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

Seminar: Dating, Relationships, and Faith: A Catholic Perspective (open to students)
5 Thursdays, starting October 19 from 5:45-6:45 p.m. CST (October 19, 26, November 2, 9, 16) in the Christ the Teacher classroom at Sheil's Evanston campus

Dating and relationships play a huge part in our everyday lives; but most of us wonder how our faith informs these relationships. This seminar will provide the opportunity to reflect on how we understand and live out our relationships grounded in our understanding of a loving God and the dignity of the human person.

Facilitator: Sister Belinda Monahan, OSB, Ph.D., Director of Transformative Learning at Sheil Catholic Center

Registration has closed for this seminar. 

Core Seminar: The Catholic Lens (open to students and associates)
6 Tuesdays, starting September 26 from 6:15-7:45 p.m. CST (September 26, October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31) in the Christ the Teacher classroom at Sheil's Evanston campus

This seminar introduces students to Catholic theology as it unfolds in the Creed - a guide to the way Catholics look at God, the world, the Church, and God's relationship to human beings.

Facilitator: Sister Belinda Monahan, OSB, Ph.D., Director of Transformative Learning at Sheil Catholic Center

Registration has closed for this seminar. 

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. The winner receives $1,000 and the opportunity for a public lecture on campus. If you would like to submit an essay, a letter of intent stating your general topic is due October 16th, 2023 to Sister Belinda Monahan, OSB at this email address. The essay is due April 21, 2024 and notification of the winning essay will take place on May 7, 2024. The presentation of the essay will take place May 26, 2024.  You are strongly encouraged to write an essay that is in line with the academic work you are already undertaking.

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.

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. Applications have closed for the 2023-2024 academic year. If you are interested in applying for a future year, please contact Sister Belinda at 847.328.4648 or email her here.

For Incoming First-Year Students
Catholic Scholars Program Application 2023-2024
Catholic Scholars Program Academic Recommendation  2023-2024
Catholic Scholars Program Pastoral Recommendation 2023-2024

For Rising Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Catholic Scholars Program Application 2023-2024
Catholic Scholars Program Academic Recommendation 2023-2024
Catholic Scholars Program Pastoral Recommendation 2023-2024

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, a student will serve and study 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. Applications have closed for the 2023-2024 academic year. If you are interested in applying for a future year, please contact Sister Belinda at 847.328.4648 or email her here.

Catholic Fellows Application 2023-2024
Catholic Fellows Leadership Recommendation 2023-2024

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.