Campus Ministry

Religious Diversity at Villanova

Faith symbols on colored pencils

Villanova’s Augustinian heritage embraces the search for meaning that is at the heart of the human journey. We in Campus Ministry believe that the identities & practices of people of all faith backgrounds, as well as those who do not identify religiously, will be deepened through open & honest dialogue and interaction with one another.

In partnership with student organizations like the Interfaith Coalition, Muslim Student Association, and Hillel, Campus Ministry sponsors numerous campus-wide events for interreligious engagement (see below). Students with shared backgrounds/interests may join organizations that sponsor prayer, study and social activities on campus. Seekers of all faiths, as well as those outside the bounds of traditional religious belonging, are invited to explore questions of truth and meaning.

Christians of diverse traditions participate in Common Ground, a weekly ecumenical Protestant worship service on Sunday evenings, while Muslim Jummah prayers are offered every Friday. Those looking for a particular faith community may also participate in off-campus prayer or worship opportunities at nearby churches, synagogues, temples or mosques. For more information, contact Rev. Julie Sheetz, Campus Minister for Ecumenical and Interfaith Outreach.

 

The Human Library

“You’ve never read a book like this before!"

 

VU faculty and staff, along with area religious leaders, serve as living “books” that students can “check out” to learn more about diverse religious traditions and practices.

Spring 2018 date TBA

Contact Julie Sheetz,  Julia.sheetz@villanova.edu for more information

Villanova Interfaith Activism

VU students, faculty and staff address issues of justice through dialogue and action, as part of the greater Philadelphia POWER Metro interfaith network.

Fridays, 3 – 4:15 PM, Corr Hall Lounge:

  • January 26
  • February 9
  • February 23
  • March 16
  • April 6
  • April 20

For more information, contact: VillanovaInterfaithActivism@gmail.com

Affiliated with the regional POWER Metro Network  http://powerinterfaith.org/

Interfaith Service & Justice Experience

Plans are underway for a new Interfaith Service and Justice experience in Philadelphia in Spring 2019.

In collaboration with the Interfaith Center of Greater Philadelphia, students in this SJE will participate in service learning and activism, while integrating those experiences through workshops and reflections. This SJE is focused on interfaith dialogue and action, with the chance to see how people of different religions are inspired to respond to justice issues in the city of Philadelphia. Participants can expect to visit a variety of places of worship, engaging with those who practice diverse faiths, and learning skills for open dialogue and mutual learning.

Common Ground—Ecumenical Protestant Worship

Hands and light

This gathering for Christians of diverse backgrounds offers a welcoming community in which to sing, pray, and deepen faith and friendships.  Sunday evenings at 6PM, Corr Chapel

Jummah Prayers

All are welcome to attend Jummah, Muslim congregational prayer, held every Friday, 1:30 – 2:00 PM. A sermon is offered by a local imam, followed by traditional prayer. Prayer Room - John Barry Hall (2nd floor). Co-sponsored by the Muslim Student Association and Campus Ministry

 

Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness meditation is the practice of focusing on the present moment and developing an increased awareness of experiences as they happen. Research shows that participating in mindfulness techniques can improve life-quality, with positive outcomes reported for work performance, mental health, and physical well-being. Reduced stress, reduced blood pressure, and improved sleep patterns are just some of the health benefits reported by those practicing mindfulness on a regular basis. 

As a member of the Villanova community, we invite you to join us for Mindful Mondays. Sessions run every Monday from 12:45 - 1:15 PM in the St. Rita Hall Community Room. Each session is facilitated by a member of the Villanova Community, who guides participants in a mindfulness meditation.  Everyone is welcome, and no registration is required. 

Centering Prayer

Centering prayer is space for quiet, meditative prayer that cultivates a place of rest and attentive presence in the midst of our busy and distracted lives.  We gather in a small group and sit quietly together.  

Our gathering times for the Spring semester are Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:45-1:15PM & Wednessday 8:30-9AM in the St. Rita Hall Community Room.

Please join us.  No previous experience with centering prayer or meditation is necessary.

Spiritual Direction

Perhaps it is time for you to be more intentional about growing in your relationship with God. Do you want to discover who God is for you in a deeper way?  Spiritual direction is a time-tested tool that can help you to do this. You can meet once a month for one hour with a certified spiritual director. During this session you would be guided to notice how God is moving in your life and how you can receive God's love and respond with integrity and generosity. If there is a desire in you to grow in your faith and prayer practice, you can contact Linda Jaczynski, Director of the Center for Spirituality and Discernment. She is trained in the art of spiritual direction at the Jesuit Center in Wernersville, PA, and is also certified in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Linda Jaczynski, Director, Center for Spirituality & Discernment.