The Christ the Teacher Institute houses Sheil’s principal education and formation programs. Its primary mission is to form Catholic leaders for the Church and the world through the integration of scholarship, prayer, service and leadership. The Institute offers opportunities for learners of all ages to deepen their faith and integrate it into their day-to-day lives. Intellectually stimulating seminars and speakers give all students, associates, and Northwestern community members a chance to explore Catholicism and faith from a wide variety of approaches and contexts. In addition, students may continue their faith exploration through theological reflection and spiritual direction as well as by becoming Catholic Scholars or Catholic Fellows.
The Christ the Teacher Institute encompasses the following programs:
Sheil Seminars
Sheil seminars provide an in-depth look at a variety of topics, based in scripture, theology, Christian anthropology, prayer, and other areas of Catholic thought and practice. Over the course of five to six weeks, both students and instructor play an active role in learning through lectures, discussions, and in some cases, class presentations. Seminars help students grow in their relationship with God through instruction and reflection on beliefs and practices of the Catholic Church.
Core Seminar - Gift of Discipleship (open to all)
6 Tuesdays, starting April 7 from 6:15-7:45 p.m. (April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5, May 12) in the Christ the Teacher classroom at Sheil's Evanston campus
The Gift of Discipleship explores Catholic Morality beginning with the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes and including the principles of Catholic Social Justice. Students will use case studies to talk about moral decisions and the importance of treating others as children of God
Facilitator: Tim Higgins, M.Div., Campus Minister
Registration forthcoming!
Elective Seminar - Psalms (open to all)
6 Thursdays, starting April 23rd from 6:15-7:45 p.m. (April 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21, 28) in the Christ the Teacher Classroom at Sheil's Evanston campus
The Book of Psalms has been been called “Jesus’s prayerbook.” Its rich lyrical and imaginative verses have formed pray-ers across the centuries even as they inspired poets, theologians, composers, mystics, and spiritual writers. They remain an integral part of both Jewish and Christian ritual prayer. In this seminar we explore ways of praying with the psalms (meditative, intercessory, personal, ritual, etc.) using some of the most familiar and well loved texts. We will touch briefly as needed on technical issues (form, translation, etc.) but the focus of work will be on how the texts themselves can enrich and deepen our personal prayer.
Facilitators: Rudy Marcozzi, Ph.D. Coordinator of Music Ministry
Registration forthcoming!
The Kenneth C. Simpson Essay Prize
The Kenneth C. Simpson Essay Prize is awarded to a current Northwestern student in any discipline who writes the best essay discussing the influence of Catholic thought or history on a given academic field or understanding. Students are encouraged to submit (or revise and submit) papers written for class assignments, honors papers, or other academic purposes. The winner receives $1,000 and will present their work at a public lecture.
Guidelines for submission of the essay can be found here. Please contact, Sr. Belinda Monahan by October 15, 2025 if you wish to submit an essay in the 2025-2026 academic year.
Catholic Scholars Program
The Catholic Scholars Program offers Catholic undergraduate students at Northwestern an opportunity to integrate their faith as young adults, to be theologically grounded and articulate because they have wrestled with the questions in class and conversation, to grow in spirit and compassion through prayer and service, and to find joy in the rich heritage of Catholic faith. Students in the program receive a $4,000 stipend (over two years) to cover any cost and contribute to their college expenses. The program is designed for 6 quarters and is open to entering or returning students. Seniors may apply for a special one-year program and receive $2,000. Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year will be available in late spring 2026. If you have questions, please contact Sister Belinda at 847.328.4648 or email her here.
For Incoming First-Year Students
Catholic Scholars Program Application 2025-2026
Catholic Scholars Program Academic Recommendation 2025-2026
Catholic Scholars Program Pastoral Recommendation 2025-2026
For Rising Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Catholic Scholars Program Application 2025-2026
Catholic Scholars Program Academic Recommendation 2025-2026
Catholic Scholars Program Pastoral Recommendation 2025-2026
During my time with Catholic Scholars I have learned more about my faith and what works best for me to stay connected with God. One of my favorite things are the seminars and spiritual direction; I have learned so much more about topics that I didn't deeply learn or cover growing up, as well as hearing the perspectives from fellow Catholic students and members of the Sheil community. I cannot wait to continue with the program and deepen my faith in God.
- Samantha Monje, Class of 2028
Catholic Fellows Program
Catholic Fellowships in Church Leadership gives students an opportunity to learn Church ministry from the ground up. Under the guidance of a staff member, a student will serve and study 10 hours a week in a specific area of leadership. Students accepted into the program are given a $2,000 stipend for their work during the year. Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year will be available in late spring 2026. If you have questions, please contact Sister Belinda at 847.328.4648 or email her here.
Catholic Fellows Application 2025-2026
Catholic Fellows Leadership Recommendation 2025-2026
Being a part of the Catholic Fellows program at Sheil has been one of my most formative experiences at Northwestern University. During my two years as a fellow, I was able to not only deepen my understanding of church leadership and ministry, but also learned to meaningfully discern how God is present in and through my work. Because of the program, I will take invaluable insights and skills learned from my mentor, Dr. Rudy Marcozzi, and the entire Sheil community with me into whatever lies ahead!
- Henry Herbert, Class of 2026
The Sheil Speaker Series
The Sheil Speakers Series invites local and national speakers to come to Sheil for a presentation and conversation. Previous speakers include: Fr. James Martin, S.J. live via Skype, John Allen, authoritative writer on Vatican affairs, Survivors of the Nagasaki Atomic Bombing, and Cardinal Blase Cupich.
Questions?
Contact Sister Belinda Monahan, OSB, Director of Transformative Learning, via email or phone at 847.328.4648 x 13.