From the Desk of Sister Julia |
|
Dear Seeker,
We are in the time of year — Advent — when Christians worldwide are praying with the energies of anticipation, preparation and hope. With the Spirit and belief in the power of the Incarnation (God became human in the form of a tiny and vulnerable baby), we are getting our homes and hearts ready to celebrate the Feast of Christmas, the coming of the Light to the World. For Franciscans this feast is incredibly significant — it is our worldview and spirituality that the Incarnation was the start of our redemption, and we believe that Jesus' surrender to both the crib and the cross contributes to how we define our Christian identity.
Said another way, it's because of baby Jesus that we are free and experience the overwhelming and influential power of God's goodness and love! St. Francis of Assisi emphasized this Truth during his lifetime, and he created a live nativity scene in Greccio, Italy, 800 years ago. We are celebrating this anniversary throughout Advent and Christmas and invite you to join us! Here is a great article about this special anniversary by FSPA Affiliate Darleen Pryds, PhD. See below for a list of special events, some of which are online. As I embrace the beauty of the Incarnation, be assured that I am here for you, that we're holding you in prayer, and we have great hope that God will provide clarity and courage to you as you search for meaning and belonging in your own life.
Happy Advent and Merry Christmas,
Sister Julia Walsh
|
|
800th Anniversary of the Nativity Scene |
|
"Setting up the Nativity scene is a Christmas tradition for many Christians. This year is the 800th anniversary of that tradition.
It is said that in the year 1223, St. Francis of Assisi wanted to recreate the birth of Jesus inside a cave in Greccio, Italy. Today that same scene is depicted in many homes during the holiday season."
In honor of this anniversary, Viterbo University is hosting "The Greccio Experience," a display of Nativity scenes from around the world available for self-guided tours in San Damiano Chapel through Dec. 17.
|
|
Loving and Serving as FSPA |
|
Sister Julia Walsh (right) pictured with FSPA candidate Anna Taylor |
|
"Deep inside St. Rose Convent in La Crosse, Wisconsin, you are prayed for within a quiet adoration chapel. Above the white, marble altar is a large painting of the Holy Spirit and God the Father, surrounded by dozens of angels who gaze and gesture downward to the Blessed Sacrament held within a monstrance. On this Holy Ground, members of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration and their prayer partners keep vigil every day to pray. We receive hundreds of prayer intentions submitted via email, text, mail and phone from around the world, and we hold each and every one in adoration."
|
|
Upcoming Events for Discerning Women |
|
Community Mural: "For Unto Us a Child is Born"
Now - Friday, Dec. 15
Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. CT | Mondays & Thursdays: 5 - 7 p.m. CT
Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse, WI
All are welcome to stop by the Franciscan Spirituality Center to take part in this 12-by-5 foot community mural paint-by-number experience. Painters of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to participate. No registration is required and all supplies will be provided.
|
|
The Greccio Experience
Now - Sunday, Dec. 17
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. CT | Sundays: 1 - 5 p.m. CT
San Damiano Chapel, La Crosse, WI
As part of the 800th-anniversary celebration of the crèche, Nativity scenes from around the world will be on display for self-guided tours in San Damiano Chapel through Dec. 17.
Visit fspa.org for more information and to view a full list of Franciscan Centenary events.
|
|
Lectio Divina
Every Tuesday | 2 - 3 p.m. CT
Marywood Franciscan Spirituality Center, Arbor Vitae, WI
Lectio Divina is an ancient way of reading, pondering and praying the scriptures or other spiritual writings. Let's read, ponder and pray together with the upcoming Sunday scripture readings and discover new insights for our daily living.
Visit marywoodsc.org for more information and to register by the previous Friday.
|
|
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.
|
|
The Nativity Experience
Saturday, Dec. 16 | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. CT
Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse, WI
Discover the magic of the Christmas story through a hands-on approach to the Nativity scene. Explore this story and your own stories connected to the symbols of the biblical scene through reflection, discussion, art and a tour of the Nativity scenes on display at Viterbo University's San Damiano Chapel.
Visit fscenter.org for more information and to register by Dec. 11.
|
|
Advent Bowls: Sounds of Greccio
Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023 | 6 - 7 p.m. CT (5 p.m. for Nativity scene viewing)
San Damiano Chapel, La Crosse, WI
Join the Franciscan Spirituality Center, Viterbo University Campus Ministry, Tom Roberts and Sister Malinda Gerke for an evening of Taize-style prayer, paired with the beautiful sounds of Tibetan singing bowls, harps, choirs and hymns.
Visit fscenter.org for more information and to register by Dec. 14. If you would like to sit with the FSPA group, email [email protected] to reserve a spot.
|
|
Blessing of Baby Jesus
Sunday, Dec. 17 | 9:50 a.m. CT (followed by 10 a.m. Mass)
Mary of the Angels Chapel, La Crosse, WI
Join us in honoring the birth of Jesus Christ with a Blessing for the Baby Jesus. Bring your Baby Jesus figurine from your home Nativity scene to be blessed by Father Conrad Targonski in this profound symbolic gesture, demonstrating respect, love and reverence for the divine made manifest in the world.
|
|
FSPA Virtual Discernment Group
Sunday, Dec. 17 | 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. CT | online via Zoom
|
|
Advent Women's Prayer
Sunday, Dec. 17 | 5 p.m. CT | online via Zoom
Mary's trust in God and the companionship of those who stood with her provide inspiration for our own spiritual journey. Join other women of faith and Presentation Sisters for prayer, reflection and conversation to enter more deeply into the Advent season together.
|
|
Winter Solstice Labyrinth Walk
Thursday, Dec. 21 | 4 - 7 p.m. CT
Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse, WI
During this Advent season and on the first day of winter, people of all faith traditions and spiritual backgrounds are invited to walk our indoor canvas labyrinth. This is a silent, self-guided practice suitable for older teens and adults.
Visit fscenter.org for more information and to register by Dec. 20.
|
|
Longest Night: An Evening of Prayer and Reflection
Thursday, Dec. 21 | 6:30 - 8 p.m. CT | online via Zoom
As the world is full of people proclaiming joy and light, we pause to remember the darkness, grief and sadness we hold in our hearts during this season. Through prayer and conversation, we will embrace the longest night and remember that all of our feelings and memories are normal during this time.
Visit fscenter.org for more information and to register by Dec. 20.
|
|
Bridges to Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton
Thursday, Dec. 21 | 7 - 8:30 p.m. CT | online via Zoom
On the first and third Thursday of the month, facilitator Carole Butz will guide us to explore the truths of human existence using the Bridges to Contemplative Living series, which includes excerpts from the writings of Thomas Merton and other authors. The process involves readings, reflections and contemplative dialogue.
|
|
Meet FSPA at SEEK24
Monday, Jan. 1 - Friday, Jan. 5 | St. Louis, MO
FSPA will be hosting a booth at this year's SEEK event in St. Louis. Stop by to say hello to Sister Julia Walsh and learn more about FSPA.
Visit seek.focus.org for more information and to register for the event.
|
|
Meditation for Emotional Health
Thursday, Jan. 4 | 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. CT | online via Zoom
All are welcome to join us for a time of rejuvenation. We'll start with a guided meditation that includes relaxed breathing, a body scan and a visualization, followed by a brief discussion.
Visit fscenter.org for more information and to register by Jan. 3.
|
|
Women's Christmas: An Epiphany Celebration
Friday, Jan. 5 | 5:30 - 8 p.m. CT
Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse, WI
As the busy Christmas season comes to an end, this is a time to set aside responsibilities and gather with friends to rest, give thanks, celebrate and reflect on the possibilities and invitations the new year brings. Join us Friday evening for a delicious Irish dinner, great conversation and a fun, meaningful program.
Visit fscenter.org for more information and to register by Dec. 22.
|
|
Women's Christmas and Epiphany Day of Rest
Friday, Jan. 5, 5:30 p.m. CT - Saturday, Jan. 6, 3 p.m. CT
Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse, WI
If you would like to participate in Women's Christmas and extend your stay, settle in for a comfortable and quiet night of retreat. You will stay in one of our beautifully appointed rooms and join us Saturday for a time of quiet meditation, visiting together, gentle body movement and creative activities – or bring a book and just relax!
Visit fscenter.org for more information and to register by Dec. 22.
|
|
Epiphany Day of Rest
Saturday, Jan. 6 | 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. CT
Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse, WI
Enjoy a day of rest and relaxation after a busy season at the FSC. You'll have a comfortable and private room for a day of quiet meditation, visiting together, gentle body movement and creative activities – or bring a book and just relax!
Visit fscenter.org for more information and to register by Dec. 22.
|
|
Coffee and Chat with Sister Julia
Tuesday, Jan. 9 | Milwaukee, WI
Join Sister Julia Walsh for some coffee and friendly conversation in Indianapolis. Email [email protected] for more details, including time and specific location.
|
|
Journeying Together from the Crib to the Cross
Sunday, Jan. 14 | 12 - 4 p.m. CT | online via Zoom
Begin 2024 journeying together with your Franciscan sisters and brothers at this unique Franciscan Federation virtual retreat designed to inspire, connect and transform. We will discover, together, how events that occurred 800 years ago continue to transform us today.
Visit franfed.org for more information and to register for the event.
|
|
Mass and Conversation with Sister Julia
Thursday, Jan. 18 | Chicago, IL
Join Sister Julia Walsh for Mass and some friendly conversation in Chicago. Email [email protected] for more details, including time and specific location.
|
|
Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration | Formation | 888-683-3772 | discerning@fspa.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
