Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

This year I have been part of a study circle with one of our new candidates.   Five Sisters join her in exploring topics related to our vowed Dominican life. We gather via skype from both within and beyond the US. The six of us, while knowing each other in various ways, are getting to know each other through these unique conversations .   While the primary purpose is to study with the candidate, we really approach our times together for each other, careful to not make the newbie feel like there is a big spot light shining on her.   I am grateful for her freedom to explore the questions that arise for each of the topics as she engages not only us but many others who are touching this special year for her as she discerns religious life. Being invited to participate in this study circle I know deepens my vowed life.   I trust that is true for each of us.   I also suspect that as we go into the future beyond this process, we will know we have knitted together deeper bonds with each ot

This is a big week for me, and I hope for the students at Edgewood College…  Several of us from the area have been asked to be companions for them at their BUSY PERSONS RETREAT.  A college student is busy! However, the message I want them to hear from me is that as busy as they are, they are never alone.   God cares!   And God’s care does not have to do with an individual’s achievements, which is what students often fear.   It has to do with their hearts. It also has to do with the level of doubt they have – about their ability, their looks, their friends – even their faith, about all kinds of things.   But faith depends on doubt.   It is what keeps us honest as we pursue God in the midst of our busyness. So, pray for us this week!   Pray that we can listen together to God’s care for us. When have you experienced God’s care? What do you doubt in your life, and how can it lead to faith? Ruth Poochigian, OP Madison, WI