The Einsiedeln Society
Donors make a difference by impacting the work and mission of Saint Meinrad Archabbey and Seminary & School of Theology with their support.
The Einsiedeln Society is named after the Abbey of Maria Einsiedeln in Switzerland, the Benedictine monastery that founded Saint Meinrad more than 170 years ago.
Two monks from the mother abbey came to rural, southern Indiana in the 1850s and bought land to start a new foundation. Their efforts sowed the seed of Benedictine holiness in a new and fruitful area.
The Society honors those generous benefactors who have chosen to support Saint Meinrad in their charitable gift planning by making a planned gift.
How to Become a Member
Membership is extended to donors who have demonstrated a special commitment by:
- Including Saint Meinrad in their will,
- Establishing a deferred gift such as a trust, charitable gift annuity, life insurance policy, or retirement plan designation, or
- Making an outright or cumulative gift of $10,000 or more for a specific endowment purpose.
Donors may also create a named endowment in honor or memory of someone meaningful to them, helping to build a lasting legacy for Saint Meinrad's mission.
Discover the meaningful impact your gift can create—click here to learn more.
Ways to Leave Your Legacy
Planned gifts are more than financial decisions — they are statements of faith, hope, and generosity that live on for generations. By including a gift in your estate plans or charitable gift plan today, you can provide lasting support for the mission you love while also caring for your family and future needs. Whether your gift is simple or more structured, each one tells a story of commitment and compassion. The descriptions below offer a glimpse of some of the most meaningful ways to leave your legacy.
- Bequest in a Will or Trust: Name Saint Meinrad as a beneficiary with a set amount, percentage, or specific asset
- Beneficiary Designation: Name us as a beneficiary of your retirement plan, life insurance, or bank account
- Gift of Retirement Assets: Direct all or part of an IRA or 401(k) to charity, either now (if eligible) or later / Make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)
- Life Insurance Gift: Name Saint Meinrad as a beneficiary of Multifaceted Planned Gifts
- Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA): Make a gift in exchange for fixed income for life
- Charitable Remainder Trust: The Trust pays income to you/others for life or term; the remainder goes to a beneficiary
- Retained Life Estate: Deed your home/farm to a beneficiary now but keep the right to live there for life
Learn Additional Ways to Establish Your Legacy
Your Generosity Matters, and We're Here to Help
Your consideration of one or more of these giving options above represents a meaningful investment in the future of Saint Meinrad. Through your partnership, you will help shape the lives of countless individuals for generations to come. A member of the Planned Giving Office would be happy to work with you in your charitable gift planning to identify the giving approach that best aligns with your personal needs, timing, and goals.
We sincerely thank you for your ongoing commitment and the vital role you play in the success of Saint Meinrad Archabbey and Seminary & School of Theology. It is through the generous stewardship of gifts and assets from friends like you that Saint Meinrad's essential missions of prayer, work, and leadership formation continue to flourish.
Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of joining The Einsiedeln Society. We would also greatly appreciate if you could give us your feedback to help us enhance our service to you.
Additionally on the first Saturday of November, members of The Einsiedeln Society and members of the Abbot Martin Marty Guild are invited to Saint Meinrad to attend a Day of Recollection. Daily, the monks remember the Society's members in prayer, particularly on July 16, the Solemnity of Our Lady of Einsiedeln, the patroness of the Archabbey Church.
Current Einsiedeln Society Members
Rev. Donald K. Ackerman
Doug and Linda Ackerman
Fr. Crispine O. Adongo
Aline Anderson-Detmer
Rev. John C. Anderson
Joseph A.✝ and Joan Armbruster
Robert and Marijane Armbruster
Rev. Eric M. Augenstein
Paul✝ and Irene Bacher
Dr. Claire A. Baker
Dan and Donna Balka
T. J.✝ and Anne Banet
Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Barkei
Stephen J. Barry Family Fund
James H. Becker
Peggy D. Becker
Very Reverend Patrick J. Beidelman, STL
Douglas and Susan Bell
Ann Bellingham
Rev. Msgr. John J. Bendik
David✝ and Barbara Berger
Art and Ann Berkemeier
Patricia and Rafik Bishara
Melinda J. Blakesley
Robert W. Blasius, Jr.
Cecile A. "Cile" Blau and Allen Oman
Rev. John L. Boeglin
Charles E.✝ and Phyllis J. Boehm
Raymond F.✝ and Mary K. Boehm
Kent and Linda Bolerjack
Bruce and Mary V. (Ginny) Bonenberger
Michael and Nancy Borders
Mr. and Mrs. William T. Borders
Janet C. Bosomworth
Mary McNamee Bower and David A. Bower C'71
Rose Mary Breivogel
Rev. Ray Brenner
Mr. and Mrs. John C. Brogan
Rev. Benedict J.F. Brown
William J. Browning
Rebecca Brune
Fr. David Bruning
Debra Burden
W.C. Bussing, III
Fr. Craig M. Butters
Dr. and Mrs. P. Raphael Caffrey
Katherine Carlson
John L. "Jack"✝ and Patricia Carmichael
Al and Barbara✝ Cassidy
John and Jane Chappell
Donald and Mary Ellen Christiaens
Rev. Robert Dale Cieslik
Leo and Judy Cisco St.
John N. and Kelly A. Clauss
Mr. and Mrs. William J. Cochran
Christe and Randy Coe
John M. Comerford
Dan and Sharon Conway
William and Sheila Cook
Deacon David✝ and Virginia Cook
William✝ and Martha Cox
Steve and Barbara Crawford
William and Maureen Cunningham
Arthur and Rita Dall
Thomas J.✝ and Catherine Daly
Jordan David Dauby
James N.✝ and Patricia A. Davis
Rev. Wilfred E. Day
Mr.✝ and Mrs. Cyril DeVliegher
Richard Deitchman and Beatrice Eckert
Ed and Donna Dennis
Jon and Anne Dilts
Jack V. and Mary Jo Dippel
Rev. Msgr. Mark Duchaine
Edwin F. Durivage
Dr. Daniel Eby
Dr.✝ and Mrs. Herman J. Echsner
Dave and Lou Eckerle
Rev. John G. Eifler
Rev. Msgr. William E. Elliott
J.P. and Allison Engelbrecht
Professor Ruth Engs-Franz
Rev. William W. Ernst
Dr. and Mrs. James P. Fadely
Nancy Faust Fahey
Carmen and Tonia Finestra
Charles P. and Debra J. Finkbiner
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Fisher
Gene✝ and Laura Fleck
James E. Freilinger
Rev. J. Douglas Garand
Charles and Dianne Gardner
Mr. and Mrs. Leo Gasper
Paul J. Gaylo
Dennis Gehlhausen
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen P. Gennett Sr.
Michael Roman Geske
Michael J. Gianquitto
Mary Goltry
Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Graham III
Wayne✝ and Diane L. Graves
Rev. Dr. James R. Gretz
Jerry A. Gries
Richard and Karen Gries
Bob✝ and Judy Griffin
Mr. William M. Haegelin
Bill and Cheryl Halik
Mr. and Mrs. Alfred W. Hancock
David and Judith Harpenau
Robert✝ and Janice Harpenau
Mr. and Mrs. James E. Harpenau Sr.
Joan M. Hasser
Robert A. Hasser
Rev. Leo J. Hayes
Robert J.✝ and Ellen Healey
Sue Borders Heck
Barbara Herrmann
William and Lynn Hesse
Andrew Hiegel
Paul F. and Patricia E. Hirsch
Dawn and John Hitron
Bill and Sandy✝ Hobbs
Matthew D. Holland
Dr. Lanny K. Hollis
Dr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Holsworth
Ron and Mary Hooker
Rev. Christopher A. House
Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Hubbs
Fr. James M. Hunt
Dr. and Mrs. Timothy A. Hupfer
John and Yvonne Jaso
Milton J. Kaelin
Stephen and Patti Kazlo
Katherine Keefer
Mr.✝ and Mrs. Gregory G. Kempf
Mary Kern
B.J. Killian Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Brian King
Kevin King
Reverend Leroy G. Kinnaman
John✝ and Carol Klein
Joseph J. Klein
Brad and Amy Kluesner
Dr. Leo J. Knaff
Elvira Knapp
John Kniola
Rev. J. Ronald Knott
Mr.✝ and Mrs. William A. Koch, Sr.
Marlene Krasavage
Kenny✝ and Jane Krempp
Dr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Kress
Deacon Jim and Frances Krupka
Kathleen Isler Lama
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Lamb
Michael Lampe and Cheryl Sommer
Bishop Terry Lee Landsgaard
Mr. and Mrs.✝ Allan T. Langen
Frank J. Loughery
Mr. and Mrs. John S. Lueken
George M. and Dorothy H. Lukazik
Neil P. Lynch
Robert H. Mace Jr.
Mrs. Candida Mackell
Rev. Daniel J. Mahan
George H. Maley
Dave Maloney
Jim and Sonja Malooley
Rev. Michael Maples
Mr. and Mrs. Chris Marten
John and Ann Marie Martin Trust
Dr.✝ and Mrs. John A. Mattingly
Elizabeth Borders McAndrews and Michael T. McAndrews
Drs. Joseph✝ and Jane McGeehan
William and Margaret McGuire
John and Dorsa McGuire
Martin and Marilyn McLaughlin
Robert✝ and Eleanor McNamara
Robert Mehringer
Rev. David J. Metz
James E. Montgomery
Jack N. Morris
Mary Morrow
Mary and Sam Moseley
James T. Moss
Dr. Brendan Moss
Patrick Mrozowski
Don and Caryn Mucci
Jim and Mary Kay Muehlbauer
Rev. Peter John Muha
Patricia and Patrick Mullen
Edwin Reyes Nalagan, Jr.
Rev. Harry E. Nichols
Bernie✝ and Patty Niehaus
Deacon Dan and Laura Niemeier
John W. and Diane B. Nowak
Bud and Mary Jane O'Connor
Nancy and Tom O'Hearn
Paul W. Olliges
Deacon Frank and Mary Olmsted
Rev. Robert E. Osborne
Rev. Jeremiah T. O'Shea
Rev. Gary Padgett
Rev. William J. Patrick
Gregory J. and Denise K. Pence
Michael and Julie Perigo
Mr. Gregory Allen Perkins
James A. and Mary Jane Pfister
Marvin and Ann Preske
Deacon Richard✝ and Joan Preske
Rev. Msgr. James K. Ramer
David Raper
Jane Ann Reinitz
Mr.✝ and Mrs. John W. Renner Jr.
Jerry Reyling
Deacon David and Christine Rice
Dr.✝ and Mrs. Bernard Riegel
Mrs. Billie M. Riggs
Carl and Betsy✝ Ritzel
Fr. Patrick W. Rogers
Mark Rowlands - Juan Guzman
Jan and Bill Rubino
Michael and Joni Rupinen
Rev. Zachary D. Samples
Steve and Ellen Sanders
James R. Sauer
Ellen M. Scanlin
Rev. Msgr. Joseph F. Schaedel
Mark and Marja Schatz
Rev. Joseph C. Scheib, JCL
Dan and Patty Schipp
Rev. Ralph H. Schipp
Madeleine L. Schmitt
Ron R. and Karen J. Schneider
Rev. Ronald A. Schock
Gregory✝ and Marcia Schroeder
A. Ray and Janice Schroering
Bonnie Loechte Schuler
Rev. John A. Schwartzlose
Michael and Pamela Schwenk
Gil and Mary Seger
Monsignor Joseph Semancik
Jerry✝ and Rosie Semler
Dr. Michael Seretny
Bill and Judy Shaw
Chris✝ and Gloria Shreve
Charlotte and Michael Shumway
Mrs. Charles A. Smith
Tom and Laura Sommerfield
Joe✝ and Norma Sonderman
Doris A. Sorg
Fred✝ and Marsha Souders
Bishop J. Mark Spalding
Rev. Richard C. Sparks, CSP
Mark Spratt
Dr. Darren T. Sroufe
Albert P. Steiner✝ and Mary Ann Steiner
Judy and Joe Steurer
Rev. Mark J. Stoll, JCL
Larry E. Stout
Dr. Melanie-Prejean Sullivan
Rev. J. Richard Sullivan
Terry and Nancy Sullivan
Joe Teague
Reverend Francis S. Tebbe, O.F.M., KCHS
Gene and Mary Tempel
Larry and Martha Tempel
Fr. Ted Tempel
Charles S. Thatcher
Rev. Philip E. Thompson
Mr. Theodore Thompson
Ronald and Mary Jane Thyen
Jim and Pat Thyen
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald R. Tisch
Dr. and Mrs. Charles E. Tomich
Patrick and Sheila✝ Tracy
Fr. William A. Traylor
Michael B. Tremmel and Ms. Linda M. Kiesler
Alvin C. and Kathleen Tretter
Rev. Louis F. Vallone
Father Joseph Vamos
Anthony Joseph Viglietti
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Vinson
Charles and Joyce Vollmer
Marjorie Waldon
Reverend Steven P. Walter
Yvonne Weaver
Dr. and Mrs. Henry N. Wellman
Janet Ann Werne St.
Joan B. and John K.✝ Wersing
Drs. James and Alice Wheeler
James✝ and Eileen Will, Sr.
Art and Anne Wilmes
Oksana and Peter Withey
Jim and Marilyn Woebkenberg
William J. and Carol J. Woerz
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Wolter
Fr. Scott S. Woods
Suzanne L. Yakimchick
Wayne and Dolores Zage
Fr. Mateo Zamora, OSB
Very Rev. Gary Zender
Fred Zoeller
Zeke and Megan Zucaro
Additionally, 62 Einsiedeln Society members have chosen to remain anonymous. Membership list as of September 1, 2025.
✝ DECEASED
Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother, St. Meinrad, and St. Benedict, may they enjoy eternal peace and happiness with You. We ask this through Our Lord, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Deceased Members
EINSIEDELN SOCITEY MEMBERS WHO HAVE DIED THIS PAST YEAR
MARGE BACKER
CYRIL DE VLIEGHER
GILLIAN G. DUNN
DEACON STEVE DURKEE
KATHLEEN FARLEY
REV. GREGORY D. GOOLSBY
ROBERT HARPENAU
JANE HASSETT, CSJ
JOHN J. HECK
RUTH A. KERGER
KEN KRASAVAGE
JOYCE T. KREUZ
JAMES LAMBERT
DENNIS P. MOELLER
ROBERT Z. MUGGLI
MICHAEL K. MULLEN
TERRY C. NELSON
HON. RAYMOND NOVAK
DOROTHY OLINGER
FRED SOUDERS
THERESA WEYE
