Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

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...

When I think about where I was at this time last year, I'm amazed both by how my life has been transformed...and also by how familiar it feels.  Early last March, I was freshly recovered after a 4-day hospitalization and month long leave of absence from my job after getting hit by a car while riding my bike.  I was beginning the last month of a 7 year career as a disaster recovery consultant and everyone I knew was asking me if I was having second thoughts about "leaving my life behind to join the nuns."  I had some second thoughts, it's true--but since arriving at the Mound last summer I haven't once regretted my decision to become a Candidate with the Sinsinawa Dominicans. Now I'm in Atlanta: living in community, reading the Old Testament, studying theology, deepening my prayer life, reconnecting with old friends, participating in Just Faith Ministries, and riding my bike all over the place!  On the one hand, the familiar, secure life that I'd estab...

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 d...