Dear Seeker,

In this part of the world, we're feeling the impact of less daylight. When light dims toward the end of the workday and we gather with community for meals, conversation and prayer, we sometimes find ourselves in a cozy sacred space. Conversation can take on an ease as we begin to explore faith, hope and doubt: Holy Mystery. Calm and quiet whisper their arrivals and invite us into reflection and prayer. We find rest and relief as we absorb the beauty of candles glowing in the darkness.

No matter where we are, the approaching Advent and Christmas seasons offer opportunities to deepen our contemplation. As God gazes upon us and we know God's love, we are encountering The Holy One. And we are called to consider how we can grow in holiness, too. In Pope Francis' apostolic exhortation on holiness, Gaudete et Exsultate, we are each encouraged to embrace holiness as a pathway to a meaningful life, a way to be our truest self. The Holy Father writes, "Do not be afraid of holiness. It will take away none of your energy, vitality or joy. On the contrary, you will become what the Father had in mind when he created you, and you will be faithful to your deepest self. To depend on God sets us free from every form of enslavement and leads us to recognize our great dignity." (Gaudete et Exsultate #32)

If you are sensing that consecrated life could be a way for you to grow in holiness, please reach out to see if I can help you explore what's possible and how you might become a bright light in the darkness. I look forward to hearing from you!

Peace & All Good,

Sister Julia Walsh

Sculpted papier-maché faces hang on the border wall in Nogales Sonora, Mexico.

Photo courtesy of Sister Eileen McKenzie.

"While listening to the political rhetoric this campaign season, it is difficult to keep in mind that migration is a common occurrence in creation and has, in fact, always been part of the human experience. We look upon the migratory patterns of butterflies and caribou and resonate with the beauty and awe of creation. We see geese and hummingbirds fly south in order to survive and we are prompted to think, sometimes nostalgically, of the changing seasons as we prepare for winter. When we see people moving north in order to survive, we are instead prompted to think of danger, crime scarcity and we prepare by closing border crossings and building walls," shares Sister Eileen McKenzie in her recent Global Sisters Report column "Encountering Christ on the move."

"What should I do with my life?" is a question on many hearts, maybe even your own.

In this video by Ascension Presents, Father Mike Schmitz "shares how a vocation is more than just figuring out whether we're called to married life or religious life and it's more than just finding out what we like to do." As Father Mike explains three different types of vocation, he also discusses a "practical path that we can all follow to pursue holiness."

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.

Coulee Region Immigration Summit

Thursday, Nov. 21 | 5:30 - 7 p.m. CT

Cappella Performing Arts Center, 721 King St, La Crosse

Sister Eileen McKenzie will lead an immersive learning session that focuses on the power of language filled with dignity and hope. A panel will include people in migration, local employers and the Humanitarian Parole program, all bringing their personal perspectives. Attendees will leave the summit with skills for constructive conversations and inspired to accompany and advocate for people who migrate. 

All are welcome to attend this free event.

Mass & Lunch with Sister Julia

Monday, Nov. 25 | St. Rose Convent, La Crosse

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.

Evening Centering Prayer

Tuesday, Nov. 26 | 5:30 - 7 p.m. CT

Prariewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, Hiawatha, IA

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. Together, facilitator Judith Smith guides us to relax and attune our body, mind and spirit to the Indwelling Presence.

Visit prairiewoods.org for more information. No registration required.

St. Nicholas Celebration: A Feast of Generosity

Friday, Dec. 6 | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. CT

Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse

Join us for a joyous celebration of the beloved saint known for his generosity and kindness. We'll hear a story about St. Nicholas' life, learn about the tradition of putting out shoes and make festive crafts. In the spirit of giving, we will take special gifts and treats to Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse during the last 15 minutes of our time together.

Visit fscenter.org for more information at to register by Nov. 25.

Terra Divina: A Spiritual Practice of Engaging with Earth

Sunday, Dec. 8 | 3 - 4:15 p.m. CT

Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, Hiawatha, IA

Join facilitator Stephanie Heifner on the second Sunday of the month to practice terra divina and tune into the seasons playing out on the landscape. Similar to how lectio divina is a sacred reading of the text, terra divina is a sacred reading of the earth — the "Book of Creation." With an attitude of wonder, we'll engage in conversation with nature.

Visit prairiewoods.org for more information and to register by Dec. 7.

Coffee and Chat with Sister Julia

Thursday, Dec. 12 | La Crosse, WI

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

Winter's Wisdom, Rest & Renewal: A Solstice & Advent Retreat

Friday, Dec. 13, 6:30 p.m. CT - Sunday, Dec. 15, 1 p.m. CT

Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, Hiawatha, IA

Like quiet Earth in winter, we — amid the stress and conflicts of these times — need revitalizing ways to pause for rest and "letting be." Join us for a weekend of cultivating Night Vision and awareness of Light in everything — even in darkness, in wintery seasons of our lives and in our very being.

Visit prairiewoods.org for more information and to register by Dec. 9.

Discerning in the Dark Advent Prayer Service

Wednesday, Dec. 18 | 6 p.m. CT | online via Zoom

All are invited to join us for a virtual Advent Prayer Service. Email discerning@fspa.org to register and receive the Zoom link.

Blessing of Time

Tuesday, Dec. 31 | 6 p.m. CT

Mary of the Angels Chapel, La Crosse or online via Zoom

As we close out our year of celebrating 175 Years of Prayer, Witness and Service, join us for a New Year's Eve Blessing of Time in Mary of the Angels Chapel.

Women's Christmas: An Epiphany Celebration

Friday, Jan. 3, 2025 | 5:30 - 8 p.m. CT

Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse

As the busy Christmas season comes to an end, this is a time to set aside responsibilities and gather with friends to rest, give thanks, celebrate and reflect on the possibilities and invitations the new year brings. Join us Friday evening for a delicious Irish dinner, great conversation and a fun, meaningful program. Each guest also will receive a gift!

Visit fscenter.org for more information and to register by Dec. 23.

The Spirit of St. Francis, Love of Earth and Perfect Joy (series)

Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025 | 6:30 - 8 p.m. CT | online via Zoom

This virtual series explores the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi and how these timeless principles can enrich our modern-day spirituality. We'll delve into themes of interconnectedness with nature, simplicity and contemplation. You'll have an opportunity to share your reflections, experiences and thoughts on living out Franciscan values in today's world.

Visit fscenter.org for more information and to register by Feb. 3.

Pathways of Peace: Food as Relationship Spring Table Retreat

Friday, March 21, 2025, 6:30 p.m. CT - Saturday, March 22, 2025, 4 p.m. CT

Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, Hiawatha, IA

Together we will explore with a learning community how spring sprouts provide opportunities to transform our relationships with self, others and Earth through our personal food choices. To deepen our understanding of all that the season has to offer, we'll draw on the wisdom of environmentalists, mystics, poets and contemporary sages.

Visit prairiewoods.org for more information and to register by Mar. 17.

Aglow Retreat for Seekers

Saturday, April 5, 2025 | 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. CT

St. Rose Convent, La Crosse, WI

This mini-retreat is an opportunity to gather with other spiritual seekers to explore how to make spiritually informed choices. No matter what decisions are ahead, you'll gain tools for your tool box so that you are better equipped to make choices that enliven you to shine brightly.

Visit fspa.org for more information and to sign up for event alerts.

Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration

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

STAY CONNECTED