By John Rohlf, The Message assistant editor
Over 100 new members were inducted into the Diocese of Evansville’s Bruté Society Nov. 23 at St. Benedict Cathedral in Evansville.
Bishop Joseph M. Siegel honored the new members by celebrating Mass and with an induction ceremony. Twenty-one diocesan priests concelebrated the Mass.
Bishop Siegel opened Mass by saying it was a joy to welcome all in attendance to St. Benedict Cathedral, especially those to be inducted into the Bruté Society.
The Bruté Society annually recognizes individuals chosen by their parishes for ongoing commitment to stewardship. Established in 1990 as an official activity of the diocese, it is named for Servant of God Bishop Simon Bruté, who was appointed the first bishop of Vincennes in 1834. Membership in the Bruté Society is limited to laypersons who are registered members of a Diocesan parish.
During the induction ceremony, Diocesan Director of Stewardship Joe Paul Hayden said it was his honor and privilege to present to Bishop Siegel the candidates for induction into the Bruté Society. The men and women were nominated by their fellow parishioners who regard them as outstanding witnesses of Christian stewardship, he said.
“They all have a long history of giving generously of their very selves to strengthen the work of the church within their parishes,” Hayden said. “They are known to be people of deep faith. Not a passive faith, but one which comes alive in their dedication to and in support of the mission of Jesus Christ, both local and universal.”
In his homily during Mass, Bishop Siegel said it was providential that on the Solemnity of Christ the King, they inducted new members into the Bruté Society, recognizing men and women from around the diocese. With God’s grace, they have taken to heart the example of Christ the servant, seeing life in the perspective of faith and dedicated themselves to the service of God and the mission of the church in their parishes, he said.
Bishop Siegel said when we think of the church, we often think of buildings, the brick and mortar and the physical reality of our parishes, schools and institutions. He said all these edifices and efforts are made possible by the living stones, the faithful like the honorees into the Bruté Society, who make up the temple of God here on earth, the church, and whose commitment and sacrifice has helped make possible the good work done by their parish communities.
Bishop Siegel said we also celebrate the current members of the Bruté Society, who have continued to do outstanding work in their parishes. We also call to mind the members of the Bruté Society who have gone before us together in faith, he said.
Bishop Siegel said Nov. 23 in his homily that it is the task of all of us here today to be good stewards of our own blessings and talents. With God’s help, may we use them to support the mission Jesus gave to the church, by being coworkers with him proclaiming the gospel, by teaching his word, by celebrating the sacraments, by passing on the faith to the next generation and by being of service to our brothers and sisters, he said.
After Mass, all were invited to a reception. For more information on the Bruté Society, visit https://www.evdio.org/brute-society.html.