For Stanimir “Stan” Termini, a longtime volunteer with the Marianist Family Retreat Center in Cape May, N.J., the path to pursuing a Master of Science in Church Management degree (MSCM) at Villanova University didn’t begin in a classroom—it began on a pilgrimage.
World Youth Day 2023 in Portugal proved to be a life-changing experience for him. Amid spiritual reflection and international fellowship, Termini yearned for deeper clarity and purpose.
Encouraged by Matt Davis, the current associate director of the Center for Church Management at Villanova, and supported by the guidance of Father Steven DeLacy, Stan signed up for the global Catholic event with young adults from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. He was unaware that his decision would become the first step in a much larger journey.
Upon returning home, Davis suggested that the MSCM program might be a natural fit for him.
“He saw something in me,” Termini later reflected, “something I had sensed too, like a flicker at the edge of my vision.”
For years he had considered returning to school to expand his leadership skills but wasn’t sure where or when to begin. Davis’ encouragement gave him the clarity he needed.
Last summer Termini, at 36 years old, enrolled at Villanova for the program. Returning to academics after more than a decade brought its share of nerves—adjusting to digital textbooks, juggling assignments, and wondering if he still could succeed..
Through prayer, persistence, and the joy of small victories, Termini began to see not only success in the classroom but growth in himself.
What affirmed his choice to pursue a degree in Church management was how immediately applicable the program became to his volunteer work.
While never employed by a parish or diocese, Termini has been deeply connected to the Marianist Family Retreat Center for over 27 years. What began as family retreats in childhood has blossomed into ongoing service.
Today he serves on the Board of Directors, manages the website, guides the social media committee, and contributes to countless behind-the-scenes efforts.
Courses such as Leadership and Ethics, Organizational Management, Information Technology, Stewardship and Development, and Human Resources have already sparked new ideas and elevated the quality of his service.
“I now see how strong, faith-rooted leadership and management can empower communities like the Marianist Family Retreat Center to grow and thrive,” he said.
Recent MSCM graduate Patrick Travers, who is the director of the Catholic Newman Center at the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University, echoed many of the same sentiments as Termini.
“The Church management degree was a game-changing experience not only for myself but for our whole team at the Penn & Drexel Newman Center,” Travers said. “I was able to bring what I learned in classes directly into our leadership team, implementing projects like strategic planning, human resource management, and much more. It was great to bring real life experiences into the classroom and share with others working for Church organizations around the country.”
Andrea Mueller, who is a classmate of Termini and the associate director of the Office for Ministry with Young Adults for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, also sees how applicable the program is to ministry, and how integral the communal aspect of the program has been for her.
Mueller found the MSCM program to be “the community that I needed to grapple with all of the key facets of working effectively in ministry for the Church,” she said. “I feel encouraged by a hopeful community of learners that are striving for excellence … to foster authentic encounters with Jesus Christ.”
Termini said his experience of community was amplified when he received a grant from the Villanova Davis Fund to attend the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) conference in early 2025.
He had first attended the same conference at age 16, and returning two decades later—this time as a leader—brought his journey full circle. It reminded him of how far he has come, and of his vocation that continues to unfold with intention and grace.
A phrase that grounds Termini deeply is from the wedding at Cana from the Gospel of John (Jn. 2:1-12), when Mary turns to the servants and says, “Do whatever he tells you.”
Termini describes the saying as a guiding principle in both life and leadership. “If I place my trust in God and stay open to his call,” he said, “anything is possible.”
The MSCM program isn’t just a degree for Termini. It’s a path toward becoming a more faithful steward, a more equipped servant, and a more hopeful disciple. It’s helping him to grow into the person God is calling him to be, both personally and professionally.
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The Center for Church Management at Villanova University is currently recruiting students for the 2025 MSCM cohort that will start in mid-May. Those who live in the Philadelphia region are eligible to receive 50% scholarships. Visit www.mscm.villanova.edu to learn more.
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