Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

Congregation Leaders 2006-11                  Change is a constant in all of our lives!   It seems that this summer especially there’s a lot of change in our congregation.   As usual, there are a lot of sisters who are moving from one ministry to another, one community to another, one stage of initial membership to another.   At the end of this month we will also have a change in congregation leadership.   This happens every five years.   So, all of us at Sinsinawa are in the midst of transition at this time. Congregation Leaders 2011-16 I’m so aware that this time of change is filled with a mix of feelings.  Our hearts are filled with gratitude for all of the blessings we have known….people, experiences, accomplishments, God’s presence with us through it all.   At the same time, there is sadness whenever we, or those whom we have grown accustomed to being in partnerships with, are moving on....

Last night I enjoyed a wonderful reunion and conversation with friends - and I was served a sumptuous meal.   It was a table that was laden with good food and rich wine - and it was a table surrounded by friends and stimulating conversation.  What a delight!  What a gift! It reminded me of all the other times and places where I have been fed - daily meals, festive ones on holidays and special occasions, prayerful gatherings that included eucharist.  Each of these times and places feature memories of the people who surrounded me, the event and the setting. The food and wine featured in these memories isn’t nearly as important as the depth of our conversations. Each time we go deeper it is as though I’ve been fed by those who are gathered around the table.  When someone new is brought into the circle by a friend we practice skills of welcome in accepting that person, and experience a growth in wisdom and compassion. I am blessed!   How about you? Ruth Pooch...