Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

This week the university where I minister is celebrating graduation.     And, it is also the week in which the United States celebrates Mother’s Day.     I saw so many ties between these two events in the past few days.  Students remembering and praising their mothers (and fathers and other family members) for the love and support they received.   Gratitude, study, and the sharing of life with another are examples of what we are called to as followers of Christ.  It is dates like graduation and Mother’s Day that remind us of the gift and privilege that is ours when we pass on what we receive.   When we allow the hope and grace and goodness that we are filled with to overflow onto and into the lives of those around us.  The Catholic Worker Founder, Dorothy Day, said, “the best things to do with the best things in life is to give them away.”   This past week I saw such great examples of what our lives can...

I am a star gazer.  There is nothing more stirring than the summer night sky full of stars.   I relish in those rare opportunities offered to see the sky without artificial light.  Peering into the night’s sky, I am moved to wonder.   As Dominicans, God’s creation, at any time of year, calls us to reflect upon our vision.  How wide is my own understanding of God?   The American theologian, Ilia Delio, asked in her book,  Emergent Christ (2011) , “How deep is the divine mystery for us? (138)  Am I open to the interrelatedness creation invites?  Being willing to participate in the furthering of truth, beauty, and goodness, is co-creating with God.  Even in the midst of a pandemic, when we are locked down and missing so much, each day offers us a number of opportunities to share in and spread the generous giftedness through which all flourishes and grows.  We can actually turn ...

Recently, our country experienced one of the most devastating floods in its history.  In three days 250.2 mm of rain fell!  Many homes were inundated with water.  Numerous families lost everything as flood waters rose to as high as 7 feet in some areas!  But almost instantly, floods of relief poured in.  Persons heroically braved the weather and the water to rescue those trapped in their homes using every which way imaginable.  Others in the private and corporate sectors provided free goods and services for the victims of the flood, to a degree that far exceeded the level of the flood waters!   How hopeful I became when I saw goodness, truth and beauty shining out in the faces of the thousands who came out to help their fellow citizens in a time of need.  A little girl wondered what a saint might be. One day her mother took her to a great cathedral to see the gorgeous stained-glass windows with scenes from the Bible. When she saw th...

Floating on Lake Michigan   Saint Dominic is known for his dedication to community, prayer, and study.  He is also known for his deep sense of joy.   Joy is a characteristic that both comes naturally and must be cultivated. Especially now!   I believe we have a gospel imperative, a mandate if you will, to be joyful.   And, I don’t mean Pollyanna.   I mean full of humor, with a leaning for fun.   Joy delights and finds goodness all around.   Joy seeks laughter.   It is contagious.     What gives you joy?   Is it a good book?   Is it the company of treasured friends?   Is it a magnificent sunrise?   Is it a delicious treat?   I find joy in anything to do with water.   Some of my happiest moments throughout my life involve swimming, or just being in water.        Being a joyful person allows you to bring joy to others.   This is an ingrained Domi...