Gregory Cruess
Associate Teaching Professor
Biography
Gregory Cruess is originally from Round Rock, TX. He earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Notre Dame and then studied at Boston College for his Master of Theological Studies. He completed a Ph.D. in theology (also at Notre Dame) with a specialization in the preaching of St. Augustine. His research and writing have focused on patristics, the early Church, St. Augustine, and St. Thomas Aquinas. Along with teaching theology courses of all levels, Dr. Cruess has worked with parish and diocesan leaders across the United States, teaching diaconate courses, mentoring ministry students, assisting in faith formation and sacramental preparation, and most recently serving as a member of the Synod Implementation Commission for the Diocese of Dallas. Dr. Cruess lives in South Bend with his wife, Fatima, and their three children.
Research Interests
Patristic Exegesis, St. Augustine and his Reception, Christian Doctrine, Formation for Ministry
Selected Publications
“Christ the Way: Augustine and Aquinas on the Meaning of the Incarnation,” in Nova et Vetera, English Edition, Vol. 24, No. 3 (forthcoming)
“From Peace to Vision: Nature and Grace in Augustine’s Developing Exegesis of the Beatitudes,” in Studia Patristica, ed. Markus Vinzent and Jack Bull (Leuven: Peeters, 2026) (forthcoming)
“Augustine and Aquinas on the Gifts and Beatitudes,” in Nova et Vetera, English Edition, Vol. 23, No. 3 (2025): 859–892.
“The Challenge of Augustine’s Biblical Christology: Re-reading the In Iohannis Evangelium Tractatus,” in Studia Patristica, vol. CXIX, ed. Markus Vinzent (Leuven: Peeters, 2021), 43–50.
Education
- B. Arch., University of Notre Dame
- M.T.S., Boston College
- Ph.D., University of Notre Dame