August 2017 Norbertine Celebrations at St. Norbert Abbey

St. Augustine
St. Augustine

On Sunday, August 27, 2017, at the First Vespers of the Solemnity of St. Augustine, Rev. Peter B. Ambting will be vested in the white habit of the Norbertine Order. Rt. Rev. Gary J. Neville, O. Praem., Abbot of St. Norbert Abbey, will preside over the vestition ceremony.

On Monday, August 28, 2017, the Solemnity of St. Augustine, Frater Patrick M. LaPacz, O. Praem., will profess Solemn Vows, forming a mutual lifelong commitment to the canonical life between himself and the entire professed community. Abbot Neville will preside over the solemn rite.

On Tuesday, August 29, 2017, Frater LaPacz also will be ordained to the diaconate by Most Rev. Robert F. Morneau, DD, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Green Bay.

Read more about vestition and the Norbertine religious habit »


August 27, 2017 — First Vespers of the Solemnity of St. Augustine

Vestition of Fr. Peter Ambting, O. Praem.

An Outward Sign of an Inward Spirit


August 28, 2017 — Solemnity of St. Augustine

Bishop and Doctor of the Church | Author of Our Rule of Life
Celebrating the Solemn Profession of Frater Patrick LaPacz, O. Praem.

A Lifelong Commitment to Canonical Life

from St. Norbert Abbey on Vimeo


August 29, 2017 — Mass of Diaconate Ordination of Deacon Patrick LaPacz, O. Praem.


Frater Patrick Michael LaPacz, O. Praem.

Profession of Solemn Vows and Ordination to the Diaconate

… I can’t wait to see what God has in store for me this year as a Norbertine deacon.

—Deacon Patrick LaPacz, O. Praem.
Frater Patrick LaPacz, O. Praem.
Frater Patrick LaPacz, O. Praem.

Frater LaPacz, 30, is the son of Terrence and Mary (Berg) LaPacz of Green Bay, Wis., and is a son of St. Agnes Parish in Green Bay.

Frater LaPacz was vested in the white Norbertine habit in August 2012 and professed Simple Vows in August 2014.

A 2005 graduate of Notre Dame de la Baie Academy, Green Bay, Frater LaPacz graduated from St. Norbert College in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in history. He also studied at Conception Seminary College in Missouri from 2009-2011, and is completing a Master of Divinity degree at Catholic Theological Union, Chicago.

“My solemn profession and diaconate ordination were special days for me. My journey to this point has been long, but it was worth the wait. I’m so glad I was able to celebrate these days with friends and family, and I can’t wait to see what God has in store for me this year as a Norbertine deacon.” —Deacon Patrick LaPacz, O. Praem.

Read More


Rev. Peter Bernardus Ambting, O. Praem.

Vestition

… I look forward to take time for contemplation and reflection during the novitiate.

—Fr. Peter Ambting, O. Praem.
Fr. Peter Ambting, O. Praem.
Fr. Peter Ambting, O. Praem.

Fr. Ambting, 44, is the son of Peter H. and Wilhemina (Vos) Ambting of Doetinchem, Netherlands, and is a son of St. Martin Parish in Beek, Netherlands.

Fr. Ambting graduated from the Secondary Agricultural School of Doetinchem in July 1991 and from Higher General Continued Education schooling in August 2002. After being admitted into the seminary for the Archdiocese of Utrecht, Netherlands, in 2001, he earned a master’s degree in theology (Pastoral Theology) in August 2007. Fr. Ambting was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Utrecht on May 17, 2008, and most recently served as the pastor of the Roman Catholic Parish of Maria en Laurentius (a merged parish comprising 19 previous parishes) since 2010.

The first-year Norbertine novitiate (in which Fr. Ambting will participate) will take place at St. Norbert Abbey.

“After saying farewell to my parish in the Netherlands on July 2, emptying my house, and organizing the move to the U.S. in the weeks afterwards, finally the moment of vestition was here. It was the result of two and a half years of discernment since I first visited St. Norbert Abbey. That was a pretty long time. Because of the distance I was only able to make it to De Pere during my yearly summer vacation. I also wanted to finish the merger of the two parishes where I was the pastor.

I have been a priest for more than nine years, and always felt the desire for community life. The vestition with the white habit was for me an external sign of an internal movement. It felt good to take this first step, but I also realize the call to community life will be there every day as a gift and a task. After 10 years of working in a parish I look forward to take time for contemplation and reflection during the novitiate.” —Fr. Peter Ambting, O. Praem.

4th English-Speaking Norbertine Associate Gathering

During the weekend of July 13-17, 2017, Norbertine Associates from Norbertine abbeys across the country gathered together for their fourth English-speaking conference at St. Norbert College and St. Norbert Abbey in De Pere. Highlights of the event included presentations, discussions, and liturgies, as well as building friendships with fellow associates.

View event details »

Read More

  • Deo Gratias
    Gratitude to the Norbertine Community of St. Norbert Abbey
    By Nancy Santamaria
    Formation Director, Norbetine Associates, Daylesford Abbey

Reflections on the 4th National Gathering of Norbertine Associates

By Michael Hermans

Norbertine Associate, St. Norbert Abbey

Norbertine AssociatesDuring the weekend of July 13-17, 2017, Norbertine Associates (lay people who espouse Norbertine values and charisms) gathered together at St. Norbert College and St. Norbert Abbey for their fourth national conference. They represented Norbertine abbeys from:

Many of these associates have been together in the past, so it was like picking up exactly where we left off! We shared abbey and personal events that have taken place since our last coming-together. The “new” attendees very quickly joined in! What a great group of people who have very similar visions about our journeys—to become the best Christ-focused people we can be! St. Norbert, himself, is an excellent example for us.

The majority of us lived in one of the St. Norbert College dorms (Michels Hall). That gave us many opportunities to visit, share ideas, and continue to build friendships that will last long beyond the event. Isn’t that the same reason why the Green Bay Packers use the dorms at the college for their training camp?

Early in our planning we discussed with Abbot Gary Neville, O. Praem., some possible themes for the gathering. One of his suggestions was to focus on Laudato Si, Pope Francis’ recent letter to all the people of the world. As it turned out, that was an excellent starting point. What a beautiful document that goes well beyond just “another environmental paper.”  Pope Francis tells us clearly and beautifully how to care for the world and its entire people!

We had three major presentations regarding Laudato Si. Our presenters included:

  • Dr. David Poister: “God, Love, and Evolution Moving Forward”
  • Fr. Andrew Ciferni, O. Praem.: “Laudato Si – Sacramental Aspects”
  • Fr. Stephen Gaertner, O. Praem., Ph.D.: “Living As If …: Engaging the Ethics and Spirituality of Climate Change Past the Tipping Point”

They each gave us powerful messages that we can use to help us understand and gain new meaning from Laudato Si.

Our time was also spent in liturgies (Mass, common prayer, etc.) at Old St. Joseph Church on the St. Norbert College campus, where we were inundated with the spirit of the Norbertine fathers and Abbot Bernard Pennings, O. Praem., the first abbot of St. Norbert Abbey. We held our sessions in one of the newest buildings, the Gehl-Mulva Science Center. There we sensed the dynamic growth of this Norbertine college! We also gathered at St. Norbert Abbey for more discussions and liturgies. We truly lived in awe of St. Norbert himself and the principles he shared with his “followers.”

Each of our associate groups comes from a different part of our country. Therefore each abbey and region has unique needs and ways to address the principles of Laudato Si.

Those unique needs will be our tasks to address as we return home.

We—individually and as abbey groups—left the gathering with renewed energy and a willingness to address our commitments in forwarding Pope Francis’ dream for a better and more sustainable world … both now and into the future.

Read More

  • Deo Gratias
    Gratitude to the Norbertine Community of St. Norbert Abbey
    By Nancy Santamaria
    Formation Director, Norbetine Associates, Daylesford Abbey

Fr. Matthew Dougherty, O. Praem.


As seen in the Spring 2017 issue of St. Norbert College Magazine

Unto the Next Generation

By Breanna Mekuly ’12

St. Norbert College

Fr. Matthew Dougherty, O. Praem., teaching at St. Norbert College | Photo courtesy of St. Norbert College (used with permission)
Fr. Matthew Dougherty, O. Praem., teaching at St. Norbert College | Photo courtesy of St. Norbert College (used with permission)

The Rev. Matt Dougherty, O.Praem., ’09 is ministering alongside some of his own former mentors in a year of teaching on campus before he moves on to doctoral studies.

Dougherty is serving at St. Norbert in the theology and religious studies discipline, and also as vocation director and chaplain at the parish. “This is my first time teaching, and so far it’s been a blast!” he says. “I’ve always loved theology, and to talk to people about something (and some body – Christ!) you love for a ministry is such a blessing!”

Of other Norbertines who have recently taken vows, Dougherty is the only one currently teaching at St. Norbert.

“It’s great to have a lot of other young Norbertines in the community,” he says. At the same time, he’s enjoying the company and wisdom of elder priests in the order. “I am privileged to be able to live with guys who really formed and shaped St. Norbert Abbey and the college for the past 50 plus years. After all, the average age of the Norbertines at St. Norbert Abbey is around 74 years old! These men have so much wisdom to pass on to us young guys, and it’s great to hear their stories, and how things have changed over the years.”

Matthew Dougherty, O. Praem., on his vestition day in 2009, assisted by Fr. John Tourangeau, O. Praem. Read more about vestition and the Norbertine religious habit in the Fall/Winter 2009 issue of Abbey Magazine (page 3) article, “De·con·struct·ing the Habit.”
Matthew Dougherty, O. Praem., on his vestition day in 2009, assisted by Fr. John Tourangeau, O. Praem. Read more about vestition and the Norbertine religious habit in the Fall/Winter 2009 issue of Abbey Magazine (page 3) article, “De·con·struct·ing the Habit.”

Many of these men are the mentors who guided Dougherty through his own vocational discernment. He remembers the Rev. Jim Baraniak, O.Praem., ’88, the Rev. Tim Shillcox, O.Praem., the Rev. John Bostwick, O.Praem., ’68, and the Rev. Alfred McBride, O.Praem., ’50 – all present on campus while Dougherty was a student. They not only taught him theology, but also provided spiritual direction, confession, and even lessons on the history of the Norbertine order.

Though Dougherty’s current positions focus on religion and theology, he is academically as interested in learning more about freshwater ecosystems, or aquatic ecology. His undergraduate degree was in organismal biology and he has hopes to continue studying aquatic ecology at the doctoral level in the fall of 2017. He anticipates that this doctoral degree will allow him to teach courses at St. Norbert College in the science department, or possibly on the intersection of religion and science.

I love helping students be challenged and affirmed in their faith.

—Fr. Matthew Dougherty, O. Praem.

As a young priest working at the college, Dougherty says, “I’ve been afforded the opportunity to try to bring the Catholic faith and Norbertine charism to the next generation.” And this is important to him; he believes the Norbertine presence on campus is necessary to continue the Norbertine and Catholic identity of the college.

“I look forward to introducing the students to these values,” Dougherty says. “It’s a big task, but a rewarding one!”

He is most interested in sharing the Norbertine value of communio. The word, as he understands it, means “trying to live in unity with God and others within a locality.” Communio, he believes, should then “combat individualism and divisiveness by claiming that before God we are one family, no matter our differences, and therefore we have responsibilities toward each other.”

With this, he hopes that St. Norbert College students, faculty and staff will continue to foster Norbertine values by maintaining peaceful community – regardless of division – and then proceeding to build more such communities wherever they may go next.

Fisher of Men

“I grew up in Waukesha, Wis., and I come from a proud Irish-Catholic family. Fishing and hunting are my passions. I’ve been fishing since I was a little kid, and have loved it ever since. It’s hard for me to look at a body of water without getting a strong urge to grab a rod and reel. My interest in hunting came a little later in college, but still remains a passion of mine. Aside from the outdoors, I really like good literature, good cigars, and good discussions!

“I love helping students be challenged and affirmed in their faith. I found my faith as a freshman at St. Norbert. In it I found a new way of looking at the world, and it changed my life. I’d love to help other students have a similar experience.”

– The Rev. Matt Dougherty, O.Praem., ’09


As seen in the Fall/Winter 2015 issue of Abbey Magazine (pages 14-15)

A Priest for the People

By Katrina Marshall

On June 6, 2015, Fr. Matthew Dougherty, O. Praem., was ordained to the priesthood.

Through ritual actions that contribute uniquely to the Rite of Ordination, he was given insight into his new identity. Of the major elements in this rite, first to occur was the Rite of Election, connecting the soon-to-be ordained with the faithful by asking their assent of his worthiness to fulfill priestly office. Bishop Robert Morneau (Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Green Bay) asked Abbot Gary Neville, O. Praem. (representing the Norbertine community of St. Norbert Abbey and the entire People of God),

Do you know him to be worthy?

Fr. Matthew Dougherty, O. Praem.
Fr. Matthew Dougherty, O. Praem.

“You can’t help but feel humbled and a little bit nervous by that question, honestly,” shared Fr. Dougherty, reflecting on his ordination day. “Humbling is the best word. Because how can anyone be worthy—to perform the Sacraments, to follow Christ in that way? There’s a fear: am I really up for it? In a way, I’m not worthy. I don’t think anyone is worthy of such a gift.”

Following dialogue between Bishop Morneau and Abbot Neville affirming his worthiness, Fr. Dougherty received a lengthy round of approving applause—recognition of Christ working in him and an implicit invitation to enter into the lives of everyone.

“Amid feelings of unworthiness, to feel affirmation for my vocation through the applause was amazing,” said Fr. Dougherty. “Perhaps one of the most demanding pieces of priestly formation is coming to terms with one’s self: ‘Who am I to be a priest?’ Priesthood is an awesome gift and an awesome responsibility. These people are lifting you up to be their servant. By showing their assent, you are for them … to share in their most intimate moments, the ups and downs. Today, as a priest, I remain grateful. Never have I felt closer to God. Never have I experienced a stronger sense of identity or purpose. I am not a priest for myself, but a priest for Christ, his Church, and the world—I am a priest for the people.”

Fr. Alfred McBride, O. Praem.


Profile

Fr. Alfred McBride, O. Praem.
Fr. Alfred McBride, O. Praem.

Philadelphia native Fr. Alfred McBride, O. Praem., was ordained in 1953, and celebrated the 60th anniversary of his priesthood ordination on June 6, 2013.

He holds several degrees; having a diploma in Catechetics from Lumen Vitae, Brussels, Belgium, which he earned in 1963, he also acquired a doctorate in religious education from the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., in 1971.

Fr. McBride has received honorary doctorates from St. Norbert College and from Belmont Abbey College, N.C.

Throughout the years:

  • Fr. McBride has been a high school teacher, novice master, university professor and president, and spiritual director.
  • He founded the department of religious education at the National Catholic Educational Association and was named its first executive director.
  • The U.S. Catholic Bishops appointed him to write the catechesis in preparation for the second pastoral visit of Pope John Paul II. He served as a special representative to the media during that visit, as well.
  • The National Conference for Catechetical Leadership presented their 2011 NCCL Catechetical Award to Father McBride, “in recognition of his sterling example, dedication and enthusiasm in the passionate promotion of catechesis for decades.”

In addition to these and other accolades, Fr. McBride has been as a consultant on the Catechism for the Archdiocese of Boston and was a professor of homiletics at Pope John XXIII Seminary. He has also worked on a series of programs for the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN).


As seen in the Spring/Summer 2017 issue of Abbey Magazine (page 17)

True Blue

Virtuous Friendship Defies Distance, Disease

By Fred Gallagher

Editor-in-Chief, Good Will Publishers

Fr. Alfred McBride, O. Praem. (left), and Fred Gallagher
Fr. Alfred McBride, O. Praem. (left), and Fred Gallagher

In the summer of 1988 Frank Sinatra gave a benefit concert in my hometown for a hospital run by Sisters of Mercy. That night Old Blue Eyes introduced me to a special man who would become a lifelong friend. Fr. Alfred McBride, O. Praem., was at the concert because he had been invited to write a set of family bible stories by my father, Bud Gallagher, the co-founder of Good Will Publishers of Gastonia, North Carolina. Another excellent priest, friend, and talented communicator, Fr. John Bradley, was the project editor who had come to know Fr. Al when he was a young Norbertine priest teaching at Catholic University.

After that first bible story project, Fr. Al continued to write and publish with our company and eventually joined Good Will’s board of directors. When he came to town for board meetings, I would pick him up at the airport, take him to dinner and then to the meeting the next morning. That time together has changed my life.

Fr. Alfred McBride, O. Praem., at his writing desk at St. Norbert Abbey
Fr. Alfred McBride, O. Praem., at his writing desk at St. Norbert Abbey

Through the years I came to learn of the dozens of books Fr. Al authored and his passion for catechetics. I learned of his time as a boy in Philadelphia, taken in as an orphan by an aunt and uncle whom he loved dearly. I know about his Norbertine high school there, of his studies in Brussels and his time as a university president. I learned of his time as professor of homiletics at Pope John XXIII Seminary, his time lecturing for the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) and with Relevant Radio, as well as his time associated with Aid to the Church in Need. I know my friend was the first leader of the Religious Education Department of the National Catholic Education Association. And I heard his stories—great stories!

Fr. Alfred McBride, O. Praem.
Fr. Alfred McBride, O. Praem.

Once I walked into Fr. John’s office as he was visiting with Fr. Al. I was so excited to tell my dear priest friends about my new discovery, the wonderful writings of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel. After going on about Rabbi Heschel, I asked if either of the two clergymen knew of him. They looked at each other knowingly and, with great humility, Fr. Al said, “Why, yes, Fred. I wrote a book about him. It had been his doctoral dissertation! We’ve joked about it ever since.

Fr. McBride and I still recall Old Blue Eyes and remember fondly our old friend, Fr. John. Each time I drove Fr. Al to one of our board meetings, I went to confession there in the car. When we learned he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, he joked, “Talk to me now before I go all ga-ga!” I told him it was reassuring to have a confessor who wouldn’t remember my sins. He said, “I don’t remember them anyway!”

I don’t know what the future will be like with my good, good friend. All I know is that from the time we listened to Sinatra together, we’ve been friends and nothing will change that, not distance nor memory nor disease nor death. Ad multos annos, my dearest friend!


Fred Gallagher is the author of three children’s books and a number of volumes on bereavement, marriage, and family life. He is a regular writer for the newspaper of the Diocese of Charlotte, North Carolina.


Books and Other Publications

Fr. Alfred McBride, O. Praem., has lectured and written widely, with more than 50 books and 200 published articles to his name.

c1965 Homilies for the New Liturgy
c1966 Catechetics: A Theology of Proclamation
c1968 A Short Course on the Bible
 c1969 The Human Dimension of Catechetics
c1970 Growing in Grace
c1971 The Pearl and the Seed
c1973 Heschel: Religious Educator
c1975 The Gospel of the Holy Spirit
A Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles
c1977 The Kingdom and the Glory: The Gospel of St. Matthew
c1978 Creative Teaching in Christian Education
c1978 Evangelization: The Mission and Ministry of Catholic Educators
c1979 Death Shall Have No Dominion
c1981 Staying Faithful
c1981 Saints are People: Church History Through the Saints
c1983 The Story of the Church: Peak Moments from Pentecost to the Year 2000
c1983 Year of the Lord: Cycle A: Reflections on Sunday Readings
c1983 Year of the Lord: Cycle B: Reflections on Sunday Readings
c1983 Year of the Lord: Cycle C: Reflections on Sunday Readings
c1986 Pre-Arrival Catechesis for the Second Pastoral Visit of John Paul II to the United States: Catechesis
c1989 Christ our Compass
c1990 The Ten Commandments: Sounds of Love from Sinai
c1990 The Seven Last Words of Jesus
c1992 To Love and Be Loved by Jesus: Meditation and Commentary on the Gospel of Mark
c1992 The Gospel of the Holy Spirit: Meditation and Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles
c1992 The Human Face of Jesus: Meditation and Commentary on the Gospel of Luke
c1992 The Kingdom and the Glory: Meditation and Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew
c1992 The Divine Presence of Jesus: Meditation and Commentary on the Gospel of John
c1992 A Year of Preparation: World Youth Day ’93 Resource Manual
c1992 Catholic Evangelization: A Course Manual for Seminarians and Other Catholic Evangelizers
c1993 Images of Jesus: Ten Invitations to Intimacy
c1993 The Second Coming of Jesus: Meditation and Commentary on the Book of Revelation
c1994 Essentials of the Faith: A Guide to the Catechism of the Catholic Church
c1994 A Short History of the Mass
c1994 Invitation: The Search for God, Self and Church: A Catholic Learning Guide for Adults
c1995 Father McBride’s Teen Catechism: Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church
c1996 A Retreat with Pope John XXIII: Opening the Windows to Wisdom
c1996 Lessons for Today from the Early Church
c1998 The Millennium: End of Time? A New Beginning?
c1998 Father McBride’s Family Catechism: Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church
c1999 Images of Mary
c1999 Celebrating the Mass: A Guide for Understanding and Loving the Mass More Deeply
c2000 Father McBride’s College Catechism
c2001 The Ten Commandments: Covenant of Love
c2001 Catholic Beliefs from A to Z
c2002 Pope John XXIII: True Life and Teachings
c2002 Essentials of the Faith: A Guide to the Catechism of the Catholic Church
c2003 One Hundred Years of Catholic Education: Historical Essays in Honor of the Centennial of the Nation
c2004 Teen Guide to the Bible
c2005 The Holy Eucharist Prayer Book
c2007 How to Make Homilies Better, Briefer, and Bolder: Tips from a Master Homilist
c2008 Daily Reflections for Lent
c2009 The Story of the Church
c2009 How to Pray Like Jesus and the Saints: A Study Guide for Catholics
c2010 A Priest Forever: Nine Signs of Renewal and Hope
c2010 Truth for Your Mind, Love for Your Heart: Satisfying Your Hunger for God
c2011 Staying Faithful Today: To God, Ourselves, One Another
c2012 Holding Jesus: Reflections on Mary, The Mother of God
c2012 The Challenge of the Cross: Praying the Stations
c2014 Christ, Our Compass: Making Moral Choices
c2014 All I Own I Owe: The Autobiography of Reverend Alfred McBride, O Praem
All I Own I Owe: The Autobiography of Reverend Alfred McBride, O Praem. | Photo Courtesy of St. Benedict's Press
All I Own I Owe: The Autobiography of Reverend Alfred McBride, O Praem. | Photo Courtesy of St. Benedict’s Press

As seen in the Fall/Winter 2014 issue of Abbey Magazine (page 12)

In 2014 Fr. Alfred McBride, O. Praem., published his latest book, All I Own I Owe, which is also his autobiography.

The 244-page book includes personal reflections and insights, from his youth to present-day.

Surrounding the release of his book, Fr. McBride spent several months making promotional and book signing appearances in the Green Bay area, including an appearance at a special promotional event held at Cathedral Book & Gift in downtown Green Bay.

Fr. McBride, author of more than 40 books, adds to list
‘All I own I Owe’ is Norbertine priest’s first autobiography
September 17, 2014
The Compass

Local Norbertine authors new book on priesthood
March 3, 2010
The Compass

For “The Compass”

Official Newspaper for the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay

December 20, 2016 The adoration of the shepherds
November 23, 2016 Hedonism or moral renewal
October 26, 2016 Jesus loves the little Zacchaeus
August 26, 2016 It takes discipline to be a disciple
August 5, 2016 Prepare for Christ’s second coming
July 12, 2016 Just who is our neighbor?
June 9, 2016 Jesus is the center of our spirituality
May 12, 2016 Come Holy Spirit
April 14, 2016 The world is no friend of Jesus
March 18, 2016 The Passion of Jesus begins
February 18, 2016 Intimacy with Jesus changes us
January 21, 2016 How to read the Bible
December 23, 2015 Empower the family
November 25, 2015 ‘Your face Lord, I desire’
October 29, 2015 The saints will shine like the sun
September 30, 2015 Time to rebuild marriage and family
September 2, 2015 Jesus, give us the miracle of listening
July 9, 2015 How Christ formed missionaries
June 10, 2015 The call to evangelize
May 13, 2015 Matthias is chosen for ministry
April 16, 2015 More than a ghost, more than a body
March 19, 2015 Who cares if I break? God does
February 19, 2015 Being Christian and living it
January 22, 2015 The power of Scripture
December 10, 2014 God never tires of forgiving us

In the News

Fr. Alfred McBride, O. Praem. (center), presented award by Most Rev. David L. Ricken, Bishop of Green Bay (right) and event emcee Fr. Francis "Rocky" Hoffman, JCD (left)
Fr. Alfred McBride, O. Praem. (center), presented award by Most Rev. David L. Ricken, Bishop of Green Bay (right) and event emcee Fr. Francis “Rocky” Hoffman, JCD (left)

In March 2016 author and catechist Fr. Alfred McBride, O. Praem., was honored at Relevant Radio Green Bay’s “Christ Brings Hope Award Dinner.”

Read the full story »

Norbertine author shares lessons learned
This Sunday on CW 14 Focus host Robert Hornacek was joined by Rev. Alfred McBride, O.Praem.
September 19, 2014
CW 14 “Focus” (TV)

A lifetime of learning, teaching brings him joy
Norbertine Fr. McBride, prolific writer and longtime educator, honored by national education group
June 1, 2011
The Compass

News, Honors and Distinctions (page 13)
Fall/Winter 2011
Abbey Magazine

August 2016 Norbertine Celebrations at St. Norbert Abbey

St. Augustine
St. Augustine

On Saturday, August 27, 2016, at the First Vespers of the Solemnity of St. Augustine, Johnathan F. Turba and Anh Q. Tran will be vested in the white habit of the Norbertine Order. Rt. Rev. Gary J. Neville, O. Praem., Abbot of St. Norbert Abbey, will preside over the vestition ceremony.

On Sunday, August 28, 2016, the Solemnity of St. Augustine, Frater Michael J. Brennan, O. Praem., will profess Solemn Vows, forming a mutual lifelong commitment to the canonical life between himself and the entire professed community. Abbot Neville will preside over the solemn rite.

On Monday, August 29, 2016, Frater Brennan will also be ordained to the diaconate by Most Rev. Dale J. Melczek, DD, Bishop Emeritus of Gary, Indiana.

Read more about vestition and the Norbertine religious habit »

Please Note

This year the Solemnity of our Holy Father, St. Augustine, falls on a Sunday—August 28, 2016.

We would like to inform our regular worshippers that this Mass will include the Solemn Profession of Vows of our confrere, Frater Michael J. Brennan, O. Praem.

Given these special rites, this liturgy will be longer in duration than most Masses celebrated at the abbey, and we will welcome many of Frater Brennan’s friends and family from out of town.

We are grateful for your prayerful presence at St. Norbert Abbey; we welcome you to that Sunday’s celebration, as well. However, we wanted to inform you of the unique and blessed rituals that the Sunday, August 28, liturgy will include!


In the News

Abbey Celebrations
Fall/Winter 2016
St. Norbert College Magazine

First Vespers & Solemn Vows (page 15)
Fall/Winter 2016
Abbey Magazine

Local faith briefs: Norbertine celebrations this weekend
August 25, 2016
The Green Bay Press-Gazette

SMSA alum to be vested in Norbertine Order Aug. 27
August 22, 2016
Fond du Lac Reporter


August 27, 2016 — First Vespers of the Solemnity of St. Augustine

Vestition of Frater Johnathan Turba, O. Praem., and Frater Anh Tran, O. Praem.

An Outward Sign of an Inward Spirit


August 28, 2016 — Solemnity of St. Augustine

Bishop and Doctor of the Church | Author of Our Rule of Life
Celebrating the Solemn Profession of Frater Michael Brennan, O. Praem.

A Lifelong Commitment to Canonical Life

from St. Norbert Abbey on Vimeo


August 29, 2016 — Mass of Diaconate Ordination of Deacon Michael Brennan, O. Praem.


Frater Michael Joseph Brennan, O. Praem.

Profession of Solemn Vows and Ordination to the Diaconate

… I have found my way home here at St. Norbert Abbey.

—Deacon Michael Brennan, O. Praem.
Frater Michael Brennan, O. Praem.
Frater Michael Brennan, O. Praem.

Frater Brennan, 39, is the son of Michael and Dorothy Brennan of Michigan City, Indiana, and a son of Queen of All Saints Catholic Church in Michigan City. His parents now belong to St. Pius X Catholic Church in Granger, Indiana.

Frater Brennan was vested in the white Norbertine habit in August 2011 and professed Simple Vows in August 2013.

A 1995 graduate of Marquette Catholic High School, Michigan City, Frater Brennan graduated from St. Norbert College (SNC) in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and psychology and a minor in religious studies.

In 2001 he received a Master of Education degree from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. He was also named Teacher of the Year at Our Lady of Prompt Succor, White Castle, Louisiana (1999-2000), and at Ascension Catholic Middle School, Donaldsonville, Louisiana (2001-2002), and received the Young Alumni Award from SNC (2005).

Frater Brennan anticipates completing his Masters of Divinity in May 2017 and an M.A. in Scripture in the fall of 2017. Both degrees will be granted by Catholic Theological Union, Chicago. Frater Brennan will be ordained a Norbertine priest on May 27, 2017.

“As I shared with our guests on the occasion of these celebrations, I have found my way home here at St. Norbert Abbey. I am most grateful to God, to my fellow Norbertines, family, friends, and all those I have met along this journey. I owe much to those who have prepared me for these joyful moments of solemn profession and ordination. I look forward to my ongoing growth and formation as I serve the People of God as a Norbertine deacon at Old St. Pat’s in Chicago and here in our local community. Thank you to those who have supported me, challenged me, and prayed for me. I ask for your continued guidance as we all strive ‘to be of one mind and one heart on the way to God.’ ” —Deacon Michael Brennan, O. Praem.


Frater Johnathan Fredrick Turba, O. Praem.

Vestition

I feel incredibly blessed to be joining the Norbertines.

—Frater Johnathan Turba, O. Praem.
Frater Johnathan Turba, O. Praem.
Frater Johnathan Turba, O. Praem.

Frater Turba, 28, is the son of Michael and Patricia Turba of Platteville, Wisconsin, and a son of Immaculate Conception Parish in New Richmond, Wisconsin.

Upon completion of his high school studies in Platteville, Frater Turba graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in choral music education, emphasis in voice and piano.

Since graduating from college Frater Turba served as an elementary, middle, and high school teacher of general music and as a choral director for the Iola-Scandinavia School District in North Central Wisconsin. In 2016 Frater Turba received the Outstanding Young Conductor Award from the Wisconsin Choral Directors Association for his dedicated work in the schools.

The first-year Norbertine novitiate (in which Frater Turba will participate) will take place at St. Norbert Abbey.

“Upon my vestition, walking into the abbey church clad in a white habit of my own was a joyous and humbling experience. When everyone applauded to welcome Anh and me into the community, I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support. I feel incredibly blessed to be joining the Norbertines. As I begin my novitiate at the abbey, I look forward to learning more about the Norbertine heritage and about the surrounding community while also growing in my faith.” —Frater Johnathan Turba, O. Praem.


Frater Anh Quoc Tran, O. Praem.

Vestition

God’s merciful heart and compassionate love have guided my wandering heart to the new adventure …

—Frater Anh Tran, O. Praem.
Frater Anh Tran, O. Praem.
Frater Anh Tran, O. Praem.

Frater Tran, 26, son of Linh Van Tran and Son Thi Nguyen, is a son of Hien Linh Parish in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

After graduating from St. Mary Springs High School, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Frater Tran studied at St. Norbert College. He graduated in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in global business.

Since graduating from college Frater Tran earned two master’s degrees in servant leadership and business administration from Viterbo University, La Crosse, Wisconsin, where he served as house coordinator at A Place of Grace Catholic Worker House.

The first-year Norbertine novitiate (in which Frater Tran will participate) will take place at St. Norbert Abbey.

“To me, the vestition was absolutely a blessing from God, especially having my parents from Vietnam here witnessing this initiation of my new beginning. God’s merciful heart and compassionate love have guided my wandering heart to the new adventure which is full of hope and yet beyond my imagination. Because of that, I thank you, Lord!” —Frater Anh Tran, O. Praem.

Fr. James Neilson, O. Praem.


Priest-Artist-Teacher Finds Classroom “A Sacred Place”

Fr. James Neilson, O. Praem.
Fr. James Neilson, O. Praem.

Ask Fr. James Neilson, O. Praem., when he knew he wanted to be a priest and he will tell you there was no moment “of great revelation or a moment of absolute clarity.” Nevertheless, the call was always there.

He grew up in an extended family that included two uncles who were Jesuit priests. The idea of a religious vocation was “gently promoted and encouraged as a viable opportunity for young men in general, and for me in particular.”

Still, Fr. Neilson’s love for Church is more easily pinpointed than the awareness of priest as a possible life option. Commitments to both evolved from his sensitivity to the visual arts. He loved the color and the beauty within the church environment; he found the aesthetics thrilling and enriching. Such a milieu encouraged Fr. Neilson’s authenticity as a person and drew him toward religious life.

His first awareness of doctrinal truth came through the visual arts. “I knew what ‘light from true light’ meant seeing it filtered through glass, seeing it dramatically understood through architecture that valued the way light played on surfaces and on people, and to see, to truly feel this, ‘one God from one God.’ ” Through such revelation of creedal truth he became a believer.

Fr. Neilson then recognized “priest” as custodian of such an environment. “I thought, ‘That would be a job I would like,’ to be the curator for this beauty.” The aesthetic and spiritual attraction to Church and his own predisposition toward the arts also aroused his interest in teaching. Coming from a family of educators, “it all worked in this very sort of strange mysterious way to reveal God’s truth.”

Born in Springfield, Illinois, Fr. Neilson moved to Chicago when he was seven and to Indianapolis when he was 14. He returned to Chicago to teach fourth grade as a volunteer in the Amate House program before pursuing religious life, and graduated summa cum laude in art education from St. Norbert College, De Pere, Wisconsin, in 1988.

But with his Jesuit affiliations, why the Norbertines? He explored several religious orders but found the Norbertines especially welcoming and affirming of his previous role as teacher. Fr. Gene Gries, O. Praem., then St. Norbert Abbey’s vocations director, visited Fr. Neilson’s fourth grade classroom, joined him in the cafeteria, and—an educator himself—talked teaching strategies with his recruit. Fr. Neilson’s reaction: “If anybody else is like that in this organization, I want to join them.”

A visit to the abbey reinforced that first impression: “This is a wellspring of interesting and talented people.” He entered in 1985 and was ordained in 1993.

Admission to the order brought a heightened sense of responsibility and accountability. He wanted to do well—to not only to express his gratitude to the order, but also build on the foundation the order represented.

Priest-artist-teacher Fr. James Neilson, O. Praem.
Priest-artist-teacher Fr. James Neilson, O. Praem.

There were challenges. Nonetheless, “I think the Lord has been extremely generous in cultivating authentic vocation by allowing me to go to art school.” Prior to priestly ordination he earned a master’s degree in divinity, and after ordination he completed his master’s degree in fine arts. Today, he teaches art at St. Norbert College.

“Priest as artist” might be a combination some find mystifying. Within the order, however, the mix follows from the question, “ ‘What is it that gives you life and what can you then return to the Church?’ This is a very Norbertine and very inclusive view of how to be Church and how to celebrate the presence of Christ in the world. Beauty and its understanding—intellectually and spiritually—is a way of doing that.” For Fr. Neilson, practicing the visual arts is both prayer and “catalyst for discerning God’s will.” His combined role of priest, artist, and teacher “is a tripartite vocation—one informs the other. I can’t be one without the other.” The order not only allows such individual expression, but also “encourages us to cultivate the gifts God has given us.”

Fr. Stephen Rossey, O. Praem., a Norbertine mentor who is also an artist, aided Fr. Neilson’s discernment process. A kindred, like-minded spirit, Fr. Rossey was a guide, wisdom figure, and companion on the younger priest’s journey. “[Fr. Rossey] made a huge difference in both my spiritual life and my personal aesthetic. That’s been one of the great gifts of the community, knowing someone like Steve who has been so powerfully influential to me. And I think religious life would be diminished if that possibility [mentorships] were unavailable.”

While art as the essence of his ministry is a given, it is not necessarily in doing or making art that Fr. Neilson is most fulfilled. He has a studio at the abbey but spends little time there. He is at his best in the classroom: “a sacred place where you can experience the divine and the holy. I feel I am as much a priest in the classroom as I am in the church… Christ had roles as a teacher; I feel I am following the footsteps of the person I most admire.”

Within his Norbertine membership, friendship and collegiality score high on the list of pluses. But life within community is not without its challenges. “With any relationship you have, you have to really work at it. It is very easy to let that slide, to dedicate yourself to the institution rather than your family. That is a constant struggle to me.”

So, also, is the desire and need to maintain community. “It’s a precious balancing act between community, which I know is vital, and the demands of apostolate. With the situation of the priesthood today, we are overwhelmed with wonderful opportunities and needs. There is always something to be done for the many within the Church and we can’t always be present as often or to as many as we’d like. It’s a dilemma—a pull that I grapple with every day.”

His abbey affiliation, however, is affirming. People let him know that he is missed, a reminder he needs to review his priorities. “You need to know that you count and that you are needed.”

Within the community, Fr. Neilson enjoys hearing the stories of his confreres and being inspired by their own journeys and talents. He has enjoyed the community’s generosity in supporting the development of his own interests. “The best word to describe the order for me is ‘generosity.’ The order has commissioned me to take seriously my studies for the sake of the order and the Church prizing the order’s rich legacy of teaching.”

Fr. Neilson consciously strives to share his love of art and the Church with others. “I am anxious to perpetuate the artistic legacy of the believing community just as a custodian or a curator might.” It is why he teaches: “so I can preserve and extend the beauty and truth of the faith. I don’t want that legacy to be lost.”