Parishioners Gene And Bert Schmidt Reflect On Living Stewardship At St. Benedict And Beyond

Among Group of Three Parish Couples Inducted into Diocese of Evansville Bruté Society for Years of Service

For Gene and Bert Schmidt, induction into the Diocese of Evansville Bruté Society in recognition of their stewardship has affirmed something they’ve always known — St. Benedict Cathedral Parish has truly been their home.

The COVID-19 restrictions meant that no induction Mass could be held at the diocesan level, but Fr. Godfrey held a presentation at the 4:30 p.m. Saturday Mass on Dec. 12. Sharing in the award were fellow parishioners Flavien and Kathleen Elpers, and Douglas and Tracy Griffin.

The Bruté Society was 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. At that time, the territory of the Vincennes Diocese included all of Indiana as well as about one-third of Illinois — including Chicago. The name “Bruté Society” represents the rich spiritual and historical heritage of the present Diocese of Evansville.

Membership in The Bruté Society is limited to laypersons who are registered members of one of the parishes of the Diocese of Evansville. Ordained clergy and religious are not eligible. Under ordinary circumstances, the Parish Council is responsible for selecting and vetting the parish’s honoree(s) for membership, subject to the approval of the pastor. The names of those chosen are then forwarded to the diocese for induction into the Society.

“I was so honored to be appointed to the society,” Bert says. “Accepting it was such a rewarding experience. I just felt so good. We moved here about 40 years ago to the Lincolnshire neighborhood, and St. Ben’s was right here. You just felt so at home. The parishioners were always so kind to us, and from that, you do want to do things [for the parish].”

And the Schmidts have been doing just that, offering their time, talents, and treasure in acts of stewardship that are daily examples of how we become disciples of Christ. Gene is co-chair of the

Adopt-A-Spot Ministry that cares for the landscaping around the cathedral and school. He also is an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, as well as an adult Mass server. Bert is a member of the Cookie Disciples and serves as a greeter. Both also serve on the Stewardship Committee.

Bert particularly enjoys serving as a greeter.

“It feels so good to see them because these people are my church family,” she says.

As members of the Stewardship Committee, they meet with Fr. Godfrey once a month. However, with the COVID-19 restrictions, the committee has not met since last March.

On a personal level, the couple has been remaining home as much as possible to stay safe, but they faithfully maintain their prayer practices by saying the Rosary daily and being attentive to prayers. Gene tries to attend Mass two to three times a week.

“We do try to live our lives as disciples and good stewards of God,” Gene says. “It all comes from God. We receive love to give it back and be it and grow it, and to give it back to God. It all comes from Him.”

Fr. Godfrey presented the Bruté Society awards to our parish’s recipients after the 4:30 p.m. Mass on Saturday, Dec. 12. Gathered with Fr. Godfrey are (from left) Flavien and Kathleen Elpers, and Bert and Gene Schmidt. Tracy and Doug Griffin also were recipients; Doug Griffin received the award posthumously.