Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

"Whenever the divine favor chooses someone to receive a special grace or to accept a lofty vocation, God adorns the person chosen with all the gifts of the Spirit needed to fulfill the task at hand."  St. Bernardine of Siena I came across this quote recently and I thought it would be a good one for me to keep on hand during this year that has just begun. When I am chosen to lead a group or undertake a project I often have to deal with my fear, especially the fear that I don't have the skills to do what has been asked of me or that I will fail. At times like these I am thinking only of my limited, human abilities.  This quote reminds me that if I am chosen then I don't have to rely only on my own gifts, but that God will give me all the resources that I will need.  But I must be open to God's grace and to trust that I will receive all that I need to accomplish the task I am given. Then I can proceed with great confidence! Fear, begone, and let God's g...

As this new year begins I ponder the possibilities around me. The good news is that I have options and for this I am so grateful. My life is a series of blessings from God; living as a Dominican Sister I have options regarding my ministry, where I go and what I do. I have options on how I choose to live in community, hopefully participating and enjoying life with my sisters and accepting care for them as needed. My life in Waukegan has enriched my awareness of the needs in our immigrant community and the option I take here is to assist them in their journey to become citizens and not reject them. “I was a stranger and you welcomed me…” Mt. 25 Jesus in his wisdom speaks so clearly of or societal needs and the option for a person of faith. What are your options as you begin this new year? Kathleen Long OP Most Blessed Trinity Parish, Waukegan, IL