Dear Seeker,

I love hearing vocation stories. It's part of the reason why I invite guests on Messy Jesus Business podcast to share them. Sometimes, I hear people say that they moved their lives in a certain direction because of a desire to be "part of something bigger." For some, this takes the form of a faith community, social movement, or another group. It makes sense. The need to belong to a community is part of our human nature: God made us for others; we are social creatures who are made to live interdependently. As a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, I am part of a congregation centered in tradition and a rich relational life where I know much love and am energized for Gospel service. As our constitution, Unity in Diversity, states:

"Like our founders, we embrace a relationship of loving dependence on God through the vows of poverty, consecrated celibacy and obedience. We continue in history the charism given the whole Church by St. Francis of Assisi and our founders: to live the Gospel in our own times, to renew ourselves in the heritage of poverty, conversion and simplicity, to abide in a constant and lively hope even in the most difficult circumstances, to trust in divine providence, to serve those in need, and to strive to integrate prayer and ministry. We are a community responding, as Francis did, to Christ's invitation, REBUILD MY CHURCH." (Unity in Diversity, 2)

It may be easier for members of FSPA "to abide in a constant and lively hope" because we're not alone; we work with others to effect social change. We're stronger when we're united. Compared to what may happen if we acted as individuals, our community likely has a greater impact on the pursuit for peace and justice. And, our whole community is strengthened by Christ, who we know and adore in the Blessed Sacrament. If you want to be part of a modern communal movement for justice that's centered in tradition and prayer, FSPA might be a good fit for you. Check out FSPA Affiliation or send a note to discerning@fspa.org to ask about Franciscan Sisterhood. I look forward to hearing from you!

Peace & All Good,

Sister Julia Walsh

Throughout this year in the United States, the Catholic Church has seen a time of Eucharistic Revival. Six years ago, Sister Sarah Hennessey offered webinars about Adoration and Eucharistic spirituality that remain timely and relevant today, including this Adoration Talk, "Living Adoration."

This video encapsulates much of the FSPA charism and shares our mission. View to the end to learn how to share your prayer requests with us!

This book is a recommended read for anyone interested in reflecting more about the gift of Catholic Sisterhood to Church and society and praying with insights offered by Catholic Sisters.

In November, Sister Julia Walsh will lead an online vocation discernment faith-sharing discussion centered on essays in this book. If you're interested in participating or are in need of a copy, please reach out to discerning@fspa.org.

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.

Beyond Ite vos: Celebrating 800 years of Francis's Stigmata

Saturday, Sept. 21 | 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. CT

Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, IL (room 210)

​At the death of St. Francis, Brother Elias announces the miracle of the wounds of Christ (stigmata) revealed on the body of Francis of Assisi. This miracle is further revealed by writers and artists, who attempt to capture the moment of the Stigmata. We will focus our thoughts on two versions of the Stigmata: that of Brother Leo and that of St. Bonaventure.

Visit ctu.edu for more information and to register.

Chicago Area Discernment Group

Sunday, Sept. 22 | Chicago, IL

Gather with other women who are interested in religious life for a time of prayer and faith sharing. Email discerning@fspa.org for more information, including time and specific location.

What is Spiritual Direction?

Tuesday, Sept. 24 | 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. CT | online via Zoom

During spiritual direction, you are guided to listen carefully to the voice of God in your life. This brief introduction is an opportunity to learn more about the process and ask questions. Depending on what you hear, you may wish to make an appointment to meet individually with a spiritual director, but there is no obligation.

Visit fscenter.org for more information and to register by Sept. 22.

Blessing of the Animals

Sunday, Sept. 29 | 1-3 p.m. CT

Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, Hiawatha, IA

Gather your family, your friends and your favorite animal companions and head to the annual Blessing of the Animals at Prairiewoods. There will be a parade at 1:15 p.m. and blessings by Sister Nancy Hoffman and Reverend Jean Sullivan will begin around 1:30 p.m. After the blessing, all are welcome to take a tour of the grounds, either on foot or in an ATV.

Visit prairiewoods.org for more information. Registration is not necessary.

Nuns on the Bus: Vote Our Future Tour

Monday, Sept. 30 - Friday, Oct. 18

Nuns and their partners are rolling across the country — from Philadelphia to San Francisco — to call on Catholics and people of goodwill to be multi-issue voters for the common good. By voting on the many issues that impact our lives, multi-issue voters protect the freedoms essential to a future where everyone can thrive in an inclusive, multiracial multi-faith democracy.

Visit nunsonthebus.org to learn more about the bus and find a stop near you.

Day of Self Renewal

Thursday, Oct. 3 | 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. CT

Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, Hiawatha, IA

Find complete rest and relaxation for mind, body and spirit during a day of self renewal at Prairiewoods. This tranquil day facilitated by Reverend Jean Sullivan features your choice of two services, group guided meditation, Singing Bowl Prayer, a private guest room, a fresh lunch and access to the labyrinth and all that Prairiewoods has to offer.

Visit prairiewoods.org for more information and to register by Sept. 25.

Transitus of St. Francis

Thursday, Oct. 3 | 6 p.m. CT

Mary of the Angels Chapel, La Crosse, WI and online via Zoom

The Transitus, which means 'passage' or 'crossing' in Latin, is a solemn observance of the passing of Saint Francis from this earthly life into eternal life with God. Celebrated on the evening of October 3, it is a time of reflection, prayer, and deep gratitude for the life and teachings of Saint Francis.

Feast of St. Francis Mass

Friday, Oct. 4 | 11 a.m. CT

Mary of the Angels Chapel, La Crosse, WI and online via Zoom

All are welcome to join us for Mass in Mary of the Angels Chapel as we honor St. Francis of Assisi on his feast day.

Mass and Lunch at St. Rose Convent

Saturday, Oct. 5 | St. Rose Convent, La Crosse, WI

All women discerning religious life are invited to join Sister Julia Walsh for Mass and lunch at the FSPA motherhouse in La Crosse. Email discerning@fspa.org for more information.

Coffee and Chat with Sister Julia

Thursday, Oct. 10 | Louisville, KY

All women discerning religious life are invited to join Sister Julia Walsh for coffee and friendly conversation in Louisville. Email discerning@fspa.org for more information, including time and specific location.

Say Good: An Evening with Ashlee Eiland

Thursday, Oct. 10 | 5:30 - 7 p.m. CT | online via Zoom

Join us for a virtual evening with Ashee Eiland, author of "Say Good: Speaking Across Hot Topics, Complex Relationships, and Tense Situations." She will teach us about a four-part discernment process that includes having passion, accountability, influence and relationship. The session will include group discussion as well as time for questions with Ashlee.

Visit marywoods.org for more information and to register.

Franciscan Justice Leadership Conference

Saturday, Oct. 12 - Tuesday, Oct. 25

Washington Retreat House, Washington, D.C. and online via Zoom

We welcome you to join Franciscan-inspired seekers of peace and justice from across the country in our nation's capital just a few weeks before national elections, where we will learn, grow, connect with others and be empowered as advocates for creation, peace and justice in our home communities.

Sister Julia Walsh, one of the event's keynote speakers, will discuss "Community Building as a Franciscan Pathway to Peace."

Visit franciscanaction.org for more information and to register.

Coffee and Chat with Sister Julia

Thursday, Oct. 17 | Washington, D.C.

All women discerning religious life are invited to join Sister Julia Walsh for coffee and friendly conversation in Washington, D.C. Email discerning@fspa.org for more information, including time and specific location.

Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice

Saturday, Oct. 26 - Monday, Oct. 28 | Washington, D.C.

Learn, pray and advocate for justice at the largest annual Catholic social justice gathering in the United States. The Teach-In is a place for members of the Ignatian family (Jesuit institutions and larger church) to be empowered, re-energized, inspired, challenged and supported by a community that sees faith and justice integrally linked.

And don't forget to visit the FSPA booth. Sister Julia Walsh and Michael Krueger, FSPA Affiliation Director, will be eager to meet you!

Visit ignatiansolidarity.net for more information and to purchase your tickets.

Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration

Formation | 888-683-3772 | discerning@fspa.org

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