Seventeen leaders from seven sponsored ministries and province departments gathered virtually from all parts of the Atlantic-Midwest Province for the New Employee Orientation (NEO), offered on Tuesday morning, November 9th and Wednesday afternoon, November 10th.
Receiving high praises from past participants, the NEO is an initiative of the Provincial Council and implemented by the Department of Ministry Services in collaboration with the SSND sponsored ministries. Sr. Charmaine Krohe, SSND, Provincial Leader, offered words of welcome Tuesday morning and closing remarks on Wednesday afternoon.
Participants prepared by watching a three-part video on SSND mission, ministry and values; leaders engaged in four animated conversations exploring the following: Blessed Theresa and Mother Caroline, Working for a Religious Congregation/Sponsored Ministry/Province Department, AMSSND Ministry Values, and “One” SSND: Ministries and Evolving Educational Vision and A Spirituality of Work. Leaders learned about each of the sponsored ministries in the Atlantic-Midwest Province, while sharing how they each live out the SSND mission and charism in their respective ministry.
The leaders appreciated the opportunity to form community virtually through prayer, reflection and conversation. On both days, the orientation concluded with a closing ritual, led by Sister Maria Iannuccillo SSND, Provincial Councilor. Leaders took part in a contemplative moment and were invited to finish the statement, “I have heard a call to…” The closing ritual was very moving, each supervisor having the opportunity to express their sincere thanks for their new employees’ presence and send them forth. Commenting on their experience, one participant expressed, “The different motivations and callings the different members of the SSND community experience showed me that I am part of something bigger and that my job is more than a job – it is part of a mission.”
