Programs Winter - Spring - Summer 2012

Download Our Brochure (PDF - high speed connection recommended)

God's Communities and Their Artists

Fr. Andrew Ciferni, internationally renowned liturgist, delivered this presentation at a 2011 international symposium on contemporary, sacred art in Florence, Italy. Within this lecture, Fr. Ciferni demonstrates how art commissioned by religious communities expresses and shapes their charism and mission.

January 11 – Wednesday 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Presenter: Fr. Andrew Ciferni, O. Praem.
Cost: Free will offering (suggested donation $5)

Lord, Teach Us to Pray Series

Prayer is communication with God and is one of the basic needs of the human heart. All of the world's religions believe in its importance, its effectiveness and its centrality in our lives. Yet no matter our age, many people wonder, as did the apostles, "How do I pray? Teach us to pray." This series offers insight into the power, purpose and benefit of prayer as well as prayer techniques.

January 12, 19, 26 – Thursdays 6:30 – 8 p.m.January 12: Bishop Robert Morneau – Reflections on Prayer
January 19: Bishop David Ricken – Prayer for Busy People
January 26: Sr. Ann Rehrauer, OSF – Lectio Divina; Resources for Personal PrayCost: Free will offering (suggested donation $5)

Veterans' Stories of Hope, Healing and Spirituality

Note: Since this program has become one of our most powerful and provocative presentations, we have decided to offer it annually. Veterans, their families and friends and the general public are encouraged to attend. (This program was previously scheduled for fall 2011, but was postponed and rescheduled.)

When people choose to serve their country, they begin a journey down an uncharted road, impacting their minds, bodies and spirits. It is the "warrior's heart" that enables the soldier to travel where harm may await, and the same heart must find its way home. A panel of veterans will share their journey of healing the spiritual wounds of their service during this presentation. George Kamps, veteran and social worker, has counseled more than 300 veterans and found the path leading to spiritual reconnection of critical importance to healing, personal growth and fulfillment.

January 16 – Monday 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Facilitator: George Kamps, MSW
Cost: Free will offering (suggested donation $5)

Just Write Poetry Club

This club is a gathering of people who write poetry and wish to share their poems with others in a relaxed atmosphere. Open to anyone who loves to write. If interested, call Fr. Mark Falcone, 920.337.4352.

January 17, March 20 – Tuesdays 7 p.m.
Facilitator: Fr. Mark Falcone, O. Praem.
Cost: No fee

Twilight Retreat

Need a few hours to recoup and regroup your spirit? You're invited to participate in an evening of prayer, reflection and enrichment. Join the Norbertine Community for Mass, followed by evening prayer. After dinner, attend a scheduled event or enjoy quiet time for reflection.

January 19 – Thursday; February 28 – Tuesday; March 8 – Thursday; April 11 – Wednesday 4 – 9 p.m.
Cost: $30 (includes dinner, private room, event, use of Abbey prayer spaces)
Optional: $65 (includes above, plus overnight stay, Morning Prayer, breakfast)

Morning of Spiritual Renewal for Women

This popular annual event includes stimulating programs, engaging speakers, delicious food and the companionship of women all within the lovely St. Norbert Abbey and Spirituality Center. Details available online. Registration required by January 16.

January 21 – Saturday 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Click here to visit the Morning of Spiritual Renewal Page for more information

Wednesdays for Women: That All May Be One

This spring series continues introducing participants to various faith traditions, with the presence of women from those traditions. Muslim, Orthodox and Native American spiritualities are among the topics to be presented. The sessions include prayer in the tradition featured. Attendance at all sessions is not required.

January 25, February 1, 8, 15 – Wednesdays 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Presenters: Sr. Shawn Madigan, CSJ, Sr. Judy Miller, CSJ
Cost: Free will offering (suggested donation $5)

A Day Away: Nourishing Your Body, Mind and Spirit

Treat yourself to a day apart: a day of renewal and rest. Enjoy Abbey amenities: beautiful grounds, prayer spaces, indoor swimming pool/sauna, a peaceful room of your own and an enrichment presentation. Open to men and women.

January 25 – Wednesday; February 15 – Wednesday; March 6 – Tuesday; April 10 – Tuesday
Days of Renewal are scheduled from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Mass 4:30 p.m.)
Cost: $30 (includes private room, lunch, enrichment presentation, Abbey amenities)
Also available by appointment:Massage: Eric Peters 920.366.0899 $60
Spiritual Direction: Sr. Judy Miller, CSJ 920.337.4316 $40

An Amazing Journey! The Universe and Me

This seven-week series is intended for all who want to bring about change for and live in harmony with the planet. It is intended for those who have some knowledge of the unfolding evolutionary story of the universe and for those who know little. A workbook with readings will be provided. Attendance at all sessions is not required.
Registration required by January 25. Minimum 8 participants.

January 30, February 6, 13, 20, 27, March 5, 12 – Mondays 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Presenter: Sr. Judy Miller, CSJ
Cost: $75 (includes workbook)

Is Catholic Social Teaching Dead?

"Catholic social teaching is irrelevant to the economic political turmoil going on." (So they say!) Is it dead? Dying? Or just slumbering? Join Fr. Brendan, Norbertine economist and social justice advocate, as he examines today's economy, culture and politics through the lens of Catholic social teaching.

January 31 – Tuesday 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Presenter: Fr. Brendan McKeough, O. Praem.
Cost: Free will offering (suggested donation $5)

Four Great Sermons of Christ

Remember "The King's Speech?" Inspiring as it was, there are four incomparable speeches by the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. Bring your Bible, join Fr. Al and study these talks that have nourished souls for 2,000 years.

February 1, 8, 15, 29 – Wednesdays 6:30 – 8 p.m.
February 1: The Sermon on the Mount (Read Mt 5, 6, 7)
February 8: The Last Supper Sermon (Read Jn 14,15,16,17)
February 15:The Last Judgment Sermon (Read Mt 24, 25:31-46)
February 29: The Sermon from the Cross (Read Lk 23:24-27)
Presenter: Fr. Al McBride, O. Praem.
Cost: Free will offering (suggested donation $5)

Abbey Lectures: Re-imagining Christianity (continued from 2011)

C.S. Lewis wrote, on his conversion to Christianity, "My imagination has been baptized." To "reimagine" is to see something more clearly for what it truly has been all along. In the Christian sense, it is about understanding and living the dream of God for us, our society, the Church and the world. The final two presentations in this series focus on the role of women in the church and the cost of remaining silent within our families, our communities and our Church.

February 9, March 8 – Thursdays 6:30 – 8 p.m.
February 9: Dr. Bridget Burke Ravizza – Re-imagining Women in the Church
March 8: Dr. Paul Wadell, Dr. Howard Ebert, Dr. Bridget Burke Ravizza – The Cost of Silence
Cost: Free will offering (suggested donation $5)

Acedia Retreat

Acedia is an ancient term for "suffocating gloom" that robs one's soul of joy in God. In today's world, it can take the form of nagging anxiety, restless fatigue, weary detachment, deriving little pleasure from activities and/or listlessness. Within this day-long retreat, acedia is examined within a spiritual context with time for personal reflection and small group discussion. It is the hope of the presenters that participants "ultimately realize that acedia is a gift because if it is addressed, it moves us closer to God." Registration required by February 7. Minimum 8 participants.

February 11 – Saturday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Facilitators: Fr. John Tourangeau, O. Praem., Judy Turba
Cost: $55 (includes morning refreshments, lunch, handouts)

Flatliners: To Forgive or to be Forgiven, That is the Question

Flatliners is a movie about young doctors experimenting with brief out-of-body experiences and, in the process, finding an unwanted truth about life. To forgive or to be forgiven, that is the question. In a vivid and graphic way, this film reveals the power of asking forgiveness from those we have truly hurt.

February 14 – Tuesday 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Presenter: Fr. Mark Falcone, O. Praem.
Cost: Free will offering (suggested donation $5)

Movie and Discussion: Saint Ralph

When doctors inform Ralph that only a miracle can save his mother's life, he makes a deal with God. It would be a little short of a miracle for a talented but inexperienced runner to win the Boston Marathon, but Ralph intends to follow through with that deal.

February 23 – Thursday 10 a.m. – Noon OR 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Facilitator: Jane Berkovitz
Cost: Free will offering (suggested donation $5)

Lenten Series: Scripture Readings

Lent is a time to immerse ourselves into the messages of Scripture. Each weekly session presents an opportunity for entering more deeply into the spirit of this sacred season and inviting us to both personal and communal conversion.

February 25, March 3, 10, 17, 24 – Saturdays 9:15 – 11 a.m.
February 25: Fr. Tim Shillcox, O. Praem. - Mk 1: 12-15 (The Wilderness Temptation)
March 3: Pastor Lee Goodwin - Mk 9: 2-10 (The Transfiguration of Jesus)
March 10: Fr. Brian Prunty, O. Praem. - Jn 2: 13-25 (The Cleansing of the Temple)
March 17: Fr. John Tourangeau, O. Praem. - Jn 3: 14-21 (Jesus and Nicodemus)
March 24: Fr. John Bostwick, O. Praem. - Jn 12: 20-33 (Following Jesus to the Cross)
Cost: Free will offering (suggested donation $5)

Heaven: Is It For Real?

According to Fr. John Tourangeau, who had an afterlife experience following a major heart attack, the answer to the question, is emphatically, "Yes, Heaven is real!" Within this enlightening and hopefilled evening, Fr. John weaves Catholic/Christian tradition, personal experience and references from two popular books regarding the afterlife: Heaven is for Real and 90 Minutes in Heaven.

February 28 – Tuesday 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Presenter: Fr. John Tourangeau, O. Praem.
Cost: Free will offering (suggested donation $5)

The Shack: A Novel View of Life

The Shack, by William P. Young, is a novel view of life where tragedy meets Eternity. This is not a presentation but an informal discussion about the best seller, in which individual readers of the novel can share their thoughts, feelings and reactions to the book.

March 6 – Tuesday 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Presenter: Fr. Mark Falcone, O. Praem.
Cost: Free will offering (suggested donation $5)

Abbey Lectures: The Cost of Silence

C.S. Lewis wrote, on his conversion to Christianity, "My imagination has been baptized." To "reimagine" is to see something more clearly for what it truly has been all along. In the Christian sense, it is about understanding and living the dream of God for us, our society, the Church and the world. The final two presentations in this series focus on the role of women in the church and the cost of remaining silent within our families, our communities and our Church.

March 8 – Thursday 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Presenters: Dr. Paul Wadell, Dr. Bridget Burke Ravizza, Dr. Howard Ebert
Cost: Free will offering (suggested donation $5)

Solemn Novena to St. Joseph

While a perpetual novena is celebrated at the National Shrine of St. Joseph every Wednesday, the Solemn Novena follows a long-standing Catholic tradition of holding nine days of prayer which ends on the feast of the particular saint. St. Joseph, whose feast day is March 19th, is honored for his role as a protector, guardian and worker. See page 12 for details.

March 11 – Sunday through March 19 – Monday

Irish Legacy

By request, this popular evening of poetry and music returns to the Center. Join award-winning Irish poet Kathy Mallon and harpist Cheryl Murphy as they present a multi-faceted evening of poetry, harp music, Irish images and Irish tea – which will transport you to the Emerald Isle.

March 14 – Wednesday 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Presenters: Kathy Mallon, Cheryl Murphy
Cost: Free will offering (suggested donation $5)

Easter Triduum Retreat

Through the centuries, Christians have gathered together during Holy Week to remember, to celebrate and to enter more deeply into the Paschal Mystery that lies at the heart of the Christian faith. Through time, this mystery has evoked numerous responses, interpretations and practices. Within the retreat, we explore how our ancestors in the faith have striven to express and to enter more deeply into the mystery of God's love as revealed in Jesus' passion, death, resurrection, ascension and sending of the Holy Spirit.

It is the hope that this exploration awakens our imaginations and inspires us anew to recognize and to make real in our lives, as individuals and in our communities of faith, the powerful, transformative reality of the Paschal Mystery – a mystery that beckons and challenges us to break out of our desire to control the incomprehensible, insurmountable mystery of the living God of Jesus of Nazareth.
Registration required by March 30.

April 5 – 8 Holy Thursday 4 p.m. through Easter Sunday 10 a.m. Liturgy
Presenter: Dr. Howard Ebert
Cost: $240 (includes lodging, meals, presentations) Commuters: $100 (includes presentations only)

T'ai Chi: Introduction and Continuing Series

T'ai Chi, often referred to as "meditation in motion," is a series of slow, continuous, relaxed movements done with care and attention. Movements are without strain and provide exercise and toning for every part of the body. T'ai Chi involves both sides of the body, improving balance and concentration. In addition, it has relaxing effects on psychological tension (stress) and is for people of all ages and physical abilities.

Introduction to T'ai Chi
April 10 – Tuesday 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Instructor: Eric Peters
Cost: No fee for this introductory course

T'ai Chi Series
April 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22 – Tuesdays 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Instructor: Eric Peters
Cost: $50 for the entire series

Spotlight Tours: Abbey Architecture, Symbolism, Visionaries Series

Join Fr. Stephen Rossey, Abbey artist and historian, for this six-part series focusing on the architectural style of the building, signs and symbols within the renowned stained glass windows, and Norbertine visionaries who changed the educational and religious landscape of Northeast Wisconsin.
Registration appreciated by April 9.

April 11, 18, 25, May 2, 9, 16 – Wednesdays 6:30 – 8 p.m.

April 11: Unfinished Symphony: Spotlight on Architecture
Learn about the architectural style of the Abbey, how it was constructed, who designed it, where it stands within church architectural history and why the Abbey is ever evolving. The Great West Window will be the focus, an architectural equivalent of an overture.

April 18, 25, May 2, 9: Signs and Symbols: Spotlight on Symbolism
What are a disembodied hand, a fish, lilies and birds doing in the Abbey's stained glass windows? Explore the signs and symbols in the stained glass and discover the unique attributes that characterize liturgical time and sacred history. See these ancient symbols contemporized and learn how legends and disguised symbols have inspired artists throughout the centuries. Binoculars are suggested.

May 16: Visionaries: Spotlight on Norbertines
Celebrate the Order of Premontre with a special lecture on the Norbertines who made significant contributions to local history and the development of the area. What did such men as Abbots Bernard Pennings, Sylvester Killeen and Jerome Tremel, and Fathers James Wagner, Dennis Burke and Anselm Keefe (to name a few) have to do with the history of De Pere and St. Norbert Abbey?

Presenter: Fr. Stephen Rossey, O. Praem.
Cost: Free will offering (suggested donation $5 per session)

Movie and Discussion: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

The movie is an adaptation of John Boyne's WWII novel regarding the forbidden friendship between an eight-year-old German boy and a Jewish concentration camp prisoner.

April 19 – Thursday 10 a.m. – Noon OR 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Facilitator: Jane Berkovitz
Cost: Free will offering (suggested donation $5)

Sushi and Conversation : A Tale of Two Cities

The Sushi and Conversation Series consists of casual evenings which include delicious sushi from Koko's restaurant and conversation with a Norbertine Priest. Our first Norbertine to join us is Fr. Jim Baraniak, pastor of St. Norbert College Parish, chaplain to the Green Bay Packers and a chaplain at the Green Bay Correctional Institution.

It is through his role in the prison that Fr. Jim has become well aware of the many needs and challenges within the Green Bay community. During the evening he will not only share his personal experiences and insights, but will also share the importance of becoming involved. If you have ever asked yourself, "how can I make a difference," or "where is God calling me," this is an evening you won't want to miss. Registration required by April 13.

April 17 – Tuesday 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Presenter: Fr. Jim Baraniak, O. Praem.
Cost: $20 (includes sushi, beverages, presentation)

An Evening in the Abbey Gardens

By popular demand, the evening in the gardens is offered again. The cloister gardens of St. Norbert Abbey are a lovely place to encounter spring. With wine and music, it is a perfect way to enjoy the Abbey and its sacred grounds. Tour guides will be available to share information about art and plant species within the gardens. Registration appreciated by May 11.

May 15 – Tuesday 6:30 – 8 p.m. (Gardens will be open from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.)The event will take place rain or shine with gardens viewed from the cloister walk
and music performed inside.Cost: $20 (includes wine, cheese, soft drinks, music)

Your One, Wild and Precious Life

The beginning of summer is a perfect time to recover the baptismal gift of what the American poet, Mary Oliver, calls, "your one, wild and precious life." This overnight retreat (with an optional second night stay) in the sacred space of St. Norbert Abbey will provide an occasion for paying close attention to your life as it is lived.

Mary Oliver writes, "Every day I see or hear something that more or less kills me with delight." With simple prayer, the beauty of the Abbey grounds and our own not-so-ordinary lives, we can remember again the beauty and wonder of being awake and full of delight, moment by precious moment. Registration required by June 1. Minimum 6 participants.

The Rev. Lee Goodwin has been a Lutheran (ELCA) pastor for more than 30 years and is married with two grown daughters. He is a graduate of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (Master of Divinity), the Graduate Theological Foundation (Doctor of Ministry in Spiritual Direction) and the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation.

June 8, 9 – Friday 4 p.m. through Saturday 3 p.m. (with an optional second night stay through Sunday 9:45 a.m.)Facilitator: Pastor Lee Goodwin, M. Div., D. Min.
Cost: $95 (includes lodging, meals, retreat) $145 (with optional second night)

Mornings of Reflection

Summer is a wonderful time to pause, pray and reflect in the company of good women and men. Join Sr. Judy and Judy as they share thought-provoking passages from some of their favorite authors. Time will be given for personal reflection and small group discussion. You are invited to attend every week or every once in awhile.

June 13, 20, 27, July 11, 18 – Wednesdays 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Facilitators: Sr. Judy Miller, CSJ, Judy Turba
Cost: Free will offering (suggested donation $5)

Authentic Freedom Retreat

Sr. Judy offers the original eight-week series in a weekend retreat format. Those who previously participated in this series and those who are new to "Authentic Freedom" are invited to attend.

Many of us are prisoners of the perceptions we hold, which cause us to live a life that is not free. Within this retreat, fears that hold us captive are explored within the world and ourselves, including: 'I am not loved;' 'I am alone;' and 'I am not free to express my truth.' It is the truths behind these fears that can lead us to live a life of "authentic freedom." Registration required by June 11. Minimum 8 participants.

June 15-17 Friday 4 p.m. through Sunday 9:45 a.m.
Facilitator: Sr. Judy Miller, CSJ
Cost: $145 (includes lodging, meals, program)

Summer Directed Retreat

This retreat offers a time of prayer, silence and solitude with the daily opportunity to meet with a spiritual director. Amenities include a private room, indoor pool, outdoor labyrinth, spacious grounds and numerous prayer spaces. Registration required by June 18.

June 24 – 30 Sunday evening dinner through Saturday lunch
(Registration may be made for 3, 4, 5, or the entire 6 days)
Cost: $285 – 3 days; $380 – 4 days; $450 – 5 days; $495 – 6 days

Discussion and Reflection: Breathing Under Water-Spirituality and the Twelve Steps
By Richard Rohr

Rohr states, "The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous is America's most significant and authentic contribution to the history of spirituality." Using his book as a guide, Fr. Fenzl will lead a discussion about twelve-step spirituality and its importance in our lives. Those wishing to attend do not have to read the book beforehand. Note: This is a bi-lingual offering. Both Spanish and English will be spoken.

June 18 – Monday 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Facilitator: Fr. Rod Fenzl, O. Praem.
Cost: Free will offering (suggested donation $5)

The Aramaic Lord's Prayer: Deepening Freedom

"I never knew such a common prayer could be so powerful. It has taken on a whole new meaning in my life," shared a previous participant of this series. The Lord's Prayer, as taught by Jesus, is a powerful tool for releasing fear and coming to authentic freedom. This prayer is relearned using the Aramaic language in which it was first spoken and experienced in order to discover its strength. Registration required by July 9. Minimum 8 participants.

July 12, 19, 26, August 2, 9, 16 – Thursdays 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Presenter: Sr. Judy Miller, CSJ
Cost: $75 (includes workbook)

Enhancing the Sunday Readings (ongoing – morning OR evening)

Participants meet one hour each week to reflect on the upcoming Sunday's readings in a way that allows the sacred text not only to inform us but also to transform us. You are invited to join us every week or every once in awhile.

Every Tuesday (ongoing) 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. OR 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Facilitator: Sr. Judy Miller, CSJ
Cost: Free will offering

Water Exercises and the Word of God for Women

Join us in the Abbey pool for gentle water exercise, spiritual music and prayer: nourishment for the
body, mind and spirit.

Tuesdays 9:15 – 10:30 a.m.Session 1: January 10, 17, 24, 31, February 7
Session 2: February 21, 28, March 6, 13, 20
Session 3: April 3, 10, 17, 24, May 1Presenter: Barbara Kratz; Lifeguard: Jane Berkovitz
Cost: $10 per week (includes class and daily use of pool, while enrolled in the session)

PDF Program Archives

-2012 Winter Spring Summer
-2011 Summer Fall
-2011 Winter Spring
-2010 Fall Winter
-2010 Winter Spring
-2009 to 2010 Fall Winter
-2008-2009 Winter Spring