Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

Though I worked early at the Retreat Center in Racine, this was my “Milwaukee Day”: an ecumenical meeting, spiritual guidance, and my “local-community” gathering. At noon it began to snow. We hardly noticed as we, a warm mixture of pastors and laity, ate our bag lunches while floating ideas for our next issue of the Spirit. Someone had brought Judy Brown’ poem “Fire” and we went from there: “What makes a fire burn/is space between the logs…” Gary took notes and played back our discussion in the form of suggestions for articles (we seem to forget this is going to be the result of our enthusiasm). Out into the deepening snow. I slid past the opening to my director’s street, but made it. By 4:30, lots more snow. I called-- yes the gathering of local community (who come from various distances) was still on, so I arrived at Joeann’s but found that the three others had turned back. My good hostess put out warm food and we had a great visit. By the time I left for Racine the snow had subside...

Last week I experienced the sickness and death of a 20 year volunteer of the St. Francis Center. Over the years our shared trips to four orphanages, great conversations over delicious meals she had prepared, her help in acting as a translator for my parent conferences and just everyday experiences allowed me the privilege of calling her a friend. I was inspired by her life and of course, saddened by her death. She devoted so much of her time, here on earth in service to the underserved and economically poor; I believe she resides now in the loving arms of Our God. Still trying to make sense of suffering, death and loss, another volunteer called with the news that she had been diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer and had decided to forego any medical treatment. She believes she will be able to live more fully without such treatments. For the past 9 years, this angel of goodness has brought cupcakes and piñatas to my classroom for every American and Mexican holiday. This is only one...