Heeding requests from students for a Bible study program steeped in Catholic tradition, the Office of Mission and Ministry is rolling out a new format for students to engage with Scripture. 

“We have three groups running, each with a different faculty or staff leader,” Associate Director for Peer Ministry Meghan Dietzler said. “We’ve wanted to go about it as a true community, learning from the expertise that surrounds us on this campus: Scripture scholars, Augustinians and others who have the training and prayerful desire to delve into Scripture together with our students.” 

Reflecting on the experience thus far, students have overwhelmingly appreciated the change.

“I’ve really enjoyed the Bible study with Fr. Art,” freshman Anne Dolan said. “His wealth of knowledge and insight into Scripture has given me a new way to engage with the faith, and hearing the perspectives of people in my group opens up new avenues of thought.” 

Bible study led by a faculty or staff leader not only gives students guidance if misunderstandings arise but also allows students to understand the historic context and provides greater depth to one’s understanding of Scripture. During a recent Bible study, Psalm 23, “The Lord, Shepherd and Host” was the focus of the discussion. The dissection of this passage was aided by Dr. Peter Spitaler’s insights into the regional customs pertaining to the location where this text was written. When confusion arose over the line: “You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows” (Psalms 23:5), Spitaler informed the group that in the desert, oil was used as a way to beat the dryness of the sun and was a custom to welcome guests. This along with an overflowing cup of wine or drink helped illustrate David’s message of God being a generous and gracious host. Spitaler’s choice of Psalm 23 was no coincidence, as it was sung that Sunday at Mass. This felt like the completion of a narrative journey; both understanding the meaning of Scripture and then celebrating it in the chorus of community. 

While this model of faculty-led discussions is a new format, it is only the first step of the Office of Mission and Ministry’s plan to provide Bible study opportunities to students. 

“In the spring of last year, we worked with students to start their own groups, which were quite successful, but the leaders of those groups graduated, and we wanted to be intentional about building a more formal program through University Ministry that will last for years to come,” Dietzler said. 

“Students who wish to inquire about the Catholic faith or wish to begin a solid faith formation as adults will be satisfied,” Justin Rinaldo, Villanova alumnus from the class of 2025 and former Bible study leader, said. “There are also the benefits of friendships and discipleship that these Bible studies foster.” 

The Office of Mission and Ministry hopes that Bible study can become an “on ramp” to students growing their relationships with God and furthering their faith journeys. This new Bible study system encourages students to learn deeper lessons about the Scripture and offers them solid faculty support along the way.