Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

Does that not seem like a simple question?  Yet, each time I am asked, “Where do you live?”  I hesitate.  Currently, my home is in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  I love this city!!  And, our Motherhouse, the home of every Dominican Sister of Sinsinawa, is located in the Southwest corner of the state, on County Road Z.  We call it God’s country!! But, the fact that I have two homes is not the real root of my hesitation. For Dominicans, our home is first and foremost in the grace-filled and spacious heart of God.  Wherever we are, with whomever, we strive to be at home.  Home means being deep listeners and faith filled prayers.  Home means being totally open.  Home means deepening our inner awareness.  One place where I feel so at home is in my studies.  I am studying theology.  I study about God.  It is amazing and stretching, eye-opening and mind boggling.  And, of course, a never-ending process!...

Reading the title for my blog offering may have you wondering…”What??!!”  If you were ever captured by a photograph that gave you ‘pause,’ took your breath away or taught you something about the world beyond your known concepts – then this title just might capture your imagination. I am taking a digital camera class this Fall.  I have a good SLR that is a few years old but I don’t make use of all the features, so now I am re/learning. Because of the assignments, I am purposefully noticing the world around me, taking all kinds of photos and not worrying about ‘good’ or ‘bad’ shots. And I am finding it a spiritual as well as a practical experience.  I am stopping myself from rushing.  I am noticing color, light and shape.  I’m looking at the world large – and – the world small.  I am taking time reviewing the photos – deciding what to bring to class.  And I am making ‘friends’ with the camera! What might be activities in your life...