Recommendation Form
for
Applying to Enter the CGSAC Formation Facilitator Apprenticeship
Anna Carpino-Mongeon
Your Name:
Teresa Brown
email:
Your Mailing Address:
2148 South Millway , Mississauga ON L5L 1A7
Your Church or Organization:
St. Francis of Assisi
Work Phone:
Home Phone:
416-564-7192
Background Information
1. a) In what capacity have you known this catechist?
I met Anna about 10 years ago in the Liturgy of the Word with Children ministry at our parish.
We eventually came to discover that we were CGS catechists. I got to know Anna and her family as we would meet and chat after Mass and attend parish events. When Merciful Redeemer parish wanted to open an Atrium, Anna contacted me to see if I’d be interested in coordinating and by so doing, with her volunteering as a Level 1 catechists, our friendship grew. Her sons and husband were involved in material making and we enjoyed attending CGS events in the Archdiocese together. This past Atrium year has allowed us to become very close as we are now co-coordinating and serving as catechists in the new St. Francis of Assisi Level 1&2 Atrium.
1. b) How long have you known this catechist?
> 5 years
Personal Traits
We would like to hear about your experience of working with this catechist; whether in the atrium, in a parish ministry, or in another context. As you are able, please share your thoughts on the catechists' particular strengths in each of the following areas and provide supporting examples when possible.
2. In what ways have you seen this catechist exhibit joy, passion, and enthusiasm for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?
In being with the children; in working with parents; in organizing and coordinating the program; in making materials for the atrium; in sharing the work with others…
In parish ministry, I can whole heartedly say that Anna brings everything she has - and that’s a lot. She is a very professional, hard-working and genuinely compassionate person. In preparing to lead Liturgy of the Word with Children, she commits to offering the children all she can to make it a meaningful experience for them. Along with her prayerful approach, Anna will bring visual aids, articles, follow up activities, her research or contemplation on the theme, and always her warm smile. This approach is also and always shown in the CGS ministry. I have always admired the wisdom and knowledge she has and freely offers when asked. She especially shines in preparing the Atrium environment and is always wanting to share this experience with fellow catechists and volunteers. Anna has a clarity that helps us fine tune and perfect the materials and the routines, as she observes the children working in the Atrium. I always appreciate her diplomacy in suggesting ways that we can make the children’s experiences ‘better’.
She is a mindful and considerate collaborator, always concerned with making everyone feel welcome and valued.
Anna also takes on new projects such as power point presentations, booklets, extensions for Level 2 work and parent communication. I admire and appreciate her technology skills in these projects. I hope that I have shared examples that demonstrate her passion and enthusiasm. We both feel that our work in CGS is a major source of joy and we are always praising God for all that He gives through this Ministry. I know she considers it to be the precious pearl that gives her joy beyond understanding.
3. We would also like to hear about this catechist’s manner of working with other adults.
Can you name any ways in which this catechist has identified gifts in and supported the development of other adults; Can you comment on this catechist’s capacity to collaborate and to welcome others into their work; Is this catechist comfortable working with individuals at different places in their faith journey?
I can reiterate what I shared in the previous section. Anna has worked closely with our Pastor and Lay Pastoral Assistant these past few years to bring the Atrium to life. They have built a community of volunteers which Anna arranged meetings and one-one sessions with, to discuss the Atrium needs and how each person could contribute. This team has worked miracles and have been kept in close communication through many updates, pictures and videos sent out. She is now preparing an open house gathering to bring the team together to enjoy some time in the Atrium. Her gratitude and concern for others is so beautiful. With her efforts to promote the program and educate the parish, two members of our LWC ministry are now taking Level 1 Formation and assisting weekly. She has encouraged all of us to grow as catechists, by giving us a journal for observations reflections, planning a social gathering outside of Atrium time and space, and setting up a shared Google Drive folder with reference and further reading materials. We often share insights and observations through text or email, and Anna is quick to respond and carry the conversation deeper. Her kind and caring ways make her very approachable when we have a thought, or concern, Anna knows each of the parents by name and whenever possible, has chats with them before and after sessions. She fully understands the importance of knowing the children and she prepares the environment and presentation themes around this knowledge. She respectfully treats us (children and adults) as individuals and does whatever she can to help meet our many needs.
4. Please tell us about this catechist’s general characteristics.
How has this catechist demonstrated motivation, reliability, flexibility, emotional maturity, good judgement, a capacity to be decisive, and a willingness to “pitch-in”? In which of these areas does this catechist most need to experience growth? Does this catechist have the confidence to receive feedback offered in support of further development as a faith leader?
Motivation - she works tirelessly to be prepared and meet deadlines.
Reliablility - she always shows up - has never cancelled or forgotten.
Flexibility - Anna is level- headed and thinks on her feet and can fill a need or pivot very quickly. She is a regular supply teacher, and having been a teacher myself, I can say that Anna is very flexible and can adapt and make the most of any situation.
Emotional Maturity - Absolutely! I admire her calm and focussed approach. She lets others be who they are, without judgment or exclusion. I would look to the four children she and Donald have raised to be wonderful your adults.
Good Judgment - I admire Anna’s ability to see through chaos or confusion and make a decision that makes sense. I often rely on her advice when I am overwhelmed or indecisive about something we are planning in the Atrium. We have lately found that we help each other gain better perspectives and make decisions in our personal lives as well.
Capacity to be decisive - as mentioned, Anna is rational and wise. I know that she makes many decisions for her family, especially her elderly Mom. I would also point out that Anna is decisive, but not without carefully considering options, listening to others opinions and most importantly, praying.
Willingness to pitch in - Anna is not one to sit back and let others do it. She is a team player, as well as a coach.
If there is an area for growth, which we all have, I’d say it’s balancing and trusting that Our Lord will provide. Perhaps this is a patience issue, or a personality trait where she finds it hard to settle for a close second best, especially, if not exclusively in matters that she is directly responsible for (i.e. her family). I sometimes have to remind her to take some ‘me’ time.
I know that Anna wants to take this journey to be a Formation Leader, and have not doubt that she will be open to any feedback that will strengthen her ability to be the best Leader that she can be.
Faith Life
Formation Leaders actively practice their faith through prayer, regular attendance at Mass/The Holy Eucharist, and involvement in their church community. They seek to deepen their relationship with God through ongoing study of Scripture and Liturgy.
5. What have you witnessed of the faith life of this catechist?
What gifts has this person been given to help them answer the call to work fruitfully as a catechist?
Anna lives a full and devout faith life. We have been members of the parish for about twenty years and have known each other for most of these years, seeing each other in our ministry work and Sunday Masses. In our conversations, Anna is always aware of God’s hand in all situations of life and fully relies on prayer and service as a means to a full life. Her strong Catholic foundation and active faith life are valuable gifts that will serve her well in her work as a catechist and Formation Leader. Along with these aspects of her faith, Anna has a lot to offer in terms of her life experiences, her knowledge of CGS and Sacramental Preparation, and her genuine interest in people. She has a kind of humility that draws people in and she does all she can to treat everyone as a friend in Christ.
6. Is this catechist comfortable speaking about their faith with others, praying with others, and leading others into deeper contemplation of the mysteries of God?
Yes, as I have witnessed at various ministry meetings where she has shared her experiences and faith growth through her service. We begin each Atrium session with a prayer. As mentioned, we have many personal chats about life, and this always revolves around our faith. She prays regularly with her family and Mom. When Anna responds to emails and texts about our Atrium insights, she is enthusiastic and freely shares her thoughts.
Leadership
CGSAC Formation Facilitators must demonstrate clarity in both written and oral communications, possess the organizational and administrative skills to coordinate all aspects of a course, exercise humility, patience and exhibit a capacity for confidentiality. Please comment on the following leadership / adult facilitator qualities of this catechist:
7. Public Speaking Ability:
e.g. speaking about CGS at parent meetings or parish gatherings; speaking about faith to adults through
other church ministries such as Baptism preparation.
There have been a number of parish gatherings where Anna has presented information about CGS - using a power point she prepared, and leading opening prayers and giving Atrium presentations. She does so with confidence and so prayerfully. As mentioned, she is meticulously prepared for these events.
Anna also worked on the Sacramental Preparation (Reconciliation and First Eucharist) team, a few years ago. I was not part of this ministry, but I know she was personally asked to join. She has shared some details of what she did with he children in the schools and at parish sessions, and I extend this to include communication with parents as well.
8. Organization/Administration Ability:
e.g. setting up an atrium and coordinating the CGS ministry, or assisting with the hosting of a formation course. Please feel welcome to offer examples of organizational and administrative abilities outside of CGS.
To review what I have mentioned - Anna puts her whole self into any role she takes on. She works tirelessly to prepare presentations, memos, registration forms, summary charts, graphic designs and Atrium materials to the very best of her ability. If she feels she is falling short , she will reach out to others for their assistance.
She is very task oriented, but be assured that Anna puts the people she is with first - their thoughts, feelings and needs. Nothing she does, or plans to do, is without this being the most important consideration and it shows in the way others respond to her. She has a wide and deep circle of friends and colleagues and I am blessed to be among them.
Summary
9. Based on what you know about this catechist, what would be the three key strengths s/he would bring to the work of leading adult formation courses?
Anna is warm, witty and welcoming! All formation leaders that I have had demonstrate this joy and peace that invites us in and brings us deeper and closer to the Good Shepherd.
She is wise and knowledgeable yet always wanting to learn and grow. She brings others along and enjoys journeying with others, enjoying what each individual brings to the experience.
She is courageous! She is not afraid of hard work or challenges. She relies on God, but knows that she has a role to play, a deep desire to write her blank page and be part of building His Kingdom.
10. Based on what you know, what areas could this catechist strengthen, if any, in order to better serve in this role?
Having said how hard she works for others, I can only suggest that Anna strengthen her ability to balance her time and energy so as to avoid burn out.
I am however reassured that she is beginning this path with a balanced view that there is no rush and that she will maintain her priorities and trust God’s calling and timing as she journeys toward this awesome goal.
11. We are required to ask the following question:
Do you know any reason why this catechist should not be around children or young people?
I do not know of any reason why Anna should not be around children or young people.
12. Do you recommend this catechist for acceptance to the CGSAC Formation Facilitator Apprenticeship?
Yes
By clicking the button, "Submit Reference Information," you authorize the CGSAC Director of Formation to share your contact information with the CGSAC Review Committee and/or the CGSUSA Formation Leader International Discernment Committee for the purposes of a follow-up call as part of the review for recommendation of the above-named catechist as a Formation Facilitator Apprentice.
Your Privacy
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (the "CGSAC") is committed to preserving your right to privacy. We ensure that the confidentiality of your information is maintained and the collection, use and disclosure of your information is in compliance with the applicable provincial and federal privacy laws. The personal information collected through this process is not distributed to any private organizations except as stated in this document and is not used for commercial marketing. Your information will be used as part of the record for recognition as a CGSAC Formation Facilitator. Any personal information you provide to the CGSAC is managed in accordance with Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL), the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and other applicable federal and provincial privacy legislation. If you have any questions about the collection of your personal information, or wish to view the full privacy policy, contact formation@cgsac.ca.