Mission and Ministry

St. Rita Hall

Villanova’s Office for Mission and Ministry is inspired by the Augustinian values of truth, unity and love, and models its programs after St. Thomas of Villanova, who dedicated his life to serving those on the margins of society. We welcome and encourage all students to engage in the search for meaning and purpose - through prayer and worship, spirituality and community, education and advocacy, or service, sustainability and social justice. As an Augustinian Catholic community, we see the worth and dignity of all people, of all faiths and backgrounds, and we find unity not in uniformity, but in mutual respect and care—knowing that we learn best from and with each other.

PRAYER, WORSHIP AND SPIRITUALITY
Mission and Ministry coordinates a diverse array of worship, prayer and opportunities for spirituality. We pray together through the Catholic Liturgy, a place where people of all backgrounds come together to celebrate the Word of the Gospel. Masses are offered on Sundays, including Misa en Español (Spanish Mass), and weekdays at St. Thomas of Villanova Church and Corr Chapel. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered several times a week.

We pray together through Muslim Jummah prayers on Fridays and opportunities for devotional and mindfulness practices, as well as special worship services marking major events throughout the academic year. Many students participate in worship leadership as liturgical ministers, pastoral musicians, and members of planning teams.

Throughout the year, retreats provide students with the opportunity to step back from their daily routines, reflect on their spirituality and values, share stories and experience rest or gain a new perspective.

We partner with diverse Christian fellowship groups, Hillel, the Muslim Student Association and the student-led Interfaith Coalition to create ecumenical and interfaith experiences that enable students of diverse religious traditions to know and learn from one another.

SERVICE, ADVOCACY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

Augustine challenges us to advance as a community and grow in our ability to love by focusing on the common good and integrating social justice with advocacy, while grounded in the dignity of humanity and all of creation. Within Mission and Ministry, there are three major centers where students can serve, learn and advocate in a supportive community. The St. Thomas of Villanova Center for the Common Good (CCG) serves as the main hub for community service and engaged learning at Villanova. It collaborates with both local and global partners and advocates for systems that promote the common good. The Center for Peace and Justice Education (CPJE) empowers students to think critically and engage in challenging but transformative discussions. It encourages students to confront institutions that render individuals vulnerable and to participate in efforts that uphold dignity for all. Additionally, the Office for Sustainability aligns Villanova’s value-centered principles with environmental stewardship, promoting inclusivity among all members of the University and addressing all aspects of sustainability.

From worship to spiritual growth; to pastoral care and accompaniment of all backgrounds and faiths; to advocacy; to service; to sustainable living and care for the earth; to integration of mind and heart, Mission and Ministry strives to embody and advance the University’s Catholic and Augustinian identity.