Catechesis, which seeks to ‘reveal in all clarity the joy and the demands of the way of Christ’ (CCC 1697), should include a ‘catechesis of the human virtues’ and a ‘catechesis of the Christian virtues of faith, hope and charity’ (CCC 1697). However, ‘mere desire, or an attraction to a certain value, is not enough to instil a virtue in the absence of those properly motivated acts’ (Pope Francis 2016, Amoris Laetitia 266). Moral education can only take place when there is the strengthening of the will and the repetition of specific actions which serve as the building blocks of moral conduct (cf. AL 266).

This workshop employs the strategies proposed by The Virtues Project™, which is a global and secular initiative offered to inspire the practice of virtues in everyday life. This programme is used to transform families, schools, businesses, and organisations in over 120 countries.

The 5 strategies to be covered are as follows:

• Speak the Language of the Virtues

• Recognize Teachable Moments

• Set Clear Boundaries

• Honour the Spirit

• Offer the Art of Spiritual Companioning

The workshop now covers components to explore how the above strategies [i.e. catechetical method] may be applied in our catechetical sessions using the Disciple of Christ Education in Virtue materials [i.e. content], developed by the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist. Our OFC staff will also provide examples as to how virtues may be introduced throughout the year or when the opportunity arises.

Ms Tan Li-Cheng Nicola-Jeanne

Li-Cheng graduated with an honours degree in Psychology and began her career in the logistics industry. In 2004, after almost 14 years in the corporate world, she decided to venture into Early Childhood Education completing diplomas in Preschool Education and Montessori Studies. She embarked on her “second career” at Cherrybrook Kindergarten as a teacher and eventually served in the capacity of Principal.  Realising the importance of the parent’s role in bringing up children of good character, she completed a Diploma in Family Education and was later certified as a Virtues Project facilitator. 

Today, Li Cheng continues to spend her time mentoring both individuals and couples, as well as running various workshops. She serves at the Church of St Mary of the Angels in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) and Couple Mentor Journey (CMJ) ministries.

Li-Cheng is passionate about the value of virtue education, especially in the formative years. She firmly believes that virtues are gifts that are within each of us, and our goal is to strive to bring them out in our children, in the people we encounter and most of all, in ourselves.

Ms Annabelle Tay

Annabelle has worked for the Ministry of Education for more than 10 years. She has taught in both co-ed and girls’ schools as well as reviewed and formulated education policies at MOE HQ. 

In 2012, Annabelle became involved in The Virtues Project after attending Mojgan Tosif's Facilitators Workshop. Since then, she has led the implementation of the 5 Strategies at CHIJ Our Lady Queen of Peace. 

In addition, Annabelle finds joy and purposefulness in her role as a Master Facilitator from The Virtues Project International, assisting local and overseas schools in implementing The Virtues Project™ in their curriculum. She believes that every subject offers an opportunity for educators to build character and awaken the virtues in children. 

In recent years, Annabelle has also spent time with the Catholic and Special Needs communities, inspiring families to practise the virtues in their everyday lives and to raise children of compassion and integrity in a safe and caring environment. 

Five Strategies For Living Out The Virtues is one of three modules for Foundational Course in Catechesis (FCC), the recommended foundational requirements for all catechists, including Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS), home-based and special needs catechists.

The other two modules are:

• Intro to Catechetical Pedagogy & Catechetical Methods and

• Learning to Listen and Facilitate  

Lunch Contribution Fees: $30.00 (includes GST and 2 days' lunch and tea breaks)

*Please note that the Contribution Fee is non-refundable.  

Participants are required to register to assist us in the booking of appropriate rooms, the printing of materials, the arrangement of tea and snacks, etc. In the event of foreseeable no-shows, we encourage participants to inform the office in advance to help prevent the wastage of resources. Participants may be charged for no-shows.