When did you last attend a course where the participants were invited to lunch and could not be dragged away? I could hardly believe it myself, except that it did happen. Bhí mé ann! (I was there!) Still more surprisingly, it was a computer course! The event in question was a training day in the Iontas Centre, organised by the communications team of the Northern Province. The weather was not its most friendly, strong gale force winds had persisted from the previous night, blowing many of the newly-erected election posters to the ground. As we approached Castleblaney, some well-known faces stared up at us from below, on both sides of the road. Dead leaves swirled against the window panes like birds in broken flight and the wind and rain combined to seriously test our enthusiasm and stamina!
Srs. Barbara Lamb & Perpetua McArdle
Ten brave Sisters arrived and were greeted warmly by the new team: Veronica, who has sojourned on the mission of communications for the last fourteen years and her two newly appointed team-members, Freda and Chris – all ably assisted by the competent and helpful Geraldine, from Provincial House, Clogher. After a delightful cuppa and freshly baked scones, we were well fortified and relaxed enough to face the computer! Judging from the air of concentration during the first half hour, it was obvious that many of us had much in common. We were mostly beginners! Some of us had made various attempts to grapple with the new technology with no great sense of success or confidence. For many of us, being able to accomplish some of the most basic of tasks still remained a challenge! Was this going to be another of these days?
Srs. Mary O’Connor, Joan McManus & Mary Delargy
For myself, I didn’t even notice when that anxious feeling left me. The morning session entitled “Finding your way around the mercyworld.org website” became an adventure, and full of interesting discoveries. Chris took us through the procedure with a combination of powerpoint and hands-on practice on our PCs, at a pace that made the experience growthful and enjoyable. Geraldine, Freda and Veronica hovered around during the practice-session helping each individual with her particular need, and before long, we were immersed in the riches and wonders of the mercyworld web! We were amazed to discover the resources available to us about our Foundress, our history, our worldwide ministries, the many resources available, and the latest explorations of our mercy spirituality. That exercise was followed by a specially prepared handout inviting us to repeat the same exercises on our own, again with the support of the back-up team. There was no rushing on, and we were all free to learn at our own pace – the perfect antidote to our inhibitions about the computer! We had a sense of adventure that not even the call to lunch could distract!
Sr. Fiona Traynor, Margaret McConalogue, Sheila McKenna & Mary Patricia Lynn
The afternoon session was similar. Geraldine led us through the mercy@live newsletter and soon we were navigating the various sections of the members’ area – without even a hint of seasickness!! We learned how to “upload” and “download” – again both in theory and practice – and best of all, we came away with a step-by-step guide about how to do these exercises at home! Again, home time stole up on us and it was time to face the elements once more. I did so with a much greater sense of “can do” and a determination to take the time to practise these amazing skills that really are not as testing as one thinks. I enjoyed the day and felt energised by the approach taken to us as adult learners. It you get the chance of another such day, Sisters, I say “go for it”! It will open up a whole new world for you into the future! Many of those who participated in the training are willing to share their learning, in small steps, with others who have not been able to attend. Go néirí an bóthar libh!! (‘May the road rise with you’ or ‘best of luck’).
Srs. Mary Patricia Lynn & Sheila McKenna
Margaret McConalogue rsm
Northern Province
