Course Evaluations
Montreal, Level 1, Part A
Formation Facilitators:
Registrar:
2022.11.L1A.02
Catherine Maresca
Rebecca Malone
Paola Azzuolo
Part 1 - Formation Experience
The Pace
The pace worked very well for me; the timings, the alternating between kinds of work, the breaks, the division of content between days seemed very well thought out.
The Pace was great. We were a nice group and we all connected together as friends, shared ideas, knowledge and experiences.
The place was perfect. There was so much to cover so I felt we always had something new to discover but we weren’t rushed.
I liked the pacing because it allowed us to really digest everything that was happening and presented. It also allowed us to think things through before answering.
The Presentations
The presentations were excellent. There was a lot of opportunity to ask questions. I only hope that I can remember/have good enough notes to not miss any steps when presenting to children.
The Presentations were thorough, engaging and well presented. It was great to be in an Atrium and experience the what and how to...it was very tangible, fruitful and hands-on.
There was alot of peace and thoughtfulness in the presentations. Both
catechists were very Slow and deliberate in their approaches. They also gave plenty of time for questions after.
I really liked this part of the course! The presentations were so well explained and demonstrated! Paola and Catherine both took the time to really show us each step and pour in their insight!
Album Page Writing
I found these sessions perhaps a little long, given that there were so many to do. That said, I understand that filling out the album page sessions as a group is probably the best way to do it. It may be because I so enjoyed the teaching sessions on the characteristics of the child, the Eucharist, the parable method etc, and could have listened to that content all day.
We worked together as a group to write out the Album Pages and it was practiced everyday so by the end of the formation we had a solid understanding of the content, materials and purpose. Also, everyone had to write up an Album Page which will serve us well when we will implement our own presentations, an efficient resource to get started.
A lot of time was spent on album pages. They showed allot of patience with us and encouraged us to dig deep and gave us feedback on our suggestions. They were very generous with their help.
I found the album page write a really good way to get us thinking about the course, the materials and how everything that is done and said is intentional. It really made me dive deeper into the meaning of the Atrium.
Practicum Sessions
I could maybe have used a practicum session with another person on the parables and the more narrative presentations that occurred in the last few days.
We were given ample time to explore and work with the materials in the Atrium and experience the encounter through the eyes of a child. I was hoping to get more time in the Atrium.
We did have a few time slots to practice in the atrium. I personally took advantage of those times and went over most of the presentations I received. I only saw 1 or 2 other women practiced the presentations. A few women were trying out practical works.
The practicum was really interesting. once again Catherine and Paola's experience and wisdom just brought an entire other level to the knowledge shared and read.
How the Course Fed Participants Spiritually
The course thought me things about our faith that I did not know - it will encourage GPL in me! I am most grateful for the introduction to the spirituality of young children, something I have never heard anyone else speak of.
It was truly deep, reflective, prayerful, fruitful food for the soul. I'm so happy to have been a part of the course. I learnt so much from our Formation Facilitators, host organizers and from the people I met. It was enriching and inspiring and I feel that I deepened my knowledge and strengthened my faith.
I had a beautiful peaceful week and was given many moments of insight into deep spiritual truths.
It was so nourishing to me! It took me deeper into my faith and made be understand things of our faith that I never say in that light or considered. It was so beautiful to get to hear other peoples ideas and thoughts. It really humbled me.
What Participants will always remember about this course
I will always remember that, at a time when the responsibility of taking care of children and teaching them about Christ seems overwhelming, I was blessed to be introduced to this beautiful journey with such helpful guides along the way.
I will remember the women I met and spent a week with. We really connected and got to know each other on a personal level. Also our Formation Facilitators and Hosts are amazing women, we built friendships and we had many laughs and moments together.
The camaraderie I felt with the others taking the course and with those helping out also. I was proud of myself for deciding to do the course and giving it my all. I learnt so much about the 3-6 year old child.
How compelling the readings are and how fruitful the course was. I really loved Paola and Catherine, they were great catechists.
What Participants would change
The only thing that I could think of is maybe adding a session to address practical questions, e.g. set-up, getting started as a catechist, etc.
I would've have loved more access to resources (books, manuals, etc)
Nothing in particular.
spending less time on the album pages and more on the other components on the atrium.
Part 2 - Formation Team and Course Host
Feedback for Formation Team
I am so grateful for their time, attention, openness and experience. Thank you to all involved.
I really enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to the second have of Level 1 and level 2 . I wish it it would be offered earlier. It would be great to have the same Facilitators and hosts:))
The formation team were both so genuine and caring.
I felt they were both very comfortable with CGS and were able to help us learn to love the program too.
Keep on doing a great work! It is so lovely!
Feedback for Course Host
all very appropriate. It was a hot week, which is beyond anyone's control.
Rebecca did a great job. Her love and care for us all was evident.
everything was well done and provided.
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
Resources for parents are always important and a Point of Interest. Workshops, Conferences and other events may open doors for interest in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd approach.