Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

Recently I was part of a Zoom sharing on what elements of life-giving Dominican Community we are currently experiencing,  Of course, everyone mentioned praying together, eating together, sharing household tasks and showing care for one another. Study was mentioned, too, either together or sharing what one has learned with the other members. In addition, I shared my experience of living in a multicultural, intergenerational community. Two of us are older and two are quite a bit younger. We find it enriching to learn from each other as we share life together. The younger members are so considerate of our limitations, but we older members are able to contribute quite a bit to our common life.  One sister is from Vietnam, so as she is getting to know our culture we are getting to know hers. We pray the Our Father in Vietnamese each night and we are treated some days to Vietnamese-based meals, such as spring rolls with peanut sauce. Artwork from Vietnam adorns our walls an...

One joy of blogging on Catherine’s Café is reflecting on the other blogs.   So here goes it! Have you participated in any cultural exchanges lately? I enjoyed celebrating the 5 th anniversary of a local pastor, who not only is a great preacher, but also a recently elected judge in juvenile court. “Children must not be shackled when they come to this court!” he recently declared. The pastor who gave the sermon at the event is another great preacher, who preached that the preacher also must heal his/herself of his/her own pain and sin.   “Preach till the chains fall off! He proclaimed in his black preaching cadence with his Lutheran pastor soul. How are you aware of God's presence in your life? As I participated in the above service, I let the beat of the drums and the harmony of the hymns penetrate my heart and soul.   (I am not good at clapping and so my body kept still).   But God was there.   It was a God moment as I sat there 2.5 miles from whe...

Being a Dominican means being open.   I find this openness a great gift.   Being a guest and witnessing another culture’s traditions widens my tent poles and calls me to new truths.   What a privilege.   When I fail to be open to a new idea or another’s way of life, I feel it.   I have to admit that I sense my judgmental nature.        Recently, I attended a dance recital by a Mexican Folkloric Dance Troupe.   It was spectacular - full of color and music and joy.   I was aware of experiencing something ancient and deeply rooted in a people’s love for God, for nature, and for each other.         Jesus walked with openness to others everywhere he went.   He taught us how.   Our Dominican lifestyle offers our world this reflection of his compassion and mercy.   Each of us has the opportunity of being the healing presence our Earth so badly needs right now. How about you, ...