Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

For the past two Sundays the Mass celebrated at our motherhouse was video-streamed to all of us. Whether we were on the east or west coast, somewhere in between, or in Bolivia, we were able to participate in the liturgy. Here in our Madison home the three of us lit a candle and joined in the singing and prayer responses. The sisters at the Mound were in the chapel but left an empty seat between them, so it almost seemed like a normal Sunday except no peace greeting and only the priest received Communion.  Sisters from all over the country and Bolivia commented on how in this time of separation we felt more united and together than we normally do. We come together in prayer because in our helplessness and vulnerability these days we know God is with us, will never leave us,  and will give us the peace we so need. How are you dealing with these days of social distancing? How do you experience togetherness? Marie Lucek OP Madison, WI 

Last week at the end of a particularly busy day, I remembered a task I still had to do.   Realizing it would take half the time to accomplish with someone else helping, I asked another sister from my house to join me.   “Of course!   I’ve got your back.” Just a few days later I left town but had some seeds germinating that needed to be watched closely.   A few sisters volunteered to keep an eye on them.   Not wanting to burden them, I tried my best to make sure everything was in place, but inevitably a problem arose with the lights.   One of the sisters took care of it and has been keeping me informed via texts: “Don’t worry, I’ve got your back!   You just enjoy your time away.” For me, like for many others, it isn’t always easy to take the vulnerable step and ask for help.   But whether or not I ask for it, my sisters show their love and support for me through their daily actions.   In big and little ways, they prove that they hav...