Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

As I write this blog I am enjoying the beautiful sunshine (and later heat) of a Kentucky morning.  How good God is to give us the seasons to enjoy.  As in our lifetime we also enjoy seasons.  One of the great blessings of religious life is the friendships we develop throughout our lives as sisters to one another.  About two weeks ago I traveled to the motherhouse in Sinsinawa, WI, for the wake and funeral of a dear friend, Sister Jeanne.  I had lived with Sister Jeanne twice and also ministered near her in the South for many years.  She was a person who was not afraid to venture into new territory.  She was the first parish administrator in the Diocese of Memphis, TN, and dedicated to her ministry.  Jeanne was a great cook, had a wonderful sense of humor and always took her commitment to community seriously.  Although not well for a long time she was brave and positive about life. My companion on this journey to wis...

What is calling you to newness this season? The tree out my window, barren a month ago, is now rich with new green leaves. So many seeds buried for the winter are sprouting, and the songs of birds announce hatchlings. Recently I responded to a call to dream and plan with a group that is taking a long look at our stewardship of the land at Sinsinawa, the Mound.  On Memorial Day, Mark Shepard came as a resource person to the group.  His vision of permaculture agriculture helps me to see that care of people, concern for fair distribution of resources and care of earth is one rich piece.  We hope to visit his farm, New Forest Farm, Viola, Wisconsin this summer. (see www.newforestfarm.net ) to see how permaculture might apply to the Mound. The call that I experienced in my youth, to give my life to care for others, and to search for and teach truth  has come together in a new way. We, Sinsinawa sisters, stated our vision and mission for 2011-2016 thi...