Monday Accolade
Dr. Michael Rubbelke '08
Newly hired Assistant Professor of Spirituality and Monastic Studies, 2008 SOT/Sem graduate Dr. Michael Rubbelke, is nearly done with his first semester as an SOT/Sem professor! We spoke with him about what it's been like to experience Collegeville from the other side of the desk.

What brought you back to Collegeville?
Honestly, I had been looking to come back to Collegeville ever since I graduated from Saint John's in 2008. Some of my most formative theological experiences happened here. My desire to research monastic spiritual practices and their effect on identity formation began with praying the opus Dei with the monks and practicing lectio divina with fellow students. The seed of transformation that I experienced called for some kind of scholarly and theological explanation! After nearly a decade sharpening my skills at Notre Dame, I feel that returning to Collegeville is like coming home.

What has it been like experiencing the SOT/Sem as a professor instead of a student?
It feels surreal to be in the same position that Fr. Michael Patella and Fr. Dale Launderville, once occupied for me. It is also an immense privilege and honor to be able to share what I have received with students. Having spent some time in parish ministry, it is especially meaningful to me to be teaching M.Div. students: I know just how hard they work to express and embody the Gospel to their ministry in theologically informed and practical ways!  

What's your favorite aspect of teaching at the SOT/Sem?
Though I have only taught one graduate level class so far, I have really enjoyed teaching in the SOT/Sem. The students are the best part: bright, inquisitive, hard-working... They truly embody faith seeking understanding. It’s also been amazing to work with world-class colleagues. Whether Kristin Colberg is sharing her recent experiences of the Synod or Fr. Anthony Ruff is explaining a point of liturgical reception, I know that I work with some of the best and brightest theologians around. They inspire me to be a better teacher and scholar!
The impact Saint John’s Graduate School of Theology and Seminary has across the world is truly unending. Our graduates wholeheartedly continue to bring comfort to the suffering and hope to the hopeless, affirming the sacred value and dignity of all people everywhere.