Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

A key word from today’s homily at mass was “life-giving.”   Advent is the season of being open to Christ. It is a time: to be, to receive and to recognize those things that are “life-giving”, that lead us to Christ.   Sometimes we can miss Advent all together and lunge into the busyness and the consumerism that has been associated with Christmas.   As my school semester comes to a close I reflect on the “life-giving” women who have been my classmates at Oblate School of Theology. The women are few in a majority of men studying for the priesthood. The women in the school have been so life-giving in my studies and spiritual life.   These women have families, husbands, jobs and are faithful to God.   In spite of their full lives, they have said “yes” to study Theology.   I will be inviting these women for a small closing semester advent prayer/social gathering at my home because this is the season to celebrate and recognize those people/things who have been “l...

This is the time of year I must practice intentionality and discipline, otherwise my life could imitate one that is too busy and perhaps unfocused. I find myself juggling many things these days other than balls, fruit, and other moving parts jugglers entertain us with. So, I periodically pause to spend time reflecting on my life-choices and take deep breaths. The fall school semester is quickly coming to an end. A December that included final projects and papers appeared as a distant future, back in September. The women with whom I minister in jail seem to be increasingly emotional these days, presenting all sorts of challenging behaviors and lots of tears. (Understandably, they want to be some place other than behind locked doors during the holiday season!) The approach of Thanksgiving fueled a strong desire to spend time with my family of origin. So, I decided to sandwich a visit home (to an affectionate family, southern-creole food, story-telling, lots of laughter, and rest) betwee...