The resident program at Villanova welcomes students from many different backgrounds, countries and faiths. Founded on rich Catholic Augustinian tradition, the Resident Program seeks to form the mind, body and soul of each of its residents. Augustinian Education regards education as an essentially pastoral activity with regard to the whole and integral development of a young person’s mind, spirit, and body. Villanova Preparatory School, in the spirit of St. Augustine, attempts to model the truth with love, and strives to enable our students to acquire a knowledge of the world, the faith, and humanity that is illumined by the Catholic faith.
Villanova Preparatory School's Catholic mission is at the heart of its educational philosophy, and it is exemplified through a range of retreats and services that students actively participate in. These experiences are designed to nurture their spiritual growth, promote a sense of community, and instill the Augustinian values that define the school's ethos.
Retreat Programs: Villanova offers various retreats throughout the academic year. These retreats provide students with opportunities for reflection, prayer, and deepening their relationship with God. They are guided by faculty and staff who help students explore their faith and personal spirituality. Retreats often focus on themes like self-discovery, social justice, and service to others.
Service Learning: As part of the school's commitment to the Catholic mission, students engage in service-learning projects. These initiatives allow them to put their faith into action by serving those in need within their local communities. Through volunteer work, students learn the value of compassion, empathy, and the importance of making a positive impact on the world.
Liturgical Celebrations: Regular liturgical celebrations, including Masses and prayer services, are integral to Villanova's Catholic identity. These events offer students the opportunity to worship, reflect, and connect with their faith community. They often align with the liturgical calendar and special occasions within the Church.
Community Building: The Catholic mission at Villanova emphasizes the importance of building a strong, supportive community. Students engage in activities and discussions that promote unity, respect, and the creation of a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Theological Studies: Villanova Preparatory School also offers theological studies that deepen students' understanding of Catholicism and spirituality. These courses provide a solid foundation in Catholic theology and ethics, encouraging critical thinking and thoughtful engagement with matters of faith.
Mission Trips: Some students have the opportunity to participate in mission trips, where they can take their commitment to service and faith to a global level. These experiences often involve traveling to communities in need, both domestically and internationally, to provide assistance and support.
In summary, Villanova Preparatory School's Catholic mission is brought to life through a multifaceted approach that includes retreats, service learning, liturgical celebrations, community building, theological studies, and mission trips. These experiences foster a holistic development of students' faith, character, and commitment to living out the Augustinian values in their daily lives.
In the Province of St. Augustine, education is seen as a sacred and transformative mission. Our schools are dedicated to the formation of the whole person on the bedrock of Christian principles, as stated in the Constitutions of the Order (OSA, #162). This mission is twofold: pastoral, aiming to nurture a deep connection with Christ, and educational, offering diverse opportunities for intellectual growth. Our apostolate is fundamentally a pastoral endeavor (Cf. Constitutions OSA, #161-166), merging pastoral care and educational excellence, fostering an environment where servant leadership thrives.
Augustinian education is a vibrant tapestry woven with three core values: Truth, Unity, and Love. Truth (veritas) guides our pursuit of knowledge and wisdom, shaping the intellectual quest within our community. Unity (unitas) reflects our belief in the profound union with God and one another, fostering a harmonious, respectful, and inclusive school life. Love (caritas) defines our community, where love of God and neighbor finds expression in selfless deeds, shared friendship, and active service.
Our schools are dedicated to the holistic development of every individual, blending instruction with spiritual formation. The curriculum integrates Catholic tradition while respecting the spiritual diversity of our students. Principles of peace and justice are woven into our school's fabric, fostering personal responsibility and serving others. We make continuous efforts to ensure financial accessibility and engage with parents as primary educators. Our schools remain active members of various educational associations and commit to ongoing professional development for educators.
Our educational foundation draws from a rich tapestry of resources, including the Augustinian Secondary Education Association Handbook, the Rule and Constitutions of the Order of St. Augustine, and other guiding documents. These resources help guide our educational institutions towards their vision of holistic education in the Augustinian tradition.
The Director of Education, appointed by the Provincial, serves as a vital link between the Province, the schools, and the Board of Directors. Their role includes enhancing the Augustinian and Catholic identity of the schools, providing resources and support to school administrations, and facilitating faculty and board development. They also serve as advisors to Augustinians preparing for school ministry and those on sabbatical. Additionally, they are integral in the evaluation of school leaders and maintain a connection with educational associations and committees.