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.
German Catholic mutual aid societies across Texas come together to form a united organization offering financial support and spiritual community.
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.
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.
Catholic Life Insurance files its first financial report with the Texas Department of Insurance and Banking, signaling greater regulatory alignment.
A children’s insurance plan is launched, expanding protection to the youngest members of Catholic families.
The organization becomes Catholic Life Insurance Union. Membership is open to all Texas Catholics, and its operations are transitioned from German to English.
Catholic Life Insurance, led by President Ben Schwegmann, purchases its first permanent office building, located at 112 Lexington Avenue in downtown San Antonio, Texas.
Under regulatory pressure, the Society strengthens its fraternal presence by reviving and reorganizing local Branches statewide.
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.
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.
A modern Board of Directors system is adopted, dividing the state of Texas into eight districts for improved leadership.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Membership eligibility is extended to non-Catholic spouses and individuals of good moral character, embracing broader community values.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Barbara Cheaney, Catholic Life Insurance Vice President of Marketing & Communications, is elected as the new Chair of the American Fraternal Alliance Board.
Catholic Life Insurance reaches $1 billion in assets.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Catholic Life Insurance embraces innovation by hosting its first virtual Convention in 2020.
Ten Commandments by sculptor Timothy Schmalz is dedicated in the plaza to commemorate the organization’s 120th anniversary.
After 49 years of dedicated service, J. Michael Belz, President/CEO, retires from Catholic Life Insurance.
The Board of Directors selects Christopher M. Belz as the 14th President/CEO of Catholic Life Insurance.
During the 99th Convention, Catholic Life Insurance Delegates approve the transition from a biennial to a quadrennial convention model, to take effect in 2026.
Catholic Life Insurance is licensed in 18 states, stretching from Arizona to Ohio.
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.
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.
