Faculty Spotlight: Frances Szeto
University deaconess
Instructor of Deaconess Studies and program leader
Frances Szeto knows what it means to serve others with care and faith.
She is a graduate of Concordia University Chicago’s deaconess program and served as a deaconess for nearly ten years before returning to CUC to teach. Over the years, she has worked in many settings, including churches with K–8 schools, nursing homes, hospice and assisted living. She has also taught religion at a Lutheran high school and offered prayer and care to people of all ages. These experiences shape how she teaches and supports her students today.
As instructor of Deaconess Studies and program leader, Szeto teaches in Concordia University Chicago’s full undergraduate deaconess program, which leads to LCMS certification. The curriculum helps students grow in spiritual care, teaching the faith, mercy work and servant leadership. Her classes are hands-on and connected to real ministry work. One course, Ministry with Women, brings in guest speakers who share their knowledge and experiences. These speakers help students learn how to care for women facing many kinds of life challenges.
In Introduction to Deaconess Ministry, students hear from deaconesses who are serving in different places and roles. Some serve as missionaries in other countries, while others work in schools or churches. These conversations help students learn what ministry looks like in the real world and begin building a strong support network.
Fieldwork is an important part of the deaconess program. Students complete four semesters of hands-on experience with area churches. These churches have trained supervisors and long histories of welcoming fieldwork students. The experience benefits both the student and the congregation.
Because she has learned from strong mentors herself, Szeto is committed to guiding students as they explore their callings. For those thinking about church work, her advice is simple: volunteer when you can, stay in prayer and God’s Word and take part in worship. “Nothing will prepare you better,” she says.