The beginning of a new semester is an exciting time — but it can also be an anxious and stressful experience for some.
In addition to the many resident assistants, each residence hall has a hall minister to provide pastoral care and be a spiritual presence for all residents and building staff.
In collaboration with the staff, hall ministers are charged with helping form a residential community that expresses the university’s Catholic, Jesuit mission, while accompanying individuals dealing with stress, illness, loss, loneliness, relationships, spiritual and emotional health, and more.
In this Q&A, Rachel Sheils, hall minister for Eckstein Hall, talks about what she likes the most about Marquette University and Milwaukee.
What was your undergraduate degree in? Why did you pursue that discipline?
My undergraduate degree was in Biblical and Theological Studies. I initially started my undergraduate with a major in business (with minors in economics, psychology, and sociology), but my religious courses were so engaging and I had such a willingness to serve God wherever He called me that, eventually, it led me to finish my degree in Theology and Scripture.
Why did you want to be a hall minister?
I love that Marquette has hall ministers in each of their residences. This role was a seamless fit for me based on my experience. I hope to be a spiritual support to undergrads at my hall as they grow in knowledge and love for the Lord.
What makes Marquette special to you?
Marquette is a balanced place where everyone can belong. It seems to strive to offer space where people can ponder challenging questions and consider various responses as we seek respectful intellectual ascent together.
What is your favorite memory made at Marquette or in Milwaukee?
My favorite memories are casual conversations with my new friends in the Theology Department. Also, all my courses have been enriching, but I especially looked forward to studying and discussing Catholic Social Teaching with Dr. Kate Ward.
What is one thing you’re looking forward to this academic year?
Something I especially look forward to this year is accompanying undergrads as they draw closer to their Creator and Lord through my role in hall ministry.
Favorite book, movie or podcast?
That is too hard for me to select just one; “I could no sooner choose a favorite star in the heavens” (from the movie “Everafter”). I would suggest some classic novels that often get forgotten: Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas, Les Miserables by Victor Hugo, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky, Leaf by Niggle by JRR Tolkien, The Horse and His Boy and The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis, In His Steps by Charles Sheldon, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, and a non-fiction by Aristotle: Nicomachean Ethics. Hint: listening to audiobooks is valid under the humanities’ long oral tradition.
Favorite location on campus?
I enjoy viewing all the beautiful landscaping as I walk around campus.
Favorite hobby?
My favorite pastime is playing games with family and friends (board games, card games, Jackbox games, competitive sports, etc.).
Favorite restaurant in Milwaukee?
Any Indian restaurant with a buffet.
Favorite dessert?
Favorite? I like many desserts, especially if they contain nuts and chocolate, like peanut butter chocolate ice cream, or my aunt’s maple walnut decadent bars, or anything with roasted pecans.
