Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Formation – Portage La Prairie

Portage La Prairie, MB – An in-depth, retreat-like atmosphere of 90 hours of hands-on formation of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level 1 course took place at the Good Shepherd Parish Atrium in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, last March and July of this year. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd highlights essential aspects of the Christian message that nurture a child’s deepest need to love and be loved in allowing the natural inclination of the child toward a relationship with a compassionate, loving God.

The Level 1 formation course offers an orientation to the theological concepts fundamental to this ministry with children. It introduces the foundational biblical and liturgical themes that present to children through a combination of conversation, reflection, and presentation. The course also offers opportunities to work with Montessori methodology in a prepared sacred space called the Atrium, a place where both the children and the catechists can hear, ponder, and celebrate the most essential mysteries of the Christian faith as revealed in the Scriptures and Liturgy.

We are humbled and grateful to have our collaborators in the vineyard of the Lord. We are thankful to the Formation Facilitators, Heather Scublics-Lampman, Winnipeg, MB; Murita Chua, Vancouver, B.C. and Formation Apprentice, Louise Fillion, Ste. Anne, MB. The mandate for this ministry couldn’t have been delivered without your expertise. We also want to thank the hospitality and generosity of Reverend Michael Raj Savarimuthu, Monique Lubkiwski, and the Good Shepherd Parish Families at Portage La Prairie. To all the Catechists from Manitoba, Alberta, and British Columbia, your passion for sharing God’s intimate love with children in responding to the call of this vocation of a catechist is inspiring. Thank you for the time spent and for sharing your stories.

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd’s mission is to support catechists, parents, and others in the Church and beyond as we grow together in understanding the religious potential of children. Stay tuned for the next course to be offered, and save the date for the upcoming Catechesis of the Good Shepherd National Gathering in Winnipeg on October 27 and 28, 2023—details to follow.

If you are interested in learning more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in your parish, visit the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Association of Canada or contact Judith Vasquez at jvasquez@archwinnipeg.ca.