From the Desk of Sister Julia |
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Dear Seeker,
Alleluia! Christ is Risen! In this part of the world, the signs of New Life are all around us: the seedling is barely emerging from the mud, the buds are forming on the branches, the freshness of green growth is peeking through. The renewal revealed to us through the wonders of nature shows that resurrection is ordinary; behind every breakdown and death is a chance to embrace hope.
And, the Paschal Mystery (the death of Jesus on the cross and the resurrection days later) is connected to freedom discovered when we, the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, profess the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. As Sister Eileen mentions in the video below, the freedom that comes from the vowed life is paradoxical "because we give up our lives radically in order to know life abundantly." Sharing our life and our goods in common, we are devoted to listening to God and each other, to loving as the Resurrected One loves.
How religious life is lived and experienced is changing. It is being transformed and rising to become new signs of hope for the Church and a society that is frequently more divided than united. Sister Corrina ministers at the InterCongregational Collaborative Novitiate Program and the stories here highlight how life is abundant when shared communally; diversity of charisms and cultures is enriching for all. New Life is coming to the vowed life!
I'd love to meet you and explore the current realities of being Resurrection People, of being people of hope following Jesus and trusting in the New Life emerging. Please reach out if I can be supportive to you and your discernment journey. Or, sign up for an event below as a way to meet other sisters and learn more about the vowed life and how Easter joy is a lived reality for us. Alleluia!!
Peace & All Good,
Sister Julia Walsh
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A Collaborative Novitiate Program |
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"Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Corrina Thomas notes that 'networking is the name of the game for the religious life of tomorrow; you can't do it alone.' Sister Corrina, pictured above, is serving as co-director of the InterCongregational Collaborative Novitiate in Chicago, Illinois, with Sister of Charity of Nazareth Nancy Gerth.
The collaborative welcomes women who are in the process of becoming a Catholic Sister with any religious order. Currently, six women from six different congregations—and from six different cultures—are spending this time of their novitiate phase at the InterCongregational Collaborative's spacious apartments in Chicago's Hyde Park."
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"Let's Get Real," a video series that illuminates the realities of religious life today, features Sister Eileen McKenzie in their "Exploring the Vows Today: Section One" episode. Sister Eileen, the first of three speakers, spends about nine minutes discussing "Freedom Through the Vowed Life."
To watch the episode, click here and scroll down to the second row.
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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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Evening Centering Prayer
Tuesday, April 25, 2023 | 5:30 - 7 p.m. CT
Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, Hiawatha, IA
*Offered the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month.
This contemplative prayer form assists people in deepening relationships with God or the Source of All Being. Each evening invites participants to an opening check-in and two twenty-minute silent, centering sessions.
Click here for more information and to register for the April 25 event.
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America's Real Sister Act
The Hidden History of Black Catholic Nuns in the United States
Thursday, April 27, 2023 | 5 - 6:30 p.m. CT
Swift Hall, 3rd Floor Lecture, Chicago, IL and online via Zoom
Join Dr. Shannen Dee Williams as she explores the story of America's real
sister act: the story of how generations of Black women and girls called to the sacred vows of poverty, chastity and obedience fought against racism, sexism and exclusion.
Click here for more information and to register for the April 27 event. You may also email discerning@fspa.org to save a seat next to Sister Julia Walsh.
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Spirituality in the 21st Century: Weaving a New Story of Meaning
Friday, April 28, 2023, 7 p.m. CT - Saturday, April 29, 2023, 3:00 p.m. CT
Grant Wood Area Education Agency, Cedar Rapids, IA and online via Zoom
Join esteemed author and facilitator Jeremy Lent and singer and songwriter Sara Thomsen for what promises to be an inspiring, soul-transforming event.
Click here for more information and to register by April 26.
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La Crosse Earth Fair
Sunday, April 30, 2023 | 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. CT
Myrick Park, La Crosse, WI
All are invited to join the FSPA Office of Integral Ecology on April 30 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Myrick Park in La Crosse for this year's Earth Fair -- a popular family-friendly "green" event that offers sustainability and nature education and exploration.
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Dinner with Sister Julia at The Fireplace
Tuesday, May 2, 2023 | The Fireplace, Chicago, IL
Join Sister Julia Walsh for dinner and conversation at The Fireplace in Chicago. Email discerning@fspa.org for more details, including time and specific location.
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Dinner and Taize Prayer with Chicago Sisters and Friends
Friday, May 5, 2023 | Oak Park, IL
Join Sister Julia Walsh for dinner and Taize prayer in Oak Park. Email discerning@fspa.org for more details, including time and specific location.
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Overcoming Challenges with Grit and Grace
Saturday, May 6, 2023 | 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. CT
Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse, WI
Join author, therapist and educator Lora DeVore, along with three other amazing women, as they share their personal stories of resilience during this annual conference.
Click here for more information and to register by May 1.
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Coffee and Chat with Sister Julia
Friday, May 12, 2023 | Des Moines, IA
Join Sister Julia Walsh for some coffee and friendly conversation in Des Moines. Email discerning@fspa.org for more details, including time and specific location.
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An Integral Approach to Spiritual Development
Friday, May 12, 2023, 7 p.m. CT - Saturday, May 13, 2023, 4 p.m. CT
Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse, WI
As people embark on a journey of self-discovery, they often reach "in-between" places. This weekend retreat can offer guidance during these challenging times of transformation.
Click here for more information and to register by May 5.
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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 discerning@fspa.org 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
Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, Hiawatha, 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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Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration | Formation | 888-683-3772 | discerning@fspa.org
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