Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

Last weekend I had the privilege of participating in a silent retreat given by Br. Richard Contino, OSF. In his Long Island accent, he tied together the three components of Lent (prayer, fasting, almsgiving) with the three vows (poverty, chastity, obedience) in the context of the three days of the Triduum. Not only was this a new look at the vows in a different context, but it allowed me some much needed quiet space to rest and reflect. I was able to fill up my emotional and spiritual tank through journaling, meditation, reflections and yes, some extra sleep. I had heard that the Novitiate would be full of new experiences and also extra time for quiet. Well, I think I have come to rely on our morning communal contemplation, shared morning and evening prayer and our quiet time for reflection. During the past couple months both my schedule and the personal work that is expected of me have picked up speed and so I needed that quiet even more. The four days on retreat gave me time an...

These words seem to jump out of my mouth on just about a daily basis. I’ll be engaged in conversation at the Art Center where I work, at meetings, or with friends over dinner, and somehow, I am mentioning one of my sisters who is engaged in a particular ministry, or ministered in a particular place. My intention is not to boast, but I suspect my pride is obvious. As Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters, we are involved in so many vital and interesting things, bringing new life and hope to young and old. Often, part of my story will mention how much my sisters have loved a particular location where their ministry took place. Usually, there are clear elements of struggle and joy to be found in my stories of my sisters. Always, the hearers are gratified to know of the work we do, and to know more about who we are. They usually tell me how lucky I am to belong to such an inspiring group of women. I smile and agree. Ann Henkel, OP Mobile, Alabama