2026 Christ the Teacher Catholic Fellows in Church Leadership
Offered by Christ the Teacher Institute at Sheil Catholic Center
About this scholarship
The 2026-27 Christ the Teacher Catholic Fellows in Church Leadership program awards up to two $2,000 stipends to returning Northwestern University students who want practical formation in Catholic ministry. Eligible applicants are full-time sophomores, juniors, seniors, or graduate students who are practicing Catholics. Each fellow apprentices with a Sheil Catholic Center staff member and provides substantial leadership in an area such as worship or liturgical music, retreats, religious education, Christian initiation, peace and justice, community life, communications, philanthropy, or stewardship. Before applying, the student must speak with the Sheil staff member they hope will serve as minister-mentor. The fellowship requires an average of 10 hours per week for the full academic year, ministerial formation, at least three mentor meetings each quarter, relevant seminars or workshops, quarterly meetings with the program director, regular participation in Sheil prayer and activities, spiritual direction three times per quarter, and an end-of-year theological reflection. Fellows must maintain at least a 2.8 GPA and may not participate in the Catholic Scholars Program during the same year. The application package includes the current official form, a one- to two-page statement explaining the desired leadership area and possible projects, a short contribution plan, and a recommendation from someone familiar with the applicant’s leadership. The stipend is generally paid after successful completion. Applications and recommendations are due August 27, 2026.
Eligibility
- Be a full-time Northwestern University sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate student in 2026-27
- Be a practicing Catholic
- Speak with the proposed Sheil staff minister-mentor before applying
- Maintain at least a 2.8 cumulative GPA
- Commit an average of 10 hours per week to visible Church-ministry leadership for the academic year
- Not participate in the Catholic Scholars Program during the same fellowship year
- Submit the official form, leadership statement, contribution outline, and one recommendation
- Submit the complete application and recommendation by August 27, 2026