Course Evaluations
Winnipeg Level 1, Part A
Formation Facilitators:
Registrar:
Heather Skublics Lampman
Koreen Hrizai
Sr. Bibiana Ikwun
Part 1 - Formation Experience
The Pace
This was my first time taking level 1 part B but, I audited level 1 part A and I appreciated the training sessions being spread out over several days rather than all in one week. This allowed more time for the participants to interiorize the presentations and teachings as well as write album pages and create materials. I would have liked the training sessions to be a little more regular and the day long sessions on weekends were preferred over the evening sessions where we did not get a chance to really enter in to the spirit as easily.
The Presentations
The presentations were well done allowing us, as participants, to get a good sense of how to present to children and the language we would use. I felt I was able to live the spirituality of the presentations in the moment and got a sense of the depth of wonder they evoke. I appreciate that the presentations were given in the order that you might live them in an atrium.
Album Page Writing
While I got a better sense of how to write an album page, the second time through level 1 part A, I would have liked a little more guidance with this especially in the beginning of the course. Perhaps giving time to work on some with a partner might help. I appreciate sharing the task of writing album pages and having them all available to the participants on a shared drive.
Practicum Sessions
While I often felt awkward practicing the presentations, I appreciate getting the time to do it. If time would allow it, I think more practice would be beneficial.
How the Course Fed Participants Spiritually
In so many ways! I acquired head knowledge - gaining a deeper understanding of CGS and Catholic theology, as well as growth of the heart and soul in the times of lectio and entering more fully into the scriptures, getting to know the Good Shepherd more intimately, reflecting on the various parts of the mass and the liturgical year and gaining a much deeper appreciation for the dignity of the child.
What Participants will always remember about this course
The catechist's role is to be matchmaker between God and the child. Jesus is the teacher. Working with children and observing them in the atrium is a great privilege and gift as it allows us to cut through the confusion and excess of the world around us and focus on what is essential and most important.
What Participants would change
Accessibility of training sessions - I would appreciate more regular training sessions and a lower price for the training. Perhaps think about offering videos which participants could watch ahead of the training sessions or an online course component - there are some online course builders such as Thinkific or Teachable which might be useful. This would reduce the load on formation leaders and allow the more time spent in the atrium. Offer material making workshops at other times by people who do not need to be official formation leaders.
Part 2 - Formation Team and Course Host
Feedback for Formation Team
Heather Lampman is an excellent formation leader. Her experience as a catechist as well as a parent, her extensive knowledge of theology and CGS, her skills as a teacher, and her great love of the faith shined in all of our training sessions. She is well-organized and prompt, encouraging and patient, she was attentive to all of our needs and responded generously to all of our questions, comments and concerns.
Sr. Bibiana, however, struggles with many of the tasks. I realize that she is a new formation leader but, she especially had a hard time showing us the child presentations reverting often to giving a presentation to us as adults even after we asked what language she would use for showing this presentation with the child. She was often confused about what was expected of her and not prepared for the presentations she was to give us. She also seemed unaware of the material we had already covered and what level of knowledge we were working with. She is a lovely woman, always kind and gracious, and she has quite a bit of experience teaching the children. Her love of CGS shows when she speaks about it and her enthusiasm to have it spread. It would also be helpful if she spoke louder when doing her presentations - even those of us closest to her sometimes had trouble hearing her.
Feedback for Course Host
Our training sessions were held in multiple parishes throughout our training year allowing us the opportunity to see a variety of atria. All were great hosts.
Part 3 - How can we help you continue to grow in this work?
How Participants Plan to Use Formation
Participants Who Would Like to Be Contacted re: Mentoring
Suggestions for Continued Support
More trained leaders to offer training more regularly would be great. Making the training more accessible for participants so it is not so difficult to get the training.