Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

I continue to be appalled and deeply saddened by our human capacity for “othering” and demonstrating violent behavior. I am also in awe of expressions of openness, inclusivity, and delight. How do we continue to find and welcome each other, in our beautiful diversity, in this very different time of our lives? Not only did the horrific mass shooting happen in Orlando two weeks ago, but there are thousands upon thousands of gun related deaths and acts of violence around our country. At the same time, there are thousands upon thousands of ordinary and extraordinary incidences of inclusivity and welcome. I experienced one last week, with co-workers of the nonprofit organization where I work and members of a Muslim community in our service area. About 200 of us came together for prayer and the meal that breaks the daily fast during Ramadan. The witnessing of welcome, hospitality, and conversations about God’s/Allah’s presence during prayer and community remain with me in all of its mag...

At a recent parish event, I joined with others in experiencing an evening of Mexican dancing.   It was a magical night, with a cool breeze and the setting sun adding to the delight.   A common parking lot in a broken-down neighborhood was turned into a beautiful and plush theatre.   In these dances, we witnessed the ancient rituals and social traditions of a people put to music and movement. Together, as a group, we were moved to a profound joy.   We crossed boundaries and traversed understanding to experience our common humanity.   We became one. In any experience of sharing in another culture, Dominicans are called to preach truth.   It is up to us to name the communion we share as God’s family.   The gospel leads us to proclaiming where God is found.   No walls could possibly be built.   No group of people could possibly be asked to “go home.”   We are united and called to be brother or sister to each other. What cultural exp...

An understanding I learned rather early (in the 1950’s) is the meaning of the word catholic (small ‘c’) as universal.   In fact, in the creeds Roman Catholics ordinarily pray, we use the small ‘c’ catholic. What my first teachers got across to us in our young lives is how wide and broad and deep the church is in the world. We learned the Church held together a global community. In time, I have also sadly learned, that as a Church, we still have lots to learn.   In the US, racism is a sin we still cannot rid ourselves from and so blacks and browns and, yes, whites suffer – in different ways.   This is true not only in the wider society but also among members of the US Catholic Church. The recent horrifying massacre at a gay bar in Orlando, Florida reminded me of another group that is the source of hatred in my country and even, for some, in the Church.   LGBTQ are God’s children loved into being and capable of manifesting God’s love.   Yet this universal a...

My sisters and me in our orange walk shirts!! And it’s something I’m learning to live with!   Exercise is important, so I’m walking nearly every day and on the days it rains I go to the Y and work out on their machines. I’ve also joined a Boxing class for people with Parkinson’s.   I may not be Muhammed Ali, but I LOVE IT! (And he lived with Parkinson’s for thirty years.)   And next month I’ll be rowing in an 8-person skull on Lake Mendota with my Boxing buddies.   It’s a program the University of Wisconsin makes available every July, free of charge for people with Parkinson’s. In April nine Sisters joined me in a Walk-fundraiser for Parkinson’s.   This was so supportive for me.   We joined with many others that day.   We had a great time and raised over $56,000! This is all new to me, and I’m learning so much.    One thing I’m learning is that many people live with chronic and progressive diseases.    I consi...

When we were kids and suffering from angst about the grades, athletic prowess, or popularity of our friends, my mom, (and probably her mother and grandmother before her) used to tell my sister and me,  “You do other things; you have other gifts.”  Of course, we didn’t understand or believe her.  Mothers say stuff like that. But it was good theology. True, we are all flawed and limited; but to use a biblical metaphor, we are only branches on the vine.    Only God is perfect.  The rest of us are trying.   What was true in my family and in the whole church is true in community.   In fact, I have always liked is that I don’t have to have all the skills or strengths of others in community.   I don’t have to waste energy being everything everyone else is. Particularly as I age and am less able to do all that I used to do, I’m better at just saying, “Thank you.”   The trick is to be comfortable with my own talents.   Thomas Aquinas’s not...