From the Desk of Sister Julia

Dear Seeker,

Years before I became a Franciscan Sister, I learned to trust my desires. I learned this from a simple prayer written by a Trappist monk named Thomas Merton in his book, "Thoughts on Solitude."

"My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this, you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust you always, though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone. Amen."

Before I was introduced to this prayer, I felt lost and confused. I was uncertain about God's will and the direction I should go with my life. I had a thousand questions and concerns. Then, this prayer helped me realize that I was defined by good desires: desires to love and please God, to do God's will and this was enough. Although I lacked clarity or direction, I could give God my desire and trust. It turns out that when we follow Christ, we don't always know where things will lead. Yet, we can give God our desires as an offering and trust that God will guide and encourage us to take the next small step.

If you're wondering what the next small step you're called to take might be, please don't hesitate to reach out for support from the FSPA Discernment Office.

Peace & All Good,

Sister Julia Walsh

FSPA's "Fight for $15" Compensation Project

Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Sue Ernster is featured in the Spring 2025 issue of A Matter of Spirit, a publication of the Intercommunity Peace and Justice Center. In her feature (page 10), Sister Sue reflects on FSPA's "Fight for $15" Compensation Project, launched in 2021 in partnership with Wipfli Consultants to raise FSPA's minimum wage to $15 an hour.

"This wasn't just about economic justice; we recognize our partners in mission serving on staff are gold. We advocated for livable wages, and we wanted it to start at home," shares Sister Sue.

read the full issue

Discover Five Treasures of Religious Life

"Religious sisters, brothers and priests enrich our world with

wisdom, commitment, joy, hope and struggle."

In "Discover five treasures of religious life," Bishop Robert Morneau, auxiliary bishop emeritus of Green Bay, Wisconsin, shares the five qualities that many religious communities possess — wisdom, commitment, joy, hope and struggle — and explains why we need religious women and men.

read the full article

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.

Sisters Speak Out

Tuesday, June 24 | 10 a.m. Eastern Time | Washington D.C.

Tuesday, June 24 | 10 a.m. Mountain Time | Eloy, Arizona

Catholic Sisters and faith-based organizations across the country are expressing their commitment to the Gospel and missions that urge us to respond to the looming budget cuts that threaten to defund vital programs for the most vulnerable members of our communities.

Visit fspa.org for more information and to register.

Evening Centering Prayer

Tuesday, June 24 | 5:30 - 7 p.m. CT

Prairiewoods 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. Registration is not required.

The Body of Christ for Everyone

Wednesday, June 25 | 7 p.m. CT

Saint Giles Parish - McDonough Hall, 1101 Columbian Ave, Oak Park, IL

Jesus clearly commissions us to teach the world about His real presence in the Eucharist, bringing Him to all the nations. Have you ever wondered how to do this or what this looks like? Is this only something that we do at Mass? Do we just talk to people about Jesus and the Eucharist? This month, in McDonough Hall on the Saint Giles campus, Sister Julia Walsh will speak about how we can be Eucharist to everyone we meet.

Day of Self-Renewal

Friday, June 27 | 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 meditation practices, a private guest room for the day, 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 June 19.

Chicago Homicide Vigil

Saturday, June 28 | 9:30 a.m. CT

1130 West 51st Street, Chicago, IL and online via Zoom

Join us in person or online as we pray with those affected by violence.

Click here to learn more and access the Zoom link.

White Supremacy and American Christianity: Fascism or Faith

Saturday, June 28 | 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. CT | online

Join NETWORK Lobby on Saturday, June 28 as they explore how our Christian faith calls us to resist fascism, join in solidarity with our neighbors and build An Economy for All, where all of us can thrive.

Visit mobilize.us for more information and to register.

The Power of Silence: July Silent Directed Retreat

Sunday, July 6, 5 p.m. CT - Saturday, July 12, 1 p.m. CT

Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, Hiawatha, IA

Silent directed retreats offer opportunities to enter into deep silence to sense what it feels like to awaken a quiet and palpable connection with the Source of All Being. Each day, you will receive ongoing direction as you and a professionally trained spiritual director intentionally listen to the movement

of the Source of All Being in your heart.

Visit prairiewoods.org for more information and to register by June 30.

Everyday Mystics

Tuesday, July 15 | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. CT

Marywood Franciscan Spirituality Center, Arbor Vitae, WI

If you are an everyday mystic—or if the idea intrigues you—you are invited to join the monthly Everyday Mystics group at Marywood Spirituality Center. We'll open our time together with a centering experience and a short reflection to spark our conversation.

Visit marywoodsc.org for more information.