Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

Last weekend I enjoyed celebrating the Diamond Jubilees of 26 women. The festive celebrations, with colorful decorations, and joyful music, and delicious food created an atmosphere of “jubilation.” Smiles were contagious along with well wishes and lots of storytelling. This time last year I was busy sending out invitations for my Golden Jubilee. I am so glad I am on the other side of my jubilee. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed my jubilee very much. But, do you ever realize the deeper meaning of something after you have experienced it?  Jubilee is a year-long celebration. It has its roots in the Jewish tradition. (Leviticus 25:8-12) A year of jubilee was announced with trumpet blast and was heard throughout all the land. Every fifty years marked a jubilee year. It was a consecrated year when all debts were forgiven. The peoples were set free. Jubilee is a fresh new start.  The tradition of jubilee is alive in our Judeo-Christian lives. Women and men religious honor...

July is for picnics, fireworks and family.   In my youth, I felt God calling me to be part of a big family.   This July I am thinking of my family that includes: ·       -   a Chinese woman who we quizzed on civics questions, as she prepares for her citizenship interview ·       -   a friend who, with one of our sisters, is spending time making her Hogan in Navaho country more livable (We stayed home to dog sit.)          - men and women of EXPO (Ex Prisoners Organizing)      -  my blood sister’s family, where we share great stories of today and yesterday. A New York Times article Sunday, July 2 caught my eye.   “Wary When Alone With Worker of Opposite Sex? Join the crowd.” By Clair Cain Miller, who made the question come to life through a survey of 5,300 people. As a Dominican Sister who has made a permanent commitment to God through the gift of celibacy, I f...