Dec 11: In an exciting move, the Office Staff of the Schools of Northern Province had a skill building cum retreat at Sahodaya School Complex in New Delhi. This idea was prompted by Sr Jyoti, the Provincial Superior, and executed by Sr Chantal, the Coordinator of Pastoral Apostolate of the Province, this opportunity unfolded a rare chance to the Office Staff to become aware of themselves and thereafter to build their personality and Secretarial skills.
On First of December evening 22 office staff of Bathinda, Barnala, Ludhiana, Karnal and Solan, attractively decked in winter dress ready to work on updating themselves. The warm welcome extended by Sr Chantal warmed them up further in a chilly weather. Ice breaking games melted their strange feelings and everyone started interacting with each other.
December 2nd started with a Nature Meditation conducted by Sr Reshma. An interesting and informative session on Office Ettiquets by Sr Grace Maria enabled them to understand the importance of conducting oneself in a pleasing manner with dignity and honesty, dressing elegantly and modestly, using the magic words please, thank you, sorry and the like, of carrying a note pad and pencil and noting down the works to be done, listening attentively and conveying messages accurately, being aware of the body language and many more similar points. Office staff is the ambassador of the school.
Fr Stanley, a media person from Delhi, made a clear distinction between love, sensuality and sex. He distinguished between the nature of a man and woman showing how women look for lasting relationship, where as men can be otherwise. An office staff always has to work in a team and be aware of the four stages of team formation- Storming, Forming, Norming and Performing.
The day was made more beautiful by the sightseeing of Delhi. For all of them this was the first visit to Delhi and Lutyen’s Delhi astonished them.
The third day was a day of discovery as each of them closely encountered their own self through a session on ‘I am a Gift’ conducted by Sr Helima, the Provincial Councilor.
One of the most widely used word is Love. At the same time it is the most misinterpreted word. Speaking on love, Fr Sandeep from Burari in Delhi said that Love is not mere feelings, understanding emotions, addiction, attraction or infatuation. Love means to do good. Love at all times is at the service of others.
The stay of the office staff in Delhi was indeed a manifestation of love from Fr Vincent Crasta, the Parish Priest, Fr Balraj, the assistant Parish Priest, Sr Suda and community at Hauzkhas, Sr Chantal, Sr Helima, Sr Grace Maria, Sr Joyce, Sr Acquiline, and Sr Amrita Tete.
Sr Grace Maria
Northern Province
