St. Norbert Abbey and Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity are pleased to announce a joint sponsorship to build a house for a local family on the west side of Green Bay. Groundbreaking for the new construction took place in October with the project to be completed, late winter 2022. To dedicate this occasion, St. Norbert Abbey presented a check to Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity on Tuesday, September 14th at 5 p.m. at the organization’s facility. 

This collaboration is a special initiative celebrating the 900th anniversary of the founding of the Norbertine Order in France by St. Norbert of Xanten in 1121. Through established Abbeys and Houses across the world, the Norbertines dedicate themselves to prayer, sharing a common life, and serving local needs. In 1893, three Norbertines arrived in De Pere, Wisconsin, the beginnings of the Norbertine Order in the United States, founding what would become St. Norbert Abbey. 

“This is an exciting opportunity to form a new partnership as well as draw together adults and students from our schools and parishes in a common service project to mark the 900th Jubilee,” remarked Rt. Rev. Dane Radecki, O. Praem., Abbot of St. Norbert Abbey.

For the next nine years, Jubilee grants will be awarded by the Abbey through its Augustine Stewardship Fund. The fund provides grants locally and internationally to non-profit organizations to assist those in need. 

Matt Harper, Director of Marketing and Development said, “Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity is extremely honored to partner with St. Norbert Abbey, in connection with their Order’s 900th celebration. This collaboration will display the impact a unified community can have on all residents of Brown County and beyond.” 

Commenting on why the Abbey chose Habitat for Humanity, Radecki shared, “The Norbertines’ call to a life of service is a continuing commitment to serve the local community. We chose Habitat for Humanity because affordable housing in our community has been identified as one of the greatest needs.”

Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles that seeks to put God’s love into action by building homes, communities, and hope. Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing in Brown County through constructing, rehabilitating, and preserving homes. Since its founding in 1987, the organization has built 125 homes in partnership with hardworking families in the community, helping over 350 children and 200 adults in Brown County.