Sacraments
Baptism
Baptism initiates someone into the Catholic faith and bestows God's grace. Please fill out the form at this link and someone from our Sheil Team will reach out to you.
First Communion
The Sacrament of the Eucharist commemorates the Last Supper, the final meal that Jesus shared with His disciples, which is the source and summit of our liturgical prayer. In the Catholic tradition, the bread and wine that are consecrated during Mass become the Most Precious Body and Blood of Christ. The Sheil Catholic Center celebrates the Eucharist regularly during Mass, but also administers First Communion to both second grade students and adults. Second grade students take First Communion after preparation through the Sheil School of Religion and adults can prepare for First Communion with Sheil's OCIA program.
Reconciliation
In the Catholic Church, the Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as Penance or Confession) is the way in which individuals repent of their sins and are provided an opportunity reconcile one's heart with God. Reconciliation encourages a deeply personal examination of your life, which is then shared with the priest in a confidential session where your sins are absolved. Reconciliation is available on the Chicago campus by appointment. To schedule a time, please email Fr. Bradley here or call 847.328.4648. Reconciliation is available on the Evanston campus as part of Harbor on Wednesdays from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. during the academic year. You can see the full schedule of days here or schedule an appointment with Fr. Bradley here.
Youth Confirmation
During the Sacrament of Confirmation, the laying on of hands and anointing of a candidate bestows the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and welcomes a candidate into full membership of the Catholic Church. The Sheil Catholic Center administers the Sacrament of Confirmation to eighth grade students after preparation through the Sheil School of Religion. Learn more at our Sheil School of Religion page.
Adult Confirmation
Adult Confirmation classes are for practicing Catholics who have already received the sacraments of Baptism and First Communion and would like to take the next step in their sacramental journey and be confirmed in one's faith. For more information, see our OCIA page.
Order of Christian Initiation for Adults
Order of Christian Initiation for Adults is designed for adults who are not baptized in another faith or baptized in the Catholic Church, but with no further religious training or sacraments. OCIA offers a chance to learn more about the Catholic Church through scripture, teaching and discovering where God is present in your life. We will explore the Catholic tradition through scripture, sacraments, Church teaching, and social outreach in the context of the vibrant Catholic faith community of the Sheil Catholic Center at Northwestern University. Visit our OCIA page more information.
Marriage
The Sacrament of Marriage, or Matrimony, is seen as a sign of the love uniting Christ and the Church. It establishes between the spouses a permanent and exclusive bond that is sealed by God. The Sacrament confers on the couple the grace they need to attain holiness in their married life and to responsibly accept and raise children. Please take a look at our wedding booklet here for more information. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a meeting about a potential wedding, please email Fr. Bradley here or call 847.328.4648.
Ordination
College is a very formative time in the life of young people. In fact, many young men have discovered their call to service in the Church as an ordained priest during their time of study. There are priests who are serving the People of God around the world who discovered their call to the priesthood right here at the Sheil Catholic Center. If you think the Spirit might be nudging you to discern the priesthood, please email Fr. Bradley here or call 847.328.4648. He spent time on the faculty of Mundelein Seminary and has experience in accompanying those who are discerning this call of service and would be more than willing to chat with you.
Anointing of the Sick
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of healing offered to those who are seriously ill in order to bring hope, courage, and peace to those who receive it. The Sacrament is made more powerful by the presence and support of the surrounding community. Anyone who is seriously ill can be anointed, including: elderly who become weaker, even if no illness is present; those waiting for surgery; sick children who have sufficient use of reason to be helped by the celebration; those who are unconscious or who have lost the use of reason, provided that they probably would have asked for the Sacrament had they the use of their faculties; and those suffering with serious mental illness, provided that they will be helped and not harmed by the Sacrament. For more information about Anointing of the Sick, please email Fr. Bradley here or call 847.328.4648.