Meet Norbert Wenzl: A Heart and Passion for Service

As a retired pharmacist, Norbert Wenzl knows there are medicines that we need to keep our bodies healthy and functioning. But there are also medicines we need to keep our spiritual lives healthy — the Eucharist is one such medicine, and service is another.

Norbert has served in many ministries at St. Leo’s since he became a member in 1980. He brings the Eucharist to the homebound about twice per month — for some, receiving the Eucharist at home from a ministry member is the only social interaction they have. Norbert is especially glad to be back to this ministry in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When you bring the Eucharist, you can just see the gratitude on their faces and the joy they have,” he says. “I always tell people, ‘I am blessed just as much as you.’”

Norbert also blesses all of us by sharing his vocal and trumpet skills at 8 a.m. Sunday Mass. But he is quick to emphasize that it is not a performance — he is there for God’s glory and to enhance the celebration of the Liturgy. He appreciates that parishioners at St. Leo’s also help by singing along.

“When we have visiting priests, they always say this is really a singing parish,” Norbert says.

The Vocations Ministry Team offers another channel for Norbert to faithfully serve. The team just wrapped up October by leading a Rosary, specifically for vocations, before 10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass and 9 a.m. weekday Mass. The team focuses on all vocations, but the main goal is to get more young men to consider the priesthood or the consecrated life and encourage young women to consider becoming a religious sister.

Norbert is also a member of the Knights of Columbus, appreciating the many ways he can support the parish and those in need through the Knights. He also attends the Friday morning Brothers in Christ gatherings.

A simple but important ministry where Norbert also gives his time is the Prayer Chain Ministry, through which people submit names and ministry members pray for them. Norbert finds this ministry to be a blessing, not only to those who are being prayed for but also to the members.

Norbert Wenzl

Norbert Wenzl extends his gratitude to every member at St. Leo’s, past and present. He is humbled by all the ways people give of their time, talent and treasure.

“The Prayer Chain is such a nice way to be aware of the suffering that is going on within the parish, so I can help lift the people up in prayer,” he says. “You can anonymously help these people.”

In his free time, Norbert enjoys cooking and baking — he loves to share his food creations with others, as well. He also enjoys yard work, gardening, and bicycle riding.

Norbert would encourage parishioners to find their passion, and then, find a ministry that fits that passion.

“When you are considering a ministry at St. Leo’s, don’t just do things to do them,” he says. “Do things that bring joy to you and others.”

Norbert also encourages folks to have the courage to say “no” if they aren’t passionate about something.

“Saying ‘no’ is just allowing someone else to say ‘yes,’” Norbert says. “Find a ministry that brings you joy. If it’s natural for you to do, then it doesn’t feel like work. If a ministry does feel like work, that might be a sign you need a break from it.”

Most of all, Norbert wants to send his gratitude to every member at St. Leo’s, past and present. He is humbled by all the ways people give of their time, talent, and treasure. He is also especially thankful to be welcomed into the St. Leo’s family, given that many of his immediate family members live quite a distance from Grand Island.

“I love the family spirit at St. Leo’s,” Norbert says. “Everyone is just so welcoming.”