From the Desk of Sister Julia |
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Dear Seeker,
The God that Christians worship and follow is a God of perpetual newness. We believe that Jesus rose from the dead, then ministered to his confused and hurting followers as a wounded savior, empowering them to preach and serve in his name. The early Church was a new community tasked with establishing a new identity and mission, which required great creativity and openness. The letters to the early Christians emphasize this newness, proclaiming that Christians are called to "live in newness of life" (Romans 6:4) and remember that "whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come (2 Corinthians 5:17)."
In the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration community, my sisters and I have been adapting to newness for 175 years. We are creative and nimble, open to whatever the Spirit is making anew. We co-create with God as artists, ministers, listeners, servant-leaders and women of prayer. We have a rich tradition of sister-artists who offer their gifts of creativity to honor God who is Beauty and Love. We partner with the global Church and pray for new vocations. And we minister in new ways, open to creative partnerships for the sake of the Gospel.
In this Spirit, I'd like to announce that Ms. Sue Amble has been hired as a Vocations Promotions Assistant in the FSPA Discernment Office and will begin her position next week. She is available to answer questions and offer support to you as you listen to your heart and discover what newness Christ is calling forth in your life. She brings years of experience as a Catholic school educator and administrator to this role, with the ability to speak to groups of students and young adults about the opportunity of religious life. Let us welcome Sue! And, let us welcome the newness that God offers us each day!
Peace & All Good,
Sister Julia Walsh
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Bringing the Gospel to Life |
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"In May 2023, WAFER welcomed guests to its newly opened building for the first time, marking an expansion in capacity for services and ministry. While the focus is on the new facility, the vital element lies in witnessing the Gospels come to life daily. A notable example occurred during a recent Saturday food giveaway for those in need, something special happened. It felt like a church service, but not in the traditional sense since it took place on the streets of Northern La Crosse."
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Religious Life is Evolving |
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"Being the youngest or one of the youngest in a congregation can feel vulnerable, and seeing radical change on the horizon can make you feel everything is in flux. But true leadership requires vulnerability and willingness to let the Spirit lead, even when the destination is unknown," says Sister Julia Walsh in the Global Sisters Report article "'Transformational' gathering helps younger sisters build community."
"About 150 women religious under the age of 65 gathered in person Jan. 25-28, with more than 100 others joining them virtually, to discuss, discern and embrace the future of religious life."
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How to Discern God's Will for Your Life |
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"As a priest, and now a bishop, I hear often from many people searching for God's direction in their lives. They wonder, what does God want me to do with my life? How can I be faithful to God in my day-to-day decisions? How can I hear God and be sensitive to his promptings?
We all ask these questions. They are a normal part of the Christian life," explains Bishop Robert Barron in his guide "How to Discern God's Will for Your Life." Click here to read the free e-book.
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Upcoming Events for Discerning Women |
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Friday Virtual Adoration and Mass
Every Friday | 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. CT | online via Zoom
All are invited to join FSPA for virtual adoration live from the Adoration Chapel in La Crosse. Virtual adoration will pause at 11 a.m. and Mass will stream live from Mary of the Angels Chapel. Virtual adoration will resume after Mass.
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For Love of the Broken Body: Book Launch
Friday, April 19 | 7 - 9 p.m. CT
The Fireplace Community, 5045 South Ellis Avenue, Chicago, IL
Sister Julia Walsh will discuss her book For Love of the Broken Body: A Spiritual Memoir. A Q&A session and book signing will follow the discussion. Copies of her book will also be available for purchase and refreshments will be provided.
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Earth Day Story Circle
Monday, April 22 | 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. CT
Marywood Franciscan Spirituality Center, Arbor Vitae, WI
All are welcome to celebrate Earth Day this year by gathering together in community to share how each of us protects and honors Mother Earth. Come tell your story and be heard.
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Cold Wax Painting with Oils
April, 22-24 | 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. CT
Marywood Franciscan Spirituality Center, Arbor Vitae, WI
Adding a cold wax medium to oil paints increases transparency and workability. This process allows one to build up texture effects and transparent layers. Participants will create abstracts and landscapes as they learn to paint with wax and oils.
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Chicago Homicide Vigil with Catholic Sisters
Saturday, Apr. 27 | 9:30 a.m. CT
West 52nd Street and South Damen Avenue, Chicago, IL
All are invited to join the Chicago Catholic Sisters as they pray with those affected by violence. Email discerning@fspa.org for more details.
If you plan to join virtually, you can access the Zoom link here. If prompted, please enter the meeting ID (895 9004 5325) and password (vigil).
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For Love of the Broken Body: Book Talk
Saturday, April 27 | 12:30 p.m. CT
St. Aidan Parish, 10090 Old Perry Highway, Wexford, PA
All are welcome to join Sister Julia Walsh in Pennsylvania as she discusses her spiritual memoir "For Love of the Broken Body." Email dosby@saintaidanparish.org or call 724-935-4343 x 213 to RSVP.
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Coffee and Chat with Sister Julia
Sunday, April 28 | Pittsburgh, PA
All are welcome to join Sister Julia Walsh for coffee and friendly conversation in Pittsburgh, PA. Email discerning@fspa.org for more information, including time and specific location.
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Bad River Film Screening
Monday, April 29 | 5 p.m. CT
Rivoli Theatre, 117 4th Street North, La Crosse, WI
Join us at the movies! This powerful documentary chronicles the Wisconsin-based Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and its ongoing fight to save Lake Superior.
Admission is free but registration is required. Visit fspa.org for more information and to register.
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Community for Christian Meditation
Wednesday, May 1 | 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. CT
Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse, WI
Christianity has a deep tradition of silent prayer in the form of contemplation or meditation. This community setting will practice Christian meditation in the tradition of John Main, OSB, learning to quiet the mind and open our hearts to divine presence.
Visit fscenter.org for more information and to resister by May 1.
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For Love of the Broken Body: Book Talk
Thursday, May 2 | 7 p.m. CT
Most Holy Trinity - St. Mary Parish, 138 Montrose Avenue, Brooklyn, NY
All are welcome to join Sister Julia Walsh in New York as she discusses her spiritual memoir "For Love of the Broken Body." Email friarcristofer@trinity-stmary.org to RSVP.
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Overcoming Challenges with Grit and Grace
Saturday, May 4 | 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. CT
Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse, WI
During this annual women's conference, four inspirational women will share their stories of resilience and faith. The presenters include: Shannon K. Evans, Niki Bergler, Jessica Peterson and Mary Thompson.
Visit fscenter.org for more information and to register by April 28.
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Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women 5K
Sunday, May 5 | 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. CT
Burns Park, 702 Main Street, La Crosse, WI
All are welcome to join us for the third annual Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women 5K run/walk to raise awareness and honor the missing and murdered Indigenous women. This event is free and open to the public.
Click here for more information and to register for the event.
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For Love of the Broken Body: Meet the Author
Monday, May 6 | 6:30 - 8 p.m. CT
Beaverdale Books, 2629 Beaver Avenue, Des Moines, IA
All are welcome to come meet Sister Julia Walsh, author of "For Love of the Broken Body," in Des Moines.
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What is Spiritual Direction?
Wednesday, May 8 | 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. CT | online via Zoom
Spiritual direction is an ancient Christian practice that is being rediscovered in our busy, modern world. This brief introduction is an opportunity to learn more about the process and ask questions. Depending on what you hear, you may wish to meet individually with a spiritual director, but there is no obligation.
Visit fscenter.org for more information and to register by April 29.
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Chicago Area Discerner Meet Up
Sunday, May 12 | Chicago, IL
All discerners are invited to join Sister Julia Walsh and other discerners in the Chicago area for prayer, faith sharing and conversation. Email discerning@fspa.org for more details, including time and specific location.
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Mass and Lunch with Sister Julia
Tuesday, May 14 | St. Rose Convent, La Crosse, WI
Join Sister Julia Walsh for Mass and lunch at the FSPA motherhouse in La Crosse. Email discerning@fspa.org for more details, including time and specific location.
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For Love of the Broken Body: Book Retreat
Friday, May 31, 7 p.m. CT - Sunday, June 2, 12 p.m. CT
Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse, WI
Join Sister Julia Walsh for a weekend of reflection, community and spiritual practices centered on sharing our beautiful brokenness for the sake of the common good. The experience includes an optional tour of FSPA-related sites featured in the book, including FSPA land on St. Joseph Ridge.
Visit fscenter.org for more information and to register by May 20.
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Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration | Formation | 888-683-3772 | discerning@fspa.org
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