Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

One of the things I’m currently involved in is serving on a non-profit board for SISTER House, which sponsors and mentors women who are transitioning back to society from jail, prison or court-ordered AODA treatment.  The women live in community, in Oxford Houses, which (unlike Halfway Houses) provide democratically, self-run, safe and sober living.  SISTER House opened the first Oxford House for women in Madison, and now there are three houses for women, along with the six for men.  Oxford Houses have a governing body for their 1,500 homes in the USA and four other countries, providing more than 150,000 sober beds. As a board member, I am committed to their monthly meetings. In addition we take turns attending their required, weekly house meetings.  Sounds a lot like convent life, doesn’t it?! Last week we co-hosted the State Convention for 21 Oxford Houses in Wisconsin.  I learned so much and met some wonderful people!  One was James M...

I’m sure you’re familiar with Mary Oliver’s question, “Tell me, what is it that you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” from her poem,  The Summer Day.   Recently, I've had the privilege of visiting with our sisters in Jacksonville, Florida and Trinidad.  I have been inspired by variety of choices my sisters have made in answering that question.  In Jacksonville, five women live in community and support one another in the ministry for which each has passion.  Maureen, in retirement, is a powerhouse of volunteer activity for peace and justice.   At Divine Mercy House, Priscilla supports young women facing an unplanned pregnancy with little or no help available to them.  Beverly uses her many skills and talents as part of the administrative staff at Holy Rosary Catholic School where she nurtures students in academic excellence, faith development and commitment to service.  Elizabeth, hers...