Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

The other day, I wrongly referred to last year’s place of ministry as a day shelter for homeless women.   Why is this wrong?   It’s wrong because putting “homeless” in front of “women” reduces them to a label, a condition, with the result being that their essence often goes unrecognized. Rather, I should have said they are women who are homeless…and who are so much more! How do we label ourselves? Who am I ? I’m a mother, sister, aunt, and friend, a lover of God, people, animals, sunrises and coffee.   I’m a Dominican Sister - specifically a Dominican Sister of Sinsinawa. While each of these partially describes me as an individual, they are part of a much deeper truth that has slowly been revealed to me over the last several years. I am Dominican, which is different than being a Dominican.   Being a Dominican sets me apart as an individual.   Saying “I am Dominican” speaks of essence.   Being Dominican draws me into the embrace of an entir...

One evening a week I have the opportunity and privilege of co-facilitating a group of men currently housed in a County corrections facility. Regardless of how challenging my day has been until this point, I am soon energized by those in the circle. The men who attend “Job Club” have been classified as low risk, have been interviewed by the program director, and are considered capable of successfully going out to work every day. Once a week we talk about situations that come up on the job or as they check in and out of the facility. The hopeful impact of the group is successful navigation of experiences in and outside of the work place. This past Thursday evening, one of the residents asked to speak to me afterwards. This was his last group before being released. We had an incredible conversation; one that I am certain we would never have had without being in this circle together for the past eight months. He has been in and out of prisons and jails for the last 20 years of his...

Lately, it seems to me that God has been reminding me and calling me even more intentionally to service.   The Scripture readings at liturgies, novels I’m reading, and conversations I engage in all seem to have this thread of service running through them.   In addition to this, we are in the midst of celebrating the 800 th year of the Dominican order.   As we reflect upon the lives of Dominicans who have gone before us, I notice again the role of service in their lives.   Dominic himself was led to see a need in his time to serve the people of God by preaching the Good News.   Actually, he did this by befriending people, engaging in conversation with them, listening to their needs, and telling them the Good News revealed to him.   Our Congregation is preparing for Chapter, an event occurring every 5 years.   Our next Chapter is in early April 2016.   We will engage in significant conversations about the renewal of our life and mission – ...

One of my many duties at Most Blessed Trinity Parish is teaching an advanced English class on Wednesday nights to students learning this language.   It is one of the greatest privileges of my week to come together with these eager scholars and study.   I learn so much from them.   This past week we started a new semester.   I discovered in the course of the evening that some of these students work over an hour away and begin work at 5:30 a.m.   What an amazing commitment they are making to come to a night class in order to learn another language.   For Dominicans, study is essential.   St. Dominic told us to not only strive to live the gospel, but to be constant students of the Word as well.   I am so inspired by these students.   This is the essence of ministry.   I may start out the evening at the front of the class, but I always end up the night seated with everyone else.   The student becomes the teacher and vice-versa. A...

Each month Pope Francis, as his predecessors also have done, calls the whole church to a particular prayer intention.   This month, he broke with the ordinary way of giving this news by sharing his intention by video.   And he was not the only “star.” At this link is the video. Please watch it before continuing to read this blog: http://www.romereports.com/2016/01/06/this-innovative-video-of-the-pope-is-causing-a-sensation#.Vo2dmHHLtXw.facebook Pope Francis’ intention for the month of January is that we will be part of sincere dialogue with women and men of good will across religious traditions.   Why? So that from our dialogue will come the fruits of peace and justice. For Dominicans – the Order of Preachers – as we continue to celebrate our 800 th Jubilee Year, this intention this has deep meaning.   Around the world we encounter, dialogue, befriend, minister to and with, people of all religious backgrounds and some with no affiliatio...