Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

These days we see a lot of people wearing masks or, as we say, face coverings. I am intrigued by the variety of designs I see. They seem to come in all shapes and sizes, just like the people themselves. I’m also noticing that sometimes I don’t recognize the face behind the mask. That can be embarrassing. All I see are the eyes peering out from under the fabric. This experience reminds me of how much we human beings count on our eyes to communicate with each other. I see laughing eyes and sad eyes and curious eyes and blank stares. Did you ever notice how you can tell just by their eyes that a person is smiling? Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:22 that “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! “Shakespeare went on from there to describe eyes as “the windows of the soul.” What’s behind your wind...

In these times of chaos and uncertainty, where hatred and violence seem to run rampant, I am comforted by our Orderly God and the Fibonacci Sequence. I am no mathematician by  any  stretch of the imagination. Math gives me a headache, it makes me hyperventilate. I can’t really explain the Fibonacci sequence except that each number is the sum of the two numbers preceding it. 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, etc. and that it has many scientific and mathematical applications. But it has also been used in music, poker, and the financial trades, among others.  The point is that the application of the sequence came  only  after its discovery, found everywhere in Nature. The pattern existed first, perhaps God’s way of scattering crumbs to help us find our way, letting us know that while we are not in control neither are we alone. That there is Order amidst the chaos and uncertainty. How beautiful; how hopeful!   Seeing beauty and working to dismantle systems of injustice...

These are such unusual times for us all.  And while our local freeways may not be as congested, I find my mind and inner spirit can become clogged.  These are times that require deep faith.   Jesus struggled in the garden.  He knew things were way out of the ordinary.  Even some of his close friends were not so trustworthy.  I believe he then knew to turn to the One who is All Trustworthy. He leaned into letting go of fixed ideas and absolutes.  This was a time to step into the unknown and to invite change!  The Jesus of History did not know the how or where of this Change nor do any of us. The key?   Remembering that I am loved and lovable is so vital during these times.  This awareness can then allow me to gradually let go of the way I want things to be and edging into openness, possibility, and Blessed Assurance.   How do you edge into openness? What helps you remember you ar...

On the wall at the end of the Diamond Walkway connecting the main dining room with the Foyer at the Mound hangs a huge vertical poster showing prairie bluestem grass – a staple of the original prairie of this part of the country.     The poster is life-size – showing the 5 feet height of the blooming plant and the 8 feet depth of its roots!     Because of these deep roots, the plant is “protected from danger and disasters, like wildfires and drought.”     Wow is what I think every time I see it.     I never thought roots would go so deep….and that leads me to thinking about the roots that protect me from other dangers – like despair or cynicism, self-absorption or ennui, jealousy or indifference.     The deeper I sink my roots in the sacred mystery of God, “rooted in love,” as St. Paul says, the more I strive to deepen my roots in pursuit of truth through study and contemplation, I will find that I have what I need to lead me through the...

I live in Austin, TX.     Normally I go north for the summer and spend a month at our Camp WeHaKee in northwestern Wisconsin.     It is a wonderful place where girls are surrounded by beauty and can be themselves, make new friends and learn new skills.     I love being there.     As with most things this year, camp was cancelled, so I’m still here in Texas.  However, thanks to technology, the camp staff, helped by many others, has put together “Bring WeHaKee Home” and made it a part of my summer.  Even though it is not the real thing, it has brought together many campers, counselors, parents and camp alumnae to create and participate in some significant camp experiences.  I’ve especially enjoyed the council fires and evening prayers. So in the Texas heat and in spite of Covid, I’ve been a part of camp in a new way and appreciate all the work of the many people who made it happen. What are you grateful for this summer?...

During these COVID-19 days, in our Motherhouse dining room, we are sitting at tables of two so that we can social distance.     One of the results of this is that we are able to have great one-on-one dialogues with our Sister diner.     Today at breakfast I had a notable conversation with another Sister I did not know well.     I asked her what was new in her life.     She responded she had watched the movie “Les Miserables” yesterday.     I inquired what she liked best about the film.     She said – forgiveness.     She recounted that one of the main characters who had injured so many people could not accept the forgiveness offered to him.     Ultimately, he took his own life.       Lately, it seems that the theme of forgiveness is running through so many recent Scripture readings in the liturgy and references to our Constitution.    When referring to Community, our Constitution say...

The St Dominic Window in the Queen of Rosary Chapel. Sinsinawa, WI August 8 th   is the feast of Saint Dominic.     I think it is an appropriate day to ask what would St. Dominic do in the light of two pandemics – one spreading a deadly disease and the other spreading the sin of racial injustice. What would St. Dominic do?  I find the answer an easy one because our Sisters and Associates, the daughters of Saint Dominic, are guiding us to the truth.  As a result of COVID-19, we have Sisters and Associates who are in hospitals and nursing homes, schools and social service agencies.  They are burying the dead and feeding the hungry.  They are accompanying the most vulnerable.    As a result of the current racial unrest, we have Sisters and Associates protesting and speaking out.  There are also those who are continuing to caucus or discuss with other White Sisters and Associates how we can rid our congregation of th...