Meet the NCS Staff

Exciting times, reorganization, at the Norbertine Center for Spirituality (NCS)


Tony Pichler
Tony Pichler

Tony Pichler

Director

“I first served on the NCS Advisory Board. After a meeting, one day, Judy Turba and I discussed the possibility of a co-directorship for the center. I felt if this was God’s plan for me, it would all fall into place. The process was as smooth as glass, and two years later, I could not be happier. I absolutely love the variety of what we offer at the center. From book discussions to Bible studies to more involved retreats—I love it all.”

More About Tony:

He has co-authored eight books: a service manual for youth ministry leaders, three Advent journals for teens, three Lenten journals for teens, and a series of binders on discipline in a religious education curriculum. Another book, a confirmation journal for teens, is currently at the publisher. He also loves to watch and play sports, from golfing and kayaking to biking and tennis.

Contact information »


Kathie Tilot
Kathie Tilot

Kathie Tilot

Spiritual Direction and Public Relations Coordinator

“The first time I visited the NCS, I was overcome by the peacefulness and the rhythm of life here; by the classes that stretched me and helped me grow; and by the natural setting—right in the heart of town. I graduated from St. Norbert College and the Norbertine community played an important role in my life. As my ministry evolved to include retreats and spiritual direction, the NCS seemed to be a perfect fit.”

More About Kathie:

She loves watching people be empowered, whether it is sharing their sacred stories, learning a new spiritual practice, or finding rest under the shade of the trees. “Every day, as I drive up the long driveway, I thank God for the opportunity to serve here.”

Contact information »


Ann Herlache
Ann Herlache

Ann Herlache

Program Coordinator

“My biggest joy in being a part of the NCS is all the good that we aim to bring into people’s lives. The center truly strives to be an oasis for everyone who enters its doors.”

More About Ann:

Ann worked in a manufacturing plant for seven years before she began her work at the NCS. She loves to garden and see the results of her planning and cultivating, ultimately using her herbs and vegetables when she cooks for her family.

Contact information »


Paula Rieder
Paula Rieder

Paula Rieder

Hospitality Coordinator, Spiritual Director

“The first time I visited the NCS, I was overwhelmed with the kindness, consideration, and authenticity of the people. I was first introduced to the NCS while I was taking classes through the Emmaus Program at the Diocese of Green Bay. I later experienced prayer with the community and felt as if this was a beautiful place for my spirit to develop.”

More About Paula:

Paula has co-authored a book entitled Confirmed in the Joy of the Spirit published by 23rd Publications. She was the recipient of the Wisconsin Heroes Award, presented by Tonette Walker, in 2017. She was the runner-up for the Brown County Volunteer Award in 2017.

Contact information »

Heart & Soul: Norbertines and St. Norbert College Share Charisms, Values

As seen in the Fall/Winter 2017 issue of Abbey Magazine (pages 4-5)

By Gina Sanders Larsen and Judy Turba

(L-R) Frater Anh Tran, O. Praem. (front), Frater Jordan Neeck, O. Praem., President Brian Bruess, Abbot Gary Neville, O. Praem., Fr. James Herring, O. Praem. (standing), Fr. Tim Shillcox, O. Praem.
(L-R) Frater Anh Tran, O. Praem. (front), Frater Jordan Neeck, O. Praem., President Brian Bruess, Abbot Gary Neville, O. Praem., Fr. James Herring, O. Praem. (standing), Fr. Tim Shillcox, O. Praem.

They exist on opposite sides of the Fox River in De Pere, Wisconsin, but the unwavering bond between the Norbertines of St. Norbert Abbey and St. Norbert College is strong and unambiguous. A new college president, a re-energized campus parish, and an innovative first-year student experience illustrate the institutions’ steadfast connection, “to be of one mind and one heart on the way to God” (The Rule of St. Augustine).

With a warm and gracious greeting, Fr. James Baraniak, O. Praem., and Judy Turba met with Brian Bruess, recently named president of St. Norbert College (SNC), after his first month in office. During their time together, this most impressive 1990 SNC graduate shared thoughts about his journey, his vision for the college, and its connection to the Norbertine community, as well as what it means to come home.

Being an alum, I believe the stakes are higher for me as I serve in this role as president because St. Norbert College is not only a place I love but also a place that formed me.

—Brian Bruess

Brian Bruess, Ph.D., 50, eighth president of St. Norbert College, is only the second alumnus ever to serve in this role; Fr. Dennis Burke, O. Praem., was the first, and the similarities are striking. “Fr. Burke also followed an exceptional leader, Abbot (Bernard) Pennings, the founder of St. Norbert College,” said Bruess. “I, too, am following an outstanding and tremendously successful leader, Tom (Thomas) Kunkel. Needless to say, their extraordinary leadership is both intimidating and inspiring.” In fact, the year Bruess was born, Fr. Burke was retiring. Bruess remembers vividly from his years at the college a painting of Fr. Burke walking across the campus with then-presidential candidate John F. Kennedy. “The image has stayed with me all of these years.”

Bruess’ excitement is palpable and contagious. He realizes he is inheriting the helm of one of the top-ranked Catholic liberal arts colleges in the country. “Being an alum, I believe the stakes are higher for me because St. Norbert College is not only a place I love but also a place that formed me. Here I began to contemplate a career in higher education through the encouragement of faculty and administrators. I have had opportunities to serve elsewhere, but I honestly feel called here. It’s my vocation.”

Bruess shared his deep commitment to the college’s mission: “St. Norbert College, a Catholic liberal arts college embracing the Norbertine ideal of communio, provides an educational environment that fosters intellectual, spiritual, and personal development.” The mission statement emphatically stresses the tripartite—Catholic, Norbertine, liberal arts—all of which are inseparable and equally important. “This is the only Norbertine college in the world, and society has never needed St. Norbert College graduates more than now. The charism here is rich and powerful, distinctive and transformational.” Through regular meetings with the abbot and members of the abbot’s council, he will envision with the Norbertine community how best to sustain this mission. “I feel significantly responsible to represent Norbertine values and ensure that these values are woven within all aspects of our education.”

Given Bruess’ experience in higher education, his highly regarded expertise, commitment to Norbertine values, and passion for his alma mater—the sky is the limit. He is ready to serve.

Meet Brian Bruess, SNC College President and Alumnus

President Brian Bruess
President Brian Bruess

President Brian Bruess received bachelor of arts degrees in sociology and psychology from St. Norbert College with master’s and doctoral degrees from Ohio University, Athens, Ohio. He most recently served at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota, as executive vice president and chief operating officer. During his 21-year tenure there, he also was involved with enrollment management, finance, student affairs, and information technology. Bruess and his wife, Carol, also a 1990 graduate of St. Norbert College and most recently professor of communication and journalism at the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, have two children: Gracie, a high school senior, and Tony, a Stanford University senior.

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Heart & Soul: Gateway Seminar for First-Year Students Teaches Norbertine History and Values

As seen in the Fall/Winter 2017 issue of Abbey Magazine (page 7)

By Gina Sanders Larsen and Judy Turba

Frater Anh Tran, O. Praem. (left), and Frater Johnathan Turba, O. Praem., visit with students who learn about the history and mission of St. Norbert of Xanten and St. Norbert College through the Gateway Seminar.
Frater Anh Tran, O. Praem. (left), and Frater Johnathan Turba, O. Praem., visit with students who learn about the history and mission of St. Norbert of Xanten and St. Norbert College through the Gateway Seminar.

The inaugural Gateway Seminar for all incoming first-year St. Norbert College (SNC) students is in full swing. The seminar is a recently established graduation requirement; the new students gather once or twice a week during the fall semester in 22 small groups, each led by a three-person teaching team, typically comprised of two staff members and an upperclass student. The diverse teaching teams are charged with introducing the young adults to the history and mission of St. Norbert of Xanten and St. Norbert College. They also help new SNC students acclimate to college life and become familiar with one another and with faculty, staff, and Norbertines on campus who can assist them with their questions or concerns.

“St. Norbert College has had a first-year experience program for a long time, but it’s only this year when it became mandatory, which allows us to increase the number of sessions, deepen the content, and specifically educate our students on our history and mission,” said Fr. Jay Fostner, O. Praem., Ph.D., vice president for mission and student affairs at SNC. “Research demonstrates that first-year experience courses increase retention, help students bond with the institution, and create positive and deeper relationships between students, faculty, and staff.”

Fr. Michael Brennan, O. Praem., Frater Johnathan Turba, O. Praem., Frater Anh Tran, O. Praem., and Norbertine Associate Ellen Mommaerts, director of the Norbertine Volunteer Community, are each members of Gateway teaching teams. As young men in formation for the priesthood, Frater Turba and Frater Tran are often on campus. Fr. Brennan, SNC vocation coordinator, is also active in the College of Chaplains at SNC (see “Heart & Soul: College of Chaplains Returns to Campus, St. Norbert College Parish”).

“It’s become my new normal to have people approach me and ask questions about the priesthood,” Frater Turba said, especially considering that he is always wearing his white Norbertine habit. “If that’s the one thing that comes of our participation in Gateway— students engaging us in conversation—I think it’s wonderful. We are proof that St. Norbert is not just a man who lived 900 years ago, but through his ‘sons’ is still a living, breathing presence on our campus today.”

Frater Tran first came to the United States from Vietnam as a high school foreign exchange student. His American grandfather is an SNC graduate, and that connection led Frater Tran to attend and graduate from SNC with a business degree before joining the order. “It really does take a village to live and grow,” he said. “I rely on many others to help guide me, and now I help new students make connections that will help them discover new
people and ideas.”

The 2017-2018 SNC first-year class is comprised of 542 students from 13 states and eight countries. “We have abbeys around the world, and Norbertines are an international order. Here we strive to create a campus community that is diverse and welcoming,” said Fr. Fostner. “The Gateway Seminar helps us nurture a community where learning happens within the context of our rich Catholic, Norbertine, and liberal arts traditions.”

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Green Bay Packers Honor Norbertine for 6,000+ Hours of Service

Fr. Ken De Groot, O. Praem., reflects in the cemetery of St. Norbert Abbey.

Fr. Ken De Groot, O. Praem.

Fr. Ken De Groot, O. Praem.
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:

Fr. Ken De Groot, O. Praem. (right) receives the Green Bay Packers Give Back Award (senior category) from Mark Murphy, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Green Bay Packers
Fr. Ken De Groot, O. Praem. (right) receives the Green Bay Packers Give Back Award (senior category) from Mark Murphy, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Green Bay Packers

“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.”

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Canons on the Run: Frater Jordan Neeck, O. Praem., and Frater Johnathan Turba, O. Praem.

Canons on the RunFr. Jordan Neeck, O. Praem., and Frater Johnathan Turba, O. Praem., are co-hosts of Canons on the Run, a biweekly Norbertine podcast from St. Norbert Abbey in De Pere, Wisconsin.

Frater Jordan and Frater Johnathan are commonly mistaken for one another. Hosting a podcast together seemed like the perfect opportunity for the world to get to know them both as individuals—or perhaps just add to the list of their similarities.

Both avid runners, Frater Jordan and Frater Johnathan tend to discuss a variety subjects on their runs together, especially topics that revolve around their years in priestly formation as fraters (seminarians).

Frater Jordan is a deep-thinker and constant ruminator. He has a patient, listening ear, and deep love for the beauty of the Catholic faith.

"Canons on the Run" podcast hosts Frater Jordan Neeck, O. Praem. (left), and Frater Johnathan Turba, O. Praem.
Canons on the Run podcast hosts Fr. Jordan Neeck, O. Praem. (left), and Frater Johnathan Turba, O. Praem.

Frater Johnathan is a self-acclaimed “out-loud thinker.” He has an eagerness to delve into the deep questions of life and doesn’t shy away from any conversation with anyone.

With Frater Jordan’s philosophical questioning and Frater Johnathan’s penchant for thinking out-loud, you’ve got the making of a fascinating podcast.

We invite you to listen to Canons on the Run as they share their call to conversion as Norbertines. Through insight, wisdom, and a bit of abbey humor, experience the Norbertine environment in which they live and the faith they love to share.

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  • Eyes fixed on Jesus
    By Jenny Snarski
    February 9, 2018
    Superior Catholic Herald
    Diocese of Superior

Foundational Friendships

As seen in the Spring/Summer 2017 issue of Abbey Magazine (pages 11-13)

By Judy Turba

In this world two things are essential: life and friendship. Both should be highly prized and we must not undervalue them. Life and friendship are nature’s gifts. God created us that we might exist and live: this is life. But if we are not to remain solitary, there must be friendship.

—St. Augustine

I recently had the privilege of interviewing three Norbertine seminarians: Deacon Michael Brennan, O. Praem., Frater Patrick LaPacz, O. Praem., and Frater Jordan Neeck, O. Praem.

We discussed their life together within the Norbertine community, specifically their time at Holy Spirit House of Studies, the Norbertine home in Chicago, located near Catholic Theological Union, where they are pursuing graduate studies.

By living, working, and praying together throughout the past few years, these young men who once had been strangers have become not only brothers in Norbert, but also treasured and most likely lifelong friends. Here they share their journey of life and friendship.

from St. Norbert Abbey on Vimeo


Q:

Holy Spirit House of Studies, Chicago
Holy Spirit House of Studies, Chicago

What are the joys and challenges of living in a home together, where you are responsible for cooking, cleaning, and other household chores, as well as praying and studying together? How has this environment enhanced your friendship with one another?

Deacon Mike: In America, we live in a culture that fosters individualism, where there’s not a lot of actual face-to-face interaction. Here, we rub elbows—we live together. And while we often study alone, Patrick, for instance, might suddenly pop in and say something like, “Talk to me.”

Frater Patrick: Or Mike will sneeze really loudly and I’ll yell back to him, “God bless you.”

4841: Holy Spirit House of Studies, Chicago
4841: Holy Spirit House of Studies, Chicago

Deacon Mike: These little interactions really pull us out of ourselves. I think that’s one of the reasons many of us have chosen community life. We long for relationships. Our tradition understands the Trinity as the God of relationship. Sometimes we want to isolate ourselves from one another, but in the end it’s good to bump elbows, it’s good to have someone intentionally come into our space and say, “I want to hang out.” It gets us out of our own heads a bit.

Frater Jordan: When I was taking classes at Notre Dame last summer, I got a call from Mike or Patrick every week, or I called them. Being away made me really appreciate them and the Norbertine way of life. And making each of us better people is what religious life is all about: growing in “one mind and one heart on the way to God.”


Q:

Frater Jordan Neeck, O. Praem. (left), and Frater Patrick LaPacz, O. Praem., on their way to Catholic Theological Union, Chicago.
Frater Jordan Neeck, O. Praem. (left), and Frater Patrick LaPacz, O. Praem., on their way to Catholic Theological Union, Chicago.

Realizing all relationships include a bit of conflict or misunderstanding, or simply a case of others getting on our nerves, how do you three handle conflict when it arises?

Deacon Mike: One of the ways we deal with conflict is we have fun with it. We really do enjoy each other’s company and all of us are good at teasing one another. I have a tendency to be a bit loud and assertive. When that happens, I’ll be referred to as “coach.” Meaning I don’t have to go on and on as I sometimes do. But we definitely have some serious conversations, too, depending upon the person, the topic, and the day.

Frater Jordan: Depending on the day—that’s important—being able to really read one another before we bring out the teasing. Also, humility plays a part in this. I know I have my own quirks and there are days I’m not easy to live with. But humor can ease that tension. Fraternal correction is in our Rule, but it’s so hard to directly correct someone. Humor softens those edges.


Q:

Left to right: Deacon Michael Brennan, O. Praem., Frater Jordan Neeck, O. Praem., Frater Patrick LaPacz, O. Praem.
Left to right: Deacon Michael Brennan, O. Praem., Frater Jordan Neeck, O. Praem., Frater Patrick LaPacz, O. Praem.

Judith Viorst, author of Necessary Losses, asserts that it is much easier to stand by our friends in their sadness and their adversity, but that the true test of friendship is being able to stand by our friends in their joys and their successes. Is there truth for you in this statement, and if so, how?

Frater Jordan: I recently read that 94 percent of priests identify as “happy”—a rate higher than doctors, teachers, and lawyers. But most of the support and affirmation for these priests comes from family, friends, and people they shepherd; sadly, it does not always come from other clergy. We’re here to support each other when we’re down, but how often do we take time to celebrate each other’s successes? This is a challenge not only within priesthood, but also throughout humanity.


Q:

Fr. James Herring, O. Praem., Master of Professed and local superior at Holy Spirit House of Studies
Fr. James Herring, O. Praem., Master of Professed and local superior at Holy Spirit House of Studies

You pray together three times a day, everyday—Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, and Mass. How does this impact your friendship?

Frater Jordan: You heard us sing, Judy!

Deacon Mike: Yeah, it’s not always a “joyful song unto the Lord.”

Frater Patrick: I think prayer is time spent together in a special way, even though it can be a bit frustrating if someone is off pitch, or when I can’t get the right tones.

Deacon Mike: Living together, we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. But it’s in communal prayer that I think we are most forgiving because everyone is making his best effort. In shared prayer, we are more charitable with one another—perhaps more so than in other aspects of life. When I’m away I’ll pray my breviary alone. But it’s worlds apart from communal prayer, which I desperately miss. Here in the house, praying together makes us more than roommates; we are a community of brothers.

Frater Jordan: I learned when people pray or sing or chant together, they start to breathe together, and their hearts become in sync. Even though there are differences among us, this aspect of our prayer life brings us together as Norbertines. Our lives are rooted in prayer.


Q:

Deacon Michael Brennan, O. Praem. (left), and Frater Jordan Neeck, O. Praem.
Deacon Michael Brennan, O. Praem. (left), and Frater Jordan Neeck, O. Praem.

As you mentioned, none of you knew each other before you entered the community, yet today you call each other friends and brothers. What have these relationships brought to your life? How are you a better, more faithful Norbertine because of each other?

Deacon Mike: Patrick has this attention to detail, especially when it comes to anything liturgical or any project for that matter. While he might not be the first one to start the project, he’ll make sure it’s done right. He inspires me to be in tune to the sacredness of the liturgy. Jordan has a dedication to running and healthy living. Because of him, I’ve started running again and we both signed up for the Chicago Marathon.

Frater Patrick: Mike has a strong private prayer life, spending time in the chapel before communal prayer and at other times throughout the day. He motivates me to spend time on my own spiritual life. Jordan is a model of healthy living, consistently running and eating well. When it comes to academics he’s always on the ball. He never procrastinates. I trust both of them and am able to talk with them about deeper issues.

Frater Jordan: When Mike is passionate and on fire, he goes for it. He is extroverted. I tend to be introverted and have to try to be more outgoing. I admire his care and concern for other people. Whenever an opportunity arises to build relationships, Mike is always willing to take me with him.

Deacon Mike: I have really good college buddies, but I don’t have the day-to-day conversations with those guys that I have with two of my best friends right now: Patrick and Jordan. I anticipate having them walk with me throughout life. It’s a blessing to reflect upon the idea of friendship this early in our religious life, and to anticipate the ways that will challenge and benefit us as we live out our Norbertine vocation.


Q:

Frater Patrick LaPacz, O. Praem. (right)
Frater Patrick LaPacz, O. Praem. (right)

Ideally, how do you imagine your friendship 10, 20, 30 years from now? What are your hopes and dreams, regarding not only your friendship with each other, but also relationships within your entire community?

Frater Jordan: A few questions were recently posed to us in class: How are we as Norbertines different from diocesan pastors? What is distinctive about our form of religious life, and how do we remain committed to it? For us, it’s not all about work. It’s also about community and being committed to one another. It’s about being intentional and constantly reminding ourselves about our commitment to one another. I’ll be there for my brothers, and I may have to sacrifice something at my work to be present to them.

Deacon Mike: I’ll be ordained a priest on May 27, and as I move closer to priesthood, I realize I’m not worthy to be a priest. None of us are. I’m not saying this in a self-deprecating way. As Jordan says, this life—this vocation—is such a grace. It reminds me how much I’ll need to rely upon my family, my friends, the People of God, my Norbertine brothers, and especially on God, for love and support.


To find out more about men in formation for the Norbertine priesthood, see the Spring/Summer 2013 issue of Abbey Magazine (pages 8-10).

An Evening of Prayer, Service, and Brotherhood

By Frater Jordan Neeck, O. Praem.

Frater Jordan Neeck, O. Praem.
Frater Jordan Neeck, O. Praem.

Perhaps I am a sucker for nostalgia. I can’t help but delight, on any given Sunday in the Archdiocese of Chicago, when I encounter someone who has been influenced by a Norbertine of St. Norbert Abbey.

Sure, many people have encountered Norbertines either when they lived in Green Bay or went to St. Norbert College in De Pere, but there are a good number of people who share stories of Norbertines who served in parishes right here, within the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Many of the names shared are Norbertines I’ve never met, but I still marvel at the impact that these priests, brothers, and seminarians have had and continue to have on the people to whom we currently minister. I can’t help but feel a great joy in being part of such a legacy and fraternity.

Today, while Norbertines may not have a Chicago parish to call their own, our community continues to serve the faithful, maintaining a presence at our house of studies and at other apostolic outreach ministries. One place someone currently may encounter a Norbertine is at Old St. Patrick’s Parish, where Deacon Michael Brennan, O. Praem., and I serve on a part-time basis.

… I’m reminded of the gift of my brothers and thankful in the sharing of our lives.

—Frater Jordan Neeck, O. Praem.
Frater Jordan Neeck, O. Praem. (right), and Deacon Michael Brennan, O. Praem.
Frater Jordan Neeck, O. Praem. (right), and Deacon Michael Brennan, O. Praem.

One of the ministries in which I’m engaged includes ministering to the young adults of this parish. Recently, on the Solemnity of St. Joseph, I assisted in planning (with the help of many) an event known as a “Night of Prayer and Action,” connecting both contemplation and prayer with action and service.

Contemplation and action are an intrinsic part of the Norbertine way of life in which one (contemplation) fuels or compliments the other (action), and vice versa. While the event was well-attended and engaging, what proved to be most profound for me was the support and help I received from my brothers in community.

One could say that the prayer element of the night—Eucharistic Adoration, Vespers, and Benediction—had heavy Norbertine influence; not only in its planning, but also in its celebration, as I received assistance from Deacon Michael, Frater Johnathan Turba, O. Praem., and Frater Anh Tran, O. Praem. Without the support, assistance, and willingness of my brothers to help, this night would not have been the same.

Old St. Patrick’s Parish in Chicago
Old St. Patrick’s Parish in Chicago

This experience, while it was about ministering to the people of Old St. Pat’s, was also about ministering to each other as brothers. Each of us had an important role for the night and each did his part well. The ministry was not about one individual … the ministry was about us, together, united in our common life and mission as Sons of St. Norbert.

After sharing this experience with my brothers in formation, I can’t help but imagine how similar this sharing of ministry was for those Norbertines who came before us. Once again, years later, the faithful of the Archdiocese of Chicago had an encounter with a band of Norbertines from St. Norbert Abbey, who gave witness to fraternity and demonstrated a sharing of life rooted from our earliest beginnings as a Christian community.

Frequently I take the support of my brothers for granted; however, this night I’m reminded of the gift of my brothers and thankful in the sharing of our lives.

St. Norbert … Pray for Us!

Lenten Lessons and Chants 2017 at St. Norbert Abbey

The Church of St. Norbert Abbey

Lenten Lessons and Chants 2017 in the Church of St. Norbert Abbey

Sunday, April 2, 2017 | 7 p.m.

Join us for this time of Word, silence, and song.

LentIn this season of Lent, the Church invites us all to prepare for the Easter Feast through a deepening life of prayer, fasting, and works of mercy.

On the Fifth Sunday of Lent, the Norbertine Community of St. Norbert Abbey is offering Lenten Lessons and Chants.

The abbey church will be filled with praise of God’s Mercy through Word (Scripture and other Christian writings), rich silence, and sacred music sung by Norbertine cantors and the Abbey Singers of St. Norbert College.

View event details »

April 2, 2017 — Lenten Lessons and Chants 2017

from St. Norbert Abbey on Vimeo


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More opportunities to celebrate the sacred season of Lent at St. Norbert Abbey »

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.