Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

Within the past several days alone, I have had a conversation with a single mom of 4 who has been newly diagnosed with physical and mental limitations that render her unable to work and worried; one with my biological sister about the controversy over the removal and relocation of Confederate monuments in New Orleans; one with a resident in a correctional facility who will likely face homelessness when he is released; one with a fellow coworker of color about unconscious bias and a situation that happened at work; and another this past weekend involving sister-friends about our Dominican identity as preachers in the 21 st century. These are just a few. There is so much going on these days and so much to talk about, including some things I am taking a break from! The past several weeks and months have been particularly full of questions and serious conversations that deserve deep listening – conversations of the heart. I am grateful for the people with whom I have had them. Some...

This weekend I was blessed to gather with a group of Dominican sisters- those who are in temporary profession and our companions.  It was a rich weekend, full of heartfelt prayer, genuine sharing, and plenty of laughter. Our weekend was enriched by some unexpected guests - a mother duck and her 13 offspring who were living in the courtyard of the convent where we were gathered.  Throughout our weekend, we would spot the ducklings waddling after their mama, bathing in a small water bowl, and having their fill of the birdseed that had spilled underneath the feeder. The ducklings were the center of attention!  Their wagging tail feathers and small peeps brought smiles to our faces all weekend, and their activity consistently drew passers-by to pause at the windows and watch a while. These little ones, by their mere presence, inspired happiness.  They invited anyone who glimpsed them to slow down and delight in their presence.  It was an invitation I ...

Being a Dominican means being open.   I find this openness a great gift.   Being a guest and witnessing another culture’s traditions widens my tent poles and calls me to new truths.   What a privilege.   When I fail to be open to a new idea or another’s way of life, I feel it.   I have to admit that I sense my judgmental nature.        Recently, I attended a dance recital by a Mexican Folkloric Dance Troupe.   It was spectacular - full of color and music and joy.   I was aware of experiencing something ancient and deeply rooted in a people’s love for God, for nature, and for each other.         Jesus walked with openness to others everywhere he went.   He taught us how.   Our Dominican lifestyle offers our world this reflection of his compassion and mercy.   Each of us has the opportunity of being the healing presence our Earth so badly needs right now. How about you, ...

…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

During these Easter days, the lectionary offers stories of Jesus’ followers after His resurrection.  In the Acts of the Apostles, we hear about apostles who gave witness.  I have reflected on this word after a conversation with a friend who saw a shooting on Chicago’s South Side where she is in ministry. A “witness” is one who courageously speaks spiritual truth.   A “witness” – in the legal sense – is someone who sees a crime happen and gives testimony.   After hearing my friend describe her experience, and as I reflect on my own ministry with immigrants, I wonder if these definitions of “witness” aren’t mutually exclusive.   If we seek to be in authentic relationship and accompany those on the margins, we will hear personal accounts of violence, or we may even see acts of violence with our own eyes.      With our feet firmly planted on the ground of this real-world injustice, we aspire – like the early Jesus-followers – speak truth an...

At a recent regional meeting in Montana with our sisters and associates we were asked during prayer to picture a scene from nature that spoke to us. Living in Alaska my picture included snow-capped mountains, wild flowers, warbling birds and the ocean with its whales. I thought especially of the whales breaching, their huge majestic bodies coming straight up from the water. I thought of them bubble feeding, when they gather in a circle, rise up from the water and open their mouths to feed on the krill that come to the surface. These are awesome sights, but I see them very rarely--they are a special gift. Most of the time I know the whales are in the sea, but I don't see any sign of them. Once in a while I might see a spout of water which signifies their presence or a fin rising from the water. This is a good way for me to think of God's presence in my life.  Like the whales God is always present, is always there, but I only get a glimpse now and then, perhaps in a sacr...

I visited my favorite park for the last time today—squeezing in one more walk in the drizzle this morning, before the next downpour.  Rarely have I experienced a rainy and overcast Colorado, but it's springtime.       Entering the park, I’m always struck first by the Tower of Memories—the mausoleum at the neighboring cemetery.  From anywhere in the park it looms in the backdrop—the imposing art deco design often partially obscured.  How portentous it seems today: soon my entire Denver experience will become memory.  The Front Range mountains frame the backdrop on the opposite side of the park.  Red winged blackbirds sing their aggressive tunes as they hover around nests hidden along the banks of the lake.  With the soft wind supporting their wings they look almost suspended from above, swinging over the cattails.  They will also be greeting me when I return to Wisconsin next week. There is also the wetlan...