Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

When is the last time you washed someone’s feet?  Or, had your own feet washed?  Or, in other words, when is the last time you made an effort to go out of your way to do something for someone?  When did you give of your time, your energy, your sustenance? I believe that as Dominican women, living in community, we have the opportunity to live Holy Thursday or wash the feet of one another every single day.  Each day is a chance to go the extra mile, say the supportive word, take the time to listen deeply, forgive, find the humor in a situation, move beyond our comfort zone, or just be ourselves together. I am convinced without a doubt that living in community has been and continues to be in the top three of my greatest, hardest, most joyful and meaningful experiences in life.  So, how will you wash another’s feet this Holy Week? Peggy Ryan, OP Whitefish Bay, WI

How did you spend Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday? I had the privilege of celebrating this sacred time at the Mound. I led a retreat entitled: “Graced by the Paschal Mystery: Dwelling in the Sacredness of the Triduum.” Six people came together, 4 women and 2 men. We truly bonded the first afternoon when we gathered. Perhaps we connected because we all had a common desire to go deeper into the meaning of these sacred events in Jesus’ life. The symbols each day pointed the way to what it means to be a follower of Jesus. We began with the water, basin, and towel and pondered foot washing and service. On Good Friday the central symbol was the cross. We placed ourselves in John’s passion narrative and united our prayers for the suffering people of our world. On Saturday we entered into the reality of the empty tomb that was transformed into the great mystery of the resurrection, celebrated in darkness and light, story and song, water and commitment. Celebra...