Fr. Ken De Groot, O. Praem.
The Norbertine Community of St. Norbert Abbey is proud to announce that Fr. Ken De Groot, O. Praem., is the recipient of the 2017 Green Bay Packers Give Back Award (senior category). This award honors volunteers who exemplify:
- leadership,
- dedication,
- creativity, and
- a commitment to improving the communities in which they live through volunteerism.
Fr. De Groot, co-founder of Casa ALBA Melanie Hispanic Community Resource Center for Green Bay (Casa ALBA Melanie), has volunteered 1,200 hours annually for the past five years, working tirelessly to raise funds for this organization.
Hopefully, our work at Casa ALBA Melanie helps move our community to work more closely together for the good and benefit of all.
–Fr. Ken De Groot, O. Praem.
Casa ALBA Melanie nurtures the well-being and wholesome development of all members of the Hispanic community in the Green Bay area. It serves as a hub for information and referral, bringing together persons seeking assistance with service providers in the community.
Regarding this award, Fr. De Groot shared:
“While I appreciate this honor very much as well as the recognition for Casa ALBA Melanie, this work is not something extraordinary as I believe we are all called to minister to the poor and needy in whatever situation we find ourselves.
This is at the heart of the Gospel message and I have been afforded this opportunity which also brings me much satisfaction as well as growth in my understanding of diversity and other cultures. We are all equal and deserve the respect and love of everyone.
I have been very much influenced by the numerous people who are associated with Casa ALBA Melanie and who give of their time and talents for the success of this ministry. Hopefully, our work at Casa ALBA Melanie helps move our community to work more closely together for the good and benefit of all.”
Read More
- Two Cultures, One Church / Dos Culturas, Una Iglesia (pages 8-9)
By Judy Turba
Spring/Summer 2010
Abbey Magazine