Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

Within the past several days alone, I have had a conversation with a single mom of 4 who has been newly diagnosed with physical and mental limitations that render her unable to work and worried; one with my biological sister about the controversy over the removal and relocation of Confederate monuments in New Orleans; one with a resident in a correctional facility who will likely face homelessness when he is released; one with a fellow coworker of color about unconscious bias and a situation that happened at work; and another this past weekend involving sister-friends about our Dominican identity as preachers in the 21 st century. These are just a few. There is so much going on these days and so much to talk about, including some things I am taking a break from! The past several weeks and months have been particularly full of questions and serious conversations that deserve deep listening – conversations of the heart. I am grateful for the people with whom I have had them. Some...

This weekend I was blessed to gather with a group of Dominican sisters- those who are in temporary profession and our companions.  It was a rich weekend, full of heartfelt prayer, genuine sharing, and plenty of laughter. Our weekend was enriched by some unexpected guests - a mother duck and her 13 offspring who were living in the courtyard of the convent where we were gathered.  Throughout our weekend, we would spot the ducklings waddling after their mama, bathing in a small water bowl, and having their fill of the birdseed that had spilled underneath the feeder. The ducklings were the center of attention!  Their wagging tail feathers and small peeps brought smiles to our faces all weekend, and their activity consistently drew passers-by to pause at the windows and watch a while. These little ones, by their mere presence, inspired happiness.  They invited anyone who glimpsed them to slow down and delight in their presence.  It was an invitation I ...