Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

Since early childhood I loved to learn. I was an over achiever so I put forth a lot of effort. Learning provided meaning and purpose in my life. I connected learning with school so I have a love for education.  When I entered the Sinsinawa Dominicans and became a teacher I felt right at home. I’m grateful for the educational opportunities I’ve had. After my teaching degree I went on to receive two masters and certification. What blessings these experiences have been. Beyond formal study, Dominicans are life-long learners. In fact, study is an essential part of our charism. The longer I live the more I realize the many ways we learn. Learning has become a way of life that enriches me with meaning and purpose. Living at the Mound I have so many opportunities to study and learn. Mealtime is a great source of learning. The sisters provide a wealth from their life experience. There are many different study groups, mini-courses, prayer groups, book clubs, seminars and regu...

…after nearly 47 years living in Dominican community:  people do their best! What do I mean?   All of us were called by God.  To do what?  Whatever needed to be done!   I was a high school teacher of religion for ten years.  I went to summer school during those years to learn more about my faith.  Then I discovered that my students were learning things that their parents didn’t know.  So I pursued a degree in adult education, and used it in Des Moines, Iowa, Milwaukee and for the congregation. All that time I lived in Dominican communities, where I was supported in my growth –  as a woman, as a teacher, as a learner, as a sister. Who has supported your growth over the years?   Ruth Poochigian, O.P. Madison WI