What exactly happens at a Material Making workshop?

Our Material Making Workshops provide the space and time to create materials for your Atrium. You go home with what you create!

When you arrive, a friendly CCMA catechist will greet you. Just as in the Atrium, she will light a candle, pick up a Bible, and read from Scripture. This moment of prayer prepares us for the work period while you work on your material(s). After reading from Scripture the catechist will talk about the work being presented for that day and will show what the end result will look like. She will offer a step-by-step breakdown and will provide any materials*, templates or tools to achieve the end result.

During the work period the catechist will go around and offer insight, helpful tips, and can answer any questions you have. Our catechists are friendly and approachable, and want to help you to have a great workshop session.

At the end of the Workshop, you take home your work (for any extensive work that is not completed during the session the catechist will make sure you know your next steps, and you are encouraged to take any photos of the sample materials or of materials within our Atria that will guide you through).

*Materials are provided with registration unless otherwise noted at time of registration.

Who is the presenter or instructor?

We are blessed with talented Catechesis of the Good Shepherd catechists within our community who truly elevate materials. Our instructors are gifted with an eye for beauty and essentiality. Their little variations and hints truly enhance the beauty of the material as well as functionality for the child. Their experience within the Atrium also provides for good insight as to practicality and understanding what will last or at least be less prone to breakage!

Who are these Material Making workshops for? Why should I attend?

These Workshops have been developed based on feedback we have received from CGS catechists and those undergoing formation. Many catechists have expressed a desire to work on materials and gather with like-minded individuals. You should attend if you are starting a new Atrium, have an established Atrium, or have the hope of an Atrium in the future. Our Workshops will help outfit your environment with what you need! Registering and attending these Workshops allows you uninterriputed time to work on material.

Do I need to be a CGS catechist or enrolled in CGS formation to join in these Material Making Workshops?

While you do not need to be a CGS catechist or undergoing formation to join us, the intention for these Workshops are for those formed or undergoing formation in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. These Workshops are not a substitute for formation, and as they are geared toward material making, they will not provide proper context or understanding for working with children.

Usually, those who attend without CGS formation are those assisting a friend, family member, or parish with their material making needs.

Do I need to bring anything with me?

For the most part you just need to bring yourself! Everything is included unless otherwise noted, and materials will be waiting and ready for you when you arrive!

That said, if you have particular favorite tool(s) that you enjoy using, you are more than welcome to bring them for your personal use. We suggest that you label the items you bring with your name.

I don't need the material you are working on. Can I work on other materials during the Workshop?

Yes! Based on feedback we are expanding our Material Making studio time to meet your needs! During the Material Making Workshop you are welcome to work on any materials that you need for your atrium.

This is a perfect opportunity to gather with like-minded catechists and friends. You can also work on material that was presented at a previous Workshop you were unable to attend.

How it works:

1. Register for a Workshop on the date we will see you, so we can be prepared for you.
2. We have materials ready in our Studio Space; feel free to bring what you need or email us ahead of time to check on any special materials you may need.
3. You are able to work on your materials while the scheduled Workshop will be presented as scheduled.
4. Our team is happy to offer tips, advice, and help on the materials you are working on, including on a previous Workshop you were unable to attend.

Questions? Send us an Email! info@ccma-usa.org

What else do I need to know?

We have a Keurig coffee machine and K-cups ready to enjoy a nice cup of coffee or tea. Please feel free to bring any personal snacks or drinks to make your time comfortable. For full-day workshops please bring a lunch or be prepared to go out to purchase one.