Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

When I realized it was “my turn” to write a reflection for this website, I continued asking the Holy Spirit, “What is it you need me to say?”     The answer came around the table in the Dining Room as I ate breakfast with 3 other Sisters in the community.     In the very act of sharing a meal together, we deepen our experience of community life.  It’s not so much the tales and ideas that are exchanged (although some of those conversations are quite delightful and engaging) or the joys and sorrows expressed as it is our knowing that we are together; and we are supported in whatever happens to all of us and each of us.  During the days of ministry at the Mound and especially when the day’s schedule becomes quite intense, this is the reason I look forward to meal breaks.    Perhaps this is also why Jesus told so many stories about food and gathering with others to eat together. Jesus, being totally human, knew that in the very act of f...

Recent Scripture readings have alluded to Jesus’ intensity and how he excited and sometimes rankled people. His notoriety had a worrisome effect on his family. Recall last Saturday’s gospel:    “Jesus came with his disciples into the house. Again the crowd gathered, making it impossible for them even to eat. When his relatives heard of this they set out to seize him, for they said, ‘He is out of his mind.’ “(Mark 2:20-21)   This kind of effect on one’s family is not foreign to us. We know the topics that are likely to raise the temperature in the room when someone brings up a political or religious opinion that is not universally shared. We have experienced how it sets teeth on edge and changes the mood. With a little luck, someone redirects the conversation and normalcy returns. But we learn the perils of being the perpetrator of such a scene.   How can we have meaningful conversations with our families and others without causing a meltdown? We have just lived throu...

During these COVID-19 days, in our Motherhouse dining room, we are sitting at tables of two so that we can social distance.     One of the results of this is that we are able to have great one-on-one dialogues with our Sister diner.     Today at breakfast I had a notable conversation with another Sister I did not know well.     I asked her what was new in her life.     She responded she had watched the movie “Les Miserables” yesterday.     I inquired what she liked best about the film.     She said – forgiveness.     She recounted that one of the main characters who had injured so many people could not accept the forgiveness offered to him.     Ultimately, he took his own life.       Lately, it seems that the theme of forgiveness is running through so many recent Scripture readings in the liturgy and references to our Constitution.    When referring to Community, our Constitution say...

Every Saturday when I arrive at my first communion class, this little girl runs to the car and presents me with a little note.   I smile every time.  More often than not she gives me an idea for a future lesson!  But I am also deeply touched that she takes the time to write the note, decorate it and give it to me.   So, before I begin the lesson, I sit and converse with her and the others about their lives, how their week was for them, their joys and sorrows, in their families and at school.   It is my hope that taking the time to cultivate real relationships with these kids, and to encourage them in their little acts of kindness and love is providing a model for them to value and cultivate other relationships in a world where, as Pope Francis has indicated, people have become so increasingly connected by the media, yet at the same time confess to becoming so increasingly isolated.   What drives you more in ministry, completing the task or cu...

Someone said to me that “it’s all about the story” but I did not fully understand the deeper meaning of that statement.  I think I do now.  It gradually became clearer as I paid attention to the relationship between the candy dish I, that I keep fully stocked with a variety of sweet treats and the people that visit it.  The office that I work in is located in the main hallway of a small critical care hospital that serves a rural area.  Many of the people take deep pride in “living off the grid” and can be intensely guarded about their lives.  Because of the great location of the office, almost all staff, many patients, visitors, and outpatients pass by.  While not necessarily seeking out a conversation with a chaplain, the candy frequently draws them into the office.  Often, as each person pauses to make a selection, they enter into conversation.  Gradually as they continue to stop by, it seems that they ...

Earlier this week I watched the “Contemplative Dialogue” around the habit that the congregation hosted and livestreamed.  I was unclear what to expect and—perhaps like many of the sisters that tuned-in—felt a tad anxious about how such a charged discussion would go.  The group discussion demonstrated a model of interaction and engagement that was inspiring: of respect, diverse expression, articulate sharing, and unity.  How wonderful to be a part of this congregation!  I watched it with my community, which includes as diverse a set of experiences with the habit as the group of women on the panel.  The dialogue was a success in that it stimulated our own conversation on the topic; we shared our experiences, opinions and perspectives about how, when, where, and what the habit can and does represent.  While we had our share of differences, there was consensus that the habit is a powerful and complex symbol that has multi-layered meanings to us, as women...

As Dominicans, we talk a lot about connections and relationships; and connecting is so much a part of us that most of the time, we don’t even think about it.   Recently, someone asked me what I’ve been doing lately; and I realized how much of my time had been spent connecting with others.   I respond to a lot of emails. I regularly forward useful information or contacts to former colleagues and students.   I check in on Facebook every so often.   I share daily meals, prayers, and conversations with the Sisters with whom I live.   I send a lot of notes, letters, get-well, sympathy, and birthday cards.   I’m often on the phone as well. None of that is surprising since relationships matter to Dominicans. Maintaining connections is part of what we are. But this also made me think: as my wise sister-in-law used to tell her growing children, prayer is an on-going conversation.    She’d tell them that they had to keep that connect...