Norbertines Who Inspire at Saint Norbert Abbey in De Pere, WI

Rev. Joseph Coopmans, O. Praem.

Fr. Joe’s reflections on his life and ministry as a Norbertine:

On being happy:

Norbertines are there for you in good times as well as in challenging times. Health issues can affect each of us without warning like anyone in any family. Sickness can affect the old or the young. It is very encouraging to see the young Norbertines assisting the old.

Words of encouragement for the young:

Hang in there at all times. Learn from the older confreres; accept the wisdom they have to offer.

On Common Prayer, Eucharist, and Table:

The Psalms both in the sung Liturgy of the Hours and Breviary reflect meaning for life. Psalm 90 says: “Our days are short and are over like a sigh. Our lives spring up lake flowers in the morning and fade away by eventide and most of these are emptiness and pain. Most live sixty years or eighty for those who are strong.”

The Eucharist is the source and summit of our lives. We celebrate Eucharist because Jesus told us to do so in him memory until the end of time. The Last Supper motif of the Washing of the Feet stands out for me because it symbolizes the meaning of service.

Table means conversation. Listening is just as important as speaking. Eating with older members is just as important as eating with contemporaries as with the young. This goes as well with our common prayer.

On friendship:

I enjoy my Norbertine friends, especially those who invite and challenge me to try new things.

On being a teacher and a forensics [speech] coach:

I coached Forensics for nine years while teaching at Prémontré High School in Green Bay. My team presented me with a trophy when I departed. The inscription reads: “Education begins a gentleman and speech completes him.” It was an honor to teach and work with many gifted young men. They went on to be lawyers, doctors, priests and professionals. Hopefully, they became good Christians, as well.

On being a pastor:

Being a pastor for 22 years was an opportunity to teach Christian values to people of all ages. Administering the sacraments was an honor and privilege. As pastor, I served in three cultures:

1. Urban (at St. Joseph Parish in Madison and at Annunciation Parish and school in Green Bay),

2. Rural (at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Tisch Mills and at St. Joseph Parish in Norman), and

3. Northern Wisconsin (at St. John Parish in Gillett and at St. Michael Parish in Suring).

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