PASTORAL MUSICIANS
All singers and instrumentalists are welcome to join Villanova Pastoral Musicians, an ensemble of about 60 undergraduate and graduate students. Inspired by the life of St. Augustine, the Pastoral Musicians serve an important role in the life of the University community by inspiring congregational song and offering music at Sunday evening and University-wide Masses.
In addition to their primary role of service in the sacred Liturgy, the Pastoral Musicians engage in a search for meaning together as an intentional and inclusive community. Opportunities for cultivating relationships, developing spiritual awareness and honing musical skills allow for a unique and valuable Villanova experience.
Inspired by the social teachings of the Church, the Pastoral Musicians seek to promote sustainability and justice, especially through the careful procurement and presentation of repertoire, and thoughtful programming of works, to engage and expand the canon of sacred music within Liturgies and concerts.
Through these efforts, the Pastoral Musicians seek to inspire meditation on the beauty and mystery of God.
An annual performance pilgrimage has become a hallmark of the Pastoral Musicians experience, and past sites have included New York City, Washington, D.C., France (Paris, Normandy, Lourdes) and Italy (Vatican City, Rome, Florence, Tuscany, Venice). Additional annual events include Holiday and Spring Concerts, Admitted Students Day Masses and special Masses during Orientation and Commencement weeks.
Vocalists
Singers, novice and advanced, are always welcome to join. The ability to read music is a welcome skill, but not required for membership. In fact, sight reading and other musical skills will likely improve during your time with the ensemble! All members are asked to participate in a listening session with the Director, Sean McElwee. This is not an audition, but an easy way to determine your voice part and identify your skills and areas for growth.
In addition to the choir, there are other vocal leadership opportunities. Cantors lead congregational song and psalmists proclaim the responsorial psalm during the Liturgy of the Word. Participation in these roles is determined by audition. These roles are not solo opportunities, but occasions for important ministry.
Instrumentalists
Students who play an instrument are welcome to join the Pastoral Musicians. Because we are responsible for weekly offerings, foundational music-reading skills will help instrumentalists be most successful. Still, improvisational playing is welcome and can even be developed during your time with the ensemble.
Our group currently includes instruments from the string, woodwind, brass and percussion families. We work together as an ensemble to achieve the best sound, whether working with the singers on congregational hymns, major works or offering instrumental pieces.
Students who have intermediate/advanced piano/keyboard skills are welcome to assist with whole group rehearsals, sectionals and ensemble leadership at the Sunday evening Masses. If you sight read well and/or have prior choral/instrumental accompaniment experience, please contact Sean McElwee right away.
Students with advanced piano training will be offered the opportunity to accompany Sunday liturgies and concerts.
Upcoming Events
Spring 2026
M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing 35th Annual Mass and Alumni Awards Ceremony: Thursday, April 29, 2026 | 5 p.m. | St. Thomas of Villanova Church
Annual Spring Banquet: Friday, May 1, 2026
End-of-Semester Mass: Sunday, May 3, 2026 | 7 p.m. | St. Thomas of Villanova Church
Mass of Thanksgiving - Pope Leo XIV First Anniversary of Pontificate: Friday, May 8, 2026 | 12:05 p.m. | St. Thomas of Villanova Church
Graduate's Mass (Final Sunday Mass of the Semester): Sunday, May 10, 2026 |
7 p.m. | St. Thomas of Villanova Church
Twilight Shadows Gather: Sunday, May 10, 2026 | 8 p.m. | Mendel Field
Baccalaureate Mass for the Class of 2026: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 | 10 a.m. | Rowen Campus Green
Summer 2026
Sunday Masses: Sundays in June and July, 2026 | 7 p.m. | St. Thomas of Villanova Church
Reunion Weekend Farewell Mass: Sunday, June 14, 2026 | 10 a.m. | Rowen Campus Green. VPM Alumni invited to join. Contact Sean McElwee to express interest.
Connections Weekend for Incoming Students: Friday, June 26-Sunday, June 28, 2026 | Mass Sunday at 2 p.m. | St. Thomas of Villanova Church. All incoming students interested in learning more about the Pastoral Musicians are invited to meet with current VPMs during the weekend. Contact Sean McElwee to express interest.
Fall 2026
Sunday Masses: Sundays at 5 p.m., 7 p.m., 9 p.m. | St. Thomas of Villanova Church. Our ensemble splits into small groups for each Mass.
Orientation Week: Opening Mass Thursday, August 20, 2026 | Commissioning Mass Sunday, August 23, 2026.
Student-Athletes Mass: Week of August 24
Weekly Rehearsals for returning and new VPMs: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30-7 p.m., beginning September 1, 2026 | Tuesdays: Sectionals; Thursdays: All VPM Rehearsal; Tuesdays 6:30-7 p.m. Italy Rehearsal
Registration for 2027 Pilgrimage to Italy Due: September 30, 2026
Charles Widger School of Law Annual Red Mass: Friday, October 2, 2026 | 6 p.m. | St. Thomas of Villanova Church
Seventh Annual Holiday Concert: Wednesday, December 2, 2026 | 7 p.m.
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception: Tuesday, December 8, 2026 | Masses at 12:05 p.m.; 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. | St. Thomas of Villanova Church
Spring 2027
Sunday Masses: Sundays at 5 p.m., 7 p.m., 9 p.m. | St. Thomas of Villanova Church. Our ensemble splits into small groups for each Mass.
Weekly Rehearsals for returning and new VPMs: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30-7 p.m., beginning January 12, 2027. | Tuesdays: Sectionals; Thursdays: All VPM Rehearsal; Tuesdays 6:30-7 p.m. Italy Rehearsal
Spring Break Pilgrimage to Italy: Friday, February 26 - Sunday, March 7, 2027. Featuring performances and liturgies in Rome, Assisi and Florence, including Mass at Saint Peter's Basilica, Vatican City.
BECOME A PASTORAL MUSICIAN
Interested in joining the Pastoral Musicians? Contact the ensemble's Director, Sean McElwee; speak with any member of the Pastoral Musicians or join us for a rehearsal.
"I wept at the beauty of your hymns, and I was powerfully moved at the sweet sound...Those sounds flowed into my ears, and the truth streamed into my heart." - St. Augustine, Confessions 9,6
