Welcome Dr. Michael Rubbelke

Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Rubbelke, Ph.D as Assistant Professor of Spirituality and Monastic Studies.

Dr. Michael Rubbelke holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology and English from St. John's University in Collegeville, MN, as well as a Master of Theological Studies degree and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Systematic Theology from the University of Notre Dame. After completing his doctorate, he has served for three years as the Director of Adult Faith Formation at Saint Pius X Catholic Church in Granger, IN.

Dr. Rubbelke's research explores the interrelationship of memory, doctrine, and monastic practices like psalmody and lectio divina in Christian spiritual formation.  In light of his time at CSB/SJU as well as his conversations with his brother (a monk of Assumption Abbey in Richardton, ND), Dr. Rubbelke is particularly interested in how Benedictine wisdom, texts, and lived traditions can creatively inform lay spiritualities and pedagogy today. His dissertation identified the consonances of Karl Rahner's understanding of mysticism with the spiritual theologies of Bonaventure, Jan van Ruusbroec, and Ignatius Loyola. He has published articles in the College Theology Society annual volume and Philosophy and Theology, and his book reviews have appeared in Antiphon and Theological Studies. A teacher at heart, Dr. Rubbelke eagerly anticipates serving his alma mater by savoring Christian wisdom with both undergraduate and graduate students.

Fr. Dale Launderville, OSB, Dean of the School of Theology and Seminary, notes, “We are delighted to have Michael come back to CSBSJU and join our faculty.  His love of the Benedictine and Catholic traditions combined with his considerable intellectual and pedagogical gifts position him well to advance our mission and serve our students.”