Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

If you’ve read any of my previous blog posts, you know how much I love returning home to our Sinsinawa Dominican motherhouse, “the Mound.” Christmastime 2011 was no different. The lingering memories of this particular visit are the gifts of music offered for liturgy, community prayer, and gatherings of celebration. Supporting and celebrating the arts are part of our Sinsinawa Dominican history – another facet of our lives that is central to who we are and how we come together. At different times during the 24 hour period between Christmas Eve and Christmas evening we heard solos and duets performed by sisters of different ages, ethnic backgrounds, and ministry experiences. Instruments included voice, cello, violin, viola, flute, clarinet, piano, organ, string bass, and recorder. Our ensembles of choir and hand bells delighted audiences as well. The Sacred Scriptures are full of references to music. And we definitely make joyful sounds ...

For 21 years I have been an associate of the Dominicans of Sinsinawa.   That means I have made a commitment to living their mission and spirituality within my life style (as a married woman) and that I stay in relationship with Sinsinawa Dominicans sisters and associates.   It has been my privileged to witness that beauty and strength of the women of this congregation and their life together.   I admire: - their commitment to serving those with the most needs, and their willingness to give up so much to do so.   - their love   of each other and the way they gather around each other during the good and bad events of their lives. This happens even after troubled times when they have hurt each other deeply. - their study and discussions as they plan for the future. I have attended several chapters during which they make decisions about their life together and their mission focus.   The dialogue goes o...

Sr. Eileen Quinn teaching at St. Dennis School, Madison, Wisconsin, this spring.