Course Evaluations
Calgary: Level 1, Part B
Formation Facilitators:
Registrar:
2025.03.L1B.05
Lynda Catalano
Katy Morrison
Murita Chua
Paula Sabatini
Part 1 - Formation Experience
The Pace
Was beautiful. I felt refreshed and renewed. I had time to build community as I went through formation with my fellow catechists. It was very smart to place the work sessions in the afternoon preventing lethargy. Thank you.
I really enjoyed the pace and the work time in the afternoons.
Great pace
Good pace, I liked the way the days were planned out.
It was very good, we were given the time we needed to soak in the presentations.
The formation was given on a slow pace with the opportunity to have adult reflection about the presentation.
Thumbs up!
Perfect
Reasonable. I appreciated how we had more of a full morning and then a slower pace in the afternoon.
Was good, efficiently went through the presentations. Moving to and from Atrium to the conference room, I found it was a good break to absorb what we learned and be able to discuss it further!
I like the Atrium’s atmosphere and pace that was provided during this course.
The pace was perfect for contemplation and education.
Just right!
The Presentations
I love the presentations. Ms Paula and Ms Lynda were so succinct and stuck to the essential which speaks of years of experience and love.
It was really nice to see the different perspectives of the three learning facilitators- I think there was some discussion generated that allowed us to further understand the point of the Christian message around the presentations.
Some presentations were confusing since facilitators had different styles or some times the presentation was more geared to Level 2 instead of Level 1. I'd appreciate it more if facilitators first aligned on the presentation privately before they showed us.
Wonderful! I liked seeing 3 different styles of presentations, as our formation facilitators each have their own way.
So, so good. I enjoyed the presentation experience.
Each one of them were very sensitive, and visual. On each one of them the comments/corrections were given as part of our formation.
I enjoyed the presentations very much. I appreciate the work that went into preparing to ensure we could experience them as the children would. I few times there was a bit of confusion such as going back by mentioning something missed. It was good that the missing pieces were shared! I am thankful to have received the temple presentation from Lynda in the drive, as that one seemed to get away. I appreciated all the practical life presentations, thank you! I wondered why no mats were used on the tables. I wonder about having practical life in two different areas in the atrium. I liked that we could ask questions as adults after the presentations.
I think the presentations should be modeled with 'children' all the time as you would be sitting with them. More people would have shared and then the adult can experience the presentation from a child's perspective. I was happy to see so many presentations given on the floor.
Very rich and organized.
They were lovely. I appreciated how they were given by different catechists and were spread throughout the day.
The presentations this time felt a little rushed, but I think it was because of the presentation to the adults. Wanted it to be done to their patient level.
I quite liked when it was slower, I felt I could immerse myself more and feel what a child could be feeling in those moments. But it is a lot for us to learn in the timeframe so I understand we want a little efficiency
Presentations were very informative, professional and helpful.
The presentations were all done very well and there was always time for questions.
Beautiful! IF ONLY we could record them for our OWN use
Album Page Writing
I enjoyed writing my album page and look forward to writing many more in the years to come. Very grateful that we have a reference to work with for all presentations
The shared album is so so appreciated. It makes creating our own album so much more feasible.
Smooth process
I would have liked to write a few more together, although it was nice to have free time to work on them.
We were given time during a work period to write, and that was good. I am glad to have a shared website with album pages. I find some of the album page work tricky because of wordsmithing- the instructor didn't like my word "give" and asked me to write "offer". Seriously?
It was helpful to deepen in the presentation given.
Good support when I asked for help. Thank you!
I liked that everyone was responsible for pages and then they were shared. Did they all get written up?
The orientation to the Album builder was helpful. It is such a valuable resource, everyone should use it.
No need to go over items in class that are already on the album builder such as sources and materials unless something should be changed.
Im glad that we were given the time to finish our assigned album page. Album Builder helps a lot and the collaboration of everyone is a big help!
Good. I was able to finish my album page during the course time which I wasn't able to do in Part A. I appreciated that there was "free" time but also a lot of options to work on: album pages, making materials, practicing giving presentations. I used this time for work but it was also good to have time to network and build friendships with other catechists - which I think is also important.
I appreciate there was more help with understanding of how to build our album pages, I appreciate how we are all working together to do them, cultivating community and understanding of how to build our album pages
I am thankful for all the help with album page writing. It is a huge help for our work.
The method for writing album pages in this course was helpful as we got instant feedback for our work and time to make changes.
I like that we were compelled to do this. Thank you.
Practicum Sessions
Were very hands-on with lots of help, answering of repetitive questions and meditative
I likely needed to practice more than make materials- but I appreciate the opportunity for each.
Practicing presentations were ok but tricky for the presentations where there were differences between the facilitators.
Great to have the time for practicum.
I really like making the topo map!
It is wonderful to have the opportunity to be hands on either making materials or practicing presentations. Big thanks to Paula for her help and encouragement doing our materials.
So glad we had time to practice! There is nothing like working with the materials! Thanks for the template for reflection Paula! No stickers required though. I found that surprising in a challenging way.
Great to revisit and practice the materials and get to know new ones.
I felt encouraged to practice this time when I didn't feel ready in Part A. Since we have seen so many presentations, I started to see a general rhythm. I think it was good that on one day during the "free" time we were particularly encouraged to practice - it was encouraging that most people were in the atrium together.
There was good amount of opportunity for us to practice presentations, I liked the encouragement to work with the other catechizers to get other perspectives and insights
It really help to overcome one’s barriers to talk to the group of adults or children.
The practicum sessions were useful for material making. It may be useful to have more instruction on making a variety of materials.
Might help to have folks pair up. More experienced ones with less experienced ones.
How the Course Fed Participants Spiritually
It helped me deepen my love for the Eucharist. I loved the section on the Cosmological discussion of the Eucharist and how we are consecrated to God through Jesus everytime we are part of a Eucharistic celebration. It has deepened my love and understanding of worship and the Eucharist
This course helped me to be much more curious about my faith. It has instilled a sense of wonder for me in something I maybe took for granted.
Fed me with new reflections on different parables and moments in the Bible based on the presentations.
It brought me back to the essentials of our faith.
I come closer to the Good Shepherd on this course.
I had the chance to pray, to meditate in silence and to grow more in a beautiful community.
The deep contemplation of the mysteries, especially the Preparation of the Chalice and the Presence of the Good Shepherd in the Eucharist with people were so very wonderful. I especially noticed Lynda's deep pondering as she sat with the mystery. Thank you.
I felt such gratitude in the ways the parables of the kingdom were presented. I wonder how the children will be different because they know these stories in this way?
I think having a space dedicated to the adult prayer times away from the work and lunch space would have been better. I think allowing more time during these moments would help me to set for the day and reflect at the end. Sometimes it felt rushed. Paula Rush and Annette Witte had a space in Guelph and the prayer time was very rich. We also learned new songs there.
As always, this a retreat for me and a very spirit filled formation. So grateful for this!
Lots of beautiful meditations and take-aways from the presentations. I appreciated starting and ending with prayer. Maybe it can be organized that the Church Proper is open for us during the "free" periods so that we can go there for a bit of quiet prayer time if we wish. There was a lot received in the presentations and talks in the morning and I think that I would have taken advantage of taking my afternoon break sitting with the Lord in the Church.
Also, I understand why Mass is not part of the course. However, I would have appreciated advertising an optional way for Mass to be apart of the day. Personally, I would have been okay with a 30 min lunch or going until 5pm so that we could start at 9:30am and attend the Mass happening in this parish.
Being someone who has consistently been struggling with her faith, this training keeps bringing me to understand who I am, a child of God, and what He is calling me to do… It has helped me open my ears to Him and listen to His word… my heart feels very full and I can’t wait to discover more through the work with the children
It was like constant prayer and meditation.
The course encouraged spiritual growth. The presentations are excellent formation for adults and children alike.
Very well. Thank you.
What Participants will always remember about this course
The presentation on the gift of the Holy Spirit - me asking for a gift and it being freely given , the relationships & friendships forged, the hospitality of Ms Katy and the patience of the facilitators as they answered my questions
Katy as such a wonderful host, Lynda, Paula and Murita and their ability to allow the Holy Spirit to guide them. I think for me to remember to take my time, observe the children, and not rush into presentations.
Presentations related to the Good Shepherd
They fed us great food.
The presentation of the Good Shepherd as Eucharist, it is very touching and visual. And how receptive are all people with the babies in the formation course.
The presentations, the wonderful food, the babies, the friendships and hospitality, and the kindness and patience of everyone.
Everything! Most especially the babies!
I will always remember that the 3-6 year old child is in a sensitive period of relationship and that we should be focusing on simply proclaiming who God is to them at this age. It struck me that I need this as well! My response to the Lord should truly be a response to Him and his initiative in my life.
The people, the women who are called to this, how they’ve been drawn to it, how long they been doing it, their unique connection to God! It’s inspiring and it’s lovely to form a community with a common goal, to serve and foster connection with Him
The spirit of community, presence of the babies with their mothers, respect and polite communication and well prepared presentations.
The Eucharistic Presence of the Good Shepherd presentation
Lynda’s simple and beautiful approach to this whole thing.
What Participants would change
Nothing comes to mind
Nothing.
N/A
Being able to stay later (as my 1a formation) to keep working on materials and album pages and hang out with other catechists. That extra time I had found very valuable to deepen friendships.
while nothing the FF could do about it, there was a VBS going on upstairs, and the teenagers running around was not ideal to keep our environment quiet.
Nothing so far.
Windows
work space area
adult prayer space
veggies at the snack table
Ensure that atrium materials are correct before the sessions... it was a great opportunity to discuss materials though and I learned a lot!
Paper prayer work, like tracing packets, should be on the shelves with the material, not far away in a separate area.
More singing.
Me! There's a lot of room for improvement on my end.
Nothing specific comes to mind.
Not anything comes to mind of what I would change, I know once I gain more experience, I will feel the need to audit a course, because there is always something to re-learn or gain more understanding of
Less time for individual work.
I often got confused with what Murita presented. I think she will benefit from having cheat sheets so big ideas are not skipped.
Part 2 - Formation Team and Course Host
Feedback for Formation Team
I think Ms Marita got a bit confused about the different moments and what is appropriate for a Level 1 or a Level 2 child and that was a bit disorientating
Lynda- it was such a gift to do this course with you. Thank you. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Paula, you are a very clear presenter and really helped us to get to the point of the Christian message. Thank you.
Murita, I appreciate the way you explain things.
Align on what will be presented or taught to the participants first before presenting. There were awkward or confusing moments when facilitators would correct presentations afterwards. I almost wanted a re-do of the presentation so that we can see it done "correctly".
There was an awkward moment around Jerusalem presentation, but other than that, the team seemed to be very cohesive and work well together. I was very impressed with their teamwork!
You are wonderful trainers. May the Lord bless you in your continuous work forming more catechists to touch the life of more children.
The team was always available to help and answer questions. The presenters love for their work with the children shines through. I noticed elements relating to materials, presentations, and Montessori method were sometimes out of alignment or compromised. This was distracting spiritually and also affected my confidence in knowing what to do. Is imposing a deadline Montessori?
What impacted my most about each presenter was:
Murita: joy when sharing her experiences with the children.
Paula: Her sense of humour and the way she highlighted the materials and the words in her work.
Lynda: The way grace and the presence of the Holy Spirit radiated out of her.
By far the best!
What a gift to have this formation team! Thank you for all that you did to be here an lead us in this course. It was a real gift.
I found it a bit challenging that quite a few times the catechists gave different responses to our questions. I didn't find that there was as much gelling between the formation team as last time. (My part A was at Ascension in February.) Miss Lynda often provided reasoning based in the course content for her responses which I appreciated. It seemed to me that Miss Murita is less discerning with her word choice and responses than the other formators.
The whole team was lovely! They all brought their own unique experiences into their presentations and it was so lovely to see different perspectives come in and form back into the goal that Sophia and Gianna had
I was very happy with the content of this course and the way it was presented.
Thank you to the formation team! I appreciate your preparation and guidance.
Lynda and Murita are highly knowledgeable and are so generous with sharing. Paula works so hard it’s infectious.
Feedback for Course Host
Everything was amazing. Ms. Katy and team went above and beyond
It was all amazing! I don’t have room for all the good things to say about Katy. She really looked after us all week and it was so appreciated- we could really focus on our work.
Katy was amazing as usual. We're so lucky to have her hospitality.
Great! Thanks for all the food! Too bad the church closed so early everyday.
The food was amazing , thank you so much!
Everything was well organized, clean, food delicious, coffee breaks amazing. Ms Katy hospitality made me wonder if the course should last 2 weeks instead of one.
The billet and ride was wonderful. Such amazing hospitality. Thank you, thank you!
I am so grateful for being fed lunch, especially because I was not at home during the course.
Katy was always so joyful, helpful and kind!
The food was delicious!
The snacks were abundant. I did find that I could not manage so much sugar though! I offer a suggestion to include veggies in the afternoons:)
Grateful for the hospitality and generosity of Ascension Parish and Katy. The hard works of Katy and other volunteers can never be unsurpassed.
I can't even think about how this could be improved. It was such a gift!
Note: I live in Calgary but I would have been open to hosting/ driving participants. If there is a need, I think it is worth checking if any participants are willing to help out. I would also be willing to help with future courses so please reach out to past participants for help.
The course site has some tricky features, accessing album pages seems to be the main grievance. It’s a lot of different logging in and hard to access
Very, very well organized. Food was excellent, timing perfect, place great and the host lovely.
Thank you so much for the food. Very grateful to the Muroneys.
Part 3 - How can we help you continue to grow in this work?
How Participants Plan to Use Formation
I will work in an existing atrium. I will also use the formation in my own domestic Church
I will use this formation to recruit new families to our existing atrium.
Working in an established atrium. Hoping to use it for my own family members (nephews, nieces)
I'm in the process of establishing a new atrium!
Yes, I will be working in the atrium.
I'll be working in a atrium recently established.
New atrium
I was thinking about these presentations to the elderly. Has that been tried?
I will be working in Ascension Atrium.
In the parishes involving parents and little ones. I find this can be a good tool to educate everyone.
I am hoping to help make materials for my local atrium and to help as a catechist when it works with family life. My main parish doesn't have an atrium and I think they would be interested in having one. I am open to starting one there in the future and will pray about that.
I believe I will work in an established atrium to get my footing, and when I feel ready I will advocate for one!
Continue to work at the established atrium.
I hope to be working in an atrium eventually, right now I will utilize this formation in my work as an educator.
Will be working with an already-established atrium.
Participants Who Would Like to Be Contacted re: Mentoring
Cecilia DMello
dmello.cecilia@gmail.com
Isabel Arteaga
isabella274@hotmail.com
Eileen Dalprá: solutions@eileendalpra.com
I would love to but maybe after a year of solid experience.
Maria Sumalinog-Fawcett mariasfawcett@gmail.com
Suggestions for Continued Support
A monthly newsletter with resources from Canada and USA
Continue to update us with new letters, ect. I really like the podcast.
Create "material" kits: Help us visualize what is needed to create various presentation materials in the atrium. For example, if one was making their own set of materials for the Parable of the Good Shepherd, you would provide a document with: materials (wood, paint), characters (shepherd, sheep, etc), and photos of how it might look.
Maybe regional/provincial gatherings?
Not really. Thank you for offering this course!
Not sure at this point.
It would be nice to have a list of participants and contact info to be able to stay in touch and collaborate.
A workshop on material making.
A monthly or quarterly gatherings with other catechist in the area, if possible.
I think that anyway that we can stay connected with other catechists would be very helpful. I would attend social gatherings with local catechists or further simple formations (like an hour talk by a formation leader or experienced catechist) or even a little book study on a chapter from one of the texts. I think that would provide a great opportunity to discuss CGS and to support each other in the work.
An annual retreat for catechists would be nice.