FRIENDS OF THE ASSOCIATION
Helping children draw nearer to God
What Does it Mean to Be a Friend of CGSAC?
As a Friend of the Association, you help nurture programs that reach children, families, and communities with faith-based support. Your involvement strengthens our mission and ensures our work continues to flourish.
A friend of the association is an individual or an organization - who is committed to the work of the association supporting the formation of our network of catechists and course facilitators. Friends demonstrate their support by becoming monthly donors of $20 or more. This provides the association with a critical and sustainable donation source.
Support
Community
Faith
What is the difference between a Member and a Friend of the Association?
A member is highly engaged in the association i.e. as a Catechist, a Course Facilitator, or serving on the Board of Directors or on a Working Committee of the Board. Members have access to CGSAC resources, can register for courses, are invited to events and are voting members of the Association. A friend is committed to the work we do and supports us financially but doesn't necessarily want to be engaged in the day-to-day work of the association.
What do I get for being a Friend of the Association?
It starts with knowing that you are making a difference in the lives of young children served by CGS catechists in our parishes and schools. You will receive a tax receipt for your donation. You will also receive 2 publications from us annually:
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Fruit of the Vine – An annual sharing of the work we do and the impact it has on the lives of those we serve.
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Annual Report – A brief annual report of the difference your contributions are making.
Your Impact in Action
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Support programs that bring children closer to faith.
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Enable community projects and educational initiatives.
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Help grow the reach of CGSAC’s mission locally and globally.
What is the impact of different levels of giving?
$20 / month – provides a partial tuition scholarship for a catechist to serve children
$35 / month – provides support for a course facilitator to mentor an apprentice for a year
$50 / month – provides a full tuition scholarship for a catechist to serve children
$100 / month – provides support to form an apprentice course facilitator for a year
How are the friends' donations used?
Our organization is run entirely by volunteers; we have no paid staff. 90% of the funds raised go directly to the support and formation of catechists and course facilitators as well as a scholarship fund for those needing financial assistance to participate in courses. We also maintain this website with resources for our members.
Becoming a Friend is Easy
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Sign Up: Fill out the short Friends of the Association form.
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Stay Connected: Receive updates on programs, events, and initiatives.
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Make a Difference: Support through volunteering or financial contributions.
* Note: We manage our donations through Canada Helps, so you will be redirected there. Please ensure you select the Friend of the Association option.
Questions About Joining?
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Sacred SpaceAn atrium is sacred space. It is set apart for children so that they may grow in their relationship with God. The environment is specially prepared to nurture young children in the Christian faith. It is less of a classroom and more of a place of communal contemplation and worship.
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Where can I find an atrium?An atrium can be prepared in a church, school, or home. Search for an atrium near you.
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How much space is needed?About 400 square feet of dedicated space is optimal for an atrium, but smaller areas work fine given a little bit of organization and imagination!
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My parish does not have a room to dedicate for an atriumShared rooms have been used effectively in many parishes. Movable cupboards that can be closed and locked are often a solution. It is a good form of evangelization for the rest of the parish to glimpse the religious life of the children.
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