Whenever you go out, walk together, and when you reach your destination, stay together.—St. Augustine
Retreats
Held throughout the year, Campus Ministry retreats bring together students from all faith backgrounds to step back from their routine, reflect on their spiritual values, share stories, and understand Villanova’s Catholic and Augustinian values.
This section will be updated as retreat planning progresses.
Please visit the Connections Retreat page for more information and to register.
This section will be updated as retreat planning progresses.
Date & Time
Start: 12-1pm, Friday, October 20 kick-off lunch
End: 12-1pm, Friday, October 27 closing lunch
Location
On-campus, asynchronous, self-guided retreat.
Kick-off and closing lunch programs are in the St Rita Community Room.
Audience
Undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff at Villanova University
Description
The Busy Wildcat Retreat is meant for students, faculty, or staff who are longing for space in their lives to slow down, reflect, and connect with God, but who might have a hard time fitting a weekend-long retreat into their schedule.
This retreat looks to help us learn how to make going on retreat a part of our everyday life. During this week, we will be encouraged to intentionally slow down and make space in our hearts and minds so that we might be able to become more aware of God’s presence in the ordinary moments of our day-to-day lives. Through this unique retreat experience, we hope cultivating practices and skills like solitude and contemplation will give us the chance to grow in our relationship with God and our faith, and consciously put our faith into action throughout our daily lives.
What to Expect
Reflection and prayer materials provided by the retreat planners including the following options: Christian scripture verses, a written reflection, and a video option on a daily theme.
This retreat is largely a self-guided individual journey that happens at your own pace and works around your schedule, but this retreat will also begin and end with community gatherings to help prepare for and process the experience.
The opening gathering, which happens on Friday, October 20, will be a chance for you to express hopes and goals for your retreat experience. The closing gathering, which happens on Friday, October 27, will be a chance to look back on your retreat experience and see how it impacted your week.
Each day between the community gatherings you will commit to 30 minutes of prayer and reflection using the materials listed in the guidebook. In addition, you will commit to meeting with a spiritual companion twice during the week to discuss your experience.
What to Bring
Journal or something that helps you reflect
Meals
The kick-off and closing programs will each include lunch. When you register, please indicate any allergies or dietary accommodation needed.
Fee
FREE
Registration
First come, first served; register by Monday, October 16.
Questions? Email David Walsh, campus minister for sports and spirituality, or Kiva Nice-Webb, campus minister for retreats.
Date & Time
Start: 9:30 a.m., Saturday, November 4
End: 5:30 p.m., Saturday, November 4
Location
Redeemer Valley Farm and Transformation Center
Transportation to and from campus provided.
Audience
Undergraduate and graduate / professional students at Villanova. This retreat is designed for a Catholic audience.
Description
From the retreat organizers: "Need time to breathe in the midst of a busy semester? Wish you could take a day off from the stress? Come away and "fall back" for a day at the beautiful Redeemer Valley Farm and Transformation Center. Knowing how stressful college life can be and knowing how all of us struggle to grow in relationship with God, we invite you and your students to take some time out for a day of reflection and retreat in the quiet beauty of Redeemer Valley Farm and Transformation Center in the northeast suburbs of Philadelphia, PA. We will have two brief talks, some interactive activities, lots of time for quiet in the outdoor community garden and tending to the farm animals, lunch, Eucharistic Adoration and a Saturday evening vigil Mass (optional)."
Hosted by Delaware Valley Member Area of the National Religious Vocation Conference (NRVC), this retreat is Catholic in formation and open to undergraduate and graduate students.
What to Expect
Two brief talks
Interactive activities
Time for quiet indoors and outdoors
Time in the community garden with plants and animals
What to Pack
Comfortable, casual clothing (check the weather before leaving; bring layers for temperature or weather changes)
Sturdy shoes for hiking and walking on the farm
Medications you usually take
Reusable water bottle
Meals
All meals are provided. When you register, please indicate any allergies or dietary accommodation needed.
Fee
Registration fee is $10 and covers all costs for the weekend. To ask about scholarship assistance for the fee, email Kiva Nice-Webb.
Registration
First come, first served; register by October 20.
Questions about how to register? Contact Villanova campus minister for retreats, Kiva Nice-Webb at kiva.nice-webb@villanova.edu.
Questions about the retreat content, or the retreat location? Contact Sister Michele Fisher, CSFN at sorellamichele@aol.com. Sr Michele Fisher is the Delaware Valley NRVC (National Religious Vocation Conference) Member Area Coordinator.
Date & Time
Start: 5 p.m., Friday, November 10
End: 2 p.m., Sunday, November 12
Location
Gretna Glen Camp and Retreat Center
Transportation to and from campus provided
Audience
First-year undergrad students
Description
Get away from campus for a weekend of discovering friendships, exploring your faith and values, and energizing yourself to make the most of your years at Villanova.
Although grounded in the Christian and Augustinian tradition, Escape is designed for and open to students of any or no faith tradition. It is hosted by the Graduate Resident Ministers and led by sophomores and juniors who have participated in Escape.
What to Expect
Stories shared by sophomore and junior students
Considerable social activity, including sitting and talking in small groups and one on one
Moderate physical activity, including group activities inside and outside
Time for individual reflection
Sleeping in bunk rooms
Hall-style bathrooms and showers; single-user options also available
What to Pack
Comfortable, casual clothing for two nights and days (check the weather before leaving; bring layers for temperature changes)
Sturdy shoes for hiking
Medications you usually take
Reusable water bottle
Sleeping bag or sheets/blanket and a pillow
Towel and toiletries
Meals
All meals are provided in the camp cafeteria. When you register, please indicate any allergies or dietary accommodation needed.
Fee
Registration fee is $25 and covers all costs for the weekend. To ask about scholarship assistance for the fee, email Kiva Nice-Webb.
Registration
First come, first served; register by October 27.
Date & Time
Start: morning, Dec 4
End: midday, Dec 4
Location
St. Rita Community Room
Audience
Open to Villanova faculty, staff, graduate and professional students
Description
Celebrate the Advent season at this ecumenical Christian retreat held on campus during the workday. Meet with colleagues from across the University and share from your personal experiences and faith journey. Guest facilitator will be Sr. Michelle Cimaroli, acj from St. Raphaela Center in Haverford.
What to Expect
Guided reflections led by facilitators
Considerable social activity, including sitting and talking in small groups and one on one
Time for personal reflection, sharing in large and small groups, facilitated activities and a quiet, relaxed environment
What to Bring
Journal and pen.
Meals
Light refreshments will be provided.
Fee
This event is free. Employees, with approval from their supervisor, may attend this one half day with no loss of pay or charge to vacation time. If you have any questions about this process, please contact Human Resources at ext. 7900.
Registration
First come, first served; registration will be posted here. Direct questions about the retreat to Campus Minister for Retreats, Kiva Nice-Webb.
Thank you for your interest, this retreat has passed.
Date & Time
Start: 9:00 AM
End: 4:00 PM
Location
on-campus
Audience
Current VU graduate and professional studies students
Description
Are you excited—and maybe a little stressed—about your graduate and professional studies this year? You’re not alone. Come and meet your Villanova peers, reflect on your hopes and fears, and develop supportive relationships at a graduate-student retreat. You will hear from current grad students, share in small groups and learn how Villanova’s Augustinian tradition invites you to “become what you are not yet.”
The event is open to participants of any or no faith tradition.
Hosted by Campus Ministry and the Grad Center.
What to Expect
Stories shared by current graduate students and time for small group discussion with peers
Intro to the Augustinian tradition of the institution
Considerable social activity, including sitting and talking in small groups and one on one
Moderate physical activity, including group activities inside and outside
Time for individual reflection
What to Bring
Reusable water bottle
Favorite pen for notes and a journal or notepad
Casual, comfortable clothes (layers as needed for temp)
Meals
TBD
Fee
This event is free.
Registration
First come, first served; register by Thursday 8/31. Please use this link to register. Email Brian McCabe with any questions.
Thank you for your interest, this retreat has passed. If you are interested in further engaging the global synod process, please contact Dr. Kathryn Getek-Soltis (Center for Peace and Justice Education) or Brian McCabe (Campus Ministry).
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We are the Now of the Church: A Student Leadership Retreat to Connect, Reflect & Dream
Date & Time
Start: evening., Friday, September 15
End: evening, Saturday, September 16
Location
St Raphaela Center
Audience
Philadelphia area undergraduate students interested in engaging the synodality process within the Roman Catholic church
Description
Hosted by SCHEAP: Synodality in Catholic Higher Education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. For context, Pope Francis recently made historic changes to the rules and composition of the synod, enabling women to vote for the first time and adding 70 non-bishop members who represent the People of God from various local churches. And one of those 70 is a student leader that we nominated out of our Philadelphia Catholic Higher Education Synod process - Julia Oseka, a rising junior at St. Joe's! She is going to Rome as a voting member of the Church's global synod! This is especially incredible news for our Villanova students and the hundreds of other students from around Philadelphia who have been participating in this process over the last year and a half. Julia is representing them and will continue to walk with our communities (including at the all-campus retreat on Sept. 15-16).
What to Expect
Considerable social activity, including sitting and talking in small groups and one on one
Moderate physical activity, including group activities inside and outside
Time for individual reflection
Sleeping in retreat center rooms
Hall-style bathrooms and showers; single-user options also available
What to Pack
Comfortable, casual clothing for nights and days (check the weather before leaving; bring layers for temperature changes)
Sturdy shoes for waking outside
Medications you usually take
Reusable water bottle
Towel and toiletries
Meals
All meals are provided in the retreat center dining hall. As you register your interest, please indicate any allergies or dietary accommodation needed.
Fee
This retreat is FREE.
Registration
Please register your interest here by September 6, there are a limited amount of spots available for this retreat. You will be contacted after September 8 to know if you have been selected or not.
Contact Dr. Kathryn Getek-Soltis <kathryn.geteksoltis@villanova.edu> with any questions.
This section will be updated as retreat planning progresses. Upcoming retreats will be moved to the top of the list and past retreats will be moved down.
Date & Time
Start: 5 p.m., Friday, January 19
End: 2 p.m., Sunday, January 21
Location
Transportation to and from campus provided
Audience
Graduating undergraduate seniors
Description
Between college and graduation, "you are at a crossroads ..."
This weekend retreat allows graduating senior students of any or no faith tradition to consider what has guided them on their journeys and what will light the way ahead. It is full of opportunities for prayer, conversation and shared reflections on our paths with Villanova faculty and staff.
What to Expect
Considerable social activity, including sitting and talking in small groups and one on one
Moderate physical activity, including group activities inside and outside
Time for Individual reflection, reflection activities and relaxation
Sleeping in shared retreat rooms
Hall-style bathrooms and showers; single-user options also available
What to Pack
Comfortable, casual clothing for two nights and days (check the weather before leaving; bring layers for temperature changes)
Sturdy shoes for walking outdoors
Medications you usually take
Reusable water bottle & coffee or tea thermos
Sleeping bag or sheets/blanket and a pillow
Towel and toiletries
Meals
All meals are provided in the retreat center cafeteria. When you register, please indicate any allergies or dietary accommodation needed.
Fee
Registration fee TBD. To ask about scholarship assistance for the fee, email Kiva Nice-Webb.
Registration
Register here - through January 6.
Intended Participants: Villanova Employees, with approval from their supervisor, may attend this one half day with no loss of pay or charge to vacation time. If you have any questions about this process, please contact Human Resources at ext. 7900.
Registration TBD
Location: TBD
Time: TBD
Cost: Free
Date & Time
Start: 5 p.m., Friday, March 15
End: 4 p.m., Sunday, March 17
Location
Gretna Glen Camp and Retreat Center
Transportation to and from campus provided
Audience
Sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students
Description
Explore how unconditional love, especially God's love, is present in your life. This retreat focuses on agape, a selfless and unconditional form of love.
Although grounded in the Christian and Augustinian tradition, Search is designed for and open to students of any or no faith tradition. It is hosted by the Campus Minister for Retreats and Graduate Resident Ministers, and is led by juniors, seniors and grad students who have participated in Search.
What to Expect
Testimonials shared by student leaders
Considerable social activity, including sitting and talking in small groups and one on one
Moderate physical activity, including group activities inside and outside
Time for Individual reflection, reflection activities and relaxation
Sleeping in bunk rooms
Hall-style bathrooms and showers; single-user options also available
What to Pack
Comfortable, casual clothing for two nights and days (check the weather before leaving; bring layers for temperature changes)
Sturdy shoes for hiking
Medications you usually take
Reusable water bottle
Sleeping bag or sheets/blanket and a pillow
Towel and toiletries
Meals
All meals are provided in the camp cafeteria. When you register, please indicate any allergies or dietary accommodation needed.
Fee
Registration fee is TBD.
Registration
Register by March 1.
Date & Time
Start: 6 p.m., Friday, March 22
End: 12 p.m., Sunday, March 24
Location
Malvern Retreat House
Transportation to and from campus provided
Audience
Villanova undergraduate students, faculty, and staff who are affiliated with the Posse program or interested in engaging the annual theme
Description
"During each PossePlus Retreat weekend, a cross section of the campus community — students, faculty and administrators — come together to talk about the topic on a national, campus and personal level.
By creating a safe space for dialogue between campus community members who may not ordinarily interact with one another, retreats today have become an important forum to engage in social, cultural and political issues."
About the Posse Foundation
About Villanova's Posse partnership
What to Pack
Comfortable, casual clothing for two nights and days (check the weather before leaving; bring layers for temperature changes)
Sturdy shoes for going outside
Medications you usually take
Reusable water bottle
Sleeping bag or sheets/blanket and a pillow
Towel and toiletries
Meals
All meals are provided in the retreat center dining hall.
Fee
N/A
Registration
Check back for registration towards the end of December 2023.
Please direct any questions about registration to Brian Galloway (brian.galloway@villanova.edu, Assistant Dean, Enrollment Managment, and Villanova Posse liaison.
What are retreats?
The Retreat Program invites you to get away from the hectic pace of college life and focus on different aspects of your life. It encourages you to discover more about yourself and your deepest values through group discussions, talks given by student leaders, meditation, games, fellowship and prayer.
What do you do on retreat?
Relax and have fun
Meet new people
Share and grow in your spirituality
Strengthen your relationships
Explore and reflect on your life decisions
Come to know yourself better
Encounter God
Who is welcome on retreats?
In general, the Retreat Program is open to students of any or no faith tradition.
How do I know which retreat to attend?
You can choose the type and style of retreat you are most comfortable attending. Some retreats are quiet and include lots of alone time, while others emphasize building community through sharing and group activities.
The pace of retreats also varies. Some retreats have lots of activity, while others are more leisurely.
Some retreats are designed for specific students. For example, Escape weekends are for first-year undergrads only. We ask that these students attend an Escape weekend (held once each semester) before attending our other retreats.
How can I serve as a student leader?
Student leaders are an essential part of most of our retreats. If you have experience attending retreats in high school or college, contact Kiva Nice-Webb.
"I have never experienced a group of people more open and willing to accept me as I am. I am grateful, so grateful."
"I had SO. MUCH. FUN. First Year Escape made my year. I made so many new friends and before this weekend, I felt like I would never make friends at Villanova because it seemed like everyone else had it all together and was already in a friend group. I can't wait to join a Get Real Group with my CMI and continue these friendships. Thank you!!!!"
"I am able to see God in people more easily now."
"This weekend has given me a sense of meditation, self love, and contemplation that I haven't experienced in a while. It helped open up my understanding of love."
"The small group discussions were very impactful to me because I was able to share my vulnerability with a safe group and be affirmed."
"Prior to SEARCH, I was someone who would only go to God for the highs and lows in my life. I never sought him in my everyday life. SEARCH taught me that God is a part of everyone and everything, whether or not I realize it. Therefore, I intend on dedicating myself to walk through each day looking for Him, and consciously trying to process where He may appear in those not-so-extreme moments."
"I am more confident in sharing and talking about my faith, and I am left wanting to further pursue my faith and grow in love of others."