Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

There is a woman living in one of the temporary housing units where I minister who I have never seen cry, despite the extreme challenges she has faced that would bring others to their knees.  It is easy for some to dismiss this woman as cold and uncaring, though I know that is not true. Reflecting on her lack of tears, I am reminded of a conversation two years ago with the mother of a childhood friend who had died at the tender age of 62.   As we embraced at her daughter’s wake, this loving mother did not shed a tear.   She looked at me with deeply sad eyes and in what seemed both an apology and a plea for understanding, explained that due to a physical condition, she was no longer able to cry – outwardly - choking instead on the saltiness of her silent tears.   I could only imagine how that compounded her deep suffering. Both the client with whom I work and the mother of my childhood friend remind me that judging on outward appearance is as unfair as it i...

In the past week, I’ve received the gift of diversity in music by listening to a ten-piece brass ensemble, a symphony orchestra, and a chamber choir.  As my ears, my head, and my heart resonate with all the kinds of music I heard I’ve been pondering the connection between these experiences and being a person of faith.  One of the singers said to me, after I complimented her on the great sound her group created, that it is “as much about listening as it is about singing.”  As Dominicans we pay special attention to listening – for that is the root meaning of obedience. I can listen to music mindlessly – it’s simply background noise -- but I can also listen mindfully – trying to hear the different voices of viola, cello, French horn or the altos and tenors amid the sopranos and basses.  When I do that kind of listening, I am awarded with an “aha!” moment when the multiple layers stand out and then blend together, when I realize how rich and deep is the sound because ...

I love Celebrations!!  Who doesn’t?  Last week was a week of celebrations.  My sisters and I gathered at my youngest sister’s (Janet) home.  It was Sister’s Week, a yearly event during which the five of us celebrate being sister to one another.  While there, we hosted a baby shower for Janet’s daughter-in-law and newest grandchild, a little boy much anticipated and longed for after Ami’s 3 miscarriages.  The new baby has an older brother who is 16.  What a change and celebration for that family! We also celebrated Janet’s birthday by participating in a murder mystery train ride.   Between courses of a five-course dinner, actors did scenes from a murder mystery play in each of the dining cars.   It was up to the train riders to guess the murderer and the motive.   We shared in the meal, delightful conversation, and of course, speculations regarding “who done it.”   None of us made the correct deduction, but we celebrated well....

Residents of Fourth Floor Siena Community who meet daily to share Scripture readings I recently needed to take time out from my ministry to have surgery.  I came home to our Motherhouse and spent six weeks on one of our assisted living floors.  Healing is often a journey, full of ups and downs.  Throughout this sometimes painful, sometimes slow process, I was surrounded by the love and healing energy of my sisters. Encouragement, hope, courage, strength, and deep prayer were shared with me each and every day.   We heal in community.   I am so very grateful for my time at home.   I am so very grateful for the love and affection of my sisters.   How about you?   How do you heal? Peggy Ryan, OP Waukegan, IL

What's in a name.   As many Americans would say about the trio in the title - these are hurricane names. Living in Florida, we keep a close watch on the weather as it crosses the ocean and this year has been epic. "Irma" became the one I had to personally keep a close watch on but others call me to be watchful for those who were in the wake of destructive paths.   "Irma" stirred me to be prepared and I was but it is "Maria" and its aftermath that is the most alarming.   What is now developing for our citizens of Puerto Rico needs our country's immediate attention. What is the Christian response toward those affected?   Come to the aid of those in need.   Our Catholic check list called:   Corporal Works of Mercy provides us with our starting place. In this reflection, I am mindful also of the fires that have raged throughout the western part of our country (yes, more than California is affected), of our neighbors in ...

I love my Saturdays! Time to catch up – on everything from sleep to emails.   And there’s time to go to the nearby Y and work out.    Even though I’m now retired, I’m busy enough to love it when Saturdays arrive! There’s so much to do!   In the summer there’s Madison’s famous Farmer’s Market (with new ones cropping up all over town)!  Time to go to the library and take the time to just browse.   And there’s always something going on at the Overture Center! I guess I’m saying I love living in Madison.    There’s enough to do and it’s close enough to Milwaukee and Chicago and the Mound to make occasional trips there. Saturdays in Madison are my favorites! How do you feel about Saturdays? What do you like to do? Ruth Poochigian, O.P. Madison WI

My living area is so quiet and seems so empty. A Sister of Charity, with whom I have shared community for seven years, has moved back to the city where her motherhouse is, Cincinnati. At first I was looking forward to how I could spread out and have the whole floor to myself. I wouldn't have to worry about her moving my things or being annoyed when I could hear her phone conversations. As the day of departure drew closer I began to focus on what I would miss. Dee and I prayed together each weekday morning, a time we both treasured. When we had a disagreement I always knew we would resolve it because we both worked on being forgiving persons. Besides, Dee never held a grudge. She did many thoughtful things around the house, such as baking breads and cookies, buying treats she knew I liked, and taking care of minor repairs.  She truly embodies the spirit of her congregation--charity. She has a very compassionate heart, and she not only prayed for those who were in special need...