From the Desk of Sister Julia

Dear Seeker,

When one is discerning their life direction, it is vital to be a reflective thinker. As Paul Catchlove shares in his TED Talk, the practice of journaling and reflection enabled him to navigate many changes in his life and remain open to learning. "[Reflection] is about looking at the events of our lives without judgement but with a critical lens," Catchlove states.

The constitutions for my Franciscan community, Unity in Diversity, emphasize the importance of a prayer life enhanced by a reflective lifestyle: "Through reflection on our daily experience and in a spirit of hope, we seek to deepen our personal relationship with God and to discover ways to manifest our love in ministry and in promotion of the Kingdom" (Unity in Diversity #10). Whether you opt to journal, pray the Ignatian Examen, or simply observe the patterns of your life to gain a greater awareness, a reflective lifestyle could help you navigate questions and desires. Personally, I find that daily reflection enables me to be more human, more Christian. And for our FSPA community, reflection on our collective history informs our current mission and direction, such as Sister Kristin Peters' involvement with decolonization and indigenous land justice work.

We're here to support you as you sort through what your reflective lifestyle reveals. Reach out any time!

Peace & All Good,

Sister Julia Walsh

Sisters work with Indigenous

people to save their land

Oak Flat, public land in Arizona used for hiking trails and a campground, is under threat. "A possible land transfer ... would allow a joint mining venture to begin work on a proposed copper mine that would essentially collapse the site into a crater up to 1,100 feet deep and nearly 2 miles wide."

Nine sisters, including Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Kristin Peters, "joined Apache elders and others during three days of peaceful demonstrations in defense of Oak Flat."

Read Global Sisters Report's recent article, "Sisters support defense of Apache sacred site, 'religious freedom for Native Americans.'"

Sister Kristin Peters "began her work supporting Indigenous causes by working with an organization called Land Justice Futures, which works with Catholic sister communities to educate them about the history of land theft in order to encourage them to return land to Native people."

"I woke up to the voice or the call of water and Indigenous people, just to stand in solidarity and more of a stand of reciprocity with them," said Sister Kristin. "I realized my life is intertwined with their lives and well-being."

Read ICT News' recent article, "Native allies seek to heal 'primary injustice on this continent.'"

Floating with the Currents of Christ

Sister Julia Walsh reflects on vocation, discernment

and the mystery of following Christ

"I once lived in a lodge in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, tucked into a lakeside cove. The simple log cabin was lined with windows. On clear days, I could see the trees on the other side of the lake, three miles away. Without going outdoors, I could see how the lake expressed its mood with colors and currents. Some days, water lured swimmers, boaters and fishermen into the bright blue flow with a calm surface. Other days, choppy waves warned everyone that venturing in could be dangerous."

Read "Floating with the Currents of Christ" written by Sister Julia Walsh and published in the July - August 2025 issue of Living City Magazine.

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. 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.

Introduction to Land Justice

Aug. 27 I 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. CT

During this webinar, participants will learn about the interconnectedness of our property system with climate change, racism and colonization, the burgeoning movement of people who are rethinking property, the elements of a land justice property plan and real case studies of how land transitions can serve the goals of land justice.

Visit actionnetwork.org for more information and to register.

Centering Prayer

Sept. 2 I 2:30 - 3 p.m. CT

Online via Zoom

Do you enjoy practicing Centering Prayer (Christian meditation) but wish you could do it with a group? Are you curious to try it but don't know where to begin? All are invited to join our free virtual "drop-in" group. We will spend the first five minutes in conversation, followed by 20 minutes of silent prayer.

Visit fscenter.org for more information and to register by Sept. 1.

Heroic Humility and Courageous Compassion (with Jesse Manibusan)

Sept. 4 I 6-9 p.m. CT

Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse, WI

All are invited to join Jesse Manibusan, speaker, signer, songwriter and storyteller, for this evening program – a call to a faith that's awake and alive. There is enough humility and compassion in the world – more than enough – but it doesn't take much for us to be "asleep in the light."

Visit fspa.org for more information and to register by Aug. 25.

Connecting with Mother Earth: Forest Bathing and Sound Healing Retreat Sept. 13 I 9 a.m. - noon CT

Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse, WI

Join us for an outdoor experience that uses our senses to enhance awareness of our relationship with Mother Earth. This time of reconnecting is designed to help restore balance within your body while honoring the sacredness of all creation.

Visit fscenter.org for more information and to register by Sept. 8.

Coulee Region Immigration Summit

Sept. 17 I 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. CT

Cappella Performing Arts Center, La Crosse, WI

Several local organizations are teaming up with the Kino Border Initiative and Voces de la Frontera to host the Coulee Region Immigration Summit in La Crosse. The summit will energize and call to action everyone who recognizes the contributions of immigrants to our nation.

Visit fspa.org for more information and to register.

'The Green Thread: Reclaiming Our Spiritual Authority' Book Launch

Sept. 18 I 6-8 p.m. CT

Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse, WI

Sister Karen Lueck's new book, "The Green Thread: Reclaiming Our Spiritual Authority," is a work of creative nonfiction using her own story and the story of her ancestors, the Old Saxons. Sister Karen will read an excerpt from her book at 7 p.m. Copies of her book will also be available for purchase.

Visit fscenter.org for more information and to register by Sept. 8.

FSPA Discernment Prayer Group

Sept. 21 I 4-5:15 p.m. CT

Online via Zoom

Gather with other women discerning their vocation with FSPA for prayer, faith sharing and a chance to meet sisters and ask them questions.

Email discerning@fspa.org to join this monthly gathering.

Iconography Workshop

Sept. 22, 9 a.m. CT - Sept. 27, 10 a.m. CT

Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse, WI

Noted American iconographer Phil Zimmerman will guide participants step-by-step through the process of "writing" or painting an icon in the Byzantine style, following ancient guidelines and techniques while using modern artists' materials (acrylic paints, gesso board, gold leaf).

Visit fscenter.org for more information and to register by Sept. 8.

Broken for All: Being the Body of Christ

Sept. 26-28

Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat Center, Belton, TX

Join author Sister Julia Walsh for a time of reflection centered on exploring the sacredness of brokenness, paths to healing and integration and our call to communion. Come pray and gain encouragement so that you can see how your brokenness can serve the common good and help build the reign of God.

Visit austindiocese.org for more information and to register.

Vocation Reflection Mini-Retreat

Oct. 12 I 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. CT

St. Rose Convent, La Crosse, WI

Young adults discerning their calling are invited to visit the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration for a time of guidance and reflection. During this mini-retreat you'll practice discernment methods and hear how others have gained the clarity of purpose they seek. Free lunch is included. All are invited to come early for Catholic Mass at 10 a.m.

To learn more and register, visit fspa.org, email vocations@fspa.org or call 608-797-8345.