Friday, August 16th, 2024 | |
Opening Prayer / Reflection | |
|
A Prayer for Leaders to be Elected
Adapted prayer by leaders of Midwest Kindred Spirits, July 2024
| |
|
Leadership is challenging.
God, let them be the ones to live it with justice.
Leadership is not about watching and correcting.
Jesus, let them remember to actively listen and connect to all people.
Leadership is not about telling people what to do.
Spirit, let them find out what marginalized people need.
Leadership is less about the love of power,
And more about the power of love.
As we continue to pray for those who will undertake the role of leader,
Let all be affirmed by the servant leadership we witness in your Son, Jesus.
Let all walk in the path God has set and let those who will lead, do so in the Spirit’s will.
Let our greatest passion be compassion.
Our greatest strength, love.
And our greatest victory, the reward of peace.
Amen.
| |
|
This past weekend I made my first visit to Marywood to attend a retreat on dreams. Alongside twelve other affiliates and two sisters, I was able to glimpse what has long been known by those who have come to Marywood – that this is a sacred space. During the weekend, we gathered in the main lodge for conversations and presentations on dreams; we designed collages that invited us to examine our own stories and imaginings; we sat near the lake making s’mores around a campfire; and we spent Sunday morning celebrating the feast day of St. Clare through prayer and song.
I don’t often remember my dreams, but the weekend taught me how to appreciate dreaming and to pay attention to the stories that our minds call forth. Dreams can lead you on winding paths and unexpected journeys, but they can also bring clarity and an invitation to explore a sense of mystery – the mystery in us, and ultimately, that mystery which we all seek out – those holy whispers, sacred wanderings, an invitation to a God that is both known and unknown.
Although it was my first time visiting this spirituality center, Marywood has, for decades, been a place of gathering and retreat for the sisters, and later for all who have sought a quiet space for reflection and prayer, art and community. And in that sense, it has been a place where dreams have been told and retold through the stroke of a paint brush, the paddle of a canoe, the flicker of light from a campfire, and the words written in journals and spoken aloud. It is my hope that the dreams and stories that were shared this weekend, added to this spirit of collective wisdom, welcome, and faith.
| | |
|
Making s'mores and Trivia | |
|
|
In peace and goodness,
Michael Krueger
Please feel free to reach out to me at mkrueger@fspa.org or 608-668-2588 (ext. 652) with any questions. Office Hours can be found at end of newsletter.
| |
In this week's Franciscan Journey, a few upcoming events are highlighted, we celebrate Sister Meg Earsley as she renewed her vows, and 146 years of Perpetual Adoration are highlighted. | |
|
Upcoming Events - click on links for more info
This is a hybrid program being offered at Prairewoods - to learn more click on the link above or here for registration info on their website.
- 9/28 : Virtual Mystics Retreat w/ Sister Karen Kappell
- 10/3-10/5 : Provocative Movements Renewal
- 10/11 : Fall Commitment Ceremony
- 10/12 : Fall Gathering
-
2/15-2/24 2025 : OSF Assisi Pilgrimage
| |
|
A separate email will be sent out with more information about the following, but just so that you have more information for your calendars:
Mystics Retreat w/ Sister Karen Kappell
Saturday, 9/28 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Virtual
This is a follow-up to our last mystics retreat, and this time Sister Karen will invite us to learn more about Hildegard of Bingen. No RSVP or registration is required. A Zoom link will be shared prior to the event with all affiliates.
Provocative Movements Renewal
Thursday, 10/3 through Saturday, 10/5
Hybrid - at St. Rose and Virtual
Beginning Thursday afternoon through Saturday mid-day, you are invited to attend different sessions about the Provocative Movements. You can attend all three days or pick and choose. There will be virtual options for most sessions. Affiliation is planning to host one session titled - "Living Joyfully: An Invitation to Gospel Living through the Beatitudes." RSVPs will be shared in the next two weeks, along with an invite to be a part of the affiliation panel that will be presenting. The FSC does have some rooms available for those traveling to attend.
Fall Commitment Ceremony and Gathering
Friday, 10/11 at 6:00 PM and Saturday, 10/12
Hybrid - at St. Rose and Virtual
In the next two weeks invites will be shared to attend the Commitment Ceremony and Fall Gathering. For those coming on Friday, you will be invited to join us for dinner before the Commitment Ceremony, which will start at 6PM.
| | |
|
Sister Meg Earsley took the next step in religious life with the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, renewing her vows on Aug. 2nd, Feast of the Portiuncula. Sister Meg joined FSPA in 2018, entered the novitiate stage in 2019 and professed first vows in 2021. Her renewal marks a step toward professing final vows with the congregation. | |
The FSPA Communications Team interviewed Sister Meg about her discernment. You can read more about her story, and watch her Vow Renewal Service here. For those of you who have not had the chance to meet Sister Meg, she is a wonderful human being who has contributed so much to those around her. Sister Meg attended our weekend retreat at Marywood, and has sung at previous affiliate Commitment Ceremonies. | |
Ministry Grant Fund Highlights | | |
|
|
Sister Lucille Winnike sponsored a grant for the Catherine McAuley Center. The center invites people to learn about their neighbors, to get to know them better, to hear their stories, and to support programs that make a difference in their lives.
| | |
|
Affiliate Michael Krueger (Viroqua, WI) sponsored a grant for the Outdoor Adventure Club through the School District of La Crosse. The club is for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders and provides exciting opportunities to explore nature, hike, and camp, all while learning essential safety skills. It’s a non-competitive, physically active experience where students build confidence, find new friends, and create lifelong hobbies. Check out this video highlighting the program. | |
Every Monday you can find new recipes and stories at The Seasoned Franciscan. If you would like to submit a recipe, please reach out to the FSPA Eco Pact Team at ecopact@fspa.org. As a reminder, click on the title to read the recipe: | | |
|
|
Mexican foods are popular and it's tomatillo time in the garden. Enjoy “Quick Roasted Tomatillo Salsita” aka salsa verde. The recipe comes from Pati Jinich, a chef and a Border Ambassador, says the Council of the Americas. Her PBS series “La Frontera” which means “the border”, explores the food, culture and challenges on and south of the U.S. / Mexico border.
| | |
|
|
Many gardeners plant zucchini, but somehow they don’t remember in May exactly how many zucchini will appear in July. This Summer Zucchini Pasta Recipe is retaliation. It's cooked in one pot, with mostly raw ingredients, and is perfect on a hot summer night. This post also includes a summer prayer to be receptive to the life force of God in us and in all.
| |
|
From Communications: On Aug. 1, FSPA celebrated 146 years of Perpetual Adoration. During our annual ceremony, we rang the bell to honor the anniversary, adding one ring to usher in the start of the 147th year. Bell ringers included sisters, affiliates, prayer partners and a partner in mission. Pictured above are Sister Rita Heires, Grace Nicholson-Maly (affiliate and prayer partner), Sister Joanne Moeller and Carly Zadow (prayer partner and partner in mission).
In an article about perpetual adoration, Sister Sarah Hennessey wrote, "For me, adoration is prayer tenfold, because it is held in a loving presence that stays with us. As a congregation with our partners we have taken adoration out of the chapel and into every aspect of our lives. This is what I think people sense when they come to us. We are people of prayer living lives of loving service in God’s name."
As we begin the 147th year of Perpetual Adoration, may the Spirit who
guided our past leaders and all those who have preceded us, lead us into another grace-filled year of Perpetual Adoration. May we continue to witness the presence of God throughout the world today. We implore you, Creator God, to graciously hear and answer our prayers.
| |
|
Friday Virtual Adoration & Mass
You are invited to join adoration every Friday from 8am-8pm, streamed from the Adoration Chapel. There will be a pause at 11am for Mass (which you can watch at the same link), followed by adoration again. You are welcome to use this Prayer Hour Aide during adoration. Join via Zoom here.
| | | | |
