Miter Society recognizes generosity of
United Catholic Appeal donors

By Brandon A. Evans

Just as the archdiocesan Church offers special appreciation to those who give generously of their time and service, so too does it honor those who, blessed with financial success, have stayed true to a life of stewardship.

The Miter Society is a program for those families who donate at least $1,500 to the archdiocese’s annual United Catholic Appeal ( UCA).

There are different giving levels in the society, and for those different levels, there are different opportunities, such as touring a home mission site, taking part in a day of prayer at Our Lady of Fatima Retreat House or attending a special dinner at the residence of Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein.

One such event that all Miter Society members were invited to was a Mass celebrated by the archbishop on May 25 at SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis. About 115 individuals attended.

During the Mass, Archbishop Buechlein tied together Christian worship to service.

“By virtue of our baptism into Christ … we are called to serve and not to be served,” he said. “There’s no doubt that being good stewards for God and for our neighbor is a genuine Christian service, and there is a definite spiritual connection.”

The sacraments, he said, are open to all Catholics and freely given without regard to money or status. Quoting from St. Paul, the archbishop noted that he who does not share his daily bread with those less fortunate does not deserve to share in the eucharistic banquet.

“Your generous stewardship mirrors the teaching of St. Paul,” he told those gathered. “In fact, your stewardship is a service that finds its roots in a very ancient Christian tradition.

“Your generosity gives glory to God, and it helps the poor.”

He also thanked those gathered for their gifts, and offered thanksgiving to God for all good things.

Ron Greulich, director of major gifts for the archdiocese, said that the Miter Society is “an excellent way to show our appreciation” for peoples’ generosity.

Still, he said, “we appreciate everyone’s gifts—from the smallest to the largest.”

Without the contributions of whatever each person can afford, the archdiocesan UCA would never meet its goal. Never-theless, the members of the Miter Society can serve as good examples to everyone.

“We are extremely grateful for the model of good stewardship exhibited by the members of the Miter Society,” said Kent Goffinet, the new director of stewardship and development for the archdiocese.

The society comprises more than 700 families who contribute about 30 percent of all the money received in each year’s UCA—and this past year that added up to nearly $1.7 million.

And those funds, combined with the donations of thousands of others, is what enables the archdiocese to continue its spiritual and material outreach—from the education of seminarians to feeding and housing thousands of needy people each year to educating children in the home mission schools of the archdiocese. †