Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

My life is rich. Dominicans are grounded in prayer, study, ministry, and community. I am grateful for all the ways I am enriched through these essentials of our life together. Presently I am engaged in ministry as a spiritual companion, retreat facilitator, care giver, and a hospice volunteer. I also minister with our sisters as a manager of our Westchester Apartments in Illinois. I am living our Dominican mission of proclaiming the Gospel as I preach and teach with my life. I am participating with others in the building of a holy and just church and society. I am so aware that the four essentials are interconnected.  There is a wholeness to my life. My experiences as a Dominican are deepened through prayer, study, community, and ministry.  I realize that these are not unique to professed Dominicans. Our life together is grounded in these essentials and we consistently and intentionally reflect on how we live these out.  I am able to faithfully live these wit

. "Rest Easy.  Your reservation has been confirmed."  Coming across this saying led me to reflect upon my ministry at the Divine Mercy House, a Christian maternity home for single expectant women. I remember being asked “what kind of ministry interests you?”  My first thought was “women and children,” I didn’t know in what role or area.  I knew trusting in God, all would come to light when it was time.   How did I know this? It is trusting in God that led me to enter Religious Life. When I read Jesus’ call to Matthew “Follow me” (Mt 9:9-13), I think of my vocation call.  I, like Matthew, didn’t know where this would lead.  In  time, I learned to be patient and to trust…God will provide the confirmation you are where Jesus has called you to be. I have been called and blessed to journey with, single women who have chosen life for their baby and need help during this sacred time of life.  I wish I could say I found my ministry, but it found me.  Just as my ministry ha