Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

When I was a sophomore in high school a sister invited me for a walk, and we sat down together at a shrine of the Sacred Heart. She began to talk about her relationship with Jesus and shared her deep faith with me. Later she continued to invite me for more walks and her sharing encouraged me to want to know Jesus as a person in my life. This eventually opened me to the desire to become a religious and give my life to God.     Helen Marie Raycraft , OP

Three songs describe the discovery of my call to religious life. In grade school: "No, No, a Thousand Times NO!" In high school: "Going My Way?" In college: "You Are My Sunshine." The idea of a religious vocation was always in the back of my mind, but I never "wanted to." Shortly before college graduation, it became "I want to WANT TO."   I had been taught that we should develop whatever talents God has given us. Early in my life, I liked music and mathematics the best.  I enjoyed being able to keep them in my studies.  I attended Catholic schools, taught by Ursuline Nuns (8 years) and Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters (8 years).  Prayer was a daily routine at first but became more important to me as the years progressed.   It will not be the same in someone else's call to serve God. One of our popular hymns these days says it all:  "Will You Come and Follow Me?"   Sr. Rosa Rauth

When I entered the Novitiate, conformity, uniformity were the themes of the day. No casting of the eyes. Hands under scapula. Little sleeves had only one purpose, not to be used for dusting pianos! Particular friendships were frowned upon. It was 1902, no, 1964.   The rolly polly pope, John XXIII, had just opened the doors of the church to experimentation and ecumenism. What a breath of fresh air it was for many of us.    Time has changed us. Seasons have nurtured our vision to embrace a global world deepening Cosmically our Contemplative spirituality.   Our soul's field has and is being tilled and composted by pandemics of every sort. Sexism, racism, inequality, politics, lies, cover ups, climate change, division and abuse rage while the Institutional Church remains almost mute.   As Sinsinawa Dominicans, we have taken visual and active stances against these wildfires of rage and displaced power.   Now it is time for harvesting. Just as Vatican II opened doors, we are unhinging ou

The song that best describes my call to religious life is   Amazing Grace . I never felt I had a call to religious life, despite some Ursuline and Dominican Sisters having suggested it to me. So how did I end up here?  First, I had started a novena to the Mother of Perpetual Help because they always did that novena at my church, Holy Names in Omaha, NE.  My intention in making the novena had nothing to do with discerning religious life but was to ask for help in finding me a job because I was just graduating from college at the University of Omaha with a degree in Home Economics and a minor in Education. I was praying to the Blessed Mother to help me find an appropriate job.  As I waited for the bus to “the U”, a young man passed me at the bus stop. He could see that I was going to the University, and I could see by the stack of books in his car that he was, too. He offered me a ride so I wouldn’t have to take the bus. One morning, he had his car radio on, and I heard an ad from the Ai

The day I professed my final vows I remember so clearly. It was Thanksgiving Day in 1965 in the church in Janesville, Wisconsin – St. John Vianney Parish. I had taught in the school for five years and was given the opportunity to affirm my vocation in that parish. Our Provincial, Sister Regina Kelly, OP, received my vows. My family, my Dominican community, and the parishioners celebrated with me. The parishioners provided a reception after the Mass. It was a most memorable day for me, and I remember it every Thanksgiving Day. Lynn Lisbeth, OP 

This past Thursday, on November 4 th , we celebrated the 215 th  birthday of our cherished founder, Samuel Mazzuchelli. Reports of celebrations came in from far and wide.  Of course, the Motherhouse and skilled care centers had a special Mass and dinner.  Our colleges and high schools reported special events as well.  Here at Dominican University, we had a study day and cake.  Doesn’t get much better than that!!! An Italian Dominican, from a wealthy Milan family, he came to this country at the age of 22, just a few years after entering the Dominican Order.  Father Samuel preached a gospel of radical inclusivity.  All found a friend and good listener in our brother.  As his sisters, to this day, we feel a closeness and bond to our dear founder.  He left us a legacy of tireless service, deep prayer, and a joy for life.  This is our prayer for him, for ourselves, and for our church.  LORD JESUS, you called your servant, Samuel,  even in early youth, to leave home and all for  a Dominican

When I was in first grade in Oak Park, IL, I was first attracted to the Dominican Sisters who lived across the street because of their smiling faces and cheerful dispositions. These attitudes continued inside the classroom and beyond. It occurred to me that the joy that came from those sisters may have been a sign of God’s call to me. 60 some years later, here I am! I stayed this long because, no matter what has happened in my personal or communal life, that joy never diminished. Mary Margaret Pazdan, OP