Villanova University is a faith community known for its service to the marginalized of our society. In the spirit of St. Thomas of Villanova, our patron saint, who dedicated his life to the service of the poor, Campus Ministry provides numerous service and social justice opportunities for all members of our Villanova community.
There are different types of service opportunities depending on your interests, availability and time commitment.
During the School Week
During the School Week, there are two main service opportunities: Community Outreach of Villanova (COV) and RUIBAL Challenge. Founded on the cornerstones of Simple Hospitality, Relational Service, Friendship & Community, and Personal Growth, COV offers weekly service opportunities ranging from after-school programs to soup kitchens to community gardens. These experiences are open to volunteers at any time. You can sign up whenever and as often as you’re able or you can make a commitment to serve with the same organization all semester as a COV Fellow. RUIBAL Challenge is a semester-long freshmen program that partners with after-school programs to tutor and mentor children in the Philadelphia community. Volunteers are placed in groups with other freshmen, and commit to serving with the same after-school program weekly for the course of the semester. In addition to direct service experiences, both COV and RUIBAL also provide opportunities for social justice education as well as personal and spiritual reflection. In this way, participants can learn more about the social, economic, and political factors which create the need for service in the first place and reflect on them in light of their own personal experience and commitments.
On the Weekends
On weekends the Villanova Campus Chapter of Habitat for Humanity volunteers to build homes in the local area, and is involved in advocacy and fundraising throughout the year.
Long-Term Committments
Then there are programs with long-term commitments; for example, a semester, a year, or until graduation. These provide relationship building with children in Bigs & Littles/New Directions. Additionally, there are short and long-term opportunities to serve the community alongside or as a member of The Knights of Columbus at Villanova.
Once a Year
Once a year Campus Ministry sponsors major events such as Hunger Homelessness Awareness Week in the Fall, and in the Spring Act! Speak! Build! Week and Advocacy Week. These are run almost entirely by volunteers.
Check out a program or event and get involved today:
