New Volunteer Program Offers a Chance to Touch Lives
James Smith ’01

Adults (ages 21-35) seeking the opportunity to live and work in Catholic community and help the poor can now look to the Augustinian Volunteers.  This 10-month program is designed to aid volunteers to grow in their spiritual life while serving an Augustinian mission site. Volunteers are able to choose from a variety of service opportunities. This year they have been working in high school guidance offices, soup kitchens, classrooms, day care and after school programs, youth ministry, immigration services and many other programs.  Each volunteer may have up to four or five positions leading to an average workweek of 50 hours. 

The Rev. Joseph S. Mostardi, O.S.A., founded this new ministry, in response to the call by the Rev. John E. Deegan, O.S.A., ’57, ’60 G.S, ’65 G.S., Prior Provincial of the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova. When confronted with the challenge of starting the program, Father Mostardi looked at the opportunity to create something special that could make a lasting impact on everyone involved. He explained, “We hope that the life of each volunteer is enriched as they enrich the lives of others.” The program currently has sites in San Diego, Calif. and Bronx, N.Y. and hopes to add a site near Boston this year. 

The Augustinian Volunteers program attempts to match volunteers with a site that can effectively utilize their skills and talents in conjunction with the needs of the community.  The program begins with an orientation program in early September and then volunteers embark on a 10-month journey that is guaranteed to be a rewarding and fun filled experience. During this time volunteers take place in a weeklong retreat enabling volunteers to reflect upon their experience and how it will impact their future.  Fr. Mostardi hopes that they “find ways to take this experience and integrate it into their life beyond their volunteer year.”  The volunteers are all very excited about the work they are doing according to Fr. Mostardi, two of them may even return for a second year of service. As Janina Kearns, a current volunteer in the Bronx who works with a variety of children says, “What I love most about this experience is how I wake up each and everyday with an excitement and enthusiasm for what lies ahead of me - and that is no exaggeration!” 

For more information on how to become involved contact:

Mail: Augustinian Volunteers, P.O. Box 340, Villanova, Pa. 19085,

Phone- (610) 527-3330

E-mail- osavol@aol.com

Web site (with an online application)- www.augustinian.org

 James Smith ’01, is communication major with a minor in sociology.  He interned in the Public Relations Office last spring and hopes to pursue a career in Public Relations after a year of volunteer work.