The reception of a CGS certificate from a formation course is not the end of a journey but only the beginning of one which will be nourished through observation of the human person and by continued study alongside companions on the journey. Auditing formation courses, reading and researching Dr. Montessori’s understanding of the human person, attending ongoing formation events and connecting with fellow catechists will all be of help in this process. Reading and refining album pages, studying the CGS Core Texts and additional reference materials, and working with the CGS materials themselves will also be key. Observing the children in one’s own space and also making time to observe in other catechists’ Atria are necessary components to this process as well. It is important to keep in mind a vision of the ideal Atrium environment, a place of prayer fitting the developmental needs of the children it serves, while also continuing to be patient with the way the present moment is playing out! The one teacher is Christ and while we work to prepare and facilitate the Atrium for Him we cannot forget that He is the one who is constantly and consistently inviting each child (and adult!) into relationship with Himself by way of a strength more powerful than anything we could possibly imagine.
Perseverance:
Perseverance, another virtue closely allied with patience can be defined as "patience concentrated." Through the practice of perseverance one is able to keep sight of the goal no matter what the obstacle. This virtue assists one in learning from failures and mistakes and helps to fight the disappointment and sense of failure some situations and certain individual children (or groups) ignite in the adult. Sometimes the best way to persevere is to ask someone to walk with us, helping us to remember the beauty of this call we have heard and are attempting to follow. Who walks with you, as a catechist? Is it your assistant, a fellow catechist, your spouse or a friend who recognizes the beauty of this work? Take time this week to list some of the beautiful moments you have experienced in the Atrium. Share these with a companion who has walked with you on this journey and invite that person to share “pearls” with you as well.