Course Evaluations
Ottawa: Level 1, Part B
Formation Facilitators:
Registrar:
2024.05.L1B.04
Paula Rush
Dale Balkovec
Susan Perna
Part 1 - Formation Experience
The Pace
There was a lot of info to cover and I thought it was a good pace.
Smooth, appropriate and both facilitators were watchful of the students' attention and alertness.
beyond words :-)
I'm personally a slow learner and need a lot of time to process the material, but overall the pace was good. I found the compressed week very intensive and may have preferred having sessions spaced out throughout several weeks (e.g., 2 days over 3 weeks), but I understand that logistics may be challenging.
I found there was too much sitting all in a row, especially as the week went on.
The pace was good. I liked the availability of time to write album pages.
Excellent pace!
The pace of the whole course was well thought out. I never felt rushed nor like things were moving too slow.
The pace was good. There was no rushing. Time was made for talks, presentations, arts/crafts, album writing, practicums, etc.
The pace was good. Things did get a little faster paced toward to end of the course and it was a little hard to sit through so many presentations in a row, but it allowed us to have a more relaxed afternoon on the last day.
Loved it! Great balance between the Atrium, the theory and the album page writing.
The Presentations
They were clear and lots of questions were answered. I was refreshing and it definitely helped me auto correct in certain areas. For example read from Bible and be more prayerful.
Wonderful, interesting, full of teaching moments, inspiring and also full of information.
beyond words :-)
Magnificent. I personally would have preferred to observe the presentation more attentively rather than taking notes simultaneously. I missed a lot while note-taking.
The presentations were very interesting but I found it hard taking notes on them because I am a slow writer.
Beautifully presented.
Beautiful, many brought me to tears.
The presentations were wonderful. They are always my favourite part. The facilitators both did a great job of separating the "child presentation" part from the "adult discussions" that often followed the presentations. They were always willing to answer our many questions and took time to explain things.
Thorough, engaging, obvious that time and effort was put into the presentations.
The presentations were excellent. Both training facilitators have excellent knowledge of the CGS program.
I really appreciated the general "adult" review before or after each presentation. Seeing the big picture first really helps me when it comes to understanding from simple to complex concepts, from small to big. Having the Atrium placed right beside was ideal for space and learning. Less wait in transitions.
Album Page Writing
Very well organized. I liked that each of us had to focus on one page at a time.
Probably the most challenging part of the course but also an important time to process the taught material and gage understanding of it.
beyond words :-)
Very helpful to do with a writing partner and also to review with group as a whole.
The album page writing went well, it helped having others to work on it with.
It has taken me awhile to feel comfortable with these. I finally feel co rodent enough to write my own. I see how this can build and I still in me the knowledge and deep meaning of each presentation.
This was much better than last year. The allotted time for pages was very helpful.
I really appreciated all of the collaborative time to write album pages during the course. It was helpful having peers to write with and we were given so much time to write them that I never felt stressed or overwhelmed about them.
Time was given to do do. Leaders were available and happy to help.
Album page writing was way better than last year. I really enjoyed/appreciated being able to work collaboratively on them. I also liked that there was more time given for writing this year.
Loved, loved, loved to work with others in small groups. Love how it was split in the schedule. Felt flexible and less daunting.
Practicum Sessions
We did have enough time to practice for me. Maybe a new person may need some more time.
Wonderful opportunity to interact with the other students, when in the role of the listening child, the opportunity of feeling the wonder of the parables and appreciating the materials and rituals to inspire more wonder.
beyond words :-)
Very helpful to learn from everyone through repetition.
It is always nerve racking presenting in front of adults but it was good that it was in small groups.
I enjoyed them
I felt like more formal practicum sessions could have been in the schedule. Although, I did appreciate the album writing time. I find that perhaps the practicum sessions should be done in very small groups -- perhaps two people -- as there were times that although I was in a practicum group, I did not get to practice due to the time limit and the number of people in our groups.
Time was good. Feedback was given. Leaders always around to help or answer questions.
The practicum sessions were good. I liked working in a small group when practising the presentations.
I had many opportunities to practice and appreciate it. It also helps with album writing.
How the Course Fed Participants Spiritually
It helped me detach from all the nonsense and noise going out around the world and focus on the task at hand, which is very important for our faith and the faith of the children. Made me feel a renewed sense of purpose and value more the catechist work with fellow catechists. Reminded me how good the Good Shepherd is to his children.
The gratitude I feel for having been born into a catholic family in a catholic country. The miracle of having been introduced to this course as a sign of my road to follow. Profound understanding of my need to nurture and deepen my personal relationship with Jesus.
beyond words :-)
Immensely. It's a lot to process that I was feeling overwhelmed but even if I found it difficult to absorb right away, I trust that I will recollect memories and God will reveal something to me that I saw during the course.
I have learned so much through this course. It has especially helped me to understand the Mass better.
It deepened my faith further. It truly made me feel the love of God and community in faith.
This course fed me immensely! I am so grateful for the group of women, especially the formation leaders who were there, living Christ's love, teaching and challenging me.
The group prayers we had at the beginning and end of each day were so beautiful and helped form my days. I also loved the "lectures" we received throughout the course which allowed me to further reflect and meditate on some of the presentations and church teachings/mysteries in a even deeper way (e.g., the beautiful reflections on the Cosmic Function of the Eucharist after we had done the Eucharistic Presence with the Good Shepherd).
I don't really know how to answer that here. My mind was absorbed the whole week. I wasn't looking at the time wishing time would go by more quickly. It was the first time in a long time, where time wasn't moving slowly for me. I enjoyed the time we had together. I learned more about my faith, things I took for granted. I learned things I would have otherwise known had I been blessed with an Atrium of the CGS in my youth. The more I learned, the more I saw how little I know. "The more I know, the less I know" sort of thing. I learned to slow down. This will be hard to implement, but it at least gave me a starting point...a starting point to WONDER and not just jump to the next thing. I felt peace during the week and I think that was a gift of the Holy Spirit whispering, "you're in the right place". Maybe I was. Maybe I am. I am more in love with the Good Shepherd and learning much more to trust in Him because if He calls His sheep by name...and I'm one of His sheep, then maybe, just maybe, He calls ME by name. How precious to be able to pass that on to children. I hope I'll do the program justice. Sorry for my scattered thoughts. It's all still coming together.
The presentations themselves were very spiritual, but I was especially feed by the times of prayer and meditation we did as a group.
How has it not! I have come out of this experience with a deeper understanding or my faith through the lens of a child. I feel stronger in my faith and know that I am on the right path.
What Participants will always remember about this course
The great snacks. Oh wait, the beginning where we were asked to leave a stone, which were our troubles and bring a flower which was our good attitude and intentions for the course. And the end with each person brining an item from the Atrium and explaining why they brought it and getting the certificate.
The people of course. The opportunity to meet the most wonderful people. These women, their faith, their dedication to evangelizing, the quality of their talents and works to positively inspire all in their presence. An unforgettable week to keep remembering over and over.
beyond words :-)
That God has a purpose for each one of us and his timing is perfect - the people he brings together for this course are there for a reason and are there at the right place and at the right time even when it doesn't feel like it. The children are the hope of this world, and catechesis is essential. I'm so grateful for the sacrifices that formation facilitators, organizers and catechists make to drive this course forward and make it happen.
The interactions we had along the way.
The feeling of understanding, of opening my eyes to the meaning of this program.
The people
The talk on the cosmic function of the eucharist .
The closing prayer on our last day.
I will always remember all the times I cried from the beauty of the presentations and reflecting on our beautiful faith. I will remember how these presentations touched my own faith life. I will remember the beautiful people that I met and all the witnesses to the amazing presence of God.
First of all, that the Kingdom of God is like a pearl and that WE are also God's pearls. Wow.
I will ALWAYS remember the formation leaders - their commitment and passion to the CHILDREN and the program. I will remember their effort, hard work, and care.
I will remember their humour and their love.
I will remember the participants and their input.
The power of the Word of God.
The amazing women that are willing to lend themselves to this work of the Lord.
Working with alongside others that have also been called to be here. Once you start learning each others stories you come to see that we have been called to work and support each other before we go off and helps our families and others.
What Participants would change
Honestly, nothing.
Can't think of anything.
beyond words??!! :-)
Maybe some guidance as to how those of us in training can support each other in our "practice" sessions. Although I am confident no ill-will was intended, sometimes the words/actions of my follow trainees did not leave me feeling like was I was in safe space while I was practicing.
I think the format worked very well. Maybe spreading out the days because it's a lot of material to process.
I would change the layout to allow the members to go to daily Mass, perhaps together.
Some people need time if they are to present.
Location
There were some presentations in this course that I think should have been in Part A. For example, we did the genuflection presentation during Part B and as this is something we do with the children early on, I think that should be in Part A of the course.
Nothing. I liked the location of the program. (I didn't like the location for Part 1A and the set-up was not good at all.)
Having less presentations in a row.
Start with a general understanding of the liturgical calendar.
Bring a personal journal next time. Reflection is important.
Part 2 - Formation Team and Course Host
Feedback for Formation Team
The course was wonderful, you have inspired me to continue further, so your work was well done and successfully achieved its mission. Thank you and please continue all you do, I'll pray for your good health to keep inspiring many more. I had felt your faith all week and felt mine deepen.
gratitude
I am very inspired and grateful for both formation leaders. As an introvert myself, I can relate to Paula - she brought me so much hope because admittedly I was questioning whether I could see myself being a catechist. I'm so grateful for Susan sharing her years of experience and stories. I appreciated the unique talents and humour of both catechists.
Both Susan Perna and Paula Rush made me feel comfortable. There was no judgement just help and encouragement.
Susan, thank you for your joyful heart, your smaile each morning and your dancing.
Paula, thank you letting your own deep faith shine through in every talk and presentation you gave.
The formation team (Paula and Susan) were amazing! You both were so patient and lovely to have as leaders during this course. I learned so much from both of you. I think you did a great job in leading the course, presenting the material, answering our questions, and in leading us all through this training.
Keep doing what you're doing.
Thank you for your love and dedication to this program.
Blessed are you who do God's work.
Feedback for Course Host
All was excellent.
exquisite, unbelievable
Amazing!
Excellent site. Air conditioning was great. Food and snacks were abundant and healthy. Thank you.
The church hall was lovely, very welcoming.
The hosts were even more so!
Dale and Kim, thank you!!
The site and good were wonderful and I felt so spoiled every day with all the wonderful snacks and the space.
Keep doing what you're doing.
Thank you for your hospitality.
All was good. Keeping the snacks out is also very much appreciated.
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
n/a
Suggestions for Continued Support
For now, my local CGS will likely provide me with all I will need to further my progress and I find out where courses are being offered, so I can continue with my studies.
Ahhh...good question...I do feel alone...need to think more about this...
I feel very supported already. Thank you to all for this beautiful opportunity of formation and ministry.
Perhaps more collaborations between atriums or mentoring or check-ins in cities where we have other catechists might be valuable.
Connect catechists to people who would be willing their gifts of craftsmanship, sewing, etc. I don't know how to build a sheepfold if ours ever breaks! I don't know how to sew an altar cloth. Yes, these can be purchased, but I am...not made of money :)
More resources in French available s'il vous plaît.
A Canadian material making and guide for us.
Keep having opportunities to learn and grow in the Summer. It's the only time I have to enrich and move through the courses.