Tag: St. Norbert College

August 2018 Norbertine Celebrations at St. Norbert Abbey

St. Augustine
St. Augustine

This August, as the Norbertine community of St. Norbert Abbey celebrates its annual observance of the Solemnity of St. Augustine, five men will take their next steps in honoring their commitments to the order.

On Monday, August 27, 2018, at the First Vespers of the Solemnity of St. Augustine, Charles (Griffin) P. Burris will be vested in the white habit of the Norbertine Order, beginning and deepening his commitment to religious life through a two-year novitiate. Rt. Rev. Dane J. Radecki, O. Praem., abbot of St. Norbert Abbey, will preside over the vestition ceremony.

On Tuesday, August 28, 2018, the Solemnity of St. Augustine, Frater Jordan S. Neeck, O. Praem., will profess Solemn Vows, forming a mutual lifelong commitment to the canonical life between himself and the entire professed community. Abbot Radecki will preside over the solemn rite.

Also on Tuesday, August 28, 2018, Frater Johnathan F. Turba, O. Praem., and Fr. Peter B. Ambting, O. Praem., will profess Simple Vows, committing themselves to the traditional vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience: poverty reflects simplicity of life; chastity opens them to growth in the Holy Spirit in union with others; and obedience makes them attentive to God’s will. They profess these Simple Vows on a temporary basis, usually for three years. Abbot Radecki will preside over the solemn rite.

On Wednesday, August 29, 2018, Rev. Frater Patrick M. LaPacz, O. Praem., will be ordained to the priesthood. The ordination will be celebrated by Most Rev. David L. Ricken, DD, JCL, bishop of the Diocese of Green Bay.

Also on Wednesday, August 29, 2018, Frater Neeck will be ordained to the diaconate by Bishop Ricken.

On Sunday, September 2, 2018, Rev. LaPacz will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Green Bay.

In the News

Updates: vocations from the Diocese of Superior
By Jenny Snarski
November 2, 2018
Superior Catholic Herald
Diocese of Superior

Norbertine community welcomes five men
August 22, 2018
The Compass

August 28, 2018 — Solemnity of St. Augustine 2018

Bishop and Doctor of the Church | Author of Our Rule of Life
Celebrating the Solemn Profession of Frater Jordan Neeck, O. Praem., and the Simple Profession of Frater Johnathan Turba, O. Praem., and Fr. Peter Ambting, O. Praem.

A Lifelong Commitment to Canonical Life

from St. Norbert Abbey on Vimeo

August 29, 2018 — Mass of Ordination 2018

Celebrating the Ordination to the Priesthood of Fr. Patrick LaPacz, O. Praem., and the Ordination to the Diaconate of Deacon Jordan Neeck, O. Praem.

from St. Norbert Abbey on Vimeo

Rev. Frater Patrick Michael LaPacz, O. Praem.

Ordination to the Priesthood

Frater Patrick LaPacz, O. Praem.
Frater Patrick LaPacz, O. Praem.

Deacon LaPacz, 31, is the son of Terrence and Mary (Berg) LaPacz of Green Bay and a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church.

Frater LaPacz was vested in the white Norbertine habit in August 2012, professed Simple Vows in August 2014, and professed Solemn Vows in August 2017. That year he also was ordained a transitional deacon.

A 2005 graduate of Notre Dame de la Baie Academy, Deacon LaPacz graduated from St. Norbert College (SNC) in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in history. He later graduated from Conception Seminary College, Mo., in 2011, with a bachelor’s degree in philosophical and theological studies. In May 2018 Deacon LaPacz graduated from Catholic Theological Union (CTU), Chicago, with a master’s degree in divinity.

After his priestly ordination, Deacon LaPacz will be involved in parish ministry in Chicago for the next two years.

Frater Jordan Samuel Neeck, O. Praem.

Profession of Solemn Vows and Ordination to the Diaconate

Frater Jordan Neeck, O. Praem.
Frater Jordan Neeck, O. Praem.

Frater Neeck, 29, is the son of Howard and Lynn (Matuszewski) Neeck of Phillips, Wisconsin, and a member of St. Thérèse of Lisieux Catholic Church.

Frater Neeck was vested in the white Norbertine habit in August 2013 and professed Simple Vows in August 2015.

He graduated from SNC in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and previously worked as an accountant at MarquipWardUnited in his hometown. In December 2018 he will complete a master’s degree in divinity at CTU. As part of his studies, Frater Neeck completed one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education at the University of Minnesota Medical Center in Summer 2017, and this past spring he had the opportunity to visit the Holy Land for three weeks.

Closer to home, Frater Neeck serves as co-host with Frater Johnathan Turba, O. Praem., for St. Norbert Abbey’s podcast Canons on the Run. This creative endeavor sparked an invitation from Abbot General (Emeritus) Thomas Handgrätinger, O. Praem., for Frater Neeck and Frater Turba to serve on the Media and Public Relation Working Group for the 2018 General Chapter in Rome.

After being ordained to the diaconate, Frater Neeck will minister for one year at Old St. Patrick’s Parish in Chicago, where he also ministered with the parish’s youth ministry program during his time as a student at CTU.

Frater Johnathan Fredrick Turba, O. Praem.

Profession of Simple Vows

Frater Johnathan Turba, O. Praem.
Frater Johnathan Turba, O. Praem.

Frater Turba, 30, is the son of Michael and Patricia (Fredrick) Turba of Platteville, Wisconsin, and a member of Immaculate Conception Church in New Richmond, Wisconsin.

Frater Turba was vested in the white Norbertine habit in August 2016.

Upon completion of his high school studies in Platteville, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in choral music education, emphasis in voice and piano.

Since graduating from college Frater Turba served as an elementary, middle, and high school teacher of general music and as a choral director for the Iola-Scandinavia School District in North Central Wisconsin. During his novitiate, Frater Turba helped create (and currently is co-host) of the podcast Canons on the Run, which reflects on life in formation as a member of St. Norbert Abbey.

This fall Frater Turba will begin his studies toward a master’s degree in divinity at CTU.

Rev. Peter Bernardus Ambting, O. Praem.

Profession of Simple Vows

Fr. Peter Ambting, O. Praem.
Fr. Peter Ambting, O. Praem.

Fr. Ambting, 45, is the son of the late Peter H. and the late Wilhemina (Vos) Ambting of Doetinchem, Netherlands, and a member of St. Martin Parish in Beek, Netherlands.

Fr. Ambting was vested in the white Norbertine habit in August 2017.

He graduated from the Secondary Agricultural School of Doetinchem in 1991 and from Higher General Continued Education schooling in 2002. After being admitted into the seminary for the Archdiocese of Utrecht, Netherlands, in 2001, he earned a master’s degree in theology (Pastoral Theology) in 2007.

Fr. Ambting was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Utrecht in 2008, and served three years as associate pastor in Parochie De Wijngaard in Arnhem before becoming the pastor of the Roman Catholic Parish of Maria en Laurentius for four years. In 2014 the archbishop named him the pastor of another neighboring parish as well. He served as a pastor of these two parishes (the parishes comprising 19 previous parishes) for two years. Just before he left for the United States, the parish merged again and became Parish Maria Laetitia (The Joy of Mary). Since 2008 Fr. Ambting has enjoyed leading groups to the Holy Land for a Dutch pilgrimage organization. For him this is both an important ministry and something he likes to do.

Upon completion of his Norbertine novitiate, Fr. Ambting will serve as a chaplain at St. Norbert College Parish at Old St. Joseph Church.

Frater Charles Peter Burris, O. Praem.

Vestition

Frater Charles (Griffin) Burris, O. Praem.
Frater Charles Burris, O. Praem.

Frater Burris, 22, is the son of Richard Burris and Stacey Cicero of Shawano, Wisconsin, and a member of Sacred Heart Parish.

In 2014 Frater Burris graduated from Shawano Community High School. In 2018 he graduated from SNC with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a minor in theology and religious studies. He also studied abroad in Maynooth, Ireland, where he focused on Irish Medieval history and archeology.

Throughout his college years Frater Burris was active at St. Norbert College Parish, serving on the parish council and staff. Additionally, he participated in student and institutional groups working to improve and raise awareness of environmental issues on campus.

Why Fr. Bartholomew Agar, O. Praem., Chose Norbertine Life

By Fr. Bartholomew Agar, O. Praem.

Fr. Agar celebrated the 60th anniversary of his priesthood ordination on June 6, 2018.

While I was living in Philadelphia, I received a postcard inviting me to audition for the band at Southeast Catholic High School (a Norbertine school). Prior to my audition I was introduced to a tall man in a white habit wearing a biretta and descending the stairs. It was Fr. Harry Koeppen, O. Praem., director of the high school music department with whom I felt an immediate bond. From that moment, I knew that I was going to be a priest forever; meeting this remarkable man was a sign. There were many Norbertines teaching in my high school at that time and I knew I wanted to be just like them—a teacher and a priest. And I am.

For most of my Norbertine life I was able to make music for our liturgies. When people told me that my music deepened their prayer life, it opened up a whole new apostolate for me. My musical prayer life began as a second-year novice in 1951 until I retired in 2000.

Incidentally, my teaching career began in St. Norbert High School in 1955 and concluded in 1995 at St. Norbert College. I am forever grateful for those years.

Sounds of the St. Norbert Abbey Organ: Fr. Bartholomew Agar, O. Praem.

from St. Norbert Abbey on Vimeo

An introduction to the St. Norbert Abbey Casavant organ with Fr. Bartholomew Agar, O. Praem., St. Norbert Abbey’s Organist Emeritus.

Read More

  • 3000 Pipes (page 8)
    The Story of St. Norbert Abbey’s Casavant Organ: An Interview with Fr. Batholomew Agar, O. Praem.
    By Gina Sanders Larsen
    Fall/Winter 2015
    Abbey Magazine

Why Br. Steve Herro, O. Praem., Chose Norbertine Life

By Br. Steve Herro, O. Praem.

Having grown up in northeastern Wisconsin in the 1970s, I was aware of a religious order of priests and brothers that served our region as high school and college teachers (and as a member of Congress). Church ministry was a dream of mine since early childhood; being able to serve in this context with other like-minded men in these kinds of ministries in northeast Wisconsin seemed like a perfect fit.

Furthermore, I was attracted to religious life because I believed I could lead a more sustainable life style while sharing resources with other men, as opposed to the rampant individualism which I saw in our society.

Church ministry was a dream of mine since early childhood …

—Br. Steve Herro, O. Praem.
Br. Steve Herro, O. Praem. (left)
Br. Steve Herro, O. Praem. (left)

In 2015, I was living apart from the Norbertine community in Washington, D.C., while serving the national Church through Catholic Charities USA. I was 900 miles away when my father’s health began to severely deteriorate. My attempt to balance ministry, Norbertine life, and family concerns seemed nearly impossible.

During this time, Norbertine art professor, Fr. James Neilson, O. Praem., just happened to be leading a St. Norbert College tour of Washington, D.C., art museums. As a Norbertine confrere, his totally unexpected visit and thoughtful concern for me and my family that April evening was one of the most grace-filled experiences I have ever had as a Norbertine.

Read More

Why Frater Jordan Neeck, O. Praem., Chose Norbertine Life

By Frater Jordan Neeck, O. Praem.

Who are these men in white? What is a Norbertine?

I never met a Norbertine until I attended St. Norbert College (SNC). Growing up in the Diocese of Superior I only was familiar with diocesan priests who serve in parishes. While living on the SNC campus, I always was impressed and amazed by the fraternity I witnessed among Norbertines, expressed in their ministry as teachers, pastors, and administrators, as well as their commitment to community life.

Docere verbo et exemplo (teaching by word and example).

Relationship is what attracted me to Norbertine life. On campus I saw how the Norbertines loved one another. They truly acted like brothers toward one another, and like any good brotherhood, there were serious moments of prayer and conversation, and there were humorous moments in which jokes and laughter were shared.

Witnessing this brotherhood is what drew me to Norbertine life.

Frater Jordan Neeck, O. Praem.
Frater Jordan Neeck, O. Praem.

After I joined the community, I realized that sometimes our worst moments can be our greatest blessings. I recall having a fight with a brother, holding resentment toward him. After a few days passed, my brother called me out, stating, “I recognize there has been a distance between us. I’m sorry for anything I have done to offend you, but our friendship and our fraternity is too important to allow anything to come between us.” Simple words, yet profound.

These words, shared by my brother, taught me a great lesson, expressed in our ideal docere verbo et exemplo (teaching by word and example). This lesson remains with me to this day and I recall whenever I am frustrated with another, that relationships are more important than any one situation or conversation.

Norbertine life is about teaching and learning. It helps us in our journey towards holiness.

Read More

Why Fr. James Neilson, O. Praem., Chose Norbertine Life

By Fr. James Neilson, O. Praem.

The beauty of the abbey and its liturgical life made an immediate and lasting impression on my heart and mind. That this community should have been so mindful of beauty as an attribute of faith in Christ and a lifestyle dedicated to the Gospel inspired me to believe I could thrive in such an environment of grace and natural revelation.

… This is nothing less than a dream-job and there’s not a day I’m not grateful for this extraordinary opportunity …

—Fr. James Neilson, O. Praem.
Fr. James Neilson, O. Praem., with his art on display.
Fr. James Neilson, O. Praem., with his art on display.

The opportunity for life-long learning has been a rich and constant blessing for which I will always be grateful to the Norbertine community. The order has been both affirming and generous in allowing me to continue my personal, spiritual, and professional pursuit of the art, ministry, and vocation of beauty. I have been very fortunate in extending the dream of Abbot Bernard Pennings, O. Praem., by working among and within the St. Norbert College community as a professor of art (this is nothing less than a dream-job and there’s not a day I’m not grateful for this extraordinary opportunity to live and work as a priest-artist-educator).

Read More

Come and See: Learn About Priesthood and Norbertine Life

John was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi [which translated means Teacher], where are you staying?”

He said to them, “Come, and you will see.”

—John 1:35-39

By Fr. Michael Brennan, O. Praem.

Fr. Michael Brennan, O. Praem. (right) at St. Norbert College
Fr. Michael Brennan, O. Praem. (right) at St. Norbert College

It was a cool, crisp October day when I first visited St. Norbert College (SNC) as a prospective student in the fall of 1994. One of the highlights of that visit was sitting down with Fr. James Baraniak, O. Praem., and listening to his vocation story and enthusiasm for priesthood and Norbertine life.

This past fall, serving as assistant director of Norbertine vocations, I found myself on the other side of that conversation when I had the opportunity to welcome another prospective SNC student to discuss his interest in SNC and Norbertine priesthood.

Given this encouraging visit, as well as the growing interest of several young men from Notre Dame de la Baie Academy (NDA) who are also discerning the priesthood, Fr. Baraniak, Fr. Bradley Vanden Branden, O. Praem., and I decided to host a Come and See evening for high school students at St. Norbert Abbey in early January. After joining us for Mass, Vespers, dinner with the community, and abbey tours, an NDA freshmen told me, “I’m really glad that I came tonight!”

This high school Come and See evening is one of four vocation experiences that our abbey community has hosted throughout the last several months. These well-received evenings have included men from Silver Lake College and SNC, as well as individual visits from college-aged men across the United States.

We hope to continue our journey with these young men as they discern God’s call to serve God and neighbor as members of our Norbertine community.

Contact Us

If you or someone you know might make be interested in joining the Norbertine community, we encourage you to contact our vocation office to schedule a similar Come and See experience!

Norbertine Vocations Team »

Heart & Soul: Norbertines and St. Norbert College Share Charisms, Values

Leave a comment

As seen in the Fall/Winter 2017 issue of Abbey Magazine (pages 4-5)

By Gina Sanders Larsen and Judy Turba

(L-R) Frater Anh Tran, O. Praem. (front), Frater Jordan Neeck, O. Praem., President Brian Bruess, Abbot Gary Neville, O. Praem., Fr. James Herring, O. Praem. (standing), Fr. Tim Shillcox, O. Praem.
(L-R) Frater Anh Tran, O. Praem. (front), Frater Jordan Neeck, O. Praem., President Brian Bruess, Abbot Gary Neville, O. Praem., Fr. James Herring, O. Praem. (standing), Fr. Tim Shillcox, O. Praem.

They exist on opposite sides of the Fox River in De Pere, Wisconsin, but the unwavering bond between the Norbertines of St. Norbert Abbey and St. Norbert College is strong and unambiguous. A new college president, a re-energized campus parish, and an innovative first-year student experience illustrate the institutions’ steadfast connection, “to be of one mind and one heart on the way to God” (The Rule of St. Augustine).

With a warm and gracious greeting, Fr. James Baraniak, O. Praem., and Judy Turba met with Brian Bruess, recently named president of St. Norbert College (SNC), after his first month in office. During their time together, this most impressive 1990 SNC graduate shared thoughts about his journey, his vision for the college, and its connection to the Norbertine community, as well as what it means to come home.

Being an alum, I believe the stakes are higher for me as I serve in this role as president because St. Norbert College is not only a place I love but also a place that formed me.

—Brian Bruess

Brian Bruess, Ph.D., 50, eighth president of St. Norbert College, is only the second alumnus ever to serve in this role; Fr. Dennis Burke, O. Praem., was the first, and the similarities are striking. “Fr. Burke also followed an exceptional leader, Abbot (Bernard) Pennings, the founder of St. Norbert College,” said Bruess. “I, too, am following an outstanding and tremendously successful leader, Tom (Thomas) Kunkel. Needless to say, their extraordinary leadership is both intimidating and inspiring.” In fact, the year Bruess was born, Fr. Burke was retiring. Bruess remembers vividly from his years at the college a painting of Fr. Burke walking across the campus with then-presidential candidate John F. Kennedy. “The image has stayed with me all of these years.”

Bruess’ excitement is palpable and contagious. He realizes he is inheriting the helm of one of the top-ranked Catholic liberal arts colleges in the country. “Being an alum, I believe the stakes are higher for me because St. Norbert College is not only a place I love but also a place that formed me. Here I began to contemplate a career in higher education through the encouragement of faculty and administrators. I have had opportunities to serve elsewhere, but I honestly feel called here. It’s my vocation.”

Bruess shared his deep commitment to the college’s mission: “St. Norbert College, a Catholic liberal arts college embracing the Norbertine ideal of communio, provides an educational environment that fosters intellectual, spiritual, and personal development.” The mission statement emphatically stresses the tripartite—Catholic, Norbertine, liberal arts—all of which are inseparable and equally important. “This is the only Norbertine college in the world, and society has never needed St. Norbert College graduates more than now. The charism here is rich and powerful, distinctive and transformational.” Through regular meetings with the abbot and members of the abbot’s council, he will envision with the Norbertine community how best to sustain this mission. “I feel significantly responsible to represent Norbertine values and ensure that these values are woven within all aspects of our education.”

Given Bruess’ experience in higher education, his highly regarded expertise, commitment to Norbertine values, and passion for his alma mater—the sky is the limit. He is ready to serve.

Meet Brian Bruess, SNC College President and Alumnus

President Brian Bruess
President Brian Bruess

President Brian Bruess received bachelor of arts degrees in sociology and psychology from St. Norbert College with master’s and doctoral degrees from Ohio University, Athens, Ohio. He most recently served at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota, as executive vice president and chief operating officer. During his 21-year tenure there, he also was involved with enrollment management, finance, student affairs, and information technology. Bruess and his wife, Carol, also a 1990 graduate of St. Norbert College and most recently professor of communication and journalism at the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, have two children: Gracie, a high school senior, and Tony, a Stanford University senior.

Read More

Heart & Soul: Gateway Seminar for First-Year Students Teaches Norbertine History and Values

Leave a comment

As seen in the Fall/Winter 2017 issue of Abbey Magazine (page 7)

By Gina Sanders Larsen and Judy Turba

Frater Anh Tran, O. Praem. (left), and Frater Johnathan Turba, O. Praem., visit with students who learn about the history and mission of St. Norbert of Xanten and St. Norbert College through the Gateway Seminar.
Frater Anh Tran, O. Praem. (left), and Frater Johnathan Turba, O. Praem., visit with students who learn about the history and mission of St. Norbert of Xanten and St. Norbert College through the Gateway Seminar.

The inaugural Gateway Seminar for all incoming first-year St. Norbert College (SNC) students is in full swing. The seminar is a recently established graduation requirement; the new students gather once or twice a week during the fall semester in 22 small groups, each led by a three-person teaching team, typically comprised of two staff members and an upperclass student. The diverse teaching teams are charged with introducing the young adults to the history and mission of St. Norbert of Xanten and St. Norbert College. They also help new SNC students acclimate to college life and become familiar with one another and with faculty, staff, and Norbertines on campus who can assist them with their questions or concerns.

“St. Norbert College has had a first-year experience program for a long time, but it’s only this year when it became mandatory, which allows us to increase the number of sessions, deepen the content, and specifically educate our students on our history and mission,” said Fr. Jay Fostner, O. Praem., Ph.D., vice president for mission and student affairs at SNC. “Research demonstrates that first-year experience courses increase retention, help students bond with the institution, and create positive and deeper relationships between students, faculty, and staff.”

Fr. Michael Brennan, O. Praem., Frater Johnathan Turba, O. Praem., Frater Anh Tran, O. Praem., and Norbertine Associate Ellen Mommaerts, director of the Norbertine Volunteer Community, are each members of Gateway teaching teams. As young men in formation for the priesthood, Frater Turba and Frater Tran are often on campus. Fr. Brennan, SNC vocation coordinator, is also active in the College of Chaplains at SNC (see “Heart & Soul: College of Chaplains Returns to Campus, St. Norbert College Parish”).

“It’s become my new normal to have people approach me and ask questions about the priesthood,” Frater Turba said, especially considering that he is always wearing his white Norbertine habit. “If that’s the one thing that comes of our participation in Gateway— students engaging us in conversation—I think it’s wonderful. We are proof that St. Norbert is not just a man who lived 900 years ago, but through his ‘sons’ is still a living, breathing presence on our campus today.”

Frater Tran first came to the United States from Vietnam as a high school foreign exchange student. His American grandfather is an SNC graduate, and that connection led Frater Tran to attend and graduate from SNC with a business degree before joining the order. “It really does take a village to live and grow,” he said. “I rely on many others to help guide me, and now I help new students make connections that will help them discover new
people and ideas.”

The 2017-2018 SNC first-year class is comprised of 542 students from 13 states and eight countries. “We have abbeys around the world, and Norbertines are an international order. Here we strive to create a campus community that is diverse and welcoming,” said Fr. Fostner. “The Gateway Seminar helps us nurture a community where learning happens within the context of our rich Catholic, Norbertine, and liberal arts traditions.”

Read More

Heart & Soul: College of Chaplains Returns to Campus, St. Norbert College Parish

Leave a comment

As seen in the Fall/Winter 2017 issue of Abbey Magazine (page 6)

By Gina Sanders Larsen and Judy Turba

(L-R) Fr. Michael Brennan, O. Praem., Fr. Andrew Ciferni, O. Praem., and Fr. Jay Fostner, O. Praem., are part of the College of Chaplains at St. Norbert College.
(L-R) Fr. Michael Brennan, O. Praem., Fr. Andrew Ciferni, O. Praem., and Fr. Jay Fostner, O. Praem., are part of the College of Chaplains at St. Norbert College.

The College of Chaplains at St. Norbert College (SNC) was reestablished in late 2016 after several years of relying on one or two ordained Norbertines to lead the campus parish, St. Norbert College Parish. According to Fr. Jay Fostner, O. Praem., Ph.D., vice president for mission and student affairs at SNC, the College of Chaplains affords many more ordained Norbertines the opportunity to participate in the liturgical life of campus while they simultaneously fulfill their regular full-time duties as teachers, students, professors, priest celebrants, administrators, chaplains, and parish priests. “Years ago, students saw a lot more white robes on campus than in recent times. In a sense, the reintroduction of the College of Chaplains is a revival of that tradition.”

To reinstitute the College of Chaplains, permanent Deacon Kevin DeCleene was named full-time pastoral leader of St. Norbert College Parish last fall. He reports to Fr. Fostner, priest moderator. The two men coordinate the participation of several ordained Norbertines in the lives of yearround and student parish members. Fr. Michael Brennan, O. Praem., and Fr. Andrew Ciferni, O. Praem., will be most active in the College of Chaplains, and are assisted by other Norbertine priests. Together with the five-member staff of the SNC Emmaus Center for Spiritual Life and Vocation, “we’ve already begun to experience renewed energy from Kevin’s enthusiastic leadership. Between the many Norbertines on campus and our talented 70-member staff in the entire division of mission and student affairs, there is such diversity of voices and personalities,” Fr. Fostner said.

St. Norbert College Parish exists to serve the spiritual and liturgical needs of the college’s 2700 students, faculty, and staff, the majority of whom are Catholic. In addition, the parish boasts approximately 415 households in year-round membership. “Our goal is to ensure the college feeds the parish and the parish feeds the college,” Fr. Fostner said. “The plan is working.”

Read More

Welcome Home Brian Bruess, Ph.D.

Leave a comment

(L-R) Frater Anh Tran, O. Praem. (front), Frater Jordan Neeck, O. Praem., President Brian Bruess, Abbot Gary Neville, O. Praem., Fr. James Herring, O. Praem. (standing), Fr. Tim Shillcox, O. Praem.

(L-R) Frater Anh Tran, O. Praem. (front), Frater Jordan Neeck, O. Praem., President Brian Bruess, Abbot Gary Neville, O. Praem., Fr. James Herring, O. Praem. (standing), Fr. Tim Shillcox, O. Praem.

President. Alumnus. Friend.

President Brian Bruess
President Brian Bruess

The Norbertine Community of St. Norbert Abbey congratulates Brian Bruess, Ph.D., on the occasion of his inauguration as the eighth president of St. Norbert College.

In the News

Heart & Soul: Norbertines and St. Norbert College Share Charisms, Values
By Gina Sanders Larsen and Judy Turba
Fall/Winter 2017 (pages 4-5)
Abbey Magazine

MHS alum named college president
Bruess heads St. Norbert, considered a top Catholic liberal arts colleges in US
October 26, 2017
The Monroe Times

Highlights From Inauguration, Heritage Week and Homecoming 2017
October 16, 2017
St. Norbert College (YouTube)

St. Norbert College holds inauguration for new president, Brian J. Bruess
October 11, 2017
The Green Bay Press-Gazette

Inauguration Day for new St. Norbert College president
October 11, 2017
FOX 11

Inauguration of new St. Norbert College president takes place Oct. 11
October 5, 2017
The Compass

The Inauguration of Brian Bruess Eighth President of St. Norbert College
September 21, 2017
St. Norbert College

Presidential Inauguration
St. Norbert College

Inauguration ceremonies set for new St. Norbert president
FOX 11

Livestream

St. Norbert College is streaming the inauguration ceremony live at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 11, 2017.

Watch live (YouTube) »

October 11, 2017 — Mass of Celebration

Theme: Fiat Lux (“Let there be light”)