Sheil School of Religion (CCD)

The Sheil Catholic Center’s Sheil School of Religion is a religious education program for children of Northwestern University graduate students, faculty, staff or associates who register Sheil as their primary faith community. During NU’s school year, students from ages 4 (pre-kindergarten) through 13 (eight grade) meet on Sunday mornings to attend Mass and receive religious instruction.

In this unique model, Sheil’s students are the teachers — sharing their faith with a younger generation, as well as gaining valuable service and teaching experience. Our dedicated parents also oversee the logistics of our CCD program.

More information is available below for:

For more information on the Sheil School of Religion, please contact Tim Higgins at t-higgins3@northwestern.edu or (847) 328-4648.

Parents of Sheil School of Religion Students

The Sheil School of Religion is open to any family who is registered at Sheil as their primary faith community. Basic information and details can be found below, as well as in the 2012-2013 Parents’ Handbook.

  • Duration. Classes run from the second week of October until early May.

  • Enrollment Period. While Sheil has one single enrollment period prior to the start of fall classes, the School of Religion is open for registration to Northwestern students, faculty and affiliates at any time.

  • Mass Attendance. Students are expected to attend Mass either before or after class, as this is necessary for their full faith development.

  • Parent Meeting. All parents must attend the parent meeting in the beginning of the year.

  • Sacraments. Sheil’s School of Religion also provides sacramental preparation: second graders prepare for First Reconciliation and First Communion, and eighth graders prepare for Confirmation. Sacraments are celebrated in late winter to early spring.

  • Registration & Tuition. Parents must register their child(ren) and pay tuition before the start of classes, in order to provide accurate class lists to our teachers.

Download the 2012-2013 Parents’ Handbook for more information and details, including requirements for Sacramental Preparation. All parents are responsible for reading the handbook and volunteering time to help the school run smoothly; various volunteer opportunities are listed in the handbook.

To enroll your child in the Sheil School of Religion, download our
2012-2013 Registration Form

 

Northwestern University Students Interested in Teaching

All undergraduate and graduate Northwestern students are invited to teach in the Sheil School of Religion. No previous experience is necessary.

Student teachers commit to teaching for the duration of the School of Religion school year, from October through May; they are not expected to teach when Northwestern University is on break. Teachers work in teams of two or three for each grade level. First-time teachers will usually be paired with more experienced teachers.

Students who would like to teach are required to:

  • Attend a Virtus Training Session for the prevention of abuse within 60 days of beginning to teach. You must attend one of the Virtus training sessions or you will not be allowed to continue teaching in the winter. New teachers in the winter will be allowed a grace period of 60 days for training. You must sign up for a Virtus session online here (click on "Virtus Training," click on "Start Registration," then follow the instructions to sign up for the Sheil Catholic Center session). On-line registration begins September 25. Students, please register early.

    Virtus Training Sessions
  • October 21, 1-4pm
    November 3, 2-5 pm
    November 17, 2-5pm
  • Sign a CANTS form, which is a background check from the Department of Children and Family Services

  • Sign a code of conduct form

  • Register for a background check from the diocese at Sheil’s expense

To register, please complete the Student Teacher Application Form.