WHAT IS THE BRUTÉ SOCIETY?
The Bruté Society is an honorary association of southwestern Indiana Catholic lay persons who have been recognized by their fellow parishioners as outstanding models of Christian stewardship.
The Bruté Society was established in 1990 as an official activity of the Diocese of Evansville, Indiana.
ORIGIN OF THE NAME
The Bruté Society is named for Servant of God Bishop Simon Bruté who was appointed the first bishop of Vincennes in 1834 and was a great example of Catholic stewardship. At that time, the territory of the Vincennes Diocese included all of Indiana as well as about one third of Illinois. The name “The Bruté Society” represents the rich spiritual and historical heritage of the present Diocese of Evansville.
PURPOSE AND GOALS OF THE SOCIETY
The Bruté Society was established to accomplish several related purposes:
1. To acknowledge and give thanks to God for exemplary Catholic stewardship demonstrated by individual members of the parishes of the Diocese of Evansville.
2. To promote an ever-deepening commitment to stewardship as the way of life for all Catholics in southwestern Indiana.
3. To give public witness to the unity of all parishes of the Diocese of Evansville.
4. To provide an annual inspirational celebration for the Catholic Church in southwestern Indiana.
THE SIMON BRUTÉ MEDAL
As a special symbol of membership in The Bruté Society, each member receives a beautiful, distinctive medallion known as the “Simon Bruté Medal.”
The ribbon from which this medal hangs is placed around the neck of new members by the bishop as part of the induction ceremony.
The Simon Bruté medal was fashioned from the official diocesan stewardship logo. This logo depicts the three stewardship “Ts” (Treasure, Time and Talent) presented in a way that looks like three people arrayed in a triangle. At the center stands the powerful symbol of the cross representing the core of the Christian Faith. The words “The Bruté Society” ring the inner design to symbolize that The Bruté Society members are, first and foremost, good stewards.
PAST BRUTÉ SOCIETY INDUCTEES FROM ALL SAINTS PARISH
2015 Gene & Betty Gilles, Darlene Steffe
2016 Bea Gallo, Mike Wathen
2017 Archie Sandefur, Vince & Kristi Wagner
2018 Larry & Nancy Reinhart, Don & Gina Tucker, Anna Tucker
2019 Postponed to 2020 to coincide with 75th Anniversary of the Diocese of Evansville
2020 Janie Allen, Mary Berendes, Brenda Meyer, Jim Tolen
2021 Gloria & Mike Niehaus, Bonnie Wink
2022 Wilma Spaulding, Leonard & Carolyn Adams
