New Students
University life is full of new experiences — some exciting, some difficult — and both faith in God and a supportive faith community can help ease the transition. The Sheil Catholic Center is honored to welcome you whether you are an incoming, prospective, or returning student. The Catholic community at Northwestern is warm and welcoming and our space on the Evanston and Chicago campuses are favorite places for students to study, pray, and socialize.
Whether you are confident about your faith or have questions, your fellow students and the Sheil staff are excited to walk with you on your spiritual journey. No judgement. Come with your questions, come as you are. We look forward to meeting you!
Get Connected
If you don't already receive Sheil's emails, get connected with the community by signing up at the button below. You'll start receiving the weekly community e-newsletter with information about what is taking place among the Catholic community at Northwestern and opportunities to get more involved.
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Ignite Open House for New Students
Are you a new student or getting reacquainted with the Catholic community at Northwestern? Plan on joining Sheil for the Ignite Open House on Monday, September 14th, between 3:00 and 8:00 at Sheil's Evanston campus (2110 Sheridan Road).
All new students and their families are invited to attend, either for a few hours or the entire event:
- 3:00 p.m. - Open House to Meet the Sheil Team and Catholic Students; Tours
- 5:00 p.m. - Mass
- 6:00 p.m. - Free Cookout
- 7:00 p.m. - Breakout Group Conversations for Students and Families
Ignite Weeks for All New and Returning Students
All new and returning students are invited to Ignite Weeks events to kick off the start of the new academic year. No reservations necessary. We look forward to meeting you!
- Wednesday, August 26, 12:20 - Chicago Campus Kick-Off (learn more)
- Monday, August 14, 3:00 - Ignite Open House (see above)
- Sunday, September 20, 9:30, 11:00, 5:00 - Mass with Hospitality
- Tuesday, September 22, 5:30 - Graduate Students Kick-Off Event (learn more)
- Wednesday, September 23, 10:00 - 4:00 - Prayers and Pops (stop by for a prayer, food, and free swag)
- Thursday, September 24, 7:00 - Undergraduate Students Kick-Off Event (learn more)
- Sunday, September 27, 9:30, 11:00, 5:00 - Blessing of the Backpacks (bring your backpack for a blessing and free commemorative luggage tag)
- Sunday, September 27, 6:00 - Free Sunday Student Dinner
All Ignite Weeks events take place at Sheil Catholic Center, Evanston (2110 Sheridan Road), except for the Chicago Campus Kick-Off event that takes place at Sheil Catholic Center, Chicago (Abbott Hall, 710 N. DuSable Lake Shore Dr., Mezzanine Level)
During the Year
There is always something happening at Sheil. You'll discover opportunities for worship, faith formation, and service among a vibrant community of faith. Learn more about the Catholic Student Association (CaSA) for undergraduates, the Graduate Students and Young Adults (GYA) group, and Sheil's campus ministry for students studying on the Chicago campus.
Go Deeper in Faith
The Catholic Scholars Program is a two-year program for Northwestern's Catholic students that gives you an opportunity to dive deeper into your faith, ask tough questions, and explore being an adult in faith. If you are accepted to the program, you commit yourself to the four facets of scholarship, prayer, service, and leadership. Scholars receive a $4,000 stipend to pay for any costs associated with the requirements. Incoming students are eligible to apply. Learn more here.
Sheil has been a beyond incredible place for me to come out of my shell, make friends, become a leader and better scholar, and, most importantly, more attuned to the beauty of God's presence in the world and in my life.