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.

MARCH 2, 2025 – Abbot Emeritus Jerome G. Tremel, O. Praem., age 95, a Norbertine priest and member of St. Norbert Abbey, De Pere, WI, passed into God’s eternal Kingdom on March 2, 2025.
Abbot Tremel was born on September 12, 1929 in Luxemburg, WI to the late John and Clothilda (Rueckl) Tremel, the oldest of the family’s three boys. In 1935, the Tremel family moved to the northeast side of Green Bay after purchasing a grocery store. They became parishioners of Ss. Peter and Paul Parish. Together with his brothers, he enjoyed fishing, camping, and canoeing trips – especially special to Jerome were the several trips made to the Boundary Waters in Northern Minnesota.
It was when he entered Central Catholic High School in Green Bay that he met some Norbertine priests who were his teachers. He was very impressed about how they all got along with each other and that there was a camaraderie among them.
During his senior year in high school, Jerome accepted an invitation to visit the Norbertine novitiate in Madison, WI, and then another invitation to meet Abbot Bernard Pennings. He entered the novitiate of St. Norbert Abbey on August 28, 1947. While attending St. Norbert College in De Pere, he professed Simple Vows on August 28, 1949. The following year, he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy from St. Norbert College. On August 28, 1952, he professed Solemn Vows. While studying theology at St. Norbert Abbey, he also taught mathematics part-time at St. Norbert High School.
He was ordained to the Priesthood on June 12, 1954 and continued teaching mathematics and physics at Premontre High School (currently Notre Dame Academy) for five years. He went on to study at Purdue University where he earned both a Master of Science degree in 1959 and a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education in 1963.
Following his time at Purdue, Fr. Tremel joined the faculty of St. Norbert College. His six-year tenure as Math Professor and Chair of the Mathematics Department was interrupted in 1969 when he was elected Coadjutor Abbot of St. Norbert Abbey at the age of 39.
He took office as the third Abbot of St. Norbert Abbey on January 6, 1970, a position he held for twelve years. During his tenure as Abbot, he helped realize the renewal of the Second Vatican Council, guided the community to become more collegial in its governing structures, and secured the future of the community and the college through various financial endeavors.
Abbot Tremel became active in the Conference of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM) in the United States, serving as Chair of the Midwest Region of the Conference for two years and on the Executive Board of CMSM for five years. Although elected for a life-term as Abbot, in 1982 he received permission to resign from the Office of Abbot.
Following his abbatial tenure, Abbot Tremel studied Spiritual Theology at the Institute for Spirituality and Worship at the Jesuit School in Berkeley, CA. He was then assigned as Associate Director of Formation and House Superior at Holy Spirit House of Studies in Chicago, IL.
In 1989, Abbot Tremel moved back to St. Norbert Abbey and was involved in the Ministry and Life Center (currently the Norbertine Center for Spirituality), frequently offering retreats and workshops.
Abbot Tremel was an influential figure in the Norbertine Order internationally. He was a member of the Definitory (councilor to the Abbot General) of the Norbertine Order from 1976 to 1982.
Additionally, he was tasked to be the Moderator of the General Sessions of the General Chapter of the Norbertine Order in 1994 and again in 2000. At the same time, he was also Vicar for the English-speaking Norbertines from the United States, England, Ireland, India, Australia, and South America. In January of 1995, he was appointed by the Abbot General as Administrator of Daylesford Abbey in Paoli, PA with a mandate to lead the community through a time of transition. In this process, he was an agent of hope and reconciliation for the confreres of Daylesford Abbey.
Abbot Tremel was elected to the Board of Trustees of St. Norbert College and served for sixteen years. He served as Chairman of the Board from 1995 until 1999 when he was named a Trustee Emeritus.
Known to many, Abbot Tremel’s “happy place” was at the cabin at Morgan Lake in Florence County, WI, where he served for many years as the caretaker of the property. Besides the northwoods, he was a long time volunteer for a number of “Good News” teams working for two weeks at a time on the islands of St. Vincent, Dominica, and St. Lucia, to build simple houses for those in need.
Abbot Tremel is survived by the Norbertine Community of St. Norbert Abbey; two sisters-in-law: Jean Tremel and Marian Tremel; and many nieces and nephews.
Abbot Tremel was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Donald and Francis Tremel.
The Celebration of Vespers of the Dead (Evening Prayer) will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 20 with Visitation in the Chapter Room of St. Norbert Abbey following until 8:30 p.m. On Friday, March 21, Lauds of the Dead (Morning Prayer) will take place at 7:30 a.m. followed by Visitation until the Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10:30 a.m. expressing our faith and hope in the promised glory of the Lord’s Resurrection. The Rt. Rev. Dane J. Radecki, O. Praem., Abbot of St. Norbert Abbey, will be the principal celebrant.
Burial will be in St. Norbert Abbey Cemetery at a later date.
The Norbertine Community would like to thank the nurses at St. Norbert Abbey who cared so well for Abbot Tremel.
Ryan Funeral Home, De Pere, is in charge of the arrangements..
Obituary: Fr. Roderick R. Fenzl, O. Praem.

MARCH 1, 2025 – Father Roderick Robert Fenzl, O. Praem., age 95, a Norbertine priest and member of St. Norbert Abbey, De Pere, WI, passed into God’s eternal Kingdom on March 1, 2025.
Fr. Fenzl was born on March 30, 1929 in Park Falls, WI to the late Alois and Delia (Boyer) Fenzl. His home parish was St. Anthony Parish in Park Falls.
After three years at St. Norbert College, he entered St. Norbert Abbey on August 28, 1950 and professed Solemn Vows on August 28, 1955. He was ordained to the Priesthood on September 1, 1955.
Fr. Fenzl spent his first three years as a Norbertine priest teaching at what was then St. Norbert High School in De Pere (1955-1958). He received his Master’s Degree in Science Education from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI in June of 1959. He then served as a faculty member at Abbot Pennings High School in De Pere where he taught Chemistry and Math for eight years.
In 1967 Fr. Fenzl volunteered to serve in the Abbey’s mission in Lima, Peru, and ended up staying for almost thirty-four years. During that time, he was one of several Norbertines who worked with St. Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa) and her sisters – the Missionaries of Charity – as they ministered to the people in Lima and the surrounding areas. He served as a sacramental minister for the two Norbertine parishes there and taught at Reyna de las Americas – the high school, then under the direction of the Norbertines. He treasured his experiences in Peru and spoke about them very often. To the end, Fr. Fenzl still regularly received phone calls from students he taught in Lima, which brought him great joy.
Fr. Fenzl returned to the United States in 2000 and accepted an invitation from the Norbertines at Santa Maria de La Vid Priory in Albuquerque, NM to take up residence. While there, he was active in parish, prison, and hospital ministries.
After ten years in New Mexico, Fr. Fenzl retired to St. Norbert Abbey in De Pere where he continued to help at St. Willebrord Parish in Green Bay, WI and enjoyed meeting with a small group at Casa Alba.
He is survived by the Norbertine Community of St. Norbert Abbey; one brother, James Fenzl; a sister-in-law, Pauline Fenzl; a brother-in-law, Richard Kramer; and his nieces and nephews.
Fr. Fenzl was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Dorothy (Edward) Schwartz; William Fenzl; Lawrence (Kathryn) Fenzl; Mary Ann Kramer; sister-in-law, Cecelia Fenzl; and a nephew, Andrew Schwartz.
The Celebration of Vespers of the Dead (Evening Prayer) will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 7 followed by Visitation in the Chapter Room of St. Norbert Abbey until 8:30 p.m. On Saturday, March 8, Lauds of the Dead (Morning Prayer) will take place at 8:00 a.m. followed by Visitation until the Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10:30 a.m., expressing our faith and hope in the promised glory of the Lord’s Resurrection. The Rt. Rev. Dane J. Radecki, O. Praem., Abbot of St. Norbert Abbey, will be the principal celebrant.
Burial will be in the St. Norbert Abbey Cemetery at a later date.
The Norbertine Community would like to thank the nurses at St. Norbert Abbey and everyone at Unity Hospice who cared for Fr. Fenzl.
Ryan Funeral Home, De Pere, is in charge of the arrangements.
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.

MARCH 26, 2024 – Fr. William (Bill) H. Ribbens, O. Praem., age 88, a Norbertine priest and member of St. Norbert Abbey, De Pere, WI, passed into God’s eternal kingdom on March 26, 2024.
He was born on April 8, 1935, to the late Jacob and Mary (Hollenstein) in Milwaukee, WI. His home parish was St. Mary’s Parish in Mayville.
Fr. Ribbens received his undergraduate degree in Biology from St. Norbert College in De Pere in 1957, and was vested into the Norbertine Order later that year on Aug. 28. After making Solemn Profession in 1962, he was ordained to the priesthood Sept. 12, 1962. He went on to receive his Master of Science in Education degree from Boston College in 1971.
Fr. Ribbens was assigned to Abbot Pennings High School for a year and then to Premontre High School where he served on the faculty and staff from 1963 until 1978. He also volunteered as a child care worker with the Sisters of Charity for the latter part of those years.
Following his tenure at Premontre, Fr. Ribbens participated in offerings at the Cold Mountain Institute in British Columbia. He returned to De Pere and was appointed Associate Pastor of St. Joseph Parish for two years. In 1982 he became the temporary administrator of the parish and acting school administrator at St. Joseph School.
In 1985 Fr. Ribbens enrolled in a Certification Program for Counseling Alcohol and Drug Dependent Persons. This opened many years of ministry in the 12-Step programs and retreats where he was able to minister to a variety of people to help them find hope, faith, and wholeness in the midst of addictions. He was also active in jail ministry and found that to be a meaningful experience for him and others.
Fr. Ribbens was very involved in Hispanic outreach and ministry throughout the Diocese as he helped welcome immigrants and gave them hope for the future. He was often sought after for spiritual direction. Often behind the scenes, Fr. Ribbens lived the Christian mandate of Matthew 25 to its fullest extent in such humble, quiet ways.
Fr. Ribbens is survived by the Norbertine Community; nephews and a niece, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, John; nephews and a niece; relatives and friends.
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.