Below are comments from participants in the Seat of Wisdom program that were garnered from anonymous evaluations. [Page 2] [Page 3] [Page 4]
“[I] really enjoyed it!” (A teacher attendee of SS 1-2 on 2/19/10)
The most positive experience of the presentation was … “Feeling Christ’s presence and seeing it become more powerful in my classmates as the presentation went along … Wow! I have a lot to learn! I can’t wait.” (A teacher attendee of SS 1-2 on 2/19/10)
“Well executed; orthodox.” (A teacher attendee of SS 1-2 on 2/19/10)
“It was great! … This was an excellent presentation. Before teaching, I attended Catholic grade schools, high school, and college and I had never been presented with information in such a clear cut fashion.” (A teacher attendee of SS 1-2 on 2/19/10)
“[The presenter] was very interesting and knowledgeable about both Biblical history and art—I could have listened for another couple of hours! I was 100% satisfied. Thank you! I look forward to more classes.” (teacher, SS 1-2, Stoughton, 01/18/10)
“[The instructor’s] style of presenting is very calm. He is undoubtedly an expert on the scripture and Church teachings—it was comfortable and I feel like I learned an enormous amount from him ... I wish we could have delved into each topic even further! … we need more time! :-)” (A teacher attendee of SS 3-4 on 4/22/10 at St. Ann’s in Stoughton).
“[The instructor] was very helpful in explaining and extremely flexible, being bombarded with questions.” My greatest challenge was … “Wanting more” (A teacher attendee of SS 3-4 on 4/22/10 at St. Ann’s in Stoughton).
“I thought it was very interesting and well done” (A teacher attendee of SS 1-2 on 2/19/10).
“Always inspiring!” (A teacher attendee of SS 3-4 on 4/22/10 at St. Ann’s in Stoughton).
“[The presenter] was very knowledgeable yet spoke conversationally with us, not AT us. [Additionally,] the slides are so intricate and intriguing!” (teacher, SS 1-2, Stoughton, 01/18/10)
“Even though it was a lot of information, it was presented in a manner that was easy to understand. It also made me realize that I could use a refresher on the Old Testament. It was very evident that [the presenter] loves what he does! Thank you for sharing with us today!” (teacher, SS 1-2, Stoughton, 01/18/10)
“Keep the classes coming! It has been a long time since I have learned this much in such a small period of time.” (SS 5-6, Bishop O’Connor Center, 10/10/09)
“It is overwhelming the wealth of what we have in Catholicism. [These courses should be] open to all and drag adults to it!” (SS 7-12, Bishop O’Connor Center, 11/14/09)
The most positive experience of the presentation was … “[the] description of art pieces—very reflective! . . . Thanks for all you do! I appreciate it.” (from a DRE/CRE, SS 1-2, Bishop O’Connor Center, 11/24/09)
“I think that the material itself was fantastic—[but] when isn’t an authentic presentation of the Truth? . . . Thank you! This is certainly of great benefit to the Church and those who work for it.” (from a DRE/CRE, SS 1-2, Janesville, 11/17/09)
“I actually learned some interesting facts. I really like the visual of art and the comparison to scripture. [We need to find a way] to get this out, bring others to this program. You always do an excellent job! This was great—I wish I [could have come to other sessions]!” (from a DRE/CRE, SS 1-2, Janesville, 11/17/09)
I especially liked … “the organization and professionalism of [the instructor’s] presentation and demeanor. . . . [he] is awesome! It certainly has moved in me a desire to study more and continue my journey [of faith]. I can’t commend or thank you enough for having the vision to create SOWDI!” (CRD1-2, Bishop O’Connor Center, 12/12/09)
“[The course was] very well organized and easy to follow; not dumbed down, which is very nice.” (CRD1-2, Bishop O’Connor Center, 12/12/09)
“[The instructor was] well prepared. . . . Too small of an audience: this [should be] presented to the Church at large!” (SS1-2, McFarland, 3/2/10)
The most positive experience of the presentation was … “[gaining a] deeper understanding of the historical Church. . . . Wow! . . . [I wish] more catechists would come!!!” (SS1-2, Baraboo, 2/1/10)
The most positive experience of the presentation was … “an intimate and personal presentation. Everything was very effective. GOD BLESS THIS MINISTRY.” (SS 1-2, Janesville, 10/13/09)
“Great presentation. This was the most impactful session of all of the SOWDI and DLI sessions I have taken. . . . [The instructor] gave an outstanding presentation.” (LIF 1-6, Bishop O’Connor Center, 2/13/10)
The most positive experience of the day was … “opening the Catechism—I love learning and I love being Catholic. . . . I want more! I don’t want it to end.” (Evangelization, CAT117, Bishop O’Connor Center, 4/17/10)
The most positive experience of the presentation was … “explanation of reason to support belief in God, and what it is that ‘He’ is.” (SS1-2, Platteville, 1/25/10)
The most positive experience of the presentation was … “[the instructor’s] clear presentation and command of the material covered—her examples really helped me understand on a deeper level several points I have been confused about for a long time. . . . I loved everything about it; . . . I wouldn’t change a thing. . . . Have her do more of these please!!!” (LIF 1-6, Bishop O’Connor Center, 2/13/10)
The most positive experience of the presentation was … “[the] depth of material, [and the instructor’s] references to the Bible, Catechism of the Catholic Church, [and] other Church authorities.” (LIF 1-6, Bishop O’Connor Center, 2/13/10)
“Everything was exceptional. The art [and] teaching was excellent. Thank you for taking the time! . . . [I] would have liked it to go on forever!” (SS1-2, Beloit, 2/4/10)
“[The instructor’s] background information was remarkable!” (SS3-4, Baraboo, 2/8/10)
The most positive experience of the presentation was … “the magnitude of our Holy Catholic Church: each time I hear it, [it] amazes me more!” (SS1-2, McFarland, 3/2/10)
“[The instructor’s] organization and command of the material are amazing.” (CRD5-6, Jefferson, 3/4/10)
I especially liked … “[the] beautiful art on the slides. [The] content was very helpful in preparing me for Adult Faith Formation events in my Parish this coming year.” (CRD1-2, Bishop O’Connor Center, 12/12/09)
The most positive experience of the day was … “experiencing the Holy Spirit.” (Evangelization, CAT117, Bishop O’Connor Center, 4/17/10)
“[I] especially enjoyed the symbolism of the tabernacle. Teaching through ART was great! . . . Very authentic heart in the presenter.” (SS1-2, McFarland, 3/2/10)
“[The instructor’s] intellect is awesome [and] his teaching skills, too!” (CRD1-2, Lancaster, 2/23/10)
“Today’s presentation was the most fulfilling of all because of the content [and] audience participation. . . . This is a powerful day.” (Evangelization, CAT 117, Bishop O’Connor Center, 4/17/10)
“[The instructor] knows [his] material very well. [He is] very positive about our faith. [He has] the love of Christ…which is wonderful.” (SAC1-2, Lancaster, 3/16/10)
“I liked everything; very, very interesting.” (CRD1-2, Lancaster, 2/23/10)
The most positive experience of the presentation was … “that each of us was created in love for a purpose and destiny so we can never be lost as long as our focus is on God. . . . [The instructor] did really well with some heavy-duty topics. . . . Each session just seems to be getting better and better. Thank you so very much.” (LIF 1-6, Bishop O’Connor Center, 2/13/10)
The most positive experience of the day was … “the caliber of the presentations. . . . I love the handouts; something to work with in the future.” (Evangelization, CAT117, Bishop O’Connor Center, 4/17/10)
“[The instructor’s] explanation was given in laymen language. . . . Great presentation.” (LIF 1-6, Bishop O’Connor Center, 2/13/10)
The most positive experience of the presentation was … “[an] in-depth presentation of a very complex topic (but I loved the challenge). . . . Thanks for a wonderful and thoughtful day.” (LIF 1-6, Bishop O’Connor Center, 2/13/10)
“[The course] reaffirmed my faith to a high level. . . . It was great; solid presentation.” (SS1-2, Footville, 1/20/10)
“Everything was great, well organized, [and] presented wonderfully; thanks so much!” (CRD1-2, Bishop O’Connor Center, 12/12/09)
“[The instructor’s] knowledge was outstanding!” (CRD1-2, Bishop O’Connor Center, 12/12/09)
“[The course] covered a lot of information with a purposeful agenda—outstanding.” (CRD1-2, Bishop O’Connor Center, 12/12/09)
“The enthusiasm [and] love of the subject shines through in the presenter!!” (CRD1-2, Bishop O’Connor Center, 12/12/09)
“[The instructor] used good jokes to emphasize the subject.” (CRD1-2, Bishop O’Connor Center, 12/12/09)
I especially liked … “the conciseness, clarity, and passion of [the instructor’s] delivery—wonderful. . . . [I admire] his knowledge.” (CRD1-2, Bishop O’Connor Center, 12/12/09)
“I enjoyed the talk . . . the beautiful pictures [and] the explanations of each. I enjoyed the evening, and [I] hope to attend further talks. Thank you!” (SS1-2, Janesville, 1/27/10)
“The instructor [was] very informed and [gave a] great presentation. . . Excellent!” (SS1-2, Janesville, 1/27/10)
“[The instructor had a] vast range of knowledge.” (SS1-2, Janesville, 1/27/10)
“It was all so informative. Thank you so much.” (CRD5-6, Janesville, 1/26/10)
“Thanks for the great presentation!!” (CRD5-6, Janesville, 1/26/10)
“This has been a wonderful experience. Thank you!” (CRD5-6, Janesville, 1/26/10)
The most positive experience of the presentation was … “[the instructor’s] method of flowing from one picture to another with great meaning. . . . Very well done. Thank you.” (SS1-2, Platteville, 1/25/10)
The most positive experience of the presentation was … “understanding the reason/faith of God—why it’s reasonable to believe. . . . I thought it was very informational.” (SS1-2, Platteville, 1/25/10)
“I heard a new view of the story of salvation history through art and thoroughly enjoyed it.” (SS1-2, Platteville, 1/25/10)
The most positive experience of the presentation was … “learning [and] understanding what happened [and] why it happened. . . . [The instructor] did a great job!” (SS1-2, Platteville, 1/25/10)
“Easy to follow, well timed—amazing everything could fit into the short time period.” (CRD1-2, Jefferson, 2/2/10)
“The handout was awesome. I will keep it forever.” (SS3-4, Platteville, 2/2/10)
I especially liked … “[how the instructor] kept the presentation moving; [it was] very informative [with] great energy [and] great explanations.” (SS3-4, Platteville, 2/2/10)
“Excellent presentation!” (SS3-4, Platteville, 2/2/10)
The most positive experience of the presentation was … “addressing moral issues that too often we overlook or shut out.” (LIF 1-6, Bishop O’Connor Center, 2/13/10)
The most positive experience of the presentation was … “how well read the speaker was—i.e. the many references to philosophers and fathers of the Church. [I] also appreciated her real-life examples.” (LIF 1-6, Bishop O’Connor Center, 2/13/10)
“The whole presentation was a positive experience. I can’t choose any one [point].” (LIF 1-6, Bishop O’Connor Center, 2/13/10)
“[The instructor] is an awesome speaker . . . very understandable.” (LIF 1-6, Bishop O’Connor Center, 2/13/10)
“[The information] was presented well, and [the instructor] makes you understand all the information she knows. She is an excellent speaker and very knowledgeable.” (LIF 1-6, Bishop O’Connor Center, 2/13/10)
“Presenter was very knowledgeable [and] presented in a very understandable manner. . . . Very good.” (LIF 1-6, Bishop O’Connor Center, 2/13/10)
“How great! [The instructor was] knowledgeable, yet down-to-earth in presentation. Great examples!” (LIF 1-6, Bishop O’Connor Center, 2/13/10)
The most positive experience of the presentation was … “a fuller understanding of our salvation. [The instructor] is very good at explaining difficult issues and teachings. . . . Great job!” (LIF 1-6, Bishop O’Connor Center, 2/13/10)
The most positive experience of the presentation was … “learning more about Christian morality [and] what it means to be a good Catholic.” (LIF 1-6, Bishop O’Connor Center, 2/13/10)
“[The instructor’s] presentation is great.” (LIF 1-6, Bishop O’Connor Center, 2/13/10)
The most positive experience of the presentation was … “the implications of social [justice] and the lack of it.” (LIF 1-6, Bishop O’Connor Center, 2/13/10)
“Very animated—[I] loved it!” (SS3-4, Baraboo, 2/8/10)
“I like how [the instructor] tells stories to make it understandable.” (CRD3-4, Jefferson, 2/16/10)
“I enjoyed learning how the Catechism flows.” (CRD3-4, Jefferson, 2/16/10)
“From the Old to the New Testament: this was a wonderful reflection through art—very informative. . . . [The instructor] was a wonderful presenter! . . . Very informational. I loved the art aspect of learning the Bible!” (SS1-2, McFarland, 3/2/10)
I especially liked … “[the instructor’s] examples. . . . He is too good at answering questions [and he is] always willing.” (CRD5-6, Lancaster, 3/11/10)
The most positive experience of the presentation was … “tying philosophy to the Church today. [Everything] was presented clearly. Excellent.” (SS 1-2, Janesville, 10/13/09)
The most positive experience of the presentation was … “viewing the Bible and Church history through beautiful art. [Although] pounding the philosophy [was a challenge], [I] would not change [it].” (SS 1-2, Janesville, 10/13/09)
The most positive experience of the presentation was … “tying the Bible to the teachings and Practices of the Catholic Church. Excellent presentation—thank you!” (SS 1-2, Janesville, 10/13/09)
The most positive experience of the presentation was … “learning and understanding what the Bible is about. I did enjoy this very much. I’m understanding the Bible more and more as I go along in this process.” (SS 1-2, Janesville, 10/13/09)
The most positive experience of the presentation was … “[the presenter’s] knowledge and love of his faith. A very well done presentation!” (SS 1-2, Janesville, 10/13/09)
The most positive experience of the presentation was … “the explanation of the symbolism [in the art]. [The speaker was interesting, and I] enjoyed the overview of the entire Bible.” (SS 1-2, Lodi, 10/26/09)
The most positive experience of the presentation was … “the visual connection of noteworthy paintings used to tell the story of salvation. A great introduction to whet the appetite/thirst for more.” (SS 1-2, Lodi, 10/26/09)
The most positive experience of the presentation was … “the great presentation. Really, really wonderful session!! Lots of information I should have learned years ago.” (SS 5-6, Bishop O’Connor Center, 10/10/09)
The most positive experience of the presentation was … “the whole thing—my heart does burn for this teaching. [The facilitator did] a very nice job—it was great!” (SS 7-12, Bishop O’Connor Center, 11/14/09)
The most positive experience of the presentation was … “experiencing not just [the instructor’s] information, but seeing his model of presenting information to young people.” (SS 7-12, Bishop O’Connor Center, 11/14/09)
The most positive experience of the presentation was … “wanting to read the scriptures more. [The facilitator] did an exceptional job between video presentations. [I] would have liked to listen to more of him if there was more time.” (SS 7-12, Bishop O’Connor Center, 11/14/09)
“Very good notes to review and use for teaching at a later date. Very interesting topic presented well.” (SAC 1-2, Montello, 04/20/10)
The most positive experience of the presentation was … “[the] interesting subject matter. [I was able to develop a deeper] understanding of the Sacraments and how they work through the Church.” (SAC 1-2, Montello, 04/20/10)
The most positive experience of the presentation was … “[the instructor’s] faith, and learning to use the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Continue [this course] as is. Thank you for an instructive, inspiring, faith growing presentation.” (SAC 1-2, Montello, 04/20/10)
“Class was very organized. Everything seems new and very interesting, enlightening, [and] informative.” (CRD5-6, Lancaster, 3/11/10)
The most positive experience of the presentation was … “all of it.” (SAC1-2, Lancaster, 3/16/10)
“This made many things clear to me—thanks. [The instructor had] great knowledge of the subjects.” (CRD5-6, Jefferson, 3/4/10)
“It was all stellar today. Thanks so much!” (Evangelization, CAT117, Bishop O’Connor Center, 4/17/10)
The most positive experience of the day was … “Lectio Divina. This was the best presentation on this subject that I have ever attended. It finally makes sense. . . . Thank you [for] this day.” (Evangelization, CAT117, Bishop O’Connor Center, 4/17/10)
“[The] instructor was very knowledgeable, able to use examples to answer questions.” (The Creed, CRD 1-2, Montello, 3/16/10)
“I really enjoyed the explanation of the sacred art and how it so wonderfully shows continuity of God’s Word.” (A teacher attendee of SS 1-2 on 2/19/10)
“Msgr. was absolutely wonderful. I marvel his knowledge and ability to convey this knowledge.” (An attendee of PR 1-6 on 3/13/10)
“I learned so much and will be going over it more myself.” (An attendee of PR 1-6 on 3/13/10)
“Great teacher / great knowledge, great ability to explain concepts.” (An attendee of PR 1-6 on 3/13/10)
“This class truly deepened my faith life and I believe will help me become closer to Jesus.” (An attendee of PR 1-6 on 3/13/10)
“Keep offering programs like this.” (An attendee of PR 1-6 on 3/13/10)
“[I] loved the religious art and [the instructor’s] explanation of it.” (SS1-2, McFarland, 3/2/10)
“It was all good and interesting.” (SS1-2, McFarland, 3/2/10)
I especially liked … “[the instructor’s] cheerfulness [and] knowledge.” (CRD3-4, Lancaster, 3/2/10)
“[The instructor was] knowledgeable, understandable, [and] thorough.” (CRD3-4, Lancaster, 3/2/10)
“Everything was good.” (CRD5-6, Lancaster, 3/11/10)
I especially liked … “the whole presentation.” (CRD1-2, Lancaster, 2/23/10)
“[The instructor used] good examples from his personal life.” (CRD1-2, Lancaster, 2/23/10)
“The presentation [was] great . . . very enlightening.” (SS1-2, McFarland, 3/2/10)