The Preparatory Course

In the Preparatory Course you speak primarily about topics of interior life, stressing always the asceticism proper to the Work: sanctified and sanctifying work.

The Professional Courses

Those who have finished the preparatory course move on to the Professional Courses. These are distinct from the doctrinal apostolate the members of the Work ought to carry out in their personal capacity, both individually and in public or private associations of a professional nature. The objective of these Professional Courses is to provide those who attend them with basic Catholic principles for specific current issues in the religious, social and professional spheres. These criteria should also be given to our friends as a part of the Study Circles in the St Gabriel work, so that they can, in turn, pass them on in their own gatherings and environments.

In explaining the different topics, you always have to consider your listeners’ level of understanding and even adapt the subject-matter to the group you are dealing with: students, employees, farmers, labourers, and so on.

Better not to take notes

It will be prudent to let the boys or girls know that there is no need to take notes during the classes, or in other means of formation. And if they do take them, that they should give them in afterwards. That way they become accustomed to not carrying around notes on spiritual things or matters of conscience. Moreover, you avoid the possibility that someone unknowingly writes down something erroneous and afterwards attributes it to your teaching.

If they are particularly struck by some point and they want to know more about it, you will very willingly give them the guidance they need and recommend some book that will deepen their understanding of the subject.