(Did we mention this is a virtual CAT café?)
Read more: Neurodivergent Hospitality is Not a Contradiction
Welcome to Saint Thorlak's Virtual Café: a place to pause, rest, and refresh. Neurodivergent life is challenging enough by itself, and we want you to know that we're on the journey with you.
Maybe you just need a moment to sit in silence and enjoy a brief respite from the demands of the day. Maybe there is a situation on your mind that could benefit from our praying together, or maybe we have an insight or bit of direction which might be helpful. Funny story? Special interest? Popcorn thoughts? All welcome here! Type your thoughts into the form alongside the barista banter to muse, blurt out, unburden or just be who you are. You can even "bring" your own pets to visit by emailing a barista their photos. All species coexist safely here!
Think of this as a small way we can offer hospitality within our means as autistic individuals who thrive on both interacting with our community and the extra processing space allowed by typewritten communication. We believe it is possible to experience meaningful connection even in non-traditional ways, and this "café" page is our way of demonstrating that.
Enjoy your time here!
Barista Banter
This space is up for grabs*! Comments? Musings?
Special interests? Start the conversation!
* Visitor submissions are moderated, and may be summarized, edited, or declined at baristas' discretion.
A recent visitor to St. Thorlak’s Virtual Café says:
The last post here about the article in the National Catholic Register ["Autism and the Priesthood", 8/20/26] has sparked a lot of outrage and with good reason. I am not a perfect person by any means but what I want to hear more than anything is the church repenting for how badly it’s treated us for so many years. I want to hear regret expressed, honest, sincere regret followed by apologies. Autistics are very passionate about getting justice and atonement, so it’s time for the church to start apologizing to us so we can work together.
