Official Newsletter of Teachers in Sandals Fellowship
Inaugural Issue
March 2011
Start from the Very Beginning Teachers in Sandals Fellowship conducted its very first gathering with the founders and prospective members during the Orientation Meeting on Friday 18 March 2011 at the Newman Hall, Waterloo Quadrant, Auckland, New Zealand. Fr Sam Pulanco, Auckland Catholic Tertiary Chaplain, opened the meeting, with a sharing: “There will be occasions that each of us will be asked to make the opening prayer or give a reflection. Oftentimes, we are unable to effectively deliver, as we have not been trained to do it. „Teachers in Sandals‟ is the forum where we are able to practice and develop such skill not just in leading in praying or in sharing reflections, but in non-religious occasions as well like job interviews and making presentations.” Bro Mel B Libre, Lead Servant of TawagAwit and founder of Teachers in Sandals Fellowship, gave a brief overview of the ministry stating that it “aims to spread God‟s Word through teachings and other acts of love.” To do this, he said, “One has to develop public speaking skills with fellow Catholics.” During the open forum, participants gave positive feedback. Among the responses were: “The name „Teachers in Sandals‟ is ideal as it has biblical reference, unlike „Teachers in Jandals‟ which will be limited to New Zealand. I agree that our mission should be universal.” “There is little chance for us to develop our speaking skills in the university due to the large number of students. Thus we are limited to listening. This ministry is an opportunity for us to speak.” “With the topics in the programme, we will be able to do research about our faith, and share our understanding with others.” “(This ministry) is different from others, as we are able to talk about our faith freely with brethren.” “I volunteer to be part of this ministry.” Twelve attendees signed up to join the Teachers in Sandals and agreed to meet for the first Teaching Night on Friday 8 April 2011 at 6pm at the Newman Hall, Waterloo Quadrant, Auckland. The meeting is open to all, students and professionals.