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:

Sheil Seminars

Core Seminar: Gift of Discipleship (open to all students)
5 Tuesdays, starting January 10, 2023 from 6:15-8:15 p.m. CST (January 10, 17, 24, 31 and February 7)

As Christian disciples, we consider carefully the requirement to think, judge, and act as Jesus does. This seminar examines the foundations of Christian morality in the Scriptures and in the teachings of the Church, particularly in the area of Social Justice. Case studies help participants consider the factors inherent in making moral decisions about personal and societal situations.

Facilitator: Tim Higgins, Campus Minister

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Stages of Life Seminar (open to all students and associates)
5 Thursdays, starting February 2, 2023 from 6:15 - 8:00 p.m. CST (February 2, 9, 16, 23 and March 2)

How is God calling you to live your life--as a single man or woman or part of a married couple? A religious brother, sister, or priest? Or a deacon or a diocesan priest? This seminar will explore the theology and sacramentality of each of these states of life.
Students are encouraged to register for all five weeks of the seminar OR to choose the week or weeks in which they are interested. If you want to sign up for the full seminar, please select the first date, February 2nd that will show up when you click the "Sign Up" button below. If you wish to sign up for a specific evening, please select the date that corresponds to the list below when you click the "Sign Up" button:

  • February 9: Single life and marriage
  • February 16: Diocesan priesthood and the diaconate
  • February 23: Religious Sisters and other consecrated life forms
  • March 2: Religious brothers and priests

Facilitator: Sister Belinda Monahan, OSB, Ph.D., Director of the Christ the Teacher Institute at Sheil Catholic Center

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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.

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

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, and NU football coach Pat Fitzgerald.

Questions?

Contact Sister Belinda Monahan, OSB, Director of Transformative Learning, via email or phone at 847.328.4648 x 13.