06.11.2021

General Chapter 2021 - Preparation

 CSJ - Zoom  training for General Chapter 2021

We are in a time that obliges us to social distance due to the pandemic. As we are caged in our own homes, Pope Francis has come up with an apt message for the 55^th World Communications Day – “Come and see: Communicating, encountering people as and where they are.”

The ICC (International Commission for Communication) paved way towards this message by communicating and encountering people as and where they are through video conference via zoom platform.

As our 30^th General Chapter with its vibrant and richest theme – “Community immersed in the spirit connected with the world” is all set, the pandemic has taught us to go online for some of its sessions. For the smooth running of these sessions, it was must that our delegates acquaint with the modern technology.

This training took place in two phases. The first one was on May 21 for the Asian delegates (China, India and Pakistan) and the second one was on May 29 for the Brazil and Bolivian delegates. The Provincials, Chapter Delegates, Alternates, ICC members, the interpreters Sr. Joana Mendes (Sister of St. Joseph of Lyon, Rochester), Sr. Preeti and Sr. Ieda, the liaison between ICC and General Team were present.

 CSJ ASIA

19 Pandemic might have kept us in social distancing, but ICC brought us closer. It was a rich and wonderful experience to be connected and new learning and updating of our limited knowledge of technology. Looking forward for the gathering of the whole group. Thanks to ICC for this wonderful opportunity given (Sr. Anila Thomas, Provincial, Nirmala Province, India)

It was excellent. Introducing us to various aspects like groups formation (breakrooms) and becoming familiar with various icons such as interpretation, participants, reactions. etc was very novel for us. We deeply appreciate the hard work and effort undertaken by the ICC. It is highly commendable...Congratulations and God bless (Sr. Philo Pichapilly, Delegate, Nagpur Province, India)

The training session conducted by the ICC was a very hands-on experience, with ample time to acquaint   ourselves with the many features of the zoom platform. It was a very interactive experience thanks for conducting this session. (Sr. Sophia Rose, Delegate, Nagpur Province, India)

The zoom practise exercise was very helpful. I had basic knowledge of using zoom but in this session, I learnt many new features on how to manage at global meetings. Besides seeing all our Sisters gave added joy and coordination of languages was well done. Hats off to the ICC group. All the best for our future meetings. (Sr. Deepika D’Souza, Alternate, Nirmala Province, India)

CSJ BRAZIL & BOLIVIA

After the training session with the English speaking Sisters from Asia, it was the turn of the Brazilians. On May 29, the delegates to the General Chapter and alternates who speak and understand Portuguese, gathered for a videoconference via Zoom platform to receive some practical guidance. Sisters Eliana and Laveena, members of the CIC, were responsible for organizing and conducting this test session. Sr. Joana Mendes of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester contributed at this time with the translation from English into Portuguese.

The objective was to train the delegates the use of the “interpretation” options which helps the particpants to listen to the speakers in their own language. Furthermore the sisters were guided on the issues such as renaming, using breakrooms and other different icons which will help them to participate well during the sessions. 

For Sr. Regina Célia this test was “very important and fruitful and for me it was clear how the sessions will be conducted. I appreciate the initiative of the communication team for helping us at this very important moment of our Congregation”.

Sr. Vanda Reis, of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Pinerolo, also participated. About the event, she highlights “for me, the test with the Zoom application for the online sessions of the General Chapter was very significant, because from the instructions received, I learned to use some tools that I didn't really know, it gave me a certain confidence and tranquility in knowing, for example, that when I am relocated to a certain room, I will know how to proceed, favoring practicality in the development of the work. It is noteworthy that the technical assistance and training given by the Communication Team was pleasant and skillful one."