Christ the Teacher Institute & Faith Formation

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Seminars2025-FaithfulWitness-Fall (11)

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.

The Catholic Lens (Core Seminar) - Open to All
Tuesdays at 6:15-7:45 p.m., September 29-November 3, Christ the Teacher Classroom, Sheil Catholic Center, Evanston

The Catholic Lens is designed to deepen your relationship with God and the church, by introducing you to Catholic theology as it unfolds in the Creed – a guide to the way Catholics look at and respond to God, the world, the Church, and God’s relationship to us as human beings.

Facilitator: Sr. Belinda Monahan, OSB

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Created, Not Coded: What AI Can Teach Us about Being Human (Elective Seminar) - Students Only
Wednesday at 6:00-7:30 p.m., October 7-November 11, Christ the Teacher Classroom, Sheil Catholic Center, Evanston

As artificial intelligence becomes woven into daily life, the Catholic Church offers a unique and necessary perspective. Rooted in Magnifica Humanitas, Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, this seminar examines the opportunities and risks of AI while considering how faith can guide innovation toward the common good, protect human dignity, and foster a future that remains deeply and authentically human.

Facilitators: Fr. Bradley Zamora, Chaplain, and Dr. Patricia Pintado-Murphy

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The Kenneth C. Simpson Essay Prize

Congratulations to the 2025-2026 essay winner, Fallon Barry. Read her winning essay here.

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 an essay can be found here.  Please contact, Sr. Belinda Monahan by October 16, 2026 if you wish to submit an essay in the 2026-2027 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. The deadline to apply for the 2026-2027 academic year has passed. Look for the 2027-2028 application in May 2027. If you have questions, please contact Sr. Belinda at 847.328.4648 or email her here.

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 offers Catholic undergraduate and graduate students at Northwestern 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 completing  the program receive a $2,000 stipend for their work during the year. The deadline to apply for the 2026-2027 academic year has passed. Look for the 2027-2028 application in May 2027.  If you have questions, please contact Sr. Belinda at 847.328.4648 or email her here.

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