Each year Legatus honors a number of outstanding members. I had the privilege of presenting the 2012 Courage in the Marketplace award to the Weingartz family (Detroit Northeast Chapter) and to Bill and Andy Newland (Denver Chapter). Christopher and Mary Anne Yep of the Chicago Chapter had previously received the Courage in the Marketplace award at our 2013 Summit.

I have been reflecting on my younger years. You know, those formative, impressionable years of elementary school, high school and college that formed so much of who we become in adulthood.

A highlight of the annual Legatus Summit is the presentation of awards to deserving individuals. While these awards express our appreciation, Summit attendees also come away inspired by recipients’ depth of faith and eloquent example.

In the 11th chapter of Luke, Jesus said to his disciples, “Suppose one of you has a friend who goes out at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey, and I have nothing to offer him.’

On Aug. 1, 2012, the effective date of the HHS mandate requiring employers to provide contraceptive services and abortifacients to their employees, I memorialized that unfortunate requirement with an e-mail message of hope and unified commitment to our Legatus family — and to bring a sense of urgency to this critical issue of our day.

As Legates bask in the glow of the organization’s quarter century of service to the Catholic Church, we find ourselves engaged in a struggle for the very soul of the Church in America. The technological and cultural advances we enjoy in the 21st century have been met with a corresponding slide in morality, ethics and objective truth in the marketplace, the academy and, on occasion, even within our families.

I’ve recently been reflecting on my younger years. You know, those seminal, impressionable years of elementary school, high school and college that form so much of who we become in adulthood.

Three — the mystical number three — has inspired the Church from its origins: The three theological virtues of faith, hope and charity; the three members of the Holy Family; and, of course, the Blessed Trinity.

As one who has experienced Legatus for almost 20 years, there’s no question that my fellow Legates are honored to participate in the free enterprise system here in the U.S. and abroad.

Legatus members treasure the reality of what God has wrought in each human person, each human life. Human life is sacred. We know this. We believe it. But let’s consider not simply the “fact” of life, but rather seek to understand more fully the importance of every “person” because that’s what each of us is — a person who, given the opportunity, desires to live fully the time allotted to him or her here on earth.

To any thoughtful, prayerful observer of the culture, it’s clear that the standards by which we were raised are viewed by many as dated, naïve attitudes of a bygone era. In fact, many of those who hold public office have the same attitude.

The 2011 Legatus Summit in Naples captivated a record number of Legates and chaplains in early February. The enjoyment of each new Summit seems to wash over the memories of previous Summits and the graces that flowed from each.

It’s no secret that Legatus is apostolic in nature, and our apostolate carries a certain level of responsibility for bringing the Good News to Catholic business leaders.

In my last column, I wrote about obstacles that may deter Legates from inviting prospective members to enjoy the spiritual and social benefits of Legatus membership. Here are some common questions about membership recruitment.

2009 was a difficult year. Few sectors of the U.S. economy were spared, and Legates were not immune. So it should be no surprise that Legatus membership reflected the state of the economy with a dip in membership.

Legatus is admired for its dedication to fostering the faith among Catholic executives and their spouses — and for the impact members have on their parishes and communities. As a result, Legates take pride in their membership and at the same time represent the best of Catholic ethical and moral conduct.

The spirit of Legatus is visible wherever “two or more” Legates are gathered. Members’ love for our faith is infectious.

As you receive this magazine, your fellow Legates are gathering in Dana Point, Calif., for the Annual Legatus Summit.

You’re invited! The consummate Legatus experience of any year is our Annual Summit. In just three months, the next Summit will be held in Dana Point, Calif.

After more years than I care to mention, my enthusiasm for Legatus continues to grow. As members of the Chicago Chapter, Kathie and I are incredibly blessed by this organization and its extraordinary members across the country and around the world. I suspect that you feel the same way, knowing that Legatus has enhanced your faith experience in ways that couldn’t have been imagined.