Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

On Memorial Day weekend this year hundreds of people     came to Sinsinawa Mound.     It was the first time for some, and home coming for many. The Chapel was filled with people, song and light reflected from richly colored windows.   People came from as far away as Washington, DC and Portland, Oregon to witness perpetual vows of Christin Tomy and Nicole Reich. It would take all the electronic space in the world to write all the wonders of the day, but best was being able to personally greet these two graceful women who had begun to discern a lifetime commitment to being Dominicans nine years ago. You might watch the ceremony yourself at  https://portal.stretchinternet.com/sinsinawa/portal.htm?eventId=690739&streamType=video Then pause and ask, “what stands out for me”? I especially love this question they were asked -- Through apostolic poverty, do you choose freely to live in Gospel simplicity and to be generous with the gifts of life, recognizing you...

I spend part of my time here in Denver volunteering at EarthLinks.  The operation is centered around a large urban garden nearby the Mile-High Stadium and includes a solid community of participants that work and break bread together.   While the primary goal of EarthLinks is to foster community for these folks who can often feel isolated and marginalized, it also provides some resources, a clearinghouse for helpful information, a secure environment, and ample opportunity for participants to commune with nature and to develop creative skills.  Each day begins with a communal breakfast, prepared by the participants with donated food and produce from the garden.  I’ve spent most of my volunteer days so far working with participants at the various workshops—it’s been a great way to get to know the community.  It’s also super-fun to be involved in their daily activities: working in the garden, making soaps and lotions from the herbs they grow, building bee b...

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 ...