Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

There is so much conflict and division within our world these days that “lines are drawn” in practically every sphere of our existence, some distinguished by great violence. Divisions span across political ideologies, societal concerns and across our responses as communities of faith. Have we forgotten how to hold the tension of divergent opinions and respectful dialogue? A friend of mine believes that as our human consciousness continues to evolve, we will become more aware of the traps of dualistic thinking. She believes that with our expanding consciousness we will get better at holding the tension and peaceful living. I think she is right and we have many resources to help along the way. Sources of universal wisdom and goodness have always reminded us that prayer and contemplation help to rediscover the spaciousness of God and the peace of God’s grace . This is what our world needs – today and tomorrow. As people of faith and followers of Dominic and Cath...

How many of you remember that line from the movie classic, “Cool Hand Luke”?  Better yet, how many of you can relate to it?  I know I can.  Communication is the bedrock of community.  I suppose that should come as no surprise - both words have as their origin the Latin “communis”, meaning “common” - as in sharing some trait, or feature, or mission.  The structure of both words is also interesting.  The first four letters – “comm” – are followed by “unity” and “unication”, (the latter of which isn’t really a word at all, unless I’m playing you in Scrabble!)  The point is that both words fully formed seem to unite, rather than divide, people.   I recently had a conversation with a couple of valued friends, who pointed out the importance of transparency in our communication with each other.  In my own experience, I know that it’s sometimes easier, less painful, to “talk the talk” of transparency than it is to “walk the...