Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

Many of us learned about grace as children from our catechism classes. In those early years, the rules for losing grace seemed clearer than those for obtaining grace. We always knew we needed to be in the state of grace, just in case we would suddenly die. We could even store up grace for ourselves and earn grace for those that had already died. Then came Vatican II, and it gave us a new view and language for grace. Even now though, it is still difficult to understand. I would simply share what grace is for me. Grace gives me a new freedom, and self-knowledge. It is a source of strength during the times in my life I cannot explain or understand: death, illness, love, and friendship. I believe I have received God’s loving grace though everyday common events. I have especially felt it when working with the economically poor. The donors, volunteers, client families and our school families have opened my eyes to grace all around me. These common everyday experiences leave me filled with gr...

As a member of a couple of other blogs, the one thing that I notice that seems different to me about this blog, in comparison to others, is the seemingly “one-sidedness” of the information or sharing. I guess I am wondering, “is anyone out there?” J Is the information that is being shared engaging? Are there other topics that would better stimulate dialogue? What topics in particular would stir comment and invite conversation? I guess what I am really hoping for is some guidance on how to make Catherine’s Café an even better place to be. I would enjoy “sipping” from your insights, comments and responses. French Satiric moralist Jean de la Bruyère (1645-1696) offered the following insight, “The great gift of conversation lies less in displaying it ourselves than in drawing it out of others.” Another quote, (James Nathan Miller), which rang true for me goes like this, "There is not such thing as a worthless conversation, provided you know what to listen for. And questions are the b...