Rev. Conrad J. Kratz, O. Praem. is the Director of the Spirituality Center and Retreat House. Joining the Norbertine Order in 1964, he was ordained in 1973. Fr Conrad earned a bachelor’s degree in Theatre from St. Norbert College as well as a master’s degree in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola University in Chicago. Father Conrad completed his theological studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He taught at Premontre High School and St. Norbert College where he served as Pastor of the College Campus and Director of Campus Ministry. Fr. Kratz also served as Director of Theologians and Prior of the Order before assuming the pastorate of St. Joseph Parish in West De Pere. He is the founding pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in De Pere. He has studied spirituality at both the Institute for Spiritual Leadership in Chicago and the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, California. Father Kratz is highly regarded as a public speaker and offers various programs and days of retreats at the Center as well as Adult Faith Formation retreats/seminars for parishes and convents throughout the dioceses of the United States.
Jane Berkovitz has been with the Center for three years. Her responsibilities include welcoming groups and retreatants, general hospitality, arranging schedules for participating groups and individuals and graphic design for promotional material. Jane has a bachelor's degree in music education and occasionally cantors at Abbey masses. She is currently working on her Master's Degree in Theology at St. Norbert College. She is married with one daughter and has been a host mother to numerous foreign exchange students. Jane is a very active member of the Norbertine Associates and absolutely loves boating in Door County.
Ann Herlache has joined the staff of the Norbertine Center for Spirituality as their Administrative Assistant. Her responsibilities include coordinating the Center's retreat/program reservations, greeting groups and retreatants, general hospitality and publicity assistance. Ann earned a bachelor's degree in Humanities while studying at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay. While in college she supplemented her degree with minors in Women’s Studies and American Indian Studies.
Ann enjoys spending time outdoors growing her herb garden, tending to the yard, and taking walks with her husband and dog - especially to Baird's Creek for an easy hike through the woods. She also enjoys reading, having bonfires, cooking, camping, spending time with her godson, and hanging out with her friends and family.
Sr. Judy Miller CSJ, has joined the staff of the Norbertine Center for Spirituality at St. Norbert Abbey. She offers spiritual direction, various programs on prayer, faith and women in the church as well as facilitates retreats and days of reflection.
Sr. Judy is a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Louis Province. She has ministered in the Diocese of Green Bay for many years as parish director of St. Mary, Oshkosh, parish director of St.. Lawrence, Navarino, and as a pastoral associate at Nativity of Our Lord, Green Bay.
Sr. Judy also taught at St. Joseph Academy, Green Bay, presented at numerous diocesan and parish events and served on various diocesan and civic committees. Sr. Judy studied at the Institute for Spiritual Leadership, Chicago, with advanced study in spiritual direction and retreat work. She also holds a masters degree in Theology from St. John’s University, Collegeville.
Her enthusiasm, deep faith and love for people permeate her ministry and her daily life.
Jim Smits is a volunteer with the center helping out with presentations and offering spiritual companionship services. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience in the spirituality of work for individuals and companies, chronic illness, grand parenting, addiction, retirement and military service. Jim has been personally involved in spiritual direction, bible study and retreats to help himself and others working to deepen their relationship with God. He is married, has 3 children and 6 grandchildren and likes to golf, travel, spending time with family and friends and enjoying his cottage.
Judy Turba is the programming director for the Norbertine Center for Spirituality and public relations coordinator for St. Norbert Abbey. Judy also offers a variety of presentations at the Center for Spirituality and on the road. She is a graduate of St. Norbert College and earned a master’s degree in counseling psychology. She has worked for over 23 years in Norbertine institutions including Abbot Pennings High School, Notre Dame Academy and St. Norbert College as an educator, counselor and administrator. She is an accomplished public speaker having offered numerous keynote presentations to organizations around the state. She enjoys hiking, swimming, traveling, reading, gardening and spending time with good friends especially her daughter and son-in-law. She and her husband most recently traveled to Zambia to spend time in the schools for the poorest of the poor---leaving part of her heart behind.
Dianne Wagner assists in the Center for Spirituality and St. Norbert Abbey. She was born and raised in De Pere, graduated from St. Joseph Academy and attended St. Norbert College. She left College to join Extension Lay Volunteers. She was assigned to a Catholic orphanage in Oklahoma. She lived throughout the South for thirty years. After the death of her brother from AIDS, she, along with an Episcopal priest’s wife, started an AIDS ministry at Holy Innocent’s Episcopal Church in Atlanta, assisting over 60 men, women and children. Ministering to people with AIDS, changed her perspective of who God is as well as her view of the Church and society today. Because of this epiphany, she gave over 300 presentations throughout the South and Midwest hoping to open people’s minds and hearts to the suffering and exclusion involved with this disease. She completed her basic unit of Clinical Pastoral Education from Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital in Atlanta and received her BS degree in Social Services from Kennesaw State University in Georgia. She moved back to Wisconsin in 1996 and was hired by St. Norbert College as their Director of Alumni and Parent Relations. Being the mother of four sons and Nana to four granddaughters brings her the most happiness. She loves music, reading, her sassy dog, Sadie and interacting with people.
Staff Contact Information:
Fr. Conrad J. Kratz, O. Praem.
Office - 920.337.4376
Priory - 920-403-3573
conrad.kratz@snc.edu
Ann Herlache
Office 920.337.4315
ncs@norbertines.org
Jane Berkovitz
Office - 920.337-4315
ncs@norbertines.org
Jim Smits
Office - 920.337.4315
jsmits001@new.rr.com
Judy Turba
Office - 920.337.4312
stnorbertabbeypr@gmail.com
Sr. Judy Miller, CSJ
Office - 920.337.4316
judy.miller@stnorbertabbey.org
Dianne Wagner
Office - 920.337.4315
|
