Faith First: Denver Legatus Chapter Marks 25 Years of Building Catholic Leadership
- Guest Contributor
- 4 minutes ago
- 5 min read
By Maura Keller
“If you want to really be happy, you have to have a strong faith,” said Legatus founder Tom Monaghan at the 25th anniversary celebration of the Denver Legatus Chapter last month.
That conviction — faith as the source of lasting joy — has animated Legatus since its founding in 1987, and it continues to shape the vibrant community of Catholic business leaders that comprises the Denver chapter today.
Founded in 2000 under the leadership of Archbishop Charles J. Chaput and with then-Father Samuel J. Aquila as the Archdiocesan representative, the Denver Legatus Chapter has grown into the most active and fastest-growing chapter in the nation.
More than 150 members and guests gathered for the anniversary celebration, which featured a fireside chat with Monaghan, the entrepreneur behind Domino’s Pizza and founder of Ave Maria University. Monaghan shared his vision for Legatus as an organization that helps Catholic CEOs and company presidents build one another up in the faith, share best practices and serve as ambassadors for Christ in their business, professional and personal lives.
A Mission Rooted in Witness
Legatus takes its name from the Latin word for “ambassador.” The organization’s mission — to study, live and spread the Catholic faith in personal and professional life — has resonated with leaders around the world.
In a recent meeting with Pope Leo XIV, Legatus International President Stephen Henley said the Holy Father “encouraged us to embody our mission as ambassadors — Legatus — for Jesus Christ. He noted, specifically, how much the United States needs our steadfast witness.”
That mission is alive in Denver, where 195 Catholic business leaders now form a community dedicated to integrating faith and leadership.
“The Denver chapter is really special. We’ve got some of the giants in the Catholic laity here in this chapter,” says Monaghan. “With Legatus, the idea is to get the most influential people together … as they’re the ones that can make a difference in the Church. This chapter is a good example. The apostates have come out of here. It’s happening all over the county, not at the level it is here.”
Faith in the Marketplace
For Denver business leader Mike Dill, who joined eight years ago and now serves as chapter vice president and incoming president for 2026, Legatus has provided courage and clarity in living the faith publicly.
“Culturally, we’ve gone through a lot of things here in Colorado in the last several years,” he said. “So, I want to make sure that I have the community around me to stand for the things that I believe in, but live it in a way that is attractive to other people. Being a part of this community has slowly given me more courage to be more vocal in how I live my faith life and my professional life.”
He describes Legatus as “a great group of like-minded believers that are trying to walk that tightrope of being successful both professionally and spiritually.”
“That’s kind of a hard path to walk in many cases,” Dill said, “and it’s a great community to help you do that well.”
Persevering Through Challenges
Since its inception 25 years ago, the Denver chapter has experienced tremendous growth and resilience — especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which threatened its ability to gather.
When restrictions prevented in-person meetings, members realized how important this group was. They adapted creatively, adjusting the format each month to stay connected. The result was remarkable: 100% member retention and an influx of new members seeking authentic Catholic fellowship.
Rich Todd and his wife, Joni, have been part of Legatus Denver since its founding. For him, what began as a business networking opportunity became a transformative encounter with faith.
“Instead, it changed our life,” Todd said. “There are just so many wonderful people here that are great mentors. It’s just a great group of husbands and wives, philanthropists and parents that are doing things the right way, living integrated lives. They don’t change their demeanor or values when they go to the office.”
Passing the Torch
Craig Saeman, who joined Legatus in 2008, sees the Denver chapter’s strength as a gift that must be handed on. His father, John Saeman, served as the chapter’s founding president.
“One of the reasons our diocese is so strong is Legatus,” he said. “It is the biggest chapter in the country and has been for a number of years. We have an obligation to pass it on to the next generation of leaders. We have great young people now in Legatus that will continue to carry the torch, not just in the diocese, but in their business lives and be a great example for others in the Denver community.”
That next generation is already stepping forward.
Sarah Newman, who joined Legatus about a year ago, agreed, saying it’s exciting to see so many young people joining the chapter.
“Those are going to be the people who continue to nurture other couples in Denver, to invite them to Legatus, to be leaders and be involved in philanthropy, and to make sure the Catholic Church succeeds here in Denver,” she said.
For Newman, the Denver community reflects the national reach of Legatus — a network of Catholic leaders united by shared mission.
“To be able to go to another city or another diocese and have communion with someone else who’s in Legatus, I think it is really special,” she said. “You have the common thread that we’re both Catholic, we’re both leaders in the community, but then to also be a member of Legatus is just another great opportunity to connect with people outside of Denver.”
A Community of Faith and Formation
Each month, the Denver Chapter meets at the St. John Paul II Center for the New Evangelization in Denver. Members pray the rosary, celebrate Mass, share fellowship over dinner and hear from nationally known Catholic speakers.
Over the years, guests have included Curtis Martin, Dr. Edward Sri, Chris Stefanick, Dr. Dale Ahlquist, Dr. Tim Gray, Colm Flynn and Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila. Upcoming speakers include Monsignor James Shea and others already scheduled through 2026.
Through it all, the red thread remains: faith first — the conviction that true success begins with Christ.
As Monaghan reminded members, “If you want to really be happy, you have to have a strong faith.”
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For more information about Legatus and the Denver chapter, visit legatus.org.
