We are not born for ourselves, and the natural gifts and free graces that we receive are not for ourselves alone, but we have received them that they may be of benefit to all.—St. Thomas of Villanova
ST. THOMAS OF VILLANOVA CENTER FOR THE COMMON GOOD
Mission Statement
Recognizing the dignity of all of creation, the Center for the Common Good works with students, alumni, community partners, and campus collaborators to promote the formation of justice-oriented people who serve with our local and global partners and who advocate for systems that advance the Common Good.
Vision of the Center for the Common Good
In the spirit of veritas, we believe in speaking to the injustices in our world and the importance of reflecting on our collective and personal role in perpetuating and dismantling the systems that diminish the dignity of creation.
In the spirit of unitas, we believe all people are active participants in the building of a more just world. Working together to discover a vision of the common good, we all become mutual recipients of a shared hope.
In the spirit of caritas, we believe all our work, service and advocacy must be rooted in a mutual love that calls us to a community larger than ourselves where the thriving of one is only possible with the thriving of all.
This is our vision of the Common Good rooted in St. Augustine who said, "No one shall perform any task for his or her own benefit but all your work shall be done for the common good, with greater zeal and more dispatch than if each one of you were to work for yourself alone. For charity [caritas], as it is written, is not self-seeking (1 Cor 13:5) meaning that it places the common good before its own, not its own before the common good. So whenever you show greater concern for the common good than for your own, you may know that you are growing in love [caritas]." (Rule of St. Augustine, Chapter 5.2)
The St. Thomas of Villanova Center for the Common Good is located in St. Mary Hall, Room 109.
For general inquiries to any staff member, please email: commongood@villanova.edu
About IFTJ
Join this annual gathering for members of Jesuit institutions and the larger Church to learn about social justice issues, reflect, pray, network and advocate together on Capitol Hill. Be empowered and supported by a community that sees faith and justice as inseparable.
Date
October 28–30, 2023
Location
Washington, DC
Cost
$20 (covers transportation, lodging and food)
Contact
Since 2005, Villanova has had an institutional partnership with Catholic Relief Services, collaborating to advance global solidarity through education, research, advocacy and service. Learn more.
In the spirit of St. Thomas of Villanova, who dedicated his life to the service of the poor, we provide opportunities for weekly volunteering and for holiday outreach. Learn more.
PASJI offers undergrads the opportunity to do funded social justice work in the greater Philadelphia region over the summer. Learn more.
Volunteering for postgrad service is a meaningful way to work with marginalized communities and engage questions of social justice and solidarity. Learn more.
SJEs allow students to build relationships with other Villanovans and community partners committed to working for justice. Learn more.
We offer students many ways to get involved in advocacy and service. Learn more.
This list is being updated regularly. If you would like your area added or have questions, please email Kate.
Rays of Sunshine: Students serve at schools and education nonprofits in the Philly area.
Special Olympics Fall Festival: Villanova students organize and host what is regarded as the largest annual student-run Special Olympics event in the world.
Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. Day of Service: Members of the University community volunteer throughout Greater Philadelphia and on our campus.