Category: General

The Norbertine Community of St. Norbert Abbey elected the Very Rev. Bradley R. Vanden Branden, O. Praem., as the eighth abbot in its 133-year history. Abbot Vanden Branden was elected this afternoon for a term of nine years and begins his term immediately.

A total of 34 priests, brothers and men in formation are attached to St. Norbert Abbey, whose members can be found in houses in De Pere, Wis., and Chicago, Ill.

Abbot Vanden Branden succeeds Abbot Dane Radecki, O. Praem., who recently reached his retirement age after nearly eight years as abbot. Shortly after the election concluded, Abbot Vanden Branden received his mozzetta (abbatial cape) and pectoral cross, which has been worn by every abbot at St. Norbert Abbey since 1955. Abbot Vanden Branden also placed his hand on the Book of Gospels and read the Oath of Fidelity and the Profession of Faith.

Born in Green Bay, Wis., in 1987, Abbot Vanden Branden, 38, is the youngest Abbot elected in the history of St. Norbert Abbey. His family includes his parents, Tom and Joan Vanden Branden, and a sister, Kally Verheyen, and her husband, Cody, and their daughters.

Abbot Vanden Branden is a graduate of West De Pere High School and pursued undergraduate studies in Music Education at St. Norbert College. His theological training took place at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, where he received a Master of Divinity degree and a Master of Arts in Theology (Liturgy).

Abbot Vanden Branden was ordained to the priesthood in 2016.

His assignments included:

* Chaplain at Notre Dame Academy (2016-2018).

* Prior at St. Norbert Abbey (2018-2026).

* Director of the Norbertine Center for Spirituality (2024-present).

In preparation for the abbatial blessing Mass in April at St. Norbert Abbey Church, a coat of arms will be developed by Abbot Vanden Branden. At the Mass, the Bishop will confer on him his miter, crozier and ring, symbols of authority and service.

The Norbertine Community of St. Norbert Abbey is part of a worldwide Norbertine Order founded in 1121 by Norbert of Xanten. In addition to daily Mass, morning prayer (Lauds) and evening prayer (Vespers) at St. Norbert Abbey Church, the local Norbertines have a presence at eight apostolate schools and parishes, including: St. Norbert College (De Pere), Notre Dame Academy (Green Bay), Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School (De Pere), Holy Cross Catholic School (Green Bay), St. Willebrord Catholic Church (Green Bay), St. Norbert College Parish (De Pere), Holy Cross Catholic Church (Green Bay), and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church (De Pere).

The National Shrine of St. Joseph, on the St. Norbert College campus in De Pere, has been a ministry of the Norbertine Community since 1898. And the Norbertine Center for Spirituality is located at St. Norbert Abbey.

In 1893, Fr. Bernard Pennings, O. Praem., and two fellow Norbertines left Berne Abbey in Holland for a cross-Atlantic journey to the Door Peninsula in northeastern Wisconsin. Led by Fr. Pennings, the Norbertine group took up pastoral work with immigrants from Belgium, Holland and France who had settled in Wisconsin’s peninsula.

Over time, the religious community and its impact grew, and on Feb. 10, 1925, St. Norbert Priory in De Pere received approval from Pope Pius XI to become St. Norbert Abbey. The Norbertine Community is currently celebrating its 100th anniversary of abbey status.

The list of previous abbots at St. Norbert Abbey include, in chronological order, Abbot Bernard Pennings, O. Praem. (1925-1955), Abbot Sylvester Killeen, O. Praem. (1955-1970), Abbot Jerome Tremel (1970-1982), Abbot Benjamin Mackin, O. Praem. (1982-1994), Abbot Thomas De Wane, O. Praem. (1994-2003), Abbot Gary Neville, O. Praem. (2003-2018), and Abbot Dane Radecki, O. Praem. (2018-2026).

The mission of the Norbertine Community is: “We live the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the traditions of Saints Norbert and Augustine. We live a common life ‘one in mind and heart on the way to God’ through celebration of the Eucharist, liturgical prayer and service to the People of God.”

To learn more about the Norbertine Community, please visit www.norbertines.org.

Founded in 1888, St. John the Baptist School is a Catholic school in Howard where students grow in relationship with Jesus Christ, pursue high levels of academics, and are surrounded by a community rooted in Christian values. Our staff is committed to developing the whole child by nurturing each child’s academic, emotional, spiritual and behavioral development. By partnering with parents, we aim to individualize student learning in a structured environment where students grow and succeed.

St. John the Baptist School is part of the Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System. It is a private Catholic school serving Preschool and Elementary through 8th grade (PK3-8) with open enrollment. St. John the Baptist provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. For more information about St. John the Baptist Catholic School, visit their website at https://sjbhschool.org.

Thank you, Mrs. Gerene Thom, for your dedicated leadership as principal of St. John the Baptist Catholic School. Your faith-filled guidance and commitment to our students and community have made a lasting impact. We are truly grateful!  

Founded in 1888, St. John the Baptist School is a Catholic school in Howard where students grow in relationship with Jesus Christ, pursue high levels of academics, and are surrounded by a community rooted in Christian values. Our staff is committed to developing the whole child by nurturing each child’s academic, emotional, spiritual and behavioral development. By partnering with parents, we aim to individualize student learning in a structured environment where students grow and succeed.

St. John the Baptist School is part of the Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System. It is a private Catholic school serving Preschool and Elementary through 8th grade (PK3-8) with open enrollment. St. John the Baptist provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. For more information about St. John the Baptist Catholic School, visit their website at https://sjbhschool.org.

The latest GRACE Winter 2026 newsletter is now available to read! Check it out by clicking the button below.

Founded in 1888, St. John the Baptist School is a Catholic school in Howard where students grow in relationship with Jesus Christ, pursue high levels of academics, and are surrounded by a community rooted in Christian values. Our staff is committed to developing the whole child by nurturing each child’s academic, emotional, spiritual and behavioral development. By partnering with parents, we aim to individualize student learning in a structured environment where students grow and succeed.

St. John the Baptist School is part of the Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System. It is a private Catholic school serving Preschool and Elementary through 8th grade (PK3-8) with open enrollment. St. John the Baptist provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. For more information about St. John the Baptist Catholic School, visit their website at https://sjbhschool.org.

Please take a moment to read a special Christmas message filled with heartfelt wishes for you and your loved ones from GRACE President Kimberly A. Desotell!

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Founded in 1888, St. John the Baptist School is a Catholic school in Howard where students grow in relationship with Jesus Christ, pursue high levels of academics, and are surrounded by a community rooted in Christian values. Our staff is committed to developing the whole child by nurturing each child’s academic, emotional, spiritual and behavioral development. By partnering with parents, we aim to individualize student learning in a structured environment where students grow and succeed.

St. John the Baptist School is part of the Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System. It is a private Catholic school serving Preschool and Elementary through 8th grade (PK3-8) with open enrollment. St. John the Baptist provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. For more information about St. John the Baptist Catholic School, visit their website at https://sjbhschool.org.

Founded in 1888, St. John the Baptist School is a Catholic school in Howard where students grow in relationship with Jesus Christ, pursue high levels of academics, and are surrounded by a community rooted in Christian values. Our staff is committed to developing the whole child by nurturing each child’s academic, emotional, spiritual and behavioral development. By partnering with parents, we aim to individualize student learning in a structured environment where students grow and succeed.

St. John the Baptist School is part of the Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System. It is a private Catholic school serving Preschool and Elementary through 8th grade (PK3-8) with open enrollment. St. John the Baptist provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. For more information about St. John the Baptist Catholic School, visit their website at https://sjbhschool.org.

We know many of you are a part of a legacy here at SJB. This holiday season, we’re collecting multigenerational family photos to celebrate that legacy.

Here’s what to do:

1. Gather your family over the holidays— everyone who is a current student or an SJB alumnus/alumna (no matter the year!).
2. Take a horizontal photo if possible—clear, well-lit, and close enough that we can see everyone’s smiling faces.
3. Send your photo to sbaye@gracesystem.org
4. Optional: Include names and SJB graduation years for any alumni in the picture.

Let’s show the beautiful generations who make SJB the strong, faith-filled community it is. Thank you for sharing your family with ours! 💙💛📷

Founded in 1888, St. John the Baptist School is a Catholic school in Howard where students grow in relationship with Jesus Christ, pursue high levels of academics, and are surrounded by a community rooted in Christian values. Our staff is committed to developing the whole child by nurturing each child’s academic, emotional, spiritual and behavioral development. By partnering with parents, we aim to individualize student learning in a structured environment where students grow and succeed.

St. John the Baptist School is part of the Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System. It is a private Catholic school serving Preschool and Elementary through 8th grade (PK3-8) with open enrollment. St. John the Baptist provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. For more information about St. John the Baptist Catholic School, visit their website at https://sjbhschool.org.

The 2026-27 GRACE calendar is now live! Check it out on the GRACE website by clicking the button below.

Founded in 1888, St. John the Baptist School is a Catholic school in Howard where students grow in relationship with Jesus Christ, pursue high levels of academics, and are surrounded by a community rooted in Christian values. Our staff is committed to developing the whole child by nurturing each child’s academic, emotional, spiritual and behavioral development. By partnering with parents, we aim to individualize student learning in a structured environment where students grow and succeed.

St. John the Baptist School is part of the Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System. It is a private Catholic school serving Preschool and Elementary through 8th grade (PK3-8) with open enrollment. St. John the Baptist provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. For more information about St. John the Baptist Catholic School, visit their website at https://sjbhschool.org.

The season of Advent is upon us! We opened the week with a beautiful all-school assembly centered on this sacred time of preparation. During the gathering, each classroom’s Advent wreath was blessed and lit. The school band offered a moving rendition of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” and the dimmed lights helped set a peaceful atmosphere—reminding us of the goodness and hope that Christ’s coming brings. This week, our focus is on the word HOPE and the anticipation of our Savior’s arrival.

Our Advent celebration continues each morning as a student reads a Bible verse and takes a piece from on our schoolwide Advent calendar. Each day reveals a new figure from the Nativity story, which is then added to a large bulletin board display. Students are also keeping their eyes open for the “star” in the hallway—the one guiding the three wise men toward the manger at the front of our school building.

All of these simple, meaningful moments gently remind our students of the excitement and anticipation of this beautiful season. Most importantly, they help us remember the true reason we prepare and celebrate: the birth of Jesus, our dear Savior, who brings light, love, and hope to the world.

Founded in 1888, St. John the Baptist School is a Catholic school in Howard where students grow in relationship with Jesus Christ, pursue high levels of academics, and are surrounded by a community rooted in Christian values. Our staff is committed to developing the whole child by nurturing each child’s academic, emotional, spiritual and behavioral development. By partnering with parents, we aim to individualize student learning in a structured environment where students grow and succeed.

St. John the Baptist School is part of the Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System. It is a private Catholic school serving Preschool and Elementary through 8th grade (PK3-8) with open enrollment. St. John the Baptist provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. For more information about St. John the Baptist Catholic School, visit their website at https://sjbhschool.org.

Please take a moment to read GRACE President Kimberly Desotell’s Thanksgiving letter, filled with heartfelt wishes and gratitude for you and your loved ones! Click the button below to read.

Thank you for being apart of our faith-filled community.

Founded in 1888, St. John the Baptist School is a Catholic school in Howard where students grow in relationship with Jesus Christ, pursue high levels of academics, and are surrounded by a community rooted in Christian values. Our staff is committed to developing the whole child by nurturing each child’s academic, emotional, spiritual and behavioral development. By partnering with parents, we aim to individualize student learning in a structured environment where students grow and succeed.

St. John the Baptist School is part of the Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System. It is a private Catholic school serving Preschool and Elementary through 8th grade (PK3-8) with open enrollment. St. John the Baptist provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. For more information about St. John the Baptist Catholic School, visit their website at https://sjbhschool.org.

If school needs to be canceled or delayed due to weather or another emergency, communications are handled in the following way:

• If the Howard/Suamico School District (HSSD) delays or cancels schools, so will SJB.
• If Pulaski delays or cancels school, families living in that attendance area will be excused accordingly.
• In addition to the communication that HSSD shares, SJB will send out a mass email and a text message via our school messaging system. (BrightArrow) A test of this system was sent previously. Please keep your email address and cell phone number updated in PowerSchool Parent. 
• If school is canceled or dismissed early due to weather, all after-school programs, including extended care, will be canceled.
• If school has a delayed start, morning extended care, and half-day preschool are canceled. Full-day PK and K-8 students will arrive at school for a start time of 10:05. Doors will open at 9:50 AM.

Founded in 1888, St. John the Baptist School is a Catholic school in Howard where students grow in relationship with Jesus Christ, pursue high levels of academics, and are surrounded by a community rooted in Christian values. Our staff is committed to developing the whole child by nurturing each child’s academic, emotional, spiritual and behavioral development. By partnering with parents, we aim to individualize student learning in a structured environment where students grow and succeed.

St. John the Baptist School is part of the Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System. It is a private Catholic school serving Preschool and Elementary through 8th grade (PK3-8) with open enrollment. St. John the Baptist provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. For more information about St. John the Baptist Catholic School, visit their website at https://sjbhschool.org.