From the Desk of Sister Julia
Dear Seeker, 

Christian identity is rooted in belief and action. Because we believe that Jesus is The Way, The Truth and The Life, (John 14:6) we are disciples of Jesus Christ. We follow his teachings, by living the Gospel and committing ourselves to doing God's will. And, often, the will of God compels us to move out of our comfort zones. 

In the video below, Sister Barbara Reid, O.P., shares a reflection with the National Religious Vocation Conference about the meaning of saying yes to our vocation. Her talk is entitled "Here I am: responding to the call to go beyond." She highlights how Biblical prophets such as Mary follow particular patterns of call: an encounter with God in the midst of everyday life; resistance or objection; reassurance; a concrete sign; empowerment by the Spirit; consent to the call. Perhaps this pattern of call is relatable to you.

As Sister Barbara notes, the vocation of the prophet is to declare what time it is – a time to make a change, for example — and publicly denounce injustice. Like women and men religious, prophets are called to go out of their comfort zones and disturb the status quo. By way of our religious consecration and commitment to lives of community, prayer and service, we proclaim that God's reign is on its way. Are you called to join us? 

When we pray the Psalms we declare "I delight to do Your will, O my God / 
Your Law is within my heart." (Psalm 40:9). Sometimes, to encounter God's will and gain the courage to step out of our comfort zones, we only need to tune into our hearts. May God grace you with the clarity and courage you need to say "yes" to the call felt deep within your heart. Know that I am here for you, no matter what sort of pattern of resistance and acceptance may emerge in your journey. Please don't hesitate to reach out.

Peace & All Good,

Sister Julia Walsh
The Messiness of Franciscan Sisterhood
Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration Paulynn Instenes, Meg Earsley, Janet Fischer, Corrina Thomas and Karen Kappell.
In the July 13 Messy Jesus Business Podcast episode titled "The Messiness of Franciscan Sisterhood," host Sister Julia Walsh asks five of her fellow Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration the following questions:

- How did you know you were called to be an FSPA?
- What does discipleship mean to you?
- What is messy about being a modern Franciscan sister?
Responding to the call to go beyond
Dominican Sister of Grand Rapids Barbara Reid served as a keynote speaker at the National Religious Vocation Conference. As mentioned above, Sister Barbara's presentation titled "Here I am: Responding to the call to go beyond" explains the meaning of saying yes to our vocation.
Upcoming Events for Discerning Women
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, WI. 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.

Click here to access the Zoom link.
Afternoon Nature & Forest Therapy Experience
Monday, Sept. 11 | 2:30 - 3:45 p.m. CT
Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, Hiawatha, IA

We invite you to join the land at Prairiewoods and certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide Emelia Sautter for a walk with the natural world. Experience Forest Therapy, a sensory-focused practice that invites us to slow down and be present with self and the natural world around us.

Click here for more information and to register for the event.
Coffee and Chat with Sister Julia
Wednesday, Sept. 13 | Louisville, KY

Join Sister Julia Walsh for some coffee and friendly conversation in Louisville. Email [email protected] for more details, including time and specific location.
Art as Prayer
Monday, Sept. 18 | 6 - 7:30 p.m. CT | online via Zoom

Artistic expression offers the opportunity for spiritual growth, transformation and healing. This monthly open watercolor studio is a chance to play and learn new techniques without worrying about perfection or the finished product. Meet new friends and practice listening to your heart as you paint.

Click here for more information and to register for the event.
Threshold Conversations: Moving On
Tuesday, Sept. 19 | 7 - 8:30 p.m. CT | online via Zoom

Whether you're living through significant personal transitions or navigating a world reshaping itself faster than ever, you are invited to join a yearlong conversation about how to make change more trustworthy. Throughout the year, you can join monthly online conversations focused on one of the ten threshold skills featured in Karen Hering's book, Trusting Change.

Click here for more information and to register for the event.
Bridges to Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton
Thursday, Sept. 21 | 7 - 8:30 p.m. CT | online via Zoom

The practice of contemplative living helps us respond to everyday experiences with greater awareness of our connections with God and others. On these Thursday evenings, facilitator Carole Butz guides 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.

Click here for more information and to register for the event.
Coffee and Chat with Sister Julia
Friday, Sept. 22 | San Juan Capistrano, CA

Join Sister Julia Walsh for some coffee and friendly conversation in San Juan Capistrano. Email [email protected] for more details, including time and specific location.
Chicago Homicide Vigil
Saturday, Sept. 30 | Chicago, IL

Join us as we pray for those affected by violence. Interested in learning more? Click here to sign up for email updates. To join the Sept. 30 vigil online via Zoom, click here.
The Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi
Tuesday, Oct. 3 | 6 p.m. CT
Mary of the Angels Chapel, La Crosse, WI

Join us for Mass in Mary of the Angels Chapel as we celebrate the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi. Email [email protected] for more information.
The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi
Wednesday, Oct. 4 | 11 a.m. CT
Mary of the Angels Chapel, La Crosse, WI

Join us for Mass in Mary of the Angels Chapel as we celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Email [email protected] for more information.
Cor Jesu Liturgy with Archbishop Hebda
Friday, Oct. 6, 2023 | 8 p.m. CT
Cathedral of Saint Paul, Saint Paul, MN

All are invited to join us for a very special Cor Jesu liturgy at the Cathedral of St. Paul. Archbishop Hebda will preside and as part of the Eucharistic Revival in the Archdiocese, there will be an opportunity to venerate the major relics of Saint Therese and her parents! Click here for more information.
Befriending our Fears in the Way of St. Francis
Friday, Oct. 13, 6 p.m. CT - Saturday, Oct. 14, 3 p.m. CT
Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse, WI

The overriding message of St. Francis' life and teachings begins and ends with the story of the Wolf of Gubbio. We'll explore how this story is an invitation to embrace the wolf: to consider another viewpoint, to befriend our fears, to see ourselves in another, be willing to live vulnerably and discover something new.

Click here for more information and to register for the event.
Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration | Formation | 888-683-3772 | discerning@fspa.org