Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

This is the message of Easter.  The Risen Christ takes whatever needs to be changed or modified or transformed in our lives and comes out of the tomb to offer us a fresh start.  He comes out of the tombs of our old behavior, of our doubt, of our mistrust, or of any type of reliance on false gods or securities with a new way of being for us.  We all rise with Christ during the Easter season.  Each of us is renewed and reenergized. As Dominicans, when we make our vows, the Prioress (which means one among equals) will pose this question to us:  “What do you ask?”   And, each sister answers with the same response, “I ask for the mercy of God and yours.”   What an incredible promise we make to each other - mercy!  It is no wonder that the Old Testament prophets said that mercy flowed like a river.  To live mercifully means to live believing in the newness of Resurrection.  Just like the Risen Christ’s renewing spirit, we renew and reenergize ...

One of the many blessings of Dominican life I am experiencing here with our Sisters in Westchester is the hospitality and sense of belonging we extend to one another in community. Recently, I returned to the States, having spent 3 wonderful years with our Trinidadian Sisters. Since I have returned, I have experienced a community of Dominican women who enjoy living together, praying together, sharing meals and supporting one another in our common mission to preach and teach the Gospel. I believe our life in community fuels us for mission. It's not just a matter of doing things together. It's the commitment we make to be present to one another, to open ourselves to knowing and loving each other each day. That takes commitment and willingness to BE for others. I invite you to reflect of the relationships you sustain in your life. What common threads keep you together and enable you to celebrate your connectedness with family and friends? Sr. Patty Rinn, OP