Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

The other day, I wrongly referred to last year’s place of ministry as a day shelter for homeless women.   Why is this wrong?   It’s wrong because putting “homeless” in front of “women” reduces them to a label, a condition, with the result being that their essence often goes unrecognized. Rather, I should have said they are women who are homeless…and who are so much more! How do we label ourselves? Who am I ? I’m a mother, sister, aunt, and friend, a lover of God, people, animals, sunrises and coffee.   I’m a Dominican Sister - specifically a Dominican Sister of Sinsinawa. While each of these partially describes me as an individual, they are part of a much deeper truth that has slowly been revealed to me over the last several years. I am Dominican, which is different than being a Dominican.   Being a Dominican sets me apart as an individual.   Saying “I am Dominican” speaks of essence.   Being Dominican draws me into the embrace of an entir...

One evening a week I have the opportunity and privilege of co-facilitating a group of men currently housed in a County corrections facility. Regardless of how challenging my day has been until this point, I am soon energized by those in the circle. The men who attend “Job Club” have been classified as low risk, have been interviewed by the program director, and are considered capable of successfully going out to work every day. Once a week we talk about situations that come up on the job or as they check in and out of the facility. The hopeful impact of the group is successful navigation of experiences in and outside of the work place. This past Thursday evening, one of the residents asked to speak to me afterwards. This was his last group before being released. We had an incredible conversation; one that I am certain we would never have had without being in this circle together for the past eight months. He has been in and out of prisons and jails for the last 20 years of his...