Course Evaluations
Portage La Prairie:Level #1, Part B
Formation Facilitators:
Registrar:
Heather Skublics Lampman
Judith Vasquez
Murita Chua
Louise Fillion
Part 1 - Formation Experience
The Pace
I thought the pace worked for me.
Great pace, we really jumped right into it with part 1.
I appreciate that the course activities were presented in a slow manner that gave time for prayerful reflection to absorb the content.
So much better then part A! Wow! I loved how we did the presentations in the morning and then it felt like we had so much more time to do the talks and work on album pages. It felt more peaceful.
The pace was over all good. It seemed rhere weee some days that were heavier than others, but it balanced itself out with the lighter days.
The Presentations
The presentations were well done, and I liked how clear all the presenters were.
Broken up into segments that were the right length. I was able to absorb the information presented.
The presentations were given adequate time and the facilitators freely added their reflections after presentations which was very helpful.
I thought they were done super beautifully. The words they used where so beautiful. It gave a really good idea of how to present the materials.
They were simple and easy to follow. Facilitators also gave tips on how to modify the presentations for older or younger children which was good.
Album Page Writing
The process felt easier in the second part. Thank you for the schedule change.
Variation in approach to creating pages could help me tackle Album pages.
Writing album pages in groups and with the presence of one of the facilitators was helpful in revisiting the content and reflections from the presentations as well as identifying any element that was not clear from the presentations.
This also felt way more peaceful and relaxed. I liked how at the beginning of part B Heather had said it's not about getting the right answer but just to say things. It was also amazing how we had a facilitator with us while writing our group page, that helped so much to learn the process.
I really appreciated the collaborative work on preparing album pages and the support of the facilitators to get us on the right track.
Practicum Sessions
I also felt this was easier in the second part. I think it came from more practice and experience in the atrium.
Larger groups would have been more ideal for my learning style. I was appreciative of my group critiquing my sessions and watching others do it. The collective knowledge of a larger group would enhance this.
There was overall good time management which translated to adequate time to practice the presentations. However, in some instances there was no facilitator to since sometimes we would have four groups whereas the facilitators were three, but they were readily available for consultation whenever there was a challenge or a clarification to be made.
This I feel like was pushed off to the side. The focus seemed to be more so on writing the album page than to practice. But also, I don't know if that's a bad thing? Because writing the album pages helped you remember the presentation more and it feels SO awkward doing the presentations in front of adults.
They were good to help us try the presentations on our own and get feedback.
How the Course Fed Participants Spiritually
There were a lot of profound spiritual revelations from observing the presentations which have helped me to grow spiritually. I have even found myself connecting more intimately and spiritually with the Mass as my knowledge has grown.
There was a beautiful connection between spiritual and practical knowledge.
Through the presentations, reflection moments, participation in eucharistic celebrations, material making as well as opening and closing prayer sessions.
I think just being around such faithful people.
Helped me feel like part of a larger community of catechists doing this work. Helped me to appreciate God's beautiful creation more and to give it more reverence.
What Participants will always remember about this course
All the lovely Catholics that I met and the presentations that brought me into deeper levels of spiritual awareness.
The recognition of the needs of the catechists. The work, knowledge, transformation and sacrifice of self is highlighted.
The new vibrant family that we built with participants, the facilitators and the hosts of the training.
The time that was given to answer questions. It felt like there was no stupid question or I was never made to feel bad for asking questions.
The way the facilitators were flexible and moved things around to meet the needs of the group and gave us the ability to go to daily mass when it was available.
What Participants would change
I can't think of anything.
Variation in group work approach - album page writing and practicum.
I feel contented and more fulfilled than during the Level 1 A of the training.
Maybe to give more time to practice presentations AFTER writing the album pages.
I dont think it was necessary for us to write out the pcm and aims for each presentation as we didnt do anything with them.
Part 2 - Formation Team and Course Host
Feedback for Formation Team
Murita: thank you for travelling out to offer this course and for being so nice.
Heather: thank you for also giving your time to offer this course and for being so nice and for your excellent timekeeping.
Louise: thank you for also giving your time to offer this course and for being so nice and for your willingness to also being a formation team member.
The three of you all brought something different to the course which made it very enriching and wholistic.
Sincere appreciation for their time to deliver and listen, inspiring reflections and working as a team.
It was helpful for Louise to let us know that she is still 'learning' as a facilitator, giving us confidence to do the best we can in our capacity.
I loved it. Honestly, part B was such an amazing improvement! You guys are all so wise and wonderful. Thank you for taking the time to come to us!
They are all very comfortable with this work and the background. I liked how the talks were not always just sitting and listening. Murita is especially good at varying her teaching methods.
Feedback for Course Host
Food was excellent and so generously donated. May God bless all who shared with us.
Course site was also excellent and it was nice to attend CGS at a parish named after the Good Shepherd! The hosts were great!
Judith cared for all of us throughout very well!
The food was great!
The venue was very appropriate as we had access to an atrium and whatever else we needed for the course. The host (Judith, the priest, Monique and the secretary) went an extra mile to accommodate the needs of all of us. Special thanks for the delicious meals that gave us the energy and the concentration we needed for the course.
Maybe just to have a hosting option available. Besides that, I felt so loved that we had lunch!
It was a lot of food to prepare. The plan was not to feed everyone but we ended up feeding everyone lunch and supper. I think it would have needed to be more clear that we were only preparing food for the facilitators because it became an expectation that people would get fed every day. Praise the Lord for the generosity of the parishioners who made this possible.
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
Any information/tips about creating the materials will also be welcome.
Since we have an upcoming Assembly I look forward to learning more and making more networks for sharing and support
It would be nice to have more materials at an affordable price. Or even to have digital prints of the artwork (ex: the growing seed) or booklets, that way we just pay a small fee and then print them off ourselves.
I dont know if this already exists, but if there were opportunities for carechists to get together and network, make materials together, get ideas feom each other a few times a year that would keep the community connected.