Protecting Our Children
What has St. Norbert Abbey done to protect children and the vulnerable?
Policies and Procedures for Reporting Alleged Abuse
St. Norbert Abbey follows mandatory reporting requirements and has instituted polices and procedures to insure all reported allegations of abuse are reported and investigated. Additionally, the Abbey follows The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, also known as the Dallas Charter (click here to view the Dallas Charter).
St. Norbert Abbey
Review Board
St. Norbert Abbey established a review board in 2004. The review board is made of professionals who are not employees of St. Norbert Abbey. The individuals that comprise the board have various professional backgrounds including; legal, medical, psychological and religious experience.
Members of the Abbey
Independent Review Board
Mike Reignier, retired police officer
Ellen Mommaerts, Director of Discipleship Training & Family Ministry Spiritual Director & Supervisor
Rev. Patrick LaPacz, Norbertine
John Teske, mental health consultant
Paul Hinkfuss, attorney
List of names with
Substantiated Allegations
In July 2019, St. Norbert Abbey released the names of Norbertines who had a credible allegation(s) of sexual abuse of minors. The purpose for releasing the list was to assist in the healing process for victims and survivors. The list is updated as new credible allegations are substantiated. St. Norbert Abbey encourages all victims and survivors of abuse, who have not yet come forward, to do so and make a report with local authorities and St. Norbert Abbey Office for Safe Environment.
Timeline of Substantiated Allegations
This chart reflects the occurrence of the substantiated allegations of sexual abuse of a minor
by a Norbertine that was reported to St. Norbert Abbey.
2019 Release of Names Information
Prayer for Healing Victims of Abuse
God of endless love,
ever caring, ever strong,
always present, always just:
You gave your only Son
to save us by the blood of his cross.
Gentle Jesus, shepherd of peace,
join to your own suffering
the pain of all who have been hurt
in body, mind, and spirit
by those who betrayed the trust placed in them.
Hear the cries of our brothers and sisters
who have been gravely harmed,
and the cries of those who love them.
Soothe their restless hearts with hope,
steady their shaken spirits with faith.
Grant them justice for their cause,
enlightened by your truth.
Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts,
heal your people’s wounds
and transform brokenness into wholeness.
Grant us the courage and wisdom,
humility and grace, to act with justice.
Breathe wisdom into our prayers and labors.
Grant that all harmed by abuse may find peace in justice.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Additional Resources
Contact the Abbey Office for Safe Environment
If anyone has an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor, please call the local police and/or Child Protective Services at 920-448-6035. If the allegation involves any Norbertine, call local police first, then please contact the St. Norbert Abbey Office for Safe Environment at 920-337-4345.
