This course will explore the concept of communio as living from and in God in community. Students explore communio at the beginning of Creation and its expression in the common life of the early Jerusalem community in the Acts of the Apostles. The course continues by exploring St. Augustine’s model of life for his religious communities set forth in this Rule which Norbert of Xanten accepted as a core element in his reform of 12th century Catholic life. Students will study Norbert’s life and a summary history of his Order, especially its missionary activity, with a special focus on the establishment of the Order in the United States. They will study the retrieval of the concept of communio in the Second Vatican Council and then as a key concept in the Norbertine Constitutions. This will provide a strong base for understanding the College’s Catholic, liberal arts and Norbertine mission.
Advanced Core Curriculum Designation: CI
Grade Basis: Letter Grade
Credits: 4.0
