From the Desk of Sister Julia |
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Dear Seeker,
As the FSPA Minister of Discerners, I accompany women who are seeking answers to the question, "What should I do with my life?" Oftentimes they are seeking to hear and understand God's will, to gain some clarity and direction about what they are called to do and the choices they have. This is the work of discernment, and for each of us who are serious about following Jesus Christ and living the Gospel, discernment is a way of life, an ongoing process.
As described in this article, discernment means to distinguish. A "discerning Christian" is a person who, in order to determine what is of God and what isn't, sorts through their motives and the movements in their life. We each know that selfishness, ego, fear and sin can get in the way of our actions according to the way of God. We can easily shirk from what's good for us, that's why we fill our lives with tools and practices that help us distinguish what's of God and what gets in the way of following Christ. I recommend the practice of spiritual direction to practically every discerner I walk with because meeting regularly with a good listener can provide a lot of clarity as we discern.
In this role, one of the projects that I especially enjoy is hosting the Messy Jesus Business podcast and blog — a platform that offers content for all who are seeking to explore the struggles of Christian discipleship and vocational discernment. In every podcast interview, I invite my guest to share how they've come to know who they are and how God was calling them to serve. In each reflection, we invite readers to consider how following Jesus is a journey into freedom and joy — even while The Abundant Life that Jesus gives (John 10:10) is complex and messy. The stories and perspectives offered at Messy Jesus Business show that discernment is messy too.
May God be with you in the good mess, dear seeker, and may you know Jesus' voice as you discern.
Peace & All Good,
Sister Julia Walsh
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Welcome Sister Abisola Clare |
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"'Like St. Clare of Assisi, I must decide how to live my faith and to keep listening to God,' shares Sister Abisola Clare Adelakun. Sister Abisola Clare is discerning transfer to the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, having received resounding acceptance to walk her new path with the community by the leadership council.
With a wealth of life to draw from, Sister Abisola Clare shares this reflection. Vocation is a gift from God to the world, as it is for each of us. We are part of the greater faith community, but our faith journey is an individual one. Each one of us has her own life to populate, inhabit — and live to the fullest — drawing strength, inspiration and renewed life from God, the source of all, who has called."
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How Spiritual Direction helps with discernment |
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"Meeting with a spiritual director is a practice
that dates back to the earliest years of Christianity. When one is experiencing spiritual direction, exploring how the Holy Mystery is active and involved in their life, they are in a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space. It's a place to process experiences, to unpack faith
and doubt.
Ultimately, when I meet with a spiritual director, I feel as if I am on a holy ground. It's holy ground because the wonders (and challenges!) of my life are illumined and tended to with reverence and care. This helps me to see my story as sacred. When the events of my life are given honor and attention in the act of holy listening a light shines upon my experiences. I start to see more clearly, and I can gain clarity about reality. I can see how God is guiding me, what the Spirit is inviting me to when my sacred story is in the spotlight."
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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, 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.
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Prayer Experience Series
Every Tuesday | 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. CT | online 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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World Migratory Bird Day: Bird Walk
Saturday, May 13, 2023 | 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. CT
FSPA land on St. Joseph Ridge, La Crosse, WI
All discerners are invited to join FSPA's Integral Ecology office for a bird-watching walk in celebration of World Migratory Bird Day. Please park in the east parking lot and meet outside the greenhouse.
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Spring Wildflowers, Ferns and Lichens
Saturday, May 13, 2023 | 1 - 3 p.m. CT
FSPA land on St. Joseph Ridge, La Crosse, WI
All are invited to join FSPA Integral Ecology Director Beth Piggush and Land Sustainability Coordinator Siena Muehlfeld to learn about organisms commonly found in springtime.
Click here for more information and to register for the event!
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Coffee and Chat with Sister Julia
Thursday, May 18, 2023 | Chicago, IL
Join Sister Julia Walsh for some coffee and friendly conversation in Chicago. Email [email protected] for more details, including time and specific location.
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Tools for Spiritual Health
Friday, May 19, 2023, 6:30 p.m. CT - Saturday, May 20, 2023, 3:30 p.m. CT
Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse, WI
Would you like to find new ways to nurture your spiritual health or grow in your current practices? Join fellow seekers on this weekend retreat to experientially learn more about practices to enrich your daily life.
Click here for more information and to register by May 12.
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Loving Kindness Practice
Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | 1 - 2 p.m. & 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. CT
Marywood Franciscan Spirituality Center, Arbor Vitae, WI
Join Sister Suzanne Rubenbaur in this brief, daily mindfulness practice to gradually let loose of judgment of self and others while being kind in one's response, actions and creativity.
Click here (and scroll down) for more information and to register by May 18.
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Founders' Day Liturgy and Lunch with Sister Julia
Friday, May 26, 2023 | St. Rose Convent, La Crosse, WI
FSPA was founded on May 28, 1849. Join Sister Julia Walsh for Mass and lunch in celebration of Founders' Day. Email [email protected] for more details and to let Sister Julia know if you plan on attending.
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Taize Prayer and Social with Sisters and Friends
Friday, June 2, 2023 | Oak Park, IL
Join Sister Julia Walsh and friends for Taize Prayer and conversation in Oak Park. Email [email protected] for more details, including time and specific location.
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Coffee and Chat with Sister Julia
Wednesday, June 7, 2023 | Milwaukee, WI
Join Sister Julia Walsh for some coffee and friendly conversation in Milwaukee. Email [email protected] for more details, including time and specific location.
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Pentecost Celebration
Saturday, June 10, 2023 | 6 - 10 p.m. CT | The Fireplace, Chicago, IL
Join The Fireplace Community for their annual Pentecost celebration. Click here for more information.
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SSND Summer Service Week
Sunday, June 11 - Saturday, June 17, 2023
Whole Kids Outreach, Ellington, MO
The North American Vocation Team (NAVT) of the School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) invites women ages 18-45 to a summer service week at Whole Kids Outreach (WKO), a nonprofit service organization in Ellington, Missouri.
Click here for more information and to register by May 15.
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The Sound of Bowls at Sunset
Tuesday, June 13, 2023 | 7 - 8 p.m. CT
FSPA land on St. Joseph Ridge, La Crosse, WI
All are invited to this special evening to experience the power and beauty of traditional Tibetan singing bowls outside as the sun sets. Prepare to be opened to deep relaxation and meditation in the presence of ageless bell sounds.
Click here for more information and to register by June 12.
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Mass, Chapel Tour, Lunch & Conversation with Sister Julia
Sunday, June 18, 2023 | St. Rose Convent, La Crosse, WI
Join Sister Julia Walsh for Mass, a tour of Mary of the Angels Chapel, lunch and friendly conversation in La Crosse. Email [email protected] by June 11 for more details and to let Sister Julia know if you plan on attending.
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Chicago Discerners Summer Social with FSPA
Saturday, June 24, 2023 | Chicago, IL
Join a group of FSPA Sisters for a gathering in the Chicago area. Meet the sisters, ask your questions and enjoy an outing with them. Email [email protected] for more details and to register by June 17.
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Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration | Formation | 888-683-3772 | discerning@fspa.org
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