Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

What can simplicity mean in this complex society and multi-cultural world in which we find ourselves? The Scripture readings just talked about women who gave food and money to others when they were barely surviving themselves. Their gift was more than generous; it was an expression of their dependence on God and God’s providence. I continue to encounter women who want change in their lives and need the support to move forward and take the next step. Here in Waukegan this means empowering women of all ages to study to become citizens; this will allow them to have so much freedom and calm in their lives. These women are throwing in the ‘cost’ of their time and energy to move forward and this takes great strength. A woman 69 years old and 12 years a legal permanent is choosing to study the 100 questions for her citizenship exam – and she knows little English.   My offer to welcome her and assist her in learning the English and civics questions is little compared to her choice to ...

As the director of the RCIA program in our parish I am privileged to walk with catechumens in their journey of faith.  Recently I was sharing the story of the prodigal son with one of our catechumens.  She had heard someone say of a family member, "The prodigal son has returned," so she thought she knew the story.  But she hadn't heard the rest of the story, the part about the father running to his son when he saw him in the distance. She was fascinated and wanted to know more.  Where could she find this story?  Was God really like this father? Her faith was brought to life by that Gospel parable.    Do you have a favorite Gospel story?  What does it say to you about God? Marie Lucek, OP Juneau, AK

Historical perspectives offered through celebrations of the 50 th anniversary of the “March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom” and the release of Lee Daniels’ The Butler have prompted many conversations about racism, racial divides and a persistent call in this country for equality for all. I have been captivated by the old footage and freedom songs of the Civil Rights movement and the March on Washington. Voices from artists like Marian Anderson, Odetta and Mahalia Jackson will be heard throughout history and inspire prayer, as the human rights movement continues. “…Dere is trouble all over dis worl’….  I ain’ gwine lay my ‘ligion down….” “I’ve Been ‘Buked,” a Negro Spiritual sung by Mahalia Jackson just before Martin Luther King Jr’s inspiring “I Have a Dream” speech captures the essence of our collective call as women religious and people of God. There is indeed trouble all over this world. How do we continue to fight t...