Life in Via

Via Fellows study the ancient philosophical and spiritual tradition of the West under the tutelage of the best local instructors. Via's core curriculum consists of several seminars each week split into the following six sequences:

Each sequence concludes with a presentation from the Fellows. The purpose of the presentations is to deepen Fellows' understanding of each sequence's subject matter and to allow Fellows to fulfill the responsibility that comes with the privilege of education, namely to put the fruits of one's learning at the service of one's community.

Via's seminars and talks are for more than just the Fellows. Dozens of friends beyond the cohort participate in Via's intellectual formation by enrolling in our weekly seminars, and our discussions and lectures are always open to the public.

In addition to the seminars, Fellows attend and host regular retreats, pilgrimages, lectures, and discussions to supplement their seminar formation.

The purpose of the Fellows' intellectual formation is to deepen Fellows' knowledge of one's self and the world, and ultimately to more deeply know and love God.

Fellows spend at least one hour in silent prayer with Christ in the Blessed Sacrament each day, attend holy Mass, pray Compline, and devote time to meditation and spiritual reading.

While Fellows have specific times set aside exclusively for prayer, they are encouraged to take seriously the exhortation of St. Paul to pray without ceasing. Occasional pilgrimages and retreats also supplement the Fellows' regular spiritual practices.

Fellows spend Friday mornings in silence to allow for an additional opportunity for focused prayer through meditation, spiritual reading, exercise, house chores, etc.

The purpose of the Fellows' prayer regimen is to create opportunities for Fellows to more effortlessly lift the mind to God and to form lifelong habits of prayer and peace.

Fellows devote a set amount of time each week to pray and visit with friends in the neighborhood, particularly those suffering homelessness.

Fellows have individual responsibilities in order to assist with the internal communal life of Via such as preparing for events, tracking budgets, property maintenance, cooking, etc.

Fellows also serve the wider community by hosting events throughout the year, such as poetry nights, lectures, jam sessions, discussions, etc., as well as several major events including our Courir de Lundi Gras, feast day balls, and the Fall Jamboree.

The Fellows host events to give people of all ages an experience of meaningful recreation and to help the community observe the Church's liturgical calendar.

Retreats in Via serve as an opportunity for devoting more time to silence, prayer, liturgy, and deeper study of particular topics in the moral and spiritual order.

Conferences and discussions on Via's retreats are normally led by teachers and clergy from the wider community and feature topics such as Catholic culture, secularization, the monastic tradition, the intellectual life, etc.

While Via's pilgrimages vary in content and location, a few features of Via's pilgrimages include hiking, street evangelization, visiting holy sites, live music performances, etc.

The Fellows' international spring pilgrimage focuses especially on deepening appreciation of the Church's cultural and historical heritage.

Each Fellow has a formation team which he or she meets with each month. Formation meetings are focused on various topics including career decisions, community life, personal challenges, financials, vocational guidance, etc.

In addition to formation team meetings, Fellows meet with a spiritual director and select mentors in the community throughout the year.

Fellows have intentional check-ins with their housemates every two weeks to self-assess and to offer feedback to each other. These check-ins are an opportunity for radical humility and honesty, and yield manifold fruits, particularly in self-knowledge and conscientiousness.

Fellows also meet with their cohort leader monthly to discuss future plans, community life, goals, challenges, etc., as well as the director of Via as necessary.

Fellows work for organizations in the community for two days each week. Fellows are partnered with different organizations based on their career aspirations and personal interests.

In addition to their work partnerships, Fellows are encouraged to seek mentorship and sometimes internships with professionals in the community in order to test their sense of calling to fields they may wish to pursue as a career.

The Fellows' employers–who are typically leaders in their organization and are always active Catholics–understand that their employment of a Via Fellow is in part for the Fellow's personal development, while still expecting the Fellow to serve the organization with no less dedication than any other employee.

The purpose of the Fellows' employment is to understand the inner-workings of a professional environment they are discerning as a potential career, and to contribute meaningfully to their employer's organization and to the common good.