Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

Last year’s midwest Winter was long and cold, but this year we’ve begun to experience Spring already.   And with the early daylight savings time upon us it seems even more so.   We’ve already passed the “ides of March” and I find myself asking, “How did THIS happen?” I’m one of those lucky people whose schedule is different everyday, and has been for much of my adulthood.   After teaching in a high school (where every day was nearly the same) I set off on a different path.   Now I have to look at my calendar every day just to see where I’m supposed to be! Needless to say, my calendar is very important – and if I fail to mark something down (as I too often do), well, you can imagine what happens… Our lives are busy!   And the older I get it doesn’t seem to slow down.   How about yours?   Have you fallen into the trap of being “too” busy?   Do you take time for just being ? Ruth Poochigian, O.P. Madison WI

We live in a very fast pace world where many people are occupied with their own lives and the challenges of their lives and of their family.  Lent is a time where we are called to slow down.  Take a breath and reflect on what is the condition of my spiritual life and the quality of my relationship with others.  For many people this slowing down may not be possible.  However, realistically at some point in our lives we will have to slow down.  Hopefully it will not be too late for us to then enjoy what is really meaningful and life-giving to us.  Pope Francis in his message at the beginning of Lent states, "God’s people, then, need this interior renewal, lest we become indifferent and withdraw into ourselves...." More importantly Lent refocuses and reminds me that their are many other people who are in some very difficult situations and that they are my brothers and sisters who may need my help.  Personally this Lent has been way too busy for me.  Busy about man