Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

This week we are in the midst to remembering and celebrating the lives of two of our sisters who have been reborn into eternal life.  They have left us in their bodies, but they are still present among us.  The legacy of their ministry, their sisterhood with us, their uniqueness, and companionship will be with us until the end of time. When I entered the Congregation nearly 10 years ago and experienced my first wake, I was profoundly moved.  I still am - even after having been present for the wakes of many sisters.  We begin our ceremony processing with lighted candles, singing hymns.  After everyone has arrived in our prayer space, one of the sisters proclaims the sister’s obituary usually employing a symbol pertinent to the season and the sister’s life.  During the evening prayer service, after psalms and a reading that speak of the sister’s life, a sister who knows her well will deliver a reflection about her life.  Then ev...

Gratitude is for all seasons! I am so aware of the many blessings in my life. I recently led a weekend retreat at Sinsinawa Mound entitled “Walking the Path of Life: Exploring Life’s Transitions.”  Seven people gathered not knowing one another. Through the grace of God we became a community, able to trust our inner longings and be a support to each other. This was truly a profound time of grace. On the last day we gave thanks for our blessings.  As I reflected on my blessings I had an overwhelming sense of gratitude for my ministry of spiritual companioning and retreat facilitation. There are so many people who have invited me into their hearts and entrusted me with their sacred stories. What an awesome privilege it is to be with people who desire to go deeper. I am forever changed for good. Each of us is called by God and given a mission. We need others on that journey with us who are willing to reveal the movement of God within. What are you discov...