staff appreciation

International Workers Day

  “The dignity of labour depends not on what you do, but on how you do it.”

~ Edwin Osgood Grower

In many countries, International Workers Day is celebrated on May 1st, to acknowledge the contributions of workers, their gains, and struggles. In the United States and Canada, Labour Day, the first Monday of September, marks this observance. However, the first of May is better known to the Sisters of St. Joseph, as the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, instituted by Pope Pius XII in 1955.  

We Sisters mark May 1st by recognizing the everyday contributions made by our staff whose daily work positively impacts our lives and ministries. On the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, our London staff are invited to join us in the chapel as an occasion to express our gratitude to the entire staff and for our Annual Staff Service Awards. This year, fourteen employees ranging (in intervals of five- year periods), from 10 years to 30 years of service will be honoured. It is a festive occasion with family and friends invited to attend. A moving part of the ceremony centres on each award recipient being personally thanked by one of the Sisters and presented with a gift to mark the occasion. The generous years of each recipient`s service is acknowledged by warm applause from all present. Following the ceremony, an informal reception is held in the dining room.

Amid the enjoyment of refreshments, Sisters circulate among the employees to express their personal thanks and deep appreciation on a one-to-one basis. Our annual service award celebration is an excellent opportunity to offer gratitude and appreciation to the dedicated employees of the Congregation of Sisters of St. Joseph in Canada.

-Sister Nancy Wales, CSJ

IMAGE: John Salvino/Unsplash

Good People Make Good Things Happen

While I enjoy discussing such topics as sports and politics, I would not be a reliable source regarding true facts related to these two subjects. Teaching school has always been most fulfilling for me, but I would never claim to be an authority in Education.  And while secretly, and mostly for fun, I like to read articles and watch documentaries surrounding the mysteries of “The Paranormal”, I have yet to discover any astounding insights into this “realm of the unknown”.

However, there is a topic in which I do proclaim to be an EXPERT!  Yes, it is right here in our own home. We refer to it as our CARE CENTRE. Now while I am far from being a hypochondriac, the frequency of my “stays” in the Care Centre (a “break” here and a fall there) qualifies me to express my observations and feelings. So pleasant is the atmosphere and so complete is the care I receive, that I am overwhelmed with gratitude.

When first built, I believe this Care Centre was primarily designed for Retired Sisters requiring nursing care, but today any of us can approach a nurse, twenty-four hours a day or seven days a week.  A Sister’s problem could be as small as a toothache or as serious as chest pain and still she would receive full attention.  I have yet to meet a staff member in the Care Centre who indicates to me that I am inconveniencing her. Whatever your request may be, the common response is always -“Not a Problem”.

Image: unsplash/Nick Fewings

Teamwork is at the heart of the Care Centre staff. They know each other’s job(s) and can move in and out of all tasks with great ease and proficiency. And all of this is done amid life changing to death, cords being pulled, and phones ringing to assist in another location. The dedication and kindness of the staff, who treat everyone as family, reminds us all how hurts and pains can be absorbed by efficient and loving people who create a positive environment.

It is for this reason that I wanted to recognize the present and past staff of our Care Centre and to express our gratitude to the many good people - who make good things happen.

Thank you.💗.

-Sister Paulette Mellon