Michael Brennan and Benjamin Newmann were vested in the Norbertine habit on August 27, 2011. Below are some of Michael’s thoughts about himself, his faith and entering the Norbertine Order.
FRATER MICHAEL BRENNAN, O. PRAEM.
What attracted you to the community?
The Norbertines that I knew during my college years (and have met since) were and continue to be a group of healthy, prayerful men who are rooted in their Catholic faith and are dedicated to bringing the loving presence of God into the world. I am excited with the prospect of joining their ranks and continuing this work.
Why do/did you want to become a Norbertine?
I believe God has called me home. From the moment I first visited the campus of St. Norbert College in the fall of 1994, I have felt home here. This same feeling of being at home returned when I was at St. Norbert Abbey for a discernment visit a year and a half ago. It remains with me today as I prepare to begin my novitiate.
What do you think your novitiate year is going to be like living in Chicago?
I am looking forward to this next year; I hope that the year is one of contemplation, prayer and personal growth.
From where do you come?
I was born in Michigan City, Ind., and lived there until 18. Since graduating St. Norbert in 1999, I have lived in Louisiana, Chicago, Atlanta and most recently I was a volunteer with the Norbertine Volunteer Community here in Green Bay.
What is your family background?
My parents live in Granger, Indiana. Amongst other things our parents always provided a very loving and supportive home. I am the oldest of four boys. Two of my brothers are married; Patrick and his wife Megan have three children, Ellie, Carlie (my goddaughter) and Sean; they are both attorneys and live in Griffith, Indiana. Steve and his wife Carrie live in Indianapolis, Ind.; Steve works for Eli Lilly and Carrie works for a government office in Indy. My youngest brother Chris is in his senior year at the University of Notre Dame. He is also considering religious life and is in his candidate year with the Congregation of the Holy Cross.
What is your educational background?
I have a degree in Psychology and Philosophy from St. Norbert with a minor in Religious Studies; I finished in 1999. I continued on to the University of Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) Program. It is a two-year service learning program that included teaching in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, and finished with a Masters in Education in 2001. In 2006, I completed a certificate program through Notre Dame in Catholic School Administration.
What has your work experience been like (if applicable)?
I loved my teaching and coaching experience. I have spent ten of the last 11 years teaching middle school through high school; I primarily taught math, but also taught some science, computer and theology. I also coached basketball, baseball and cross country. During the last year, I volunteered with the Norbertine Volunteer Community; I helped out at Golden House Domestic Abuse Shelter, Circles of Support and Paul’s Pantry.
What would you tell other young people about prayer and/or meditation?
God is completely open to us; His love is abundant and readily available. It is up to us to commit ourselves to spending time with Him in prayer, quiet reflection and spiritual reading. When we take the time to pray and meditate, the grace that awaits us is overwhelming.
What is your prayer life like?
My prayer life varies from time to time. When it is healthiest, it includes time for reflection (most often in nature or before the Blessed Sacrament), praying the rosary, praying the liturgy of the hours, attending daily Mass and reading scripture and/or other spiritual works.
What are your hopes and aspirations through being a Norbertine?
I hope to bring a source of peace and hope into the lives of those I meet. God has blessed me in countless ways and I hope that my priesthood may be a small reflection of the faith, hope and love that God desires to share with the world.
How has your particular journey been unique up to this point of entering the community?
Even though I have thought about priesthood since I was about seven years old, it has taken me 27 years to finally answer this call. I pray that my experience as a teacher, coach and mentor to students over the last 12 years will guide me along these next years of formation and ministry. I know that this journey will be filled with both ups and downs, but I am confident that God’s grace will use all of those moments for the greater good.
Frater Mike Brennan, O. Praem.
|
