Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

Many things to think about, pray about these days. People are sharing the abundance of their gardens-- a large butternut squash, wonderful tomatoes, gallons of maple syrup. “ Bless us O Lord and these thy gifts.” Grateful thoughts come to us as we share an evening meal together. Then we share the wake service of a sister or the talk on the Doctrine of Discovery from our sister, Christin. We ponder together what struck us and what we are to do now. What a blessing to share Dominican community. Where are you being called now--compassionate care for others, joyful singing making hearts glad, teaching a child to read? Each of us is called , vocatur, vocation. As we grow in vocation so also does our vision. In the Sinsinawa community new visions have moved us to take on new commitments together. We have spoken together in corporate stances. RESPONSIBLE GUN OWNERSHIP 2021 ANTI-RACISM 2020 CLIMATE CHANGE 2018 JUST IMMIGRATION REFORM 2013 HUMAN TRAFFICKING 2008 AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY 2002 I...

This has been an unusual and interesting week.  I was called upon by two acquaintances to accompany them to pre-op, surgery and post op appointments, tasks usually taken care of by family members. I have spent quite a bit of time in hospital or surgical waiting rooms.  It’s been a special time to read and reflect.  It also caused me to remember similar events when I was a younger sister.  One woman invited me to be her labor companion.  Unfortunately, I was getting ready to leave town, and so my ministry partner enjoyed that privilege.  Another time, I drove a neighbor to the hospital and sat with her as she filled out the registration form.  “Who should we call in case of an emergency?” She put down MY name. “What is your relationship?”  “Sister” she stated.   Those events confirm me in my call to be a religious sister.  By saying yes to the call to be a Dominican sister, I ...

I just finished reading  At Play in the Lions’ Den: A Biography and Memoir of Daniel Berrigan  by Jim Forest (Orbis Books, 2017). Daniel Berrigan, SJ has been a hero of mine for a long time because of his intrepid dedication to the cause of peace and non-violent resistance. Recalling his example reminded me about the importance of “showing up” to oppose whatever militates against the Gospel in our time. “Showing up” means acting even when it is inconvenient or frightening. Action on behalf of justice can be crushing if undertaken by one person, but a group can make it possible to be courageous and to persist when opposition is strong. Participating in communal action for justice can be truly joyous. There’s another kind of showing up that is more muted but is an expression of the love and caring that we have for those who are near and dear to us. It is definitely a high value in the Sinsinawa community that we go the extra mile (often literally) to attend wakes and fu...