Retreat for (aspiring) formation leaders in the method of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, October 23-25, 2024 in Lisieux France
With a group of over 25 catechists of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd from different countries (France, Netherlands, Belgium, United Kingdom, Poland, Canada, Portugal, Norway) we were guests for days of reflection at Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face in Lisieux. A wonderful tour of the Lisieux Basilica showed the connection to the catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Stained glass windows showed Psalm 23 in relation to other narratives from the Gospel. In the center above the altar, Jesus the King looked down on us with Mary his mother and Theresa of Lisieux on either side; sheep walked in front of Him. (I wonder who those sheep can be?)
In the crypt we gathered for Eucharistic Adoration and were able to entrust our intentions to sisters who will pray for them in the coming year.
Beautiful and familiar to share with each other how the Good Shepherd binds and leads us so that with the children in the various atriums we can grow more and more as disciples of Jesus.
Several lectures were given through which we are more formed as catechists.
Adult Formation and Education
Sister Theresa Anne Knuth stresses the importance of approaching adult learners with respect for their experiences, self-directed learning and diverse backgrounds. She lists five characteristics of adult learners – life experience, relevance, a slower pace of learning, self-directed learning and diversity – that formation leaders should take into account. She also identifies five adult fears (failure, judgment, inadequacy, expectations, self-limitations) and stresses the importance of a safe, welcoming environment.
Montessori Principles in Adult Education.
Maria Montessori’s ideas on exploration, orientation, order and communication are applied to adult education. Leaders should encourage engagement by giving participants space to explore topics independently before formal explanations. Time should be set aside for movement and personal reflection, keeping learning accessible and interactive rather than lecture-based.
CGS Methods: Spiral and Parable Approaches
Rebekah Rojcewicz discusses the spiral method, in which catechists revisit essential themes over time so that understanding can gradually deepen. She also explains the use of parables and emphasizes that Jesus’ own indirect method of teaching encourages personal discovery. This approach aligns with Cavalletti’s idea of “de-schooling,” aimed at developing relationships rather than pure instruction.
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is not religious instruction but religious formation.
Identity and Formation of the Catechist.
Rebekah Rojcewicz outlines the personal qualities needed for formation leaders: a deep love of God, appreciation for mystery and respect for adults as learners. Formation leaders are encouraged to remain active in the atrium, to study continuously and to remain faithful to the CGS tradition. She also describes the process of discernment, in which leaders can further explore their vocation to this work.
The days were intense and flew by. What a gift to be able to attend this retreat!
We parted in gratitude under the protection of the Good Shepherd, His Blessed Mother and St. Therese to each continue to grow in her own atrium as a catechist and -Deo Volente- formation leader.
The Netherlands, December 2nd 2024
Ingeborg Kleemans