Course Evaluations
Kitchener: Level 1 Part, Part A
Formation Facilitators:
Registrar:
Paula Rush
Paula Rush
Susan Perna
Part 1 - Formation Experience
The Pace
This was perfect, I would probably can take a little bit of faster pace.
Good
Honestly, I liked the pace that we were going. It gave me enough time to read through my notes and reference books whilst at the same time I was assisting and learning in an atrium with a "hands-on" like experience with the kids. This is my first time to hear about "Catechesis of the Good Shepherd". I took a catechism course in Dubai several years back and taught 11-year olds after that, came to Canada two years after and continued to serve the parishes in a different way but I guess the children is my gift and thought of doing the children's liturgy. I did it for quite a number of years and now I am learning a new method of approach to very young children. I am glad that I am doing this although it is quite difficult to undo what I have practiced all these years. I hope to be able and learn to do this no matter how with the help of our facilitators.
I think that the overall day could move a little faster. I understand that the pace is supposed to be meditative, but I feel as though the breaks in-between the presentations, album page writing and practicum sessions could be shortened. I think that having an optional allocated time at the end of the day for those who have questions/would like to work on tools for their own atriums/ for more reflection/practice would be more beneficial.
The pace is very slow. I would say even slower than retreat-pace, which caught me off guard at the first meeting. After 2 or 3 meetings it made a lot of sense why we move at the pace we do and I think if we moved any quicker we wouldn't be able to process what we learn and really dive into the presentations (and the montessori method of learning in general).
My first impression was that it was slow rhythm, but the catechists clearly explained the reason why. We, as a catechist in formation must bring the child to a state of peace and tranquility in preparation for the presentations where the catechists must obtain the attention and interest of the children
For the most part I found that the pace was very well laid out and that the appropriate amount of time was allotted to individual activities. There were a few sessions where I felt like we were given more work time than necessary for the tasks at hand.
The Presentations
Amazing presentations, all the details provided.
Very good and in depth. I wish I could absorb them better in the short time we have to work with them. Perhaps, if Paula presented once and Susan presented once, we would have variety and be able to see it live more than once.
The presentations are awesome being done by well experienced facilitators. I am amazed with their experience with the kids. They have an appropriate approach to each and every question that were given out to them. I felt like a child so excited to watch my facilitators' presentations and I could not wait to sit down and do the materials myself. My eyes wondered around the materials and could not decide on what to do first as I wanted to be able to bring them all home to my parish and use them at our own atrium.
Really well done, there was always enough time to write notes during the presentation and understand every part of the presentation
I love how the presentations are done exactly as they would be to the children. This helps us get a feel of the Atrium instead of just being taught step-by-step instructions or given a lesson plan. This is absolutely the right way to train future catechists.
All presentations were very clear and concise with time for questions and answers
I thought that the presentations were excellent and I was moved by the method of presentations in CGS. For clarity sake, on weeks when we have multiple presentations that run right after each other it would be helpful to articulate the exact moment when starting a new presentation. Sometimes with the discussion in-between and the similar nature of the presentations I found it hard to distinguish in the writing of my album pages. Two specific examples that come to mind where the geography presentations in advent with the globe and the map and the gestures presentations from April.
Album Page Writing
I would appreciate more help with that, but on the overall.
In depth
During the first two days of our course attendance, I tried to do one album page. I was a little brave at it but then I saw one of my peers' work and made me realize that my work was nothing to what she had. I did not want anyone to see my draft album page. Now that we are almost done I tried again to do my own album page and this time I think I did it well because I was able to jot down a lot of notes from the presentations and had a better understanding of what to indicate and emphasize.
Album page writing is a bit of a challenge for me. I think I often mix the Point of the Christian Message and Direct Aim often. I will say that having to write our own album pages helps us process the presentations. Ive been writing my own album pages even though I know others have submitted some as well.
They taught very well how to write album pages; doing practices and allowing us to write our own album pages
I appreciated the timely feedback on album pages. I don't feel like enough emphasis was placed on the need for writing album pages at the beginning of the course and I was a little unclear on expectations. I understand the desire to "de-school" the course but I think that there is a middle ground that is necessary because writing our own album pages is an important part of learning especially in the receiving of feedback and corrections stage. The album builder is really helpful for providing a template and filling in details.
Practicum Sessions
A bit too long, I would appreciate more time to read and 1-1 time during the sessions.
Usually helpful - most time I forget what we were just shown and have a hard time practicing it after only seeing it once.
While participating in the practicum sessions, I gained confidence observing and putting into practice what we've learned to a real environment. It has emphasized the importance of knowing what and why we are doing this approach to very young kids.
I would have preferred to practice the presentations that I wasnt as confident in rather than doing each one for 10 minutes
Starting and ending our sessions in prayer has really set the tone for the day. I also really enjoy that we sing together as a group often (and it helps us familiarize ourselves with some of the CGS songs we will use in the Atrium).
Opportunity to apply acquired knowledge through group practices and samples to make our own material
I'm guessing that the practicum sessions where when we practiced giving the presentations? I found these to be a little helpful although I have a lot of experience in teaching and presenting material so while practicing can be helpful for me discussing the elements of the presentation and individual choices about how the presentation is presented is far more helpful.
How the Course Fed Participants Spiritually
Immensely, I have gained a new perspective on how to share God to my children and future children in the atrium, let them discover and recognize their own capacities to know him.
I am full but can I please have more? (always hungry)
This course has made me realize that my knowledge of Jesus is not enough. This is just an introduction to what I have yet to learn and I am glad I am in it. God will lead me the way and that everything is fine. I just need to have confidence in myself and believe that I can do it.
I really enjoyed learning the meaning of each presentation and how they all related to various parts of the faith. I especially enjoyed learning about the various parts of mass in a very simple but impactful way that have helped me experience mass in a different light.
I've really discovered quite a lot about myself through this course. I expected it to feel like a retreat, but I was totally unfamiliar with the montessori method of learning, so I was really unprepared for the slow pace and the sense of peace the Atrium brings. I found myself adjusting more and more each month to the pace and eventually really looking forward to disconnecting and slowing my pace down at the next session.
I also found myself popping into the Atrium to get materials (often for tracing or making booklets) and stopping to pray in there. The Holy Spirit is clearly present in the Atrium!
Through the readings, reflections and meditations, I achieved a better understanding of things that I already Knew but I didn't have the connection with the signs
I've also loved to study our faith and theology. I loved the beauty and simplicity of CGS methods with sharing the essential and it's been thought provoking in my work with children in other settings.
What Participants will always remember about this course
The respect for the children, the time for personal adoration and the presentation of the eucharistic gestures.
the care, compassion, and dedication of those running it and the gentle souls who were training.. CGS can change the world!
The young children have gifts that help them hear, talk and understand God more than we do. We adults are instruments of God to help these children make use of those gifts. We do not need any extra effort to do that because He will always be there to guide us through it all.
How simply yet profoundly the faith can be shown/taught to children
The way the presentations are structured so that children can discover on their own, at their own pace, the beauty of our faith. We dont have to tell children what to know or believe. We can just provide the environment, the scripture, and the beautiful materials and let God do the rest! Its remarkable to see and Im really grateful this course gave me that opportunity.
The kindness and cordiality of the catechist
I will always remember to incorporate wondering questions into my conversations around the faith with children and I will remember to not overshare and to stick with the essential.
What Participants would change
I would try to reduce the practicum in each session and provide more time for album page writing and questions maybe 1-1. Also trying to reduce time between sessions and maybe doing some part of the course online.
Being shown the same presentation more than once - although some video recorded and perhaps I should try that next time.
I believe that every parish must have an Atrium and every Pastor needs to support it. This is evangelization and we should all support in its universality and proclamation. It should be established like a Habitat for Humanity project. Let us encourage people to donate what they have - properties, talent and whatever they have that will help build an atrium for free. We have done this in the parishes that our community had served. We painted the churches, built the fence, construction of an extra room. We can provide our professional knowledge for free. We must advertise and speak up and propagate the establishment of courses everywhere on a regular basis throughout the year to train and get more catechists to do this.
This is hard to say. I think I would change how this course is scheduled (mostly because its such a huge commitment), but I can see why a full day once per month makes sense for a group mostly made up of mothers.
I think it mighy be helpful to have more time in small groups to write album pages. When we write them as a large group, the feedback often comes from the same 4-5 people. In smaller groups, Ive seen some amazing feedback from the more reserved ladies and our album pages were very thorough.
Overall, I was very happy with the entire experience and the only thing I would really consider changing is a little less independent work time with more opportunities for discussion.
Part 2 - Formation Team and Course Host
Feedback for Formation Team
Maybe contemplating a way to make up lost presentations or classes.
thank you
We had an awesome and wonderful time learning from our Formation Team and Course Hosts. This experience will be the foundation of our catechesis for the coming years. May you continue to do this and propagate what you have taught us to others. Jesus deserves all of these that you are doing. May His blessings be with you as you "walk the road to Emmaus".
I think that the formation team was absolutely lovely, you could see how much they loved teaching and having others learn about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Okay leaders! You ladies are true gifts to us, to the children you teach, and to the Church. The Lord must be so pleased with your work and I know you are humble ladies, but you deserve a pat on the back for your efforts and commitment to this ministry. They certainly don't go unnoticed.
To maintain the good spirit and commitment shown
Paula and Susan are wonderful examples. It is clear that they love the work that they are doing and they bring many gifts to the table which compliment one another and bring a richer experience to the course. I love how Paula brings the detailed organization and system and Susan has the free spirit that makes a balanced team with lots of space for the Holy Spirit to work.
Feedback for Course Host
Maybe considering daycare for smaller children?
thank you
This is the best part. Nobody was ever hungry as you enter that door where we had the course. We had coffee, juice and water and pastries you cannot ignore. Thank you so much.
The course site was lovely!! The Atrium was beautiful and provided a good foundation on how the course continues not only from year 3-6 but even for older children
Marie can bake for me anytime. She makes the yummiest food and has provided such lovely hospitality. Thank you for always greeting us with a smile and fresh coffee!
Everything was good
I love the access to the atrium and the location is easy enough to travel too. The food has always been well done!
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
Having regular meetings and refresh courses.
I enjoy the ongoing opportunities for prayer
We should ask for the support of our Archdiocese to invite the involvement of parents in the CGS. It is very important that they know how the children are gaining knowledge about Jesus and their spirituality. They are the future of our country and it depends on the goodness in these children's hearts. Would we not want to take part in that futuristic wish now and act on it?
- How to prepare the child work material for each class (e.g: I'm thinking for new atriums, where atrium is new, brand-new catechist) Where to get information
- Updates
I understand that the Catholic school system is organized differently in different provinces and that it is easier to incorporate CGS in some school structures than others. However, I would love to hear more about those who offer CGS in a school setting and/or those who intertwine CGS teaching into their own classrooms. I don't currently teaching religion but I've been able to find many ways to integrate CGS teaching into my music classrooms. I know it's a very different way of thinking about the CGS model but I think there is a lot of potential for forming children in a meaningful way in our Catholic Schools which in some places in Ontario are struggling to have those faith connections that distinguish us from public schools.