Our 125-Year Journey
Milestones in Catholic Life Insurance History
Catholic Life Insurance has been guided by faith, community, and service for 125 years. The company has spent more than a century helping families achieve financial security while giving back through charitable programs that support education, faith, and local communities.
Founding & Formation
1898
Catholic State League Formed
German Catholic mutual aid societies across Texas come together to form a united organization offering financial support and spiritual community.
1901
Catholic Life Insurance Chartered
Formed by the Catholic State League, the State of Texas grants a charter to the Sterbekasse der Deutschen Katholiken von Texas (Death Fund of the German Catholics of Texas), officially founding Catholic Life Insurance.
1902
First Policy Issued
Policy No. 1 is issued to Rev. Msgr. Henry Gerlach, an immigrant priest who advocated for life insurance protection for Catholic immigrants and their families.
1915
First Annual Statement Filed
Catholic Life Insurance files its first financial report with the Texas Department of Insurance and Banking, signaling greater regulatory alignment.
1926
Juvenile Insurance Introduced
A children’s insurance plan is launched, expanding protection to the youngest members of Catholic families.
1936
New Name and Brand Debuted
The organization becomes Catholic Life Insurance Union. Membership is open to all Texas Catholics, and its operations are transitioned from German to English.
1949
First Home Office Purchased
Catholic Life Insurance, led by President Ben Schwegmann, purchases its first permanent office building, located at 112 Lexington Avenue in downtown San Antonio, Texas.
1962
Branch System Reorganized
Under regulatory pressure, the Society strengthens its fraternal presence by reviving and reorganizing local Branches statewide.
1965
More Room Needed
As Catholic Life Insurance Union continues to grow, President Edward M. Dausin recognizes the need to purchase a larger office building at 511 North Main Street, San Antonio, Texas, to enable the Home Office staff to properly care for its Members.
1976
New Headquarters Dedicated
Catholic Life Insurance Union purchases the nine-story building located at 1635 NE Loop 410, San Antonio, Texas, to serve as its new Home Office, where it remains located today.
1982
Corporate Governance Restructured
A modern Board of Directors system is adopted, dividing the state of Texas into eight districts for improved leadership.
1983
Financial Strength Proven
Catholic Life Insurance receives its first A- (Excellent) rating from AM Best, recognizing its financial strength and stability. The organization has maintained this rating for over 42 consecutive years.
1984
New Leadership Selected
J. Michael Belz is appointed the 13th President/CEO of Catholic Life Insurance Union, becoming the youngest president of a fraternal insurance company in the United States, at 31.
1984
President Reagan Selects Fraternal Task Force
J. Michael Belz, President/CEO of Catholic Life Insurance, is invited to the White House by U.S. President Ronald Reagan to serve on a task force representing fraternal insurance companies.
1987
Catholic Life Insurance Funds Papal Visit
Catholic Life Insurance donates $25,000 for the Papal Visit to Texas. The company was the first corporate donor to support the historic Pope John Paul II visit to San Antonio on September 13, 1987.
1988
Membership Opened to Non-Catholics
Membership eligibility is extended to non-Catholic spouses and individuals of good moral character, embracing broader community values.
1989
Ground Broken For Casa De Padres
Inspired by Archbishop Patrick Flores, Catholic Life Insurance — under the leadership of J. Michael Belz — leads fundraising efforts to build Casa de Padres, a retirement residence for priests, which was constructed by general contractor Jim Smith.
1990
Major Financial Milestone Achieved
Catholic Life Insurance reaches $100 million in assets. By 1990, Catholic Life Insurance is the 10th largest fraternal life insurer in the U.S., growing from the 16th largest in 1984.
1993
Flag Day Tradition Begins At The Home Office
An annual Flag Day celebration begins in June with a five-story U.S. flag raised at the Home Office to promote patriotism and unity.
1999
A Name Evolves
The organization officially removes “Union” from its name, becoming Catholic Life Insurance. The change reflects a more modern identity and a broader vision for serving individuals and families.
2001
Centennial Celebrated
100 years of Catholic Life Insurance are commemorated with a public celebration and historical marker unveiling at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in High Hill, Texas, where the Society originated.
2007
Catholic Schools Sweepstakes Launched
The Catholic Schools Sweepstakes program, now known as Catholic Schools Charitable Raffles, launches in San Antonio. Due to its success, the program is expanded to Catholic schools throughout Texas, raising over $17 million through 2026.
2008
Cheaney Leads American Fraternal Alliance Board
Barbara Cheaney, Catholic Life Insurance Vice President of Marketing & Communications, is elected as the new Chair of the American Fraternal Alliance Board.
2013
Another Barrier Broken
Catholic Life Insurance reaches $1 billion in assets.
2020
THE SOCIETY ADAPTS
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Catholic Life Insurance embraces innovation by hosting its first virtual Convention in 2020.
2021
Ten Commandments Sculpture Unveiled
Ten Commandments by sculptor Timothy Schmalz is dedicated in the plaza to commemorate the organization’s 120th anniversary.
2023
J. Michael Belz, 13th President/CEO of Catholic Life Insurance, Retires
After 49 years of dedicated service, J. Michael Belz, President/CEO, retires from Catholic Life Insurance.
2024
14th President/CEO Appointed
The Board of Directors selects Christopher M. Belz as the 14th President/CEO of Catholic Life Insurance.
2024
CONVENTION CYCLE ALIGNS WITH INDUSTRY BEST PRACTICES
During the 99th Convention, Catholic Life Insurance Delegates approve the transition from a biennial to a quadrennial convention model, to take effect in 2026.
2025
Licensed in 18 States
Catholic Life Insurance is licensed in 18 states, stretching from Arizona to Ohio.
2026
Catholic Life Insurance Today
In its 125th Anniversary year, Catholic Life Insurance manages $1.2 billion in assets, $2.29 billion of insurance in force, and holds a solvency ratio exceeding 110%, staying true to its mission of faith, family, and financial security.
Join a Community That Cares
Catholic Life Insurance is here for you, whether you’re planning for retirement, protecting your loved ones, or looking to make a difference.
Join a company where your money works for your family and community. You don’t have to be Catholic to join. You just have to care.
