Sister Helen Elsbernd professed her first vows as a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration in 1958 and has spent the last 64 years of her religious life providing service to the community through various roles. Sister Helen has ministered as a chemistry professor and academic dean of Viterbo University, elected leadership for our Franciscan congregation, director of Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center and board member of numerous organizations in the La Crosse area and beyond. Upon her "retirement" from Viterbo in 1989, she was honored with the creation of the Sister Helen Elsbernd Distinguished Service Award in recognition of her outstanding service. This award is given to recipients in recognition of significant achievements and contributions made to the development of the university. Having served as FSPA's vice president for eight years, Sister Helen again put her administrative skills to use, playing a key role in the affiliation of Franciscan Health System and Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse.
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In addition to serving as FSPA's Congregational Treasurer, Sister Helen now spends much of her time volunteering at The Salvation Army and The Exchange Furniture Bank in La Crosse. Starting and ending every day in prayer, Sister Helen lives out Eucharistic presence by extending her weekly adoration hours into her everyday life. She strives to "be aware of God's love and presence in all of creation" and wants to "be a sign of God's loving presence to others." In her free time, she enjoys sewing, reading, gardening and spending time with her family and friends. Having answered the spirit's call to live a life of personal holiness dedicated to God, Sister Helen is "deeply grateful for the blessings and opportunities" she has had that are way beyond her "wildest imagination." |
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Welcome Sister Philomena! |
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"The FSPA values of bridging relationships in the community is a revolution of uncommon goodness that synchronizes with my values of peaceful and joyous living with responsiveness and inclusivity in the community," says Sister Philomena Elizabeth Ene Adah, pictured above with Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Katie Mitchell.
With unanimous acceptance of the FSPA Leadership Council, Sister Philomena is now discerning transfer to the community. Click here to read more about Sister Philomena's discernment process.
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Messy Jesus Business Podcast |
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"Christ is The Way and whatever is in the way is The Way."
- Sister Eileen McKenzie
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Their conversation explores the complexities of the call to Christian life and the challenges of working for justice. Sister Eileen also shares her insights about what Catholic religious life is becoming, the meaning of religious vows and the struggle to be Christ-like as we become instruments of Truth and Healing. Tune in to hear Sister Eileen share her vocation story and discuss the FSPA charism.
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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 | via Zoom
All are invited to join FSPA for virtual adoration live from the Adoration Chapel located inside St. Rose Convent 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 again after Mass.
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Prayer Experience Series
Every Tuesday | 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. CT | via Zoom
We are blessed with many ways to pray and reflect, including visio divina, silent prayer, songful prayer, embodied prayer, contemplative prayer and guided meditation. Join Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center for this ongoing prayer series via Zoom.
Click here to access the Zoom link. If prompted, please enter the meeting ID (739 543 244) and password (042717).
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St. Nicholas Day Candlelight Walk
Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022 | 6:30 - 8 p.m. CT | FSPA land on St. Joseph Ridge,
La Crosse, WI
All are welcome to join us for a peaceful evening walk on St. Joseph Ridge filled with Advent-themed prayers/reflections and 500 candle luminaries. After the walk, warm up by a bonfire and enjoy a hot beverage, an almond cookie and some popcorn. This event will be fully outdoors so please wear warm clothing and sturdy footwear. The walk will be approximately one mile long on slightly uneven ground.
Please park in the parking lot on the east side of the Villa St. Joseph building and walk down the driveway to the greenhouse and garden area.
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Advent Discernment Reflection
Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022 | 9 - 10:30 a.m. CT | via Zoom
All single, Catholic women, ages 18-45, interested in religious life, are invited to join Sister Barbara Reid, OP for this online discernment opportunity. This will be a sacred, encouraging space for discerners to connect with one another in a supportive community.
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Advent Art with Kiki McGrath
Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022 | 4 - 5 p.m. CT | The Fireplace, Chicago, IL
Join the Fireplace Community and artist Kiki McGrath as we creatively contemplate the beauty of the season of Advent.
Explore the symbolism and visual qualities of a holly plant and make your own Advent wreath. No previous experience with art or contemplation necessary -- only curiosity and a willingness to engage in the creative process.
Click here to learn more and RSVP for this Dec. 11 event.
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Silent Night: An Advent Singing Bowls Experience
Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022 | 6 - 7:30 p.m. CT | San Damiano Chapel,
La Crosse, WI
Please join us for an evening of Taize-style prayer paired with the deeply meditative sounds of Tibetan singing bowls, beautiful choir music and hymns for the season. This is a unique opportunity to reflect on your spiritual journey in a gathered community that shares varied faith traditions.
Click here to learn more and register by Friday, Dec. 16.
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Longest Night: An Evening of Prayer and Reflection
Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022 | 6:30 - 8 p.m. CT | via Zoom
The Winter Solstice is the longest night. 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.
Click here to learn more and register by Tuesday, Dec. 20.
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New Years Eve Blessing of Time
Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022 | 6 - 7 p.m. CT | Mary of the Angels Chapel and Zoom
All are welcome to join us as we celebrate the beginning of a new year.
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Women's Christmas: An Epiphany Celebration
Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023 | 5:30 - 8 p.m. CT | Franciscan Spirituality Center,
La Crosse, WI
Women's Christmas is rooted in a delightful Irish tradition. On the Feast of Epiphany, Irish women left the care of their households to the men so they could enjoy each other's company away from their domestic responsibilities.
At the FSC, we bring together the tradition of Women's Christmas and the Feast of the Epiphany for this special program. Come gather with other Wise Women to rest and reflect on the year that was, enjoy a simple but hearty meal, share stories and receive a blessing for the new year.
Click here to learn more and register by Thursday, Dec. 29.
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Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration | Formation | 888-683-3772 | discerning@fspa.org
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