Course Evaluations
Vancouver: Level 1, Parts A-F
Formation Facilitators:
Registrar:
2023.15.L1AF.09
Louise Fillion, Trinka Hamel,
Murita Chua
Lynne Shioyama, Murita Chua,
Trinka Hamel and Maria Notturno
Part 1 - Formation Experience
The Pace
I enjoyed the pace of the course. Initially I thought it would be great to have it concentrated into a few weekends back-to-back. However, after getting into the material I liked that I was able to process for a few weeks after each session. Every weekend felt like a retreat for me.
The Presentations
The presentations were great to see so many catechists' styles. I found myself meditating deeper on the mysteries and realities of our faith.
Album Page Writing
Album page writing was often a complicated process in the group setting. You could see some people really liked having their opinions heard, not so much others. I personally found having some clues as a positive so we weren't completely lost on the language to use and sources needed.
Practicum Sessions
The practicum sessions for me were one of the best parts of the course. I found it freeing to have all us students take a turn as catechist and child. There may be people who don't continue with CGS, therefore I was glad to have seen them put themselves out there to give it a chance. For the majority of us I think we found it a positive experience and a great practice for our future work.
How the Course Fed Participants Spiritually
I grew deeper in my faith and found myself becoming more open to what God was calling me to in the atrium and within my parish community. We were a very large class, and our assistant changed every month, however there is such a strong bond from this type of work. You can tell we all came ready and open to the Spirit and from the beginning were willing to share our thoughts and hearts with one another.
What Participants will always remember about this course
Being a mother to young children I knew prior to this course that they are more attuned to the Spiritual Realm and invisible realities. But, what I wasn't expecting was to find that the Atrium (prepared environment) really fosters that energy and creates an atmosphere where even the adult can enter in to the same reality. I truly felt the tangible presence of the Lord with us in the Atrium month after month and I craved to go back and connect with him there. I will remember that we as adults can foster a relationship from the youngest of children if we are willing and able to do the work to make and create space for it, then to let the Holy Spirit be teacher to us and our children.
What Participants would change
During the community/free work in 4 of 6 of the weekends I think it would have been beneficial to have everyone practice with the materials as a catechist. For some people the last weekend practicum was so daunting it was giving them anxiety; to combat this it might be helpful to be more familiar with the role of catechist.
Part 2 - Formation Team and Course Host
Feedback for Formation Team
I've been privileged to go to the same parish as Murita Chua. She has been such a mentor to me. Her knowledge in CGS really blew me away; I love her presence, her openness, and her delight. It was fantastic to meet 5 different assistant formation facilitators so we can see how CGS has different flavors and everyone brings their own goodness to an Atrium environment.
Feedback for Course Host
I didn't mind having to move around a lot within the course site. In an ideal world we would have anticipatory mass on Saturday at the chapel on site.
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
It would be fabulous to have a CGSAC meet-up locally annually at different atriums for an afternoon to be able to pray, have community, learn or perfect a presentation or two, and experience different Atria.