RETREATS
Held throughout the year, Mission and Ministry retreats invite Villanovans to step back from their daily routines, reflect on their spirituality and values, share stories and experience rest or a new perspective.
Grounded in the Augustinian values of interiority and community, retreats invite students to get away from the hectic pace of college life and focus on different aspects of their lives. Through group discussions, talks given by retreat leaders, meditation, games, fellowship and prayer, students can discover more about themselves and their deepest held values.
What do you do on a retreat?
- Slow down
- Relax and have fun
- Meet new people
- Take time away from technology
- Share and grow in your spirituality
- Strengthen your relationships
- Explore and reflect on your life decisions
- Come to know yourself better
- Encounter God
How do I know which retreat to attend?
You can choose the type and style of retreat you are most comfortable attending. Some retreats are quiet and include ample alone time, while others emphasize building community through sharing and group activities.
The pace of retreats also varies. Some retreats have lots of activity, while others are more reflective.
Some retreats are designed for specific students. For example, Escape weekends are for first-year undergrads only. We ask that these students attend an Escape weekend (held in the fall semester) before attending our other retreats.
How can I serve as a student leader?
Student leaders are an essential part of most of our undergraduate retreats. If you have experience attending retreats in high school or college, contact Kiva Nice-Webb.
Fall 2026
Registration is still open - don't miss your chance!
Date & Time:
Friday, November 6, at 5 p.m. - Sunday, November 8, at 2 p.m.
Location:
Gretna Glen Camp and Retreat Center
Note: Transportation to and from campus provided
Audience:
First-Year Undergraduate Students
Description:
Get away from campus for a weekend of discovering friendships, exploring your faith and values, and energizing yourself to make the most of your years at Villanova.
Although grounded in the Christian and Augustinian tradition, Escape is designed for and open to students of any or no faith tradition. It is facilitated by the Graduate Resident Ministers and Undergraduate Peer Ministers through Residential Ministry.
What to Expect:
- Testimonials shared by student leaders, sophomore and junior students
- Considerable social activity, including sitting and talking in small groups and one-on-one discussions
- Moderate physical activity, including group activities inside and outside
- Time for individual reflection, reflection activities and relaxation
- Sleeping in bunk rooms in cabins with heat, electricity and mattresses
- Hall-style bathrooms and showers; single-user bathroom options also available
What to Pack:
- Comfortable, casual clothing for two nights and days (check the weather before leaving and bring layers for temperature changes)
- Sturdy shoes for hiking / walking outdoors
- Medications you usually take
- Reusable water bottle
- Sleeping bag or sheets/blanket and a pillow
- Shower caddy, towel, flip flops / shower shoes, and toiletries
- Board games, card games, or books for a low-technology weekend
Meals:
All meals are provided in the camp cafeteria. When you register, please indicate any allergies or dietary accommodations needed.
Fee:
$25, payable via credit card through registration. Registration fee covers all costs for the weekend.
Scholarship assistance to waive the $25 registration fee is offered through registration. Email Kiva Nice-Webb if you have further questions or concerns.
Registration:
Registration will open in September 2026. Email Kiva Nice-Webb with any questions.
Spring 2027
Date & Time:
Friday, January 30, at 5 p.m. - Sunday, February 1, at 2 p.m.
Location:
Gretna Glen Camp and Retreat Center, in the Lancaster County countryside
Note: Transportation to and from campus provided
Audience:
Graduating Senior Undergraduate Students
Description:
Between college and graduation, “you are at a crossroads…”
Graduation from college represents an important life transition, a crossroads between your past and future. Whether you're excited to be moving on to what’s next or sad to leave good times behind, this retreat makes space for the messiness of transitions. To mark your transition from college, consider attending Crossroads: the Senior Retreat.
What to Expect:
- Time to reminisce on what your college years have meant to you and prepare yourself for whatever comes next after graduation.
- Stories shared by faculty, staff, and alumni
- Considerable social activity, including sitting and talking in small groups and one-on-one discussions
- Moderate physical activity, including group activities inside and outside
- Time for individual reflection, reflection activities and relaxation
- Sleeping in bunk rooms
- Hall-style bathrooms and showers; single-user bathroom options also available
What to Pack:
- Comfortable, casual clothing for two nights and days (check the weather before leaving and bring layers for temperature changes)
- Sturdy shoes for hiking / walking outdoors
- Medications you usually take
- Reusable water bottle
- Sleeping bag or sheets/blanket and a pillow
- Towel and toiletries
- Board games, card games, or books for a low-technology weekend
Meals:
All meals are provided in the camp cafeteria. When you register, please indicate any allergies or dietary accommodations needed.
Fee:
$25, payable via credit card. Registration fee covers all costs for the weekend.
Scholarship assistance to waive the $25 registration fee is offered through registration. Email Kiva Nice-Webb if you have further questions or concerns.
Registration:
Date:
February 6-7, 2026
Join the McNulty Institute for Women’s Leadership and University Ministry for a retreat exploring connections the between gender, spirituality, and leadership.
Depart campus no earlier than 5pm on Friday, February 6 and return by 4pm, Saturday, February 7. Open to undergraduates.
Registration open, retreat is free of cost with transportation, lodging, and meals provided.
Date & Time:
Retreat: Saturday, February 7, 2026, 9am-6pm
Audience:
Villanova graduate and undergraduate students involved with Hispanic/Latine Ministry
Description:
The theme of this retreat is "Hope, Justice, and Community." We will explore themes of migration and culture, and have opportunities to encounter spirituality individually and as a group. This retreat aims to uplift and inspire, and provide an opportunity to build community while discussing issues of importance.
Fee:
Free, transportation and meals are provided.
Registration:
Questions? Email Kiva Nice-Webb, Campus Minister for Retreats, or Marisol Lezcano, Campus Minister for Hispanic/Latine Ministry, with questions.
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
"I have never experienced a group of people more open and willing to accept me as I am. I am so grateful."
"I'm able to see God in people more easily now."
"This weekend has given me a sense of meditation, self love and contemplation that I haven't experienced in awhile. It helped open up my understanding of love."
"I am more confident in sharing and talking about my faith, and I am left wanting to further pursue my faith and grow in love of others."
