Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

October 7th, is the Feast of the Rosary – a special day for Dominicans, and for our congregation at Sinsinawa. As someone who did not grow up in a Catholic household, I didn’t have an experience of praying the Rosary individually or as a family. And I certainly did not have an experience of processions, so I felt like the outsider I was when introduced to these rituals. All these years later, I remember that time and smile. Many others before me have pointed out the similarity between this practice and the practice of praying with beads that is common to persons who are Muslim or Hindu. There is something utterly mesmerizing in the repetition of words that are central to one’s faith. When all else fails, it is good to be able to entrust one’s life to what is familiar. Grace is familiar. At times of uncertainty or fear, birth or death, it can be comforting to remember the lifelong companionship of grace and to give thanks for it. As a hospital chaplain I have accompanied many individua...

Several weeks ago, I decided to spend a long weekend at our motherhouse, affectionately called “the Mound.” The inner voice was quite insistent, so I knew it was time. I returned today from that extended weekend, which was just what my heart and soul needed. Something happened inside of me on my very first visit to Sinsinawa that I’ve never been able to explain. Simply said: I felt as if I had finally come home. That didn’t make much sense, because in no way does Sinsinawa, Wisconsin look or feel like Mobile, Alabama or New Orleans, Louisiana – two places that are my home of origin. But, my heart feels awake and simultaneously at peace whenever I am at the Mound. Being there captivates me and the experience of it all lures me back. So, I go as often as I can and stay as long as I can. We often refer to the Mound as sacred grounds. I believe that is true. It is also a place of great beauty where many of our sisters live and many more return for various gatherings, as they can. There is ...