Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

In a little over two months, I will be making perpetual profession of vows as a Dominican Sister of Sinsinawa. Some have asked how ‘perpetual’ vows and ‘final’ vows differ. Technically, they don’t. Final and perpetual can mean the same thing. In reality, for me, there is a big difference in the sound, meaning, and intentionality of those words.   One definition of ‘final’ is “finishing, end, terminating”. (Kaput!) On the other hand, one definition of ‘perpetual’ is “never ending or changing”. (A fidelity to discernment.) For me, ‘final’ is harsh and linear in comparison to ‘perpetual’, which seems more integrated and whole, representing a dynamic and ongoing conversation with God, rather than, “At last, I’ve reached my goal. I’m outta here!” I think we are each called to live perpetually, rather than finally, to be constantly attuned to nuances in God’s voice, to where God is calling us, to what God is calling us, and to how God is calling us to do it…to how God is ca...

This past week I had a wonderful retreat opportunity.   I was gifted with a week up at Whistler in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.   It is located very near the Pacific coast, north of Vancouver, British Columbia.   Geologically it is an amazing area with gorgeous woods, glens, snow-covered mountains, wild life that all intermingles inside and outside of oneself.   One afternoon, I and a friend went on a guided eco hike through the misty rainforest.   I got to stand and be at one with a very tall, (60 foot) old cedar.   I saw the place where First Nation peoples gently took a small piece of the cedar bark to make their clothing and basketry. They then gave thanks and were careful to not do enduring damage to this regal friend of theirs.   Mostly there was the quiet and the rush of water to invite me to deepen that inner quiet, so I might delight in the outer and inner creative work of the Divine. What invites you to pause?   How do you br...

For me, September always feels like the beginning of a new year.  It might be those years spent in a classroom where I absolutely loved getting ready for school, setting up my room, eagerly preparing for a new beginning. But it’s the change of the seasons that makes me truly feel a new year is starting.  I loved my years ministering in Alabama and Louisiana but this Minnesota girl always ached for the change of seasons.  That first day I smell autumn, feel it in a cool breeze, savor the warmth of jeans and sweatshirt, I know – it’s time to begin again, it’s time to be open to change, to letting go. The trees teach me this, as do the shorter days, the harvesting of crops I’ve watched grow all summer long, the long shadows at sunset. I can’t stay in the past, but how I need God’s grace to help me move forward!   What challenges do you face this new year? What does Autumn ask of you?  And where do you find the grace that always finds us?...

He said to me, "It's a great day for the race!" "What race?" I responded. "The human race!" And we both continued on, chuckling to ourselves. Usually when I travel I’m alone. I don't mind it. It's a great chance to observe the human race. It's especially when I'm waiting in airports that I like to watch people walking or running by or eating at a table near me. It's really a drama, better than television. Sometimes I ask God to let me see each person with God's eyes. Can I see in each one a beautiful image of the Creator, infused with the Holy Spirit and continuing the loving service of Christ? What a gift it would be if we could always see one another in that way! In fact, we already have that gift. We just have to quiet ourselves and let it bubble up. We, too, each one of us, is God's dearly beloved. Indeed, it is a race and all of us are winners! Mary Ellen Green, OP Sinsinawa, WI

Floating on Lake Michigan   Saint Dominic is known for his dedication to community, prayer, and study.  He is also known for his deep sense of joy.   Joy is a characteristic that both comes naturally and must be cultivated. Especially now!   I believe we have a gospel imperative, a mandate if you will, to be joyful.   And, I don’t mean Pollyanna.   I mean full of humor, with a leaning for fun.   Joy delights and finds goodness all around.   Joy seeks laughter.   It is contagious.     What gives you joy?   Is it a good book?   Is it the company of treasured friends?   Is it a magnificent sunrise?   Is it a delicious treat?   I find joy in anything to do with water.   Some of my happiest moments throughout my life involve swimming, or just being in water.        Being a joyful person allows you to bring joy to others.   This is an ingrained Domi...