Peer Ministry
Live the Gospel. Grow in Community. Make an Impact.
Rooted in the Gospel and Augustinian Spirituality, Peer Ministers are a tight-knit community of undergraduates who practice and lead opportunities for Villanovans to listen for the stirrings of God within their hearts. Through this experience, we come to know God and ourselves most fully through meaningful, supportive, welcoming community with others.
All are welcome to participate in the variety of activities, programs, and initiatives Peer Ministers offer for individuals, small groups, and large communities throughout the academic year. Recruitment for new Peer Ministers takes place in the Spring. If you are interested in becoming a Peer Minister or learning more about the program, please see the information below or email Meghan Dietzler, University Minister for Peer Ministry.
Peer Ministers strive to cultivate a welcoming on campus, particularlyin St. Rita Hall (Villanova Campus) and Ortiz Hall (Cabrini Campus). They foster opportunities for students to engage deeply in their faith journeys and to feel that they are sincerely welcome, known and loved here in Mission & Ministry. They do this through:
- Offering hospitality and an engaging space for students to gather as a faith community after the 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday evening Masses as well as on some Friday evenings;
- Leading JOURNEY groups, which are small faith-sharing groups grounded in Augustinian Spirituality, inviting students to discover Christ more fully in their lives through meaningful gatherings filled with prayer, reflection, fun and a sincere commitment to walking together along life’s journey;
- Supporting students one-on-one and doing so with an open heart and welcoming attitude, meeting them wherever they may be on their journeys;
- Helping facilitate retreat experiences, organizing storytelling events to learn about the inspiring faith journeys of others and more!
Formation
Peer Ministers participate in ongoing training that offers resources, support, and skills to be effective, grounded, and intentional ministers to their peers on our Villanova and Cabrini campuses. This includes:
- Early arrival to campus in August for Peer Ministry orientation;
- Weekly Peer Ministry meetings grounded in Augustinian Spirituality and a commitment to walking together as a community of ministers in faith;
- Regular one-on-one meetings with Peer Ministry director.
Community
Both in and outside of official meetings, Peer Ministers will grow in community together rooted in prayer, support, healthy communication and joy.
Spiritual Growth
Peer Ministers recognize that their ministry must be rooted in their own ongoing commitment to personal spiritual growth and prayer. As such, they are committed to personal prayer and service to others. They do their best to be well-rounded members of the Mission & Ministry community by attending various events and offerings that enable them to live out the Gospel call in all aspects of their lives.
Program Director
John P. Edwards, PhD
(610) 519-3507
Associate Director for Peer Ministry
Meghan Dietzler
(610) 519-5178
