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 - The Sacramental Life (open to all)
6 Tuesdays, starting January 13 from 6:15-7:45 p.m. (January 13, 20, 27, February 3, 10, 17) in the Christ the Teacher Classroom at Sheil's Evanston campus
The Sacramental Life examines prayer, liturgy, and sacraments as the gateways to our relationship with Jesus Christ which is fundamental to our faith. Students will deepen their understanding of these elements with a goal of finding a richer prayer and liturgical life.
Facilitators: Sister Belinda Monahan, OSB, Ph.D., Director of Transformative Learning and Rudy Marcozzi, Ph.D. Coordinator of Music Ministry
Elective Seminar - Vocation of Student (open to students)
6 Thursdays, starting January 29 from 6:15-7:45 p.m. (January 29, February 5, 12, 19, 26, March 5) in the Christ the Teacher classroom at Sheil's Evanston campus
What does it mean to be a Catholic student at a secular university? How do our relationships, our studies, our leisure change if we think about student life as a call from God? How can we incorporate the Catholic vision of sacramentality into everything we do at Northwestern University? This seminar will explore these questions as we consider the vocation of student.
Facilitator: Sister Belinda Monahan, OSB, Ph.D., Director of Transformative Learning
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
I would say that the Catholic Scholars program has helped me to learn about Catholic morality and a wide range of beliefs, and traditions that I otherwise wouldn't have fully understood or known. Through my experience with the program, I have been able to go deeper into my faith and more fully understand what it means to be a Catholic.
- Peter Ha, Class of 2023
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
Participating in the Catholic Fellows program led me to encounter God in new ways. The program not only increased my understanding of church leadership, but also showed me how to invite God deeper into my work. Through both my time with the broader Sheil community and the one-on-one time spent with my mentor, Sr. Belinda, I repeatedly saw God's grace in action. I'm excited to take the lessons from my time as a fellow into my next parish community!
- Sydney Matrisciano, Class of 2022
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.