Christ the Teacher Institute & Faith Formation

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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:

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 $5,000 stipend 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. See the application forms, below. Questions? Email the Director, Mary Deeley, here.

For Incoming First-Year Students
Catholic Scholars Program Application 2022-2023
Catholic Scholars Program Academic Recommendation  2022-2023
Catholic Scholars Program Pastoral Recommendation 2022-2023

For Rising Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Catholic Scholars Program Application 2022-2023
Catholic Scholars Program Academic Recommendation 2022-2023
Catholic Scholars Program Pastoral Recommendation 2022-2023

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 in Church Leadership

Catholic Fellowships in Church Leadership gives students an opportunity to learn Church ministry from the ground up. Under the guidance of a staff member, work 10 hours a week in a specific area of leadership. Applications are open in the spring and students accepted into the program are given a $2,000 stipend for their work during the year. Please see application and recommendation forms, below.

Catholic Fellows Application 2022-2023
Catholic Fellows Leadership Recommendation 2022-2023
Catholic Fellows Staff Mentor Recommendation 2022-2023

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

Sheil Seminars

Fall Seminars will be posted this summer!

CORE Seminar: The Catholic Lens (open to all)
5 Tuesdays, starting April 5th from 6:15-8:05 p.m. CST (April 5, 12, 19, 26, May 3)

What do we believe and why is it important? This CORE uses the Creed as a jumping off point to talk about who Jesus is for us and the lens through which Catholics look at and think about God, the Church, and Salvation. Facilitator: Mary Deeley, Pastoral Associate and Director of the Christ the Teacher Institute.

Elective Seminar: Theology of the Mass: A Journey through Beauty (open to students and young adults)
4 Wednesdays, starting April 6 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. CST (April 6, 13, 20, 27)

As Pope Francis reminds us, "the Sunday encounter with the Lord give us the strength to live today with confidence and courage and to move forward with hope." This 4-week elective seminar explores the theology behind the Mass through the lens of beauty, illuminated through sacred art and architecture. Each session will feature a different speaker and include both presentation and discussion. Participation is possible either in person in the Sheil classroom or online via Zoom. Presented in partnership with Pietre Vive. Questions? Contact Megan Angell, Pietre Vive, Chicago.

The Kenneth C. Simpson Essay Prize

The Kenneth C. Simpson Essay Prize is awarded to the student in any discipline who writes the best essay on the influence or foundations of Catholic thought or imagination in his or her discipline. Essay is due the 3rd week of spring quarter. The winner receives $1,000 and the opportunity for a public lecture on campus.


2021 Kenneth C. Simpson Essay
Emma Eder ('21)
"A Defense of Human Value: Comparing Arguments from a Secular and Christian Perspective"

The 2021 essay was delivered in a lecture on Sunday, November 7th  at Sheil Catholic Center, Evanston.

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, Cardinal Blase Cupich, NU President Morty Schapiro, and NU football coach Pat Fitzgerald.

Program Leadership

The Christ the Teacher Institute is directed by Dr. Mary Deeley, who holds an M.Dvi from Yale University and a PhD in Hebrew Bible and Early Christian Literature from Northwestern University. She has taught, worked and ministered in academic settings since 1978. Mary is the author of a “Mothers, Lovers, Priests, Prophets, and Kings: What the Old Testament Tells Us About God and Ourselves,” Daybreaks: Daily Reflections for Advent and Christmas,” and “Remembering God: Resting in the Midst of Life” all published by Liguori Press, as well as numerous reflections and articles on the bible, lectionary readings, scripture, campus ministry, and young adults. Mary is also a frequent speaker on such diverse topics as Evangelization, Discernment, Preaching, Liturgical and Celtic Spirituality, Prayer, and Ministry and Leadership. She particularly enjoys working with young adults in formation and discernment. Dr. Deeley interacts personally with the students and teaches some of the seminars for Christ the Teacher. She serves as an advisor to all Catholic Scholars and as the Pastoral Associate for the Sheil Catholic Center. m-deeley@u.northwestern.edu or (847) 328-4648.