Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

The other night I had an opportunity to have dinner with a group of friends. They lived in one of the Wisconsin State Prisons.  Their chaplain, who is herself an ex-felon, arranged the festive dinner, and we were able to mingle with the men, the warden and the deputy warden like at any party.  It felt so “normal!”  The occasion was to thank US as volunteers, but the truth is that it was a privilege for US! God sent his Son into the world not to condemn the world, but rather to alleviate suffering.   Of course that feels normal!   To be the gracious recipient of such hospitality is the way we are to be known in the world – whether prisoner, guard or guest. We need reminders of this call to follow the merciful example of God. Which means that we need to live with our eyes wide open, because we never know who will offer it or when we will receive such hospitality. Pope Francis got it right – yet again!   In the calendar of events for the...

Sister Felicitas Farrell, OP, was missioned in Fairbanks, Alaska for many years. She loved Alaska and the people she met there. She knew everyone from mushers to school children to those who were going through difficult times. One of her main jobs was in the copy room at the Catholic school, grades K-12. She became known as the “Copy Lady.” Over ten years ago she went to Wisconsin for knee replacement surgery, fully intending to return. However, she died from complications of the surgery, In Fairbanks there was shock and an outpouring of grief for this dearly beloved Copy Lady. Just recently I was able to visit the school where she had worked for so many years. In the copy room there is a bulletin board dedicated to her. Her picture, signs of her Irish heritage and other mementos are on this board; above it is a special certificate she had received, and in the bookcase sit several of her cherished items. After these many years she has not been forgotten. Living life fully ...