By Megan Erbacher, The Message editor
More than 150 members of the Diocese of Evansville Deo Gratias Society gathered March 16 at St. Benedict Cathedral in Evansville for Mass celebrated by Bishop Joseph M. Siegel.
The third annual event began with Mass, followed by a catered reception and brief program in St. Benedict Cathedral’s Woodward Center. Diocesan Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry Jeremy Goebel gave a talk during the reception.
Father Alex Zenthoefer concelebrated Mass with Bishop Siegel, while Diocesan Seminarians and members of the diocese’s Savio group were servers for the Mass. Transitional Deacon Nick Biever assisted and proclaimed the gospel. Diocesan Director of Worship Matt Miller served as Master of Ceremonies.
During Mass, Diocesan Director of Stewardship Joe Paul Hayden and his wife Ellen served as gift bearers.
The Deo Gratias Society was established in 2021 to recognize those who have financially invested in the mission of Jesus Christ in the Diocese of Evansville. Members are those who give annual, unrestricted gifts of $1,000 or more toward the Catholic Ministries Appeal.
Deo Gratias is Latin for “thanks be to God.” This name is appropriate, organizers explained, as “we give thanks to God for those people who, having recognized all the gifts that the Lord has bestowed on them, have expressed their gratitude to him by generously supporting the needs of our local Church. They are partners in a shared commitment to ensure that the Diocese will continue to have the resources to effectively bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to the people in our 12 counties.”
At the reception and program following Mass, Diocesan Director of Vocations Father Tyler Tenbarge served as the Master of Ceremonies and introduced Goebel before he gave the keynote address.
“I love talking to people about Jesus,” Goebel said. “It is the thing that I’m most passionate about.”
Goebel, who serves as the diocesan director of youth and young adult ministry, spoke briefly about what goes on in his department. In a nutshell, he said he supports and provides resources for parishes and schools. Some highlights Goebel shared from youth and young adult ministry included many events on college campuses, FOCUS Missionaries, the SEEK Conference and NCYC.
Goebel said it all comes down to our mission, which is the salvation of souls.
“Our mission is to be conformed to Christ as individuals first, and that’s what allows us to go out and change the world,” he said. “It’s only in personal conformity to Jesus Christ that we’re able to go out and make a difference in the world because it’s his work.”
Goebel thanked all the Deo Gratias Society members.
“None of this could happen without your support,” he said. “I thank you all for being here. I thank you all for your witness, and for what you do. … What a joy it is to share in that work with all of you.”
Bishop Siegel told attendees it was great to be present with them. He noted stewardship is a way of life. He expressed his gratitude for the faithful witness and commitment to Christ that the Deo Gratias members show in their support of the Church.
He continued and said that the Deo Gratias Society members have recognized God’s many gifts bestowed upon them, and they’ve chosen to give back to promote his mission in the Church of the Diocese of Evansville.
Each member is much more than a generous donor to the annual Catholic Ministries Appeal, Bishop Siegel said, you are witnesses of God’s love and mercy. He said he hopes they know they make a bigger impact than they probably realize.
Father Tyler closed the reception by noting that everyone has their part to do, so we get trapped in an endless thank you loop.
“God is making so much possible here, isn’t he,” he asked. “He is making so much possible in you, too. And when God does that, our only response is to joyfully shout thank you back to him. So, thank you, for taking that mission on next.”
The Deo Gratias Society consists of two donor levels: Caritas Christi gives $5,000 and above, Lux Mundi gives $1,000-$4,999. For more information about the Deo Gratias Society, visit https://www.evdio.org/deo-gratias-society.html.