Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

These 40 days each year can lead us deeper into our selves. That is, if we are awake enough s o it can happen!   The beauty of Lent is that we can predict where we are going. On the other hand, what we cannot predict is what will happen to us on the way. It’s true in life, too. This year the world is focused on the horrific scenes of what took place in Japan recently.   A year ago, the focus was on volcanic ash that disrupted air traffic across Europe . There was also the earthquake in China , to say nothing of last spring’s Gulf Oil Spill. Through it all, the message of the Holy One is an invitation to have faith: we are not alone. “Though the mountains may fall, and the hills turn to dust . . .” Yet love stands !   It is not possible to mouth these ancient words of the Prophet Isaiah, made more contemporary in music for worship, without observing the very real circumstances of so many in our world. This is the result of waking up.   It is what deepens our Lent...

You may have read our mission statement that contains “building a holy and just society”. Have you wondered how? Wisconsin is in the news these days as protesters lend their voice to the rights of State workers.   For weeks women and men, children and students fill the Capitol in and out. Guess what? We the Sisters are there too.   With no habit (uniform) on, we blend in with the crowd to speak to authority. Irrespective of political affiliation, when it touches on freedom of the people, we are among those placard holders in the snow, rain or sunshine and sleeping overnight.   Besides physical presence, we write, email, sign petitions, display bumper stickers, and call our reps.   We use social networking like blogging, text messaging, Facebook, Twitter. We don’t just jump into rallies.   We study the issue to understand the facts; we reflect to make intelligent decisions and take action in line with our Dominican spirituality. Removing the unions’ rights...