressure.”

Fr. Billian says Legatus provides peer support and education to help members incorporate the values and ethics of their faith into their businesses.

“Laypeople are invited and encouraged to live out their baptismal call wherever they are. Not just when they go to church on Sunday or not just when they’re home with their family, but throughout their whole life,” says Fr. Billian.

That can be a great challenge in the business world, he adds, where “you might be enticed to let your ethics go out the window and keep your eye on the almighty dollar, instead of the almighty God.”

President-elect Bob Schulte feels his involvement with Legatus has helped him and his wife, Grace, to become better Christians, which he says has impacted the way they have conducted their family business over the years.

“You’re with people of like mind in terms of ethics and morals,” explains Mr. Schulte, who belongs to Delphos St. John the Evangelist and owns Spherion of Lima with his wife. “Legatus is a great support group in that respect.”

Those applying for membership in Legatus must be practicing Catholics who are responsible for the operation of a qualifying corporation or division. Annual dues cover the costs of programs for a member and spouse, and 10 percent of the dues are donated to charitable works supported by the Holy Father.

For more information, visit www.legatus.org or contact membership chair Bob Savage at 419-475-8665.