Recommendation Form
for
Applying to Enter the CGSAC Formation Facilitator Apprenticeship
Leah Wall
Your Name:
Micki Hill
email:
Your Mailing Address:
PO Box 245
Your Church or Organization:
Cathedral of All Souls
Work Phone:
Home Phone:
828-808-5989
Background Information
1. a) In what capacity have you known this catechist?
I know Leah through Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Leah invited me to lead a Level I course at her parish in 2018. I was invited back for another Level I course in 2021. Over the years since our first email of introduction, we have had many conversations sharing our love for the work. I consider it a blessing to have worked with Leah and to have developed a lasting friendship based on mutual interest and trust.
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…
I have found Leah to be a passionate minister of the Gospel in both word and deed. She led a parish "program" and faced, with grace, the challenges that are a part of parish ministry. Leah.tended to volunteers and visiting catechists with tenderness, joy, and a willingness to engage deeply. She always showed patience along with a competent capacity for leadership.
Leah has a passion for learning and for facilitating a love of lifelong learning for others. While I did not see Leah work with children, I was impressed with her work and compassion when interacting with adults and youth volunteers..I also think her communication with parents through parish blog and email was creative, inviting, and informative.
The atria were lovely and she exhibited a talent and creativity for adding beauty whenever she put her hands to work
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?
While I have addressed this in the previous comment, I can add that Leah called several people into the ministry and seemed well regarded by everyone. In working with Leah, she was able to communicate her needs and also to follow through on any duties that were necessary as a host.
CGS courses are collaborative by nature, both through communication and in following the needs of the participants. Leah was always happy to assist in any way and I invited her to present on several occasions.
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?
I have always been impressed with Leah's maturity and in our discussions she invites the opportunity to grow. I have found her to be very serious in her decision making yet capable of flexibility. While I was working with Leah's parish I had some health challenges. It was necessary that another formation leader be invited in to lead for a time. Leah handled the changes with grace and courtesy.
Leah is a "team player" who has a strong support system. She shares a passion for ministry with her husband who is a parish priest. They worked together to decide upon a rather big move to Canada. The deliberate way they approached the choice making process showed wisdom, flexibility, and good judgement.
Simply stated, Leah has a lovely countenance, a heart for God and a willing and wise spirit. I am certain she will seek continue to be open to God's pruning.
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?
Leah has a spirit of wisdom, joy, and is discerning at her core. She guides her family with love, she shares generously with friends, and is always welcoming of the next thing God asks of her. Leah's faith is palpable and completely integrated into her daily living.
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?
I have seen not only a comfort but a joy!
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.
I have not been present to parent meetings or parish gatherings where Leah spoke but from my personal communications with her I find her wonderfully articulate. I have also read some of the things she has written for parish communication and have found them informative and generous in spirit.
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.
In my experience, Leah has shown creativity and complete competence in areas of administration and organization.
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?
Leah has a love and commitment to the CGS method, she is discerning and will continually look at what God is calling her to, and she has a gift for organization and creativity both helpful in facilitating a course. Most importantly, Leah has a love for God and the Church and a joy in sharing that love with others.
10. Based on what you know, what areas could this catechist strengthen, if any, in order to better serve in this role?
Leading a course involves continual growth. Each course has its own personality... based upon the culture of the hosting parish, make up of cohort, ecumenical understanding, etc. These are areas of growth for each of us. I think Leah will embrace the potential of this growth.
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?
No, I do not.
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.