Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

In my last blog, March 15, I wrote about my passion for being a life-long learner. Then my learning experience took a sharp curve with two pandemics—the corona virus and the 400 year deadly racism virus. The blatant killing of Mr. George Floyd on May 25, 2020 set the world on fire. We cannot and must not ignore the urgent cry for justice. Learning, for me, now focuses intensely on this deadly racism virus. Over the past two weeks our sisters shared articles, videos, took part in teach-ins and dialogs about “Where do we go from here?” (Oprah’s question).  Our congregation made a public statement expressing our outrage, sympathy, and solidarity with people of color. We stand on the side of justice for all. On June 8 th  Joan Duerst, OP wrote in her blog about ways she has engaged in action for justice now. Our congregation’s commitment to being anti-racist and multicultural has reignited our resolve. Learning is not always enjoyable. Bryan Massingale, SJ has put a “fi...

How sad we have been!  In the midst of sickness and death of the pandemic, we saw repeated over and over again the murder of Mr. George Floyd by those who are named peace officers.  Three Dominicans share community where I live .  Gratefully in the midst of such sadness and stay at home challenges we can also make one another laugh. We reflect on scripture together.  Share articles of interest.  Come together for wake services and Mass that are live streamed from the Mound. We take turns cooking and pray together. We mourn with those who are mourning and speak out for justice with those who are protesting. For a number of years the Sinsinawa Dominicans have supported me in the work I get to do to advocate for change in the criminal justice system with another community called MOSES (Madison Organizing in Strength Equality and Solidarity.)  Then there is the parish community with which I share scripture study each Friday. I am...