Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

How do we mend the gaps and reweave the fabric of our society? That is the question at the center of this summer’s Nuns on the Bus tour/pilgrimage which covered more than 2,400 miles to meet with individuals, families, and communities in 13 states, 23 cities, and both the Republican and Democratic conventions. Being a part of this endeavor has been the most profound experience of my life and I am sad to leave this loving community of sisters.  We grew together as we gathered for prayer each morning and cried listening to the stories of ordinary people who cannot make “ends meet” because of lack of transportation, low wages and no affordable housing. Along with the great suffering and growing inequality in our country, we met people who inspired us with their commitment to peace and justice.  In Terre Haute, a convent has been turned into a homeless shelter for women and local houses have been donated and rehabbed where these women have begun a new life surrounded by supportiv...

A couple weeks ago we participated in an event for the youth and young adults of the Archdiocese.   Religious and Priests were asked to set up booths around the perimeter of the auditorium.  The energy in the room was high, the music was electrifying, and the 2000 or so who came were charged!  We shared a booth with two other congregations, the Dominican nuns of Rosary Monastery and the St Joseph of Cluny Sisters.  Presence!  For all of us, this was our main motive for being there. There was a friendly camaraderie among us.  It was obvious that even as we were promoting our various congregations there was that sense of being in this together.  At one point we even crossed over into each other's space, explaining to the many young people who came, about one another's life and mission.  There were no competitors that day, only friends. The harvest is indeed rich but the Vineyard is the Lord's; we are mere laborers.  Lord o...

Snow encirled my car.  Later a well known Objibwe woman would be addressing a conference banquet.  I had learned there might be tickets," first come first serve. " So I trudged to the conference site to be "first." Not only did I get a ticket, but was offered a ticket which was paid for!   While snow tempted me to go home, I knew (thanks Holy Spirit) I was meant to be there. After the talk I introduced, myself to Patty Loew*, and mentioned, I am a Sinsinawa Dominican. I was so warmly embraced and greeted, Thank you to the Sinsinawa Dominicans, who have been such good friends to the Native people of this state.  I know well the work that your community did during the boat landing violence during our treaty rights struggle back in the late 80s.   miigwetch Like most I like to take credit for individual accomplishments, but in that moment I realized that being Sinsinawa Dominican was much more than just being Joan. How do we rejoice not on...

This is the season of giving thanks!!   On Saturday those of us who had been in membership ministry during the past twenty-six years gathered to honor and thank our secretary, (who was with us over all those years) Mary Ellen Schonhoff, as she retired.  Over those years, she knew all of the women who were welcomed into the congregation during those years while also working with 50 of us who were involved in the ministry!  That’s a lot of people!! It was touching to hear and read the many tributes to Mary Ellen in the memory book that the current Relationships for Mission team put together – that’s what membership ministry is known as today in our congregation.   Through it all, the many changes in name and personnel Mary Ellen was gracious and present to every person.   She understood that this ministry is about relationship and held the office together over all those years. Ritualizing significant moments in our lives is important.  How have yo...

A few weeks ago we turned our clocks back an hour.  That meant we had an extra hour.  What should I do with that extra time? One of the assignments I gave my class of high school students one year was to write an essay on whether or not they would like an extra hour added to their day, and if so, what would they do with it.  After they thought about it almost the entire class concluded they did not want an extra hour added to each day.  They thought they would probably only waste this added hour. What I learned from reflecting on this question is that time is a gift, and that God has given me enough time to do whatever God has intended for me. I don't need another hour, except for that one day a year when daylight savings time ends.  The time I have each day is sufficient and I hope I use well the time I am given.  The extra hour?  I can't even remember how I used it. What are your reflections on time? Marie Lucek, OP ...

Last week I fell sick and shortly after, so did the sister I live with.  All ministries for the week had to be cancelled.  Well, that never happened!  Ministry continued in reverse!  It was a time to receive.  I received phone calls and emails; some visited bringing fruits; others brought medicine; some supplied soup, juices and coconut water; others came by to water the plants;  some offered to take us to the doctor while others provided home remedies; one wanted to bring over some paw paw leaves to make paw paw leaf tea!   Another was more specific suggesting a recipe - take the baby pawpaw leaves, crush and squeeze them to extract the juice, and have a tablespoon every 6 hours or so.  I did try the tea and I did eat some crushed pawpaw leaves.  Not bad actually!!! As I write, the virus   lingers and I am not still not 100% well but surrounded by such care, I  am  experiencing a strong sense of wellbei...