News & Notes

Norbertines donate $100,000 to Freedom House

MARCH 6, 2025 – The Norbertine Community of St. Norbert Abbey donated $100,000 to Green Bay-based Freedom House. Joining Abbot Dane Radecki, O. Praem. for the check presentation was (pictured left to right) Steve Schauer, Director of Donor Development; Jenna Robbins, Director of Engagement; and Jen Schmohe, Executive Director.

Through faith and dignity, Freedom House has been dedicated to disrupting the cycle of homelessness and housing instability for families in need by helping them embrace self-worth and obtain stable housing.

“The Norbertines care deeply about the needs of our local community,” Abbot Radecki said. “We are happy to partner with Freedom House to support their goal of getting homeless families back on their feet.”

The Norbertines’ support of Freedom House is part of a special initiative celebrating the 900th anniversary of the founding of the Norbertine Order in France by St. Norbert of Xanten in 1121.

Starting in 2021 and continuing for a total of nine years, annual jubilee grants for $100,000 are being awarded by the Norbertine Community of St. Norbert Abbey through its Augustine Stewardship Fund. The fund provides grants locally and internationally to non-profit organizations to assist those in need.

Previous jubilee grants were presented to:

* 2021: Jahara Mission Elementary School in India

* 2022: Habitat for Humanity

* 2023: Four local food pantries – Community Pantry of Pulaski, Christian Outreach Food Pantry, Hope Center Pantry, and Manna for Life Ministries

* 2024: N.E.W. Community Clinic

For more information about Freedom House, please visit freedomhousegb.org.


Obituary: Abbot Emeritus Jerome Tremel, O. Praem.


Obituary: Fr. Roderick R. Fenzl, O. Praem.


Norbertines publish ‘The Liturgy in Stained Glass’

JANUARY 14, 2025 – The Norbertine Community of St. Norbert Abbey has published a beautiful, spiritually enriching book spotlighting the Abbey’s amazing array of stained-glass windows.

“The Liturgy in Stained Glass” is a book of thanksgiving, with its publication this year coinciding with the 100th anniversary of “Abbey status” for the Canonry of St. Norbert Abbey (1925-2025).

This engaging book – crafted over multiple years under the direction of Fr. Stephen Rossey, O. Praem. – details the intricacies of our stained-glass windows as they bring Norbertines and friends of the Abbey closer to God.

“The Liturgy in Stained Glass” is 133 pages and measures 13 1/4″ tall by 9 1/4″ wide. We hope you enjoy immersing yourself in the sacred art of St. Norbert Abbey’s stained-glass windows.

For more information about the book and to flip through a few sample pages, please visit norbertines.org/windows-book. Editions may be purchased in person at the Abbey’s main entrance, or via our website if you would like to order and have them shipped.


Frater Paul, Frater Peter Joseph profess Simple Vows

AUGUST 28, 2024 – During the celebration of the Solemnity of Saint Augustine today, the Norbertine Community of St. Norbert Abbey joined with family members and friends to witness the Profession of Simple Vows by Frater Paul Shepherd, O. Praem. (left in photo) and Frater Peter Joseph Meyer, O. Praem. (right in photo), shown with Abbot Dane Radecki, O. Praem.

Having completed their two-year novitiates, Frater Paul and Frater Peter Joseph professed Simple Vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience for a period of three years. They have moved to Chicago and are now engaged in theological studies.

Last academic year, Frater Paul served at St. Norbert College and Frater Peter Joseph served at St. Willebrord Parish.


Norbertines welcome 2 new members at Vestition

AUGUST 27, 2024 – St. Norbert Abbey celebrated the Vestition of two new members of the Norbertine Community today. Frater Stanislaus Griffee, O. Praem. (left) and Frater Karol Mitchell, O. Praem. (right), pictured with Abbot Dane Radecki, O. Praem., were vested in the white habit of St. Norbert and are now beginning and deepening their commitment to religious life through a two-year novitiate.

Frater Karol Mitchell, O. Praem.

Age: 23

Hometown: Milwaukee, WI

Home Parish: Lumen Christi, Mequon, WI

Education: Milwaukee Area Technical College and Holy Apostles College & Seminary

Why He Chose St. Norbert Abbey: I am humbled and inspired by St. Norbert Abbey’s dedication to community life, prayer, and service. The rich history and tradition of the Norbertine Order resonate deeply with my own spirituality and my desire to honor and glorify God with my life.

Frater Stanislaus Griffee, O. Praem.

Age: 26

Hometown: South Bend, IN

Home Parish: Holy Family Catholic Church, South Bend, IN

Education: Southwestern Michigan College, AA, Indiana University South Bend, BA in Communication

Why He Chose St. Norbert Abbey: The greatest draw for me to St. Norbert Abbey was the community. Leaving my job to become an affiliate, I wasn’t sure if this would be where the Lord was asking me to walk further, and I knew it was a moment of trust and faith. At the Abbey I found brothers and a place where I encountered the Lord daily in the liturgy, private prayer, the psalms and the men of the community. Within a week, I knew I was home. 


Norbertines give $100,000 to N.E.W. Community Clinic

APRIL 29, 2024 – The Norbertine Community of St. Norbert Abbey donated $100,000 to Green Bay-based NorthEast Wisconsin Community Clinic. Joining Rt. Rev. Dane Radecki, O. Praem., Abbot of St. Norbert Abbey, for the check presentation was Kim Franzen, CEO of N.E.W. Community Clinic.

Since its founding in 1971, the clinic has done an outstanding job of fulfilling its mission, which is “to provide quality, comprehensive, and compassionate health care to the underserved in our community.” The Norbertines’ donation is designated to specifically support the clinic’s Behavioral Health and Dental Health programs.

“The growing needs of our community and the services provided by N.E.W. Community Clinic warrant the support of the Norbertines,” Abbot Radecki said. “We continue to support local organizations serving those who cannot afford basic needs.”

The Norbertines’ support of N.E.W. Community Clinic is part of a special initiative celebrating the 900th anniversary of the founding of the Norbertine Order in France by St. Norbert of Xanten in 1121. Starting in 2021 and continuing for a total of nine years, annual jubilee grants for $100,000 are being awarded by the Norbertine Community of St. Norbert Abbey through its Augustine Stewardship Fund. The fund provides grants locally and internationally to non-profit organizations to assist those in need.

Previous jubilee grants were presented to Jahara Mission Elementary School in India in 2021, Habitat for Humanity in 2022, and four local food pantries – Community Pantry of Pulaski, Christian Outreach Food Pantry, Hope Center Pantry, and Manna for Life Ministries – in 2023.

For more information about N.E.W. Community Clinic, please visit www.newcc.health.


Obituary: Fr. William Ribbens, O. Praem.


Obituary: Fr. John P. Kastenholz, O. Praem.

NOVEMBER 14, 2023 – Father John P. Kastenholz, O. Praem., age 86, a Norbertine priest and member of St. Norbert Abbey, De Pere, WI, passed into God’s eternal kingdom on November 14, 2023.

Fr. Kastenholz was born to the late Lester and Evelyn (Wilmet) in Milwaukee, WI. His home parish was St. Sebastian Parish in Milwaukee.

Fr. Kastenholz received his undergraduate degree from St. Francis Major Seminary (Milwaukee) in January of 1960. He was vested into the Norbertine Order on August 28, 1960 and was ordained to the priesthood on June 5, 1965.

He went on to receive a Master of Arts degree in German from Roosevelt University in Chicago in June of 1971, and a Master of Science in Administration with a concentration in accounting and finance from the University of Notre Dame in 1980.

Fr. Kastenholz was assigned to Premontre High School in a variety of capacities including Faculty and Staff from 1966 until 1984, Registrar and Vice Principal from 1975-1979, and Financial Manager from 1980-1984. Following his tenure at Premontre, Fr. John was appointed to the St. Norbert College business and finance staff as Assistant to the Controller from 1985-2002. He was then appointed to the St. Norbert Abbey business office staff in 2002 and appointed Secretary-Treasurer of St. Norbert Abbey in November of 2003. He retired from that position in 2023.

Fr. Kastenholz was also a member of the St. Norbert College Board of Trustees (2004–2023), the Notre Dame Academy Corporate Board (1998–2023), and a longtime member of the Catholic High School Foundation.

Along with his ministry in various business offices, Fr. Kastenholz provided sacramental ministry to St. Denis Parish in Shiocton and St. Patrick Parish in Stephensville.

He enjoyed caring for his birds, tinkering with clocks, and traveling to Canada for the annual Shakespeare Festival.

Fr. Kastenholz is survived by the Norbertine Community; one brother, James Kastenholz; a niece and nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law, Kathleen Kastenholz; relatives and friends.


Frater Gregory, Frater Bernard Profess Simple Vows

AUGUST 28, 2023 – During the celebration of the Solemnity of Saint Augustine, the Norbertine Community of St. Norbert Abbey joined with gathered family members and friends to witness the Profession of Simple Vows by Frater Gregory Johnson, O. Praem., and Frater Bernard Brodeur, O. Praem.

Having completed their two-year novitiates, Frater Gregory and Frater Bernard (pictured from left to right with Rt. Rev. Dane Radecki, Abbot of St. Norbert Abbey) professed Simple Vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience for a period of three years. They have moved to Chicago and are now engaged in theological studies.

Last academic year, Frater Gregory served at Notre Dame de la Baie Academy and Frater Bernard served at St. Norbert College.


Norbertines welcome 3 new members at Vestition

AUGUST 27, 2023 – St. Norbert Abbey celebrated the vestition of three new members of the Norbertine Community during Vespers at the Abbey Church.

Frater Adrian Beranek, Frater Thomas Madden and Frater Gabriel McNally (pictured from left to right with Rt. Rev. Dane Radecki, O. Praem., Abbot of St. Norbert Abbey) were vested in the white habit of St. Norbert and are beginning and deepening their commitment to religious life through a two-year novitiate.

Frater Adrian Beranek

Age: 26 | Hometown: Peshtigo, Wisconsin

Home parish: St. Mary Parish

Education: Drake University and Augustine Institute

Why he joined: “I chose St. Norbert Abbey because I wanted to join a community that was contemplative yet active in ministry. I wanted to join a community that was part of an old religious order.”

Frater Thomas Madden

Age: 27 | Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri

Home parish: St. Francis Xavier College Church

Education: Truman State University

Why he joined: “I came to St. Norbert Abbey because I was encouraged to explore religious life by friends, priests and other loved ones. I’ve tried to follow some signs and desires in my heart, including the desire to love and serve others here and in the wider community. I am thankful to get to live so close to God and learn from so many ministers.”

Frater Gabriel McNally

Age: 35 | Hometown: Monona, Wisconsin

Home parish: Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church

Education: St. Norbert College

Why he joined: “To return to De Pere and join a group of men living communio while wholeheartedly offering my service to God.”


Norbertine Center reopens after renovations

JULY 1, 2023 – After more than a year of extensive renovations, the Norbertine Center for Spirituality at St. Norbert Abbey has fully reopened as of July 2023. Reservations are now being accepted.

Interior renovations, which began in May 2022, are the first significant upgrades to the facility since the NCS opened in the 1970s.

As part of the upgrades, 30 retreat guest rooms – available for both overnight or day stays – were reconfigured and now feature private bathrooms, air conditioning and new furniture. Several large and small meeting rooms and gathering spaces also were refreshed.

The NCS, one of only a few retreat facilities in all of northeast Wisconsin, welcomes thousands of guests each year. Situated upon 160 acres of natural and landscaped beauty, this sacred place offers guests the opportunity to retreat, attend year-round programming and receive spiritual direction … or simply be in a place to pray and reflect.