Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

Lately, the concept of   Hospitality   has been in the forefront of my days.     Even the Scriptural readings for this past Sunday have focused on offering hospitality – Abraham and Sarah greeting and providing a meal for travelers outside their tent, Martha and Mary providing food & beverages and a listening ear when Jesus came to enjoy their company.     I recently read a novel called  Martha  based upon the Mary, Martha, and Lazarus stories in the Gospel. Throughout the story, gracious hospitality was extended to guests who appeared at their gate.     My sisters and a cousin came to visit the home where I live last weekend.  In that case, the hospitality was reciprocal.  Since I am still in full-time ministry and they are retired from full-time employment, they brought the first evening’s supper and ideas of “adventures” they’d like to explore during the weekend.  I provided beds, showers, a...

More than five years ago, my blog entry was based on the title hashtag. It is a hashtag I have used in tweets. In my life, it is time to revisit this hashtag. This is a time of huge transitions for me.  The limits of space here precludes going into all that is happening but to say - I am no longer in Florida but now back near Chicago.  No more hurricanes but the potential of arctic vortexes!  It is all good and some days are difficult. Here's my current tweet:  #takewhatyouneed awake ~ nurtured ~ loved ~ trust ~ laughter ~ perseverance ~ open to chaos ~ seeking some order  ~~ Breathe in ~ Breathe out ~~ The breathing is important.  It is the kind that I consider contemplative and purposeful. The words and phrases became the list as I prayed and consider: 'What do I need?' What do you need? Is there one word from my list that you need for yourself right now?  Take it.  It is meant for you. And don't forget...

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...

This week some of us in initial formation had the opportunity to spend a week at the motherhouse of the Maryknoll Sisters of St. Dominic , a global missionary congregation based in New York.   It was an honor to spend a week with these women, especially because of the unique Sinsinawa connection: when the Maryknoll congregation was just beginning, sisters from Sinsinawa moved to New York to assist them in its foundation. I found myself drawn to photos of their foundress, Mother Mary Joseph: she has a jolly smile on her face in almost each one.   She was clearly a woman who valued a good laugh!   In describing qualities that should mark a Maryknoll Sister, she finished with “the saving grace of a kindly humor.” It’s easy to see the Sinsinawa connection in these words!   Humor and laughter are not only qualities that drew me to my sisters; they’re also important components of a healthy spiritual life.   They’re reflections of the deep joy that comes from ...