Recommendation Form
for
Applying to Enter the CGSAC Formation Facilitator Apprenticeship
Maureen Foster Fernandes
Your Name:
Manuela Fontes
Your Mailing Address:
335 Haney St.
Your Church or Organization:
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish
Work Phone:
2043335534
Home Phone:
same
Background Information
1. a) In what capacity have you known this catechist?
Maureen is the Faith Formation lead at our Parish. Maureen is my direct Supervisor in the Atrium. I have my level 1 and will complete part 2 or level 2 this summer. Prior to my involvement with the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, I was a Catechist in our book program and the coordinator of the book program and Maureen was my direct supervisor.
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…
Maureen exudes Joy, passion and enthusiasm for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and her work in the atrium on a regular basis. I am always in awe when I am able to watch her present to the children or the parents. Her knowledge and understanding of the material, the theory behind the presentations and the developmental needs of the child inspires me to be a better Catechist. Maureen has expanded the level 1 atrium over the years and has built the level 2 & 3 atriums mainly on her own, with assistance from parishioners, catechists and assistants. She is always on the look out for the perfect item to be transformed for the atrium. She is always welcoming to people who would like to observe, offering her knowledge and support. Keeping parents informed of what is happening in the atrium and providing pictures and information in the gathering space of our Parish to give parishioners and visitors a glimpse of the beauty unfolding in the atrium with the children. She is very organized with the different programs always making sure the Catechists and assistants have what they need and realizes that we must follow the lead of the child regardless of the schedule.
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?
Maureen's love for the CGS is very evident and shines brightly. She is always part of the level 1 & 2 courses that take place in Winnipeg, most often offering our Parish as the host parish for the course.
Our Parish hosted the 2023 National Gathering and many of our parishioners after encouragement from Maureen attended to become more familiar with CGS and to decide if they would like to pursue this path. Five people from our parish are currently taking the level 1 training.
We have many assistants in the various atriums who are very dedicated and most hand picked by Maureen who has recognized something in them that would be a match to the needs of the atrium.
Maureen is receptive to assistance, welcoming the help of others when offered to work on materials. As a Catechist who has made material for the atrium, I realize how rewarding it is to help with the environment and have children work with materials that we have created ourselves.
Maureen has a great for CGS and the desire to share that love with others.
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?
Maureen is very hard working, making sure the environment is ready for the children and assistants when they arrive.
Maureen and I have worked together for many years. When I first started at OLPH I was the Monday night Catechism Coordinator. A position Maureen held until given the opportunity to devote all of her time to building CGS at our parish.
Maureen assisted me with the Monday night program, assisting when needed, providing presentation at parent meetings, support to and with Catechists. She was always ready to lend a hand, pitch in and always reliable.
Maureen helps where needed, always.
Maureen has been part of every facet of our parish and the different groups within and in the community.
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?
Maureen is filled with Faith and leads by example. She attends Mass regularly, sings in the choir, she currently attends the Summons, a 10 session, Archdiocesan faith formation for adults in Portage Laprairie and drives a group of elderly parishioners allowing them the opportunity to attend also.
Maureen has always been part of the RCIA process at our parish.
Maureen was the lead for the Liturgy of the word for children once per month during Mass, also involving volunteers in the program.
When considering the gifts of the Holy Spirit and which ones are the most evident in Maureen I would say;
The gift of Wisdom to decide, speak, think, act and pray like Christ. The gift of understanding to understand Gods' message deep in her heart. The message to Maureen was to spread the word of the Good Shepherd. The gift of knowledge to understand the mysteries of faith beyond her and to see God's hand in all things and his deep love for us. The gift of Fortitude to have courage to do what she knows is right and the confidence to overcome obstacles, and there have been and still are many obstacles that Maureen has had to overcome while pursuing her dream of having 3 atriums and offering the children of our parish the opportunity to fall more deeply in love with God.
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?
Maureen is very comfortable speaking about her faith, praying and leading others. Every meeting or gathering begins with prayer. She also introduced Lectio Devina into meetings.
Maureen is part of the RCIA process, sharing her faith and strengthening others.
During Covid Maureen offered families resources to help them strengthen their domestic church. Even provided things such as an advent wreath and candles or items for their altar at home.
Maureen encourages families to attend Mass explaining the importance of bringing their children.
Maureen organized a book Study the summer of 2023 with 12 participants the summer of 2023 for the book "Ways to Nurture the Relationship with God". The majority participants were not involved with CGS but were interested. One of the people in the group is currently taking the level 1 course at our Parish.
Maureen is so patient with me when I ask different questions about CGS or our faith in general. She never makes me feel foolish, she just explains it to me in a way that is so respectful and easy to understand.
I am very thankful for her knowledge and her openness to share.
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.
Maureen is very confident and creative with public speaking in all the opportunities I have had with her.
For the last 2 years Maureen has coordinated with the Knights of Columbus to have an "open house" of the atriums to coincide with the Knights of Columbus fall pancake breakfast. An opportunity for current and future families to come to Mass, enjoy breakfast with family and friends and visit the atriums. Maureen organized catechists and assistants to be available after both Sunday masses to provide information and tours of the 3 different atriums.
Maureen has spoken at our Archdiocese Faith Formation gathering about CGS. Many of those in attendance were not familiar with CGS of had questions and were interested.
Maureen organized a book Study the summer of 2023 with 12 participants the summer of 2023 for the book "Ways to Nurture the Relationship with God". The majority participants were not involved with CGS but were interested. One of the people in the group is currently taking the level 1 course at our Parish.
Maureen has also presented at a Priest retreat which was very well received by the priests and our Archbishop. Archbishop Richard Gagnon went on to write a letter of endorsement for the use of CGS in parishes in his Archdiocese.
These examples may not be public speaking examples but definitely examples of how Maureen spreads the Good News of the Good Shepherd in many different ways.
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.
Maureen has set up 3 atriums at our parish. Level 1 Maureen "inherited" and has added and improved.
Level 2 & 3, she built from the ground up. She has built a strong team of Assistants and Catechists for each Atrium and continues to build this team. She works very hard to offer support and information for her team and anyone who is showing interest or potential. She is constantly on the lookout for possible children to fill the atriums and adults to form.
Maureen is always part of the level 1 & 2 courses that take place in Winnipeg, most often offering our Parish as the host parish for the course.
Our Parish hosted the 2023 CGS National Gathering and many of our parishioners attended to become more familiar with CGS and to discern if they would like to pursue this path. Five people from our parish are currently taking the level 1 training after being invited to learn more.
All this because of the love Maureen has for CGS and the desire to share that love with others.
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?
I looked up "character strengths" and this is what I believe would best describe Maureen and her ability to lead adult formation.
Wisdom the ability to acquire knowledge and use it in creative and useful ways. She is also open minded and willing and able to listen to others.
Courage - Maureen has accomplished an amazing goal of building 3 beautiful atriums in our parish, through a lot of hard work, dedication and persistence. Guided by a deep belief for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and the Holy Spirit.
Transcendence - The appreciation of beauty, gratitude, hope, humour, religiousness.
10. Based on what you know, what areas could this catechist strengthen, if any, in order to better serve in this role?
Based on what I know, there is not an area in need of improvement.
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?
none
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.