Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

I’ve been humbled again and again in my ministry with homeless women at Transitions in Spokane.   A sampling: Next time Election Day rolls around, vote.   Women, who had previously been denied that right, proudly stepped up and registered in late October, then voted.   When we’re called for jury duty, let’s serve without grumbling.   I’ve met women who yearn to serve for the paltry daily fee.   Sure, that’s probably not the motivation our judicial system wants, but it is a wake-up call, reminding me not to take for granted the many blessings of my own life. Several women had tears in their eyes at Christmas, upon receiving a roll of toilet paper as part of their Christmas gift bag.   Wow. Getting high fives and shouts of ‘you’re awesome’, simply for making Ants on a Log - that snack of peanut butter and raisins atop celery.   I made them because I have good childhood memories of my mom making them; I thought the women might like them,...

One of my favorite ministries is being a catechist for the RCIA program in my parish.    Yesterday we celebrated the feast of the baptism of Jesus, so naturally, part of our class last Friday was spent reflecting on this.  We focussed on how Jesus at his baptism was affirmed as the beloved of God in whom God's favor rested. They all expressed  a longing to be similarly affirmed at their baptism this coming Easter.   As I reflect on my life I realize that I am my best self when I live from this truth about what baptism affirms - that I AM the beloved of God; that God's favor rests on ME!  I am able to risk for justice, to affirm others in their own beloved-ness, and to say yes to whatever God might ask of me.  In fact, the certainty of this is what grounds me as I strive to be faithful to the call to live the consecrated life as a religious sister.   As I read the amazing stories filled with hope amidst terrible injustices, coming from...