Campus Ministry Newsletter
Vol. 2 - Ed. 9
We are in and out of the office at various times. If you need a Campus Minister, the best thing right now is to send a message to them directly, or if you are not sure who to reach, send a message to cmcommunication@villanova.edu and we can direct you to the right person!
In this week’s edition, you’ll find:
Voter Registration Reminder
Upcoming Events:
- SJE Week! - This week!
- La Llorona Viewing - TOMORROW
Ignatian Solidarity Network's Teach in for Justice (virtual this year)!
ESCAPE Retreat (in Person!)
Global Sustainability Conference
Prayer and Spirituality Resources:
- Zoom Rosary - Every Friday at 3pm
- Catholic Worship on Campus
- Common Ground Conversations
RCIA at VIllanova
- Mindfulness Mondays (Mondays at 12:30pm) and Centering Prayer opportunities (Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1pm) have returned!
- Spirituality Resources
- Opportunity to submit prayer requests
GROUPS!
- Join the Pastoral Musicians
- Small Group Opportunities
- Faith and Justice Virtual Encounters!
- Join Villanova Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Global Ambassadors
Online Programs and Opportunities:
- Recording of JUSTICE for Black Lives: A Virtual Vigil
- Weekly Prayer Sessions on Instagram Live – Wednesdays @ 12:30pm EDT
- An Introduction to the Confessions of St. Augustine
Service Opportunities:
- Volunteer with Community Outreach of Villanova!
- First Year Students Interested in Service - Info about RUIBAL!
- Virtual Service Opportunities, and a list of donations needed at area hospitals
- Help for Immigrant Families
Campus Resources:
- Support HHAW and COVID Relief Kits!
- ODEI - Living Race, Transforming Community
- The Counseling Center
- Emergency Assistance for Students
- The University Calendar
Register to VOTE!
With the 2020 election quickly approaching, it is time to think about voter registration. The deadline for registering to vote in Pennsylvania is Monday, Oct. 19 for the Nov. 3 election. Any student who is a US citizen is encouraged to register and vote this November.
Information about voting in Pennsylvania can be found on the PA Votes website. For your reference, we have attached the Pennsylvania voter registration application for registration by mail. You may also register online.
For Undergraduates Living On Campus:
- To ensure your registration and/or ballot are appropriately mailed back to you, please use one of the following for your address, depending on your residence hall location:
800 E. Lancaster Ave./250 Spring Mill Rd./862 E. Lancaster Ave.
Residence Hall (including room number)
VU Box xxxx
Villanova, PA 19085
- Please note that Villanova is located in Delaware County and is in Radnor Township.
- If you do not have a Pennsylvania driver’s license, use the last four digits of your social security number.
- To vote in this election, you must be a resident of Pennsylvania and the election district in which you want to register/vote for at least 30 days. Living on campus is sufficient to meet this requirement.
- Additional information and a sample form are located on Villanova's website.
IMPORTANT: If you registered to vote in Pennsylvania last year and you live in a different residence hall this year, you likely will need to update your voter registration form with your new residence hall (or local) address.
If you wish to register and vote in your home state, please visit Vote.org to learn more.
Upcoming Events
SJE Week!
What is SJE Week, you ask?!
SJE Week is a week-long opportunity to immerse and partake in various fun-filled and engaging events (virtual and in-person) to animate the SJE spirit while still on-campus (or at home).
Starting Sunday, we will have a Fundraiser Bingo Board on Instagram to kickstart SJE Week. We will be holding daily fundraisers for our community partners who need our help from Sunday-Saturday, Oct 17th. Some other events that will be taking place are the SJE Community Partners Virtual Panel (Monday, 5:00pm-6:30 via Zoom: https://villanova.zoom.us/j/91792121184); SJE Themed Quizzo Night (Thursday, 9:30-10:30 at the Oreo) and Movie Night (sponsored by CAT, date & time TBD).
La Llorona Viewing - TOMORROW
This event is part of the Hispanic Heritage Month calendar of events. A short discussion will follow on what the film tells us about the moral, spiritual, and material consequences of legacies of political violence and oppression.
Zoom link: https://villanova.zoom.us/j/95187540864
Ignatian Solidarity Network's Teach-In for Justice!
Feeling unsettled by the many injustices sweeping our nation this year? Not sure how you can effectively address them? Well, you are not alone! We invite you to consider attending the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice (IFTJ) this semester with a group of fellow students and staff members.
IFTJ is a free opportunity to learn more about contemporary social justice issues and to practice solidarity by reflecting, praying, networking, and advocating for and with others! Ultimately, it is an event where people are empowered, re-energized, inspired, challenged, and supported by a community that sees faith and justice integrally linked.
Click this link to learn more: https://qrgo.page.link/ikKT3
ESCAPE Retreat
The ESCAPE Retreat - this is for first year students only and therefore will be a really easy way to meet new people who are in the same boat as you. The retreat is led by sophomores and will address topics that are relevant to your experience of starting college (e.g. exploring your personal identity in more depth, reflecting on your relationships at school and back at home, thinking about the different pressures you are facing in college, etc.).
This retreat is taking place the weekend of October 23rd - 25th
It will mostly take place IN PERSON!!! with the exception of an opening/closing session taking place on Zoom. So sign up as soon as possible!
Click here to learn more and register.
Global Sustainability conference
Villanova is sponsoring this year’s virtual Global Conference on Sustainability in Higher Education, giving every Villanovan free registration for the conference. Registrants can enjoy a keynote address, a few sessions, or the entire conference, it’s up to you. The conference will focus on centering justice within our transformation to a sustainable future, ensuring no one is left behind.
Start your registration (Click Here)
Fill out all the relevant fields.
- Use your institutional email address only. The Discount Code is linked to your institution’s email domain (@villanova.edu, @law.villanova.edu). Other email addresses (such as Gmail, Outlook, or Yahoo) will not work with the Discount Code.
- On the Submit Payment page, enter the following Discount Code:VILLANOVAEDU100220
- This will drop your total to $0.00.
- Complete your registration.
Virtual Postgrad Service Fair
Prayer and Spirituality Resources
Zoom Rosary - Every Friday at 3pm
Zoom Rosary occurs every Friday at 3pm Campus Ministry invites all members of the Villanova community to join us in praying a weekly rosary over Zoom. Weekly rosary prayer gatherings will be held Fridays at 3 p.m. beginning Friday, Sept. 11, and ending Friday, Dec. 4. Both the Zoom link and prayer intention submission page for the rosary can be accessed via the "More Prayer Opportunities" section of Campus Ministry's Catholic Worship page: https://www1.villanova.edu/villanova/mission/campusministry/liturgicallife.html
Catholic Worship on Campus
There are a lot of ways to participate in Mass on campus this semester! The website villanova.edu/mass has all of the information you need to know.
For comprehensive information, please Watch Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 of Catholic Worship: Community First. Here is a quick summary:
- Livestream the 5pm or 7pm Masses on Sunday evening via under the “Participate Virtually” section of villanova.edu/mass.
- Sign up for a pre-registered spot for our outdoor (Saturday) or indoor (Sunday) liturgies via the "Participate in Person" tab of villanova.edu/mass. Space will be limited to provide for safe social distancing.
- Bring your portable chair on Saturday or take a study break wherever you are and attend via livestream on Sunday!
The most up-to-date Mass schedule is always available at: villanova.edu/mass
- Texts of Sunday homilies from Augustinian friars are also available via https://www.augustinian.org/homilies
Please also see the "Sacrament of Reconciliation" and "More Prayer Opportunities" sections of the villanova.edu/mass website, some of which are included in the newsletter below!
COMMON GROUND CONVERSATIONS
where faith and life meet…
This fall, Campus Ministry’s nondenominational worship & sharing community has a new look! We’ll gather (virtually) each week with a different conversation partner, to explore life’s joys and challenges through the lens of Christian faith. All are welcome!
Sundays at 6 PM
Zoom Link: https://villanova.zoom.us/j/9696822000
Interested in the Catholic Faith? RCIA at Villanova
If you or someone you know is interested in the Catholic faith or in receiving the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, First Eucharist) at Villanova, please contact Fr Aldo Potencio, OSA in Campus Ministry. Information sessions will be taking place in the coming weeks.
Mindfulness Monday
Mindfulness Mondays at 12:30-1PM; Join Zoom Meeting: Mindfulness (Mondays at 12:30):
Centering Prayer Remote Meditation Meetings
Centering Prayer on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1-1:30PM
Join Zoom Meeting
https://villanova.zoom.us/j/95686082340
GROUPS!
Join the Pastoral Musicians!
The Villanova Pastoral Musicians are a group of about 70 singers and instrumentalists who provide sacred music for the Villanova community. We welcome all who would like to join! In addition to serving as music ministers for campus masses, we also participate in a variety of other events around/off campus, offering formal and informal concerts throughout the year.
Some of our favorite annual events include performing at Orientation and Baccalaureate masses, as well as participating in many other settings where meaningful music is requested.
We have a lot of fun too, especially on our optional retreats and Spring Break trips (national and international)! Our repertoire includes anything from traditional hymns to modern choral arrangements to major works for choir and orchestra, such as Handel’s Messiah or Mozart’s Requiem.
Of course, this semester is different, but we are still doing great things. We are currently offering music at weekend Masses in small groups and maintaining our social and non-musical fun!
Small Group opportunities
Faith and Justice Virtual Encounters!
This year the Service and Justice Experiences program is responding to the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic with a new initiative!
Although we cannot be physically present with our community partners, we can still practice social solidarity with them.
Please join us for a Social(ly distanced) Justice Experience through one of our Faith and Justice Virtual Encounter groups!
FJVEs take place through a month-long series of “encounter sessions” with a community partner working for justice. Each small group provides a space to reflect on the relationship between faith and justice by answering the questions:
- Who am I?
- Who is this other community?
- Who are we together?
All sessions will occur via Zoom, although in some cases groups may be able to meet in-person while remaining socially distant.
There is NO COST to participate!
To learn more about the program, group themes, the calendar of events, and to register:
Please check out the following link: https://www1.villanova.edu/villanova/mission/campusministry/service/breakexperiences/listing.html
Join Villanova Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Global Ambassadors
Working in close relationship with CRS, the third largest U.S. international private relief and development agency, the CRS Ambassadors gather Villanovans of various belief systems to learn how to connect one’s own humanness and spirituality to fighting for justice. Motivated by faith in love and humanity, we seek justice through education, political activism and advocacy work, as well as active, collaborative community engagement. Working together, we believe we can create a future of global solidarity and sustainable change as a result of our concrete actions.
Our areas of focus for this year are on migrant justice and climate justice, two issues that are extremely relevant to this moment and require us all to work together to address. Interested in joining and/or learning more? Fill out our interest form!
Email villanovacrs@gmail.com with any questions you might have!
Online Programs & Opportunities
Recording of Justice for Black Lives: A Vigil
Justice for Black Lives: A Vigil, occurred on Friday, August 28, 2020 (St. Augustine’s Feast Day)
A recording of the event is available at mission.villanova.edu
Organized by Campus Ministry, students, and campus partners in response to the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor (among others), "Justice for Black Lives: A Vigil" is an opportunity to stand against racism and inequity. As Villanovans, let us stand in solidarity for justice for Black lives, lament over those killed unjustly, amplify Black voices, and activate a path toward real transformation and justice on our campus and in our communities.
Weekly Prayer Sessions on Instagram Live
Weekly Prayer Sessions on Instagram Live!
Join us on Instagram (@villanovacampusministry) every Wednesday at 12:30pm EST for 15-20 minutes of prayer and reflection.
(all posts are available to watch afterwards on our IG page)
An Introduction to the Confessions of St. Augustine - In Spanish
Join Fr. Arthur Purcaro, O.S.A. each week through a video meditation on each of the 13 books of St Augustine’s master work: The Confessions.
Te invitamos a acompañar a Agustín en su viaje de retorno "a casa" por medio de una reflexión personal y comunitaria sobre tu propio viaje, acercándote a Dios, a ti mismo, a los demás y a la magnífica manifestación de nuestro Dios amoroso en la naturaleza.
Presentada por Fray Art Purcaro, O.S.A.
An Introduction to the Confessions of Saint Augustine Video Series
You are invited to accompany Augustine on his journey “home” by means of a personal and communal reflection on your own journey, drawing you closer to God, to yourself, to others and to the magnificent manifestation of our loving God in nature.
The journey begins with this introductory video and will be followed, weekly, by a video meditation on each of the 13 books of St Augustine’s master work: The Confessions. Join the legion of saints and searchers throughout sixteen centuries who have found, in Augustine, a spiritual companion on the path toward a more personal relationship with Christ. God is the source and origin, Jesus himself is the path, the Way, and the Spirit is our common guide.
https://www.augustinian.org/confessions-of-saint-augustine-video-series
Service Opportunities
Support HHAW and COVID-10 Relief Kits
This year's Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week involves raising money for COVID-19 Relief Kits. These kits will be distributed to those in the Philadelphia area facing homelessness, many of which have especially experienced the repercussions of COVID-19. Additional donations will go to various organizations supporting those in our community who need assistance. Refer to the flyer to donate and learn more!
Volunteers Still Needed- Please Volunteer with Community Outreach of Villanova!
Check out our COV Site Offerings for Fall 2020 to learn more!
- We are in particular need for once-a-week volunteers to assist in virtual choir rehearsals with young students through ComMUSICation! This is a ton of fun and no music experience is necessary to volunteer. Some opportunities are as short as 45 minutes a week!
- RUIBAL and COV's beloved North Light Community Center is still looking for virtual weekly volunteers to assist with tutoring and other fun activities!
- Our brand new Villanova Neighborhood donation drive is in need of volunteers to assist with donation collection from 5-7 pm on Wednesdays!
Are You A First Year Student Interested in Service and Meeting Friends?!
RUIBAL is a popular first year-only service program that offers Villanova students the opportunity to serve K-8 students in Philadelphia schools and community centers while creating meaningful friendships with fellow first-year students. Although the way we serve may look different this fall, RUIBAL volunteers can expect to engage in service activities, spend time bonding with their fellow group members in safe ways on campus, explore opportunities to learn about social justice issues that affect our Philadelphia community, take part in meaningful discussions with one another, and more! If you are interested in joining us or learning more, please visit our website, check out our Volunteer Testimonials, and fill out our application form! We would love to have you!
Thanksgiving Outreach!
If you are interested in helping out and/or kept informed of the outreach, please fill out this quick form. Please email Kate Giancatarino in Campus Ministry with any questions: catharine.giancatarino@villanova.edu. Thank you!!
Virtual Service Opportunities
Hospital Donations Needed
COVID-19 Donation Needs and Drop-off:
The Fitzpatrick College of Nursing's Center for Global and Public Health has assembled a list of local hospitals and organizations in need of supplies. For details and ways you can help, click here.Help for Immigrant Families
- A local coalition of immigration orgs started a fund to give grants to undocumented workers who don’t qualify for govt relief because they pay taxes using ITIN instead of SS numbers.
- The Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia set up a fund for food for needy families through Catholic Social Services.
- The “Welcome the Newcomer” page on the Archdiocese website: https://welcomethenewcomer.org/
BIPOC Writing Hangouts
What and Who: Faculty of color in the English Department are holding bi-weekly, BIPOC writing hangouts for Villanova community members who identify as people of color. You don't have to be a writer to show up. We will provide creative prompts to get folks writing. All you need to bring is paper, pen, or whatever you like to write with. For folks who like to share their words, there will be time for that too.
When: Every other Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. EST. The fall dates are 9/1, 9/15, 9/29, 10/13, 10/27, 11/10 - with a reading on Nov. 17th.
Where: On Zoom. Here's the link: https://villanova.zoom.us/j/95005151099
Why: As BIPOC, we were eager for a supportive place to gather, share, write, and connect, and we figured you might be too.
LIVING RACE—TRANSFORMING COMMUNITY
"Our campaign is an organized and sustained effort to engage the Villanova community in facilitating opportunities for Black and minoritized students, staff and faculty to succeed and thrive within the University. Creating a just and equitable community can never be the sole province of a single office or individual, so we will do this work in collaboration with other offices, student groups and individuals."
University Counseling Center
Emergency Assistance for Students
If you would like to donate to the fund, information is here.