CAMPUS MINISTRY

The Campus Ministry at Villa Joseph Marie High School strives to foster our students’ relationship with God and develop young women who live lives of faith and service. Campus Ministry is an integral part of Villa’s mission and offers various programs and services that provide students with an opportunity to reflect and grow in their faith.

Retreats

Villa’s students take part in one retreat for every school year. Each retreat is tailored to the specific grade and age of the young women to provide the best possible atmosphere for the openness and reflection that characterize the event.

Freshmen
The theme for the freshman year retreat is “Letting Your Light Shine.” This half-day retreat is held at Villa and is meant to build the self-esteem and group dynamic of the new class. Time is dedicated to individual prayer and group activities.

Sophomore
The sophomore retreat is also a half-day event held on Villa’s campus. This retreat builds on the foundation laid during freshman year by continuing to enhance and strengthen the class dynamic and emphasize a personal relationship with God.

Junior
Junior year can be a hectic time, as students focus on class work and begin thinking about college planning. The junior year retreat helps to bring an oasis of peaceful reflection and prayer to this busy time.

Senior
The senior year retreat is a very important experience for our graduating class. Students choose one of three overnight retreats that are held throughout the year and dedicate time to prayer and reflection before beginning their college careers. The theme for this retreat comes from Micah: “He has shown you, O Man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”

Service
A special service retreat is also held for members of the Junior class each May. Students travel to the Romero Center in Camden, New Jersey to serve the members of that community at schools, hospitals, and other public places. The combination of reflection and service provides a meaningful and memorable retreat experience.

Masses

The Villa community joins to celebrate Mass on the first Friday of each month. Liturgies are also conducted for special school events, such as Ring Day, the opening Mass of the Holy Spirit, and the Sisters of St. Casimir Mass. Students are encouraged to take part in these events as lectors, hospitality ministers, gift bearers, and alter servers. Our talented choir also provides a musical backdrop for our community worship.

Reconciliation

Reconciliation services are held two times per semester. Priests from around the area travel to Villa to hear confession and students are encouraged to take part in this cleansing sacrament.