Michael Brennan and Benjamin Newmann were vested in the Norbertine habit on August 27, 2011. Below are some of Ben’s thoughts about himself, his faith and entering the Norbertine Order.
FRATER BENJAMIN NEWMANN, O. PRAEM.
What attracted you to the community? Why do/did you want to become a Norbertine? What are your hopes and aspirations through being a Norbertine?
As a student at St. Norbert College, I attended a weekly ecumenical event called “Common Prayer.” This particular week it was called, somewhat misleadingly, “Norbertine Prayer.” It turned out to be Morning Prayer from the Divine Office. I saw, on the website for St. Norbert College Parish that Evening Prayer—starting at a more reasonable 5 pm, rather than the 7:30 am of Morning Prayer—was sung nearly every day of the week by the Norbertines who lived in the priory on campus and decided to attend. I soon became hooked and, after attending Evening Prayer a few times, I even started attending Morning Prayer.
Having never heard of canons regular or having more than a cursory understanding of the Divine Office, I have come to wonder why they are both not more common. I desire to serve the liturgy, have common prayer—the Divine Office, in particular—common table while at the same time be active in apostolic ministry. For monastic communities, on one hand, apostolic ministry is an “add on” and for the clerks regulars, on the other hand, it is often the common life that is the “add on.” The Divine Office I would identify as the “spirituality of the Church.”
This community of Norbertines have a tradition of opportunities for advanced education and a variety of apostolates, such as teaching and pastoral work—the two that attract me the most.
From where do you come?
I am from Milwaukee.
What is your family background?
Both of my parents’ families are from southeast Wisconsin. My older brother and sister are both married, one with a baby and the other expecting in less than a month.
What is your educational background?
I am an alumnus of St. Norbert College, having a B.Sc. in Computer Science, with minors in Philosophy and Religious Studies, and of Marquette University High School.
What would you tell other young people about prayer and/or meditation?
Partake of the sacred mysteries; pray when arising and when retiring, before and after meals. Find a spiritual director to help you, a pastor perhaps.
Frater Ben Newmann, O. Praem.
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