The Caritas Experience
Caritas is a four day music ministry and service experience for incoming Villanova students and a seven day Orientation-focused preparation program for returning Pastoral Musicians. Led by Donald Giannella, Associate Director of Campus Ministry for Pastoral Music and Villanova JR and SR leaders, Caritas seeks to develop the spirit and skills of the Villanova Pastoral Musician, prepare repertoire for the upcoming school year, enhance camaraderie among current and new pastoral musicians, and prepare for Orientation Liturgies and a New Jersey shore performance at the end of Orientation week.
Highlights for Incoming Students
Incoming Villanova students who have prior choral and/or orchestral experience, especially connected to worship are strongly encouraged to consider this free program. New students will move into their rooms on the weekend before the rest of the new students and will participate in skills workshops, service with Villanova’s sister parish in West Philadelphia, social activities and spiritual reflection. They will have the choice to participate with the returning pastoral musicians for service at various Orientation Liturgies.
Highlights for Returning Students
In addition to the activities for New Students, returning students will offer a performance at the Church of the Redeemer on the beach in Longport, NJ on the Friday of Orientation Week. This performance will include two overnights at the Beach Church as well as festive shore meals and sharing of community with local parishioners and peer participants.
The Church of the Redeemer, in gratitude for the end of the summer performance, charges admission for the concert and the proceeds support Pastoral Music activities throughout the year.
How do I get involved?
Caritas can only accept 15 new students and up to 30 returning students each year. An application will be available online after May 15 through the Campus Ministry page of the Villanova University Website. Applicants will be informed of their acceptance into the program by June 15.
- Caritas is a FREE leadership training program for new and returning Pastoral Musicians.
- A place-holding deposit of $50 will be accepted for each participant, fully refunded at the end of the Caritas program.
- Further details about registration, responsibilities and a full-schedule will be posted at the Campus Ministry page of the Villanova University Website after the formal application becomes available.
About the Pastoral Music Ministry
Each year the Pastoral Musicians serve with between 80 and 100 student musicians. It is the largest Roman Catholic Campus Ministry music ensemble in the United States. More info available online or ‘like’ VILLANOVA PASTORAL MUSICIANS on Facebook.
