Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

Many years ago I came to realize giving up chocolate for Lent was not really helpful for anyone including myself.   I began to see Lent as a time to take up a good habit, to form a new way of being, and/or to learn something useful. At Pope Francis’ suggestion, I am giving up indifference for Lent.   And…I am trying to allow this to be a Spirit led process. Prayerfully, I am asking more questions of myself:   How am I indifferent to needs in my life, in my congregation of Sisters, in the Church, in the neighborhood, and beyond?   What are systemic evils that I choose to ignore?   What systemic evils do I need to do more than I am doing already?   What do I need to learn so that my indifference may be healed? Yes…healed! And will I be patient and trusting in the healing needed? One systemic evil the Sinsinawa Dominicans have called ourselves to face is our own internalized racism - not only personally but importantly as an inst...

Remember when you made or bought a Valentine for everyone in your class?   A little older and it was only for favorites.   And then…?   What was it like this year? For us who are neither what can it mean?   What must Valentine’s Day be like for people who are alone, or worse, in prison?   Valentine’s Day has become inflated beyond its original intent.   It’s become associated with chocolates, flower and cards.    ‘St. Valentine was a priest in Rome who was known for assisting martyrs.   When he was arrested and refused to give up his faith he was beheaded.   Because he was willing to give his heart he was considered true to the God of Love.' It’s easy to say that Valentine’s Day is for kids – or for lovers.   Pope Francis, in his recent encyclical, Laudato Si, says in Para. 228:   “Care for nature is part of a lifestyle [which includes the capacity for living together and communion].” How would you describe yo...