Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

Community “The search – for self, for wisdom, for love, for truth, for justice, for God – is strenuous and unending.   We need good companions in order to persevere in it.   In good company, in a community of conviction, the quest never loses its relevance, its urgency or its savor.” -   Kay Ashe, OP These words by Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Kay Ashe have been a source of much reflection for me lately as I continue through my candidacy year.   I find myself surrounded with “good companions” with whom I share not only vespers and meals, chores and groceries, cars and bank accounts, but also deeply challenging and deeply beautiful moments.   As someone who works directly with immigrant children, the national news has been deeply disturbing.   On a personal level, I have grieved some losses of loved ones in past months.   In the midst of this, life in community has been a source of genuine support, encouragement and growth.   “We hav...

“Do you have to cut off all your hair?” “Can we still hang out?” “Will you be able to go visit your parents?” “Can you keep your Facebook profile?” “Will you be allowed to host parties?” These are some of the questions I have been asked since I announced my decision to begin candidacy with the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters.   For the record – no, I don’t have to cut off all my hair, and yes to the other questions listed above!   As apostolic women religious we don’t seek to leave the world but to be salt and light in it.   Entering religious life is a significant step which shifts my priorities, but it does not mean leaving behind who I am or leaving behind people I value.   My relationship with God (nourished through communal and personal prayer) and my relationship with my sisters in community are of vital and fundamental importance.   Yet my relationships with family, friends, and colleagues outside the congregation remain strong.   ...