Bruté Society & Awards Recipients

The Bruté Society

Membership in the Bruté Society is in recognition of a superior commitment in living a life of Christian stewardship. This award is named after Servant of God Bishop Simon Bruté, the first bishop of the historic Diocese of Vincennes, part of which is now the Diocese of Evansville. As our first shepherd, Bishop Bruté established and nurtured this young Church on the frontier of the Northwest Territory by giving completely of himself even to death. 

This prestigious honor is bestowed on those whose lives reflect the same selflessness exemplified by the saintly Bishop Bruté. Their generous sharing of time, talent, treasure, and testimony with their parish sets them apart and continues the spirit of Bishop Bruté. Their faithful witness keeps our diocesan Church flourishing.

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.

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Eligibility for Membership

1. Membership in The Bruté Society is limited to lay persons who are registered members of one of the parishes of the Diocese of Evansville. Ordained clergy and religious are not eligible. 
2. Under ordinary circumstances, the Parish Council is responsible for selecting its parish candidate or candidates for membership, subject to the approval of the pastor. Each Parish is responsible for establishing its own process for selecting its candidates.

Criteria for Selection

1. Any individual or couple whom a Parish Council would consider to nominate for membership in The Bruté Society should possess these qualities and characteristics: 
2. A lifestyle that is in harmony with the teachings of the Catholic faith.
3. An exceptional commitment to the principles of good stewardship. This is usually shown over a period of time through selfless giving of time, talent, treasure, and/or testimony to the life and work of a parish.
4. An individual or couple whom fellow parishioners would be proud to have represent their parish by being accepted as members of The Bruté Society. 

Since many parishioners possess these qualities, each Parish Council should seek out those few parishioners who stand out from the rest: those whose devotion and dedication to the parish can best and simply be described as “extraordinary.” 

Timing of Nominations and Awards

Nominations are typically made by parishes over the course of the summer, with a deadline of early September.

The Bishop notifies all those nominated and invites them to participate in the Mass and Solemn Ceremony of Induction held at St. Benedict Cathedral in November.

Since 1990, more than 2,400 individuals and couples have been inducted into the Brute' Society in the Diocese of Evansville.