Dear Seeker,

When I was a child, my parents took my siblings and me to an amusement park near Des Moines, Iowa, called Adventureland. We rode the rides and felt the breeze, ups and downs, turns, surprises and release of screaming and laughing. For me, each rollercoaster, tilt-a-whirl, train or swing offered a chance to discover what was thrilling, or what made me queasy. I found that what I enjoyed wasn't the same as what my siblings liked. While some rides caused a bit of motion sickness, others allowed me to feel comfortable and relaxed.

As I accompany women who are exploring how God could be calling them to vowed religious life, I sometimes think about the joy and fun of going to Adventureland. I recognize that when a person is feeling confused, fearful or lost, discernment might not feel fun and adventurous. Yet, I'd like to suggest that each exploration along the path of faith is a chance to notice what fills one with joy, or dread. If one is overwhelmed by options and possibilities, then one can ask for limits and guidance. (I now appreciate the limits from my parents when I visited amusement parks.) Exploring options can feel frightening and risky, but it's hard to discover a good fit without stepping forward and giving things a try. I'm here to root for you as you step on up to the adventure of discernment. May God bless the adventureland of your life!

Peace & All Good,

Sister Julia Walsh

We build bridges of relationships that stretch us to be people of encounter who stand with all suffering in our Earth Community.

As a response to continuing our Revolution through Encuentro, the FSPA Anti-Racism Team commissioned an FSPA group to a Kino Border Initiative immersion from Oct. 31 to Nov. 8. The FSPA group includes partners in mission on staff from FSPA, the Franciscan Spirituality Center and Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, along with an FSPA prayer partner and affiliate.

What is this immersion about?

The focus of the program is not to participate in a service week, but rather presence and encounter. The goals of this immersion are to humanize, accompany and complicate. The group will have the opportunity to converse with families forced to leave their homes, play with kids from the KBI shelter and help serve meals. Openness to diverse views and having one's assumptions or understandings about migration challenged is essential to this experience.

Do religious sisters brush their teeth? Do they live in convents? Sister Catherine Kirwan-Avila, A.C.J. and Sister Laura Downing, I.H.M. joined America - The Jesuit Review for a special religious sister takeover of Jesuit Autocomplete.

Sisters Laura and Catherine answer some of the internet's most-searched questions about religious sisters. Click the image above to watch!

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.

Art as Prayer

Monday, Oct. 21 | 6 - 7:30 p.m. CT | online via Zoom

Artistic expression offers the opportunity for spiritual growth, transformation and healing. This monthly open watercolor studio is a chance to play and learn new techniques without worrying about perfection or the finished product. Meet new friends and practice listening to your heart as you paint.

Visit fscenter.org for more information and to register by Oct. 20.

Respectful Conversations: Keeping Election Talks Peaceful

Wednesday, Oct. 23 | 5:30 - 7 p.m. CT

Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse

Politics is often considered a taboo subject, but it's hard to avoid talking about the upcoming presidential election. All are invited to come together for this panel discussion to learn ways to engage in respectful and productive conversations. We'll share insights and strategies for talking about election-related topics with civility and understanding.

Visit fecenter.org for more information and to register by Oct. 21.

Nearly fifty years ago, the moral clarity of “Health for All” mobilized health systems and religious communities around the world to reimagine what was possible in responding to the suffering of the most vulnerable across the globe. Growing awareness of the fragility of the planet, our social ties, and health systems compel us to revitalize this moral commitment.

Join us for a conversation with three Driftless Region pathfinders whose diverse backgrounds have led them to respond to the urgency of this moment along distinctive pathways for moving us from health for all toward the health of the whole planet.

Visit fspa.org for more information and to access the Zoom link.

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.

Perspectives on Leadership from a Woman Leader

Sunday, Oct. 27 | 3 - 6 p.m. CT

Catholic Theological Union, 5416 S Cornell Ave, Chicago, IL 60615

Join us on Oct. 27 as Sister Donna Markham, OP, PhD, CTU Fellow in Catholic Leadership Toward Global Healing shares her "Perspectives on Leadership from a Woman Leader." As the first woman President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA, Sister Donna led nine years of transformative growth, expanding services to over 15 million vulnerable people.

Mass begins at 3 p.m., followed by the lecture at 4 p.m. and a reception at 5 p.m. Visit ctu.edu for more information and to register.

Coffee and Chat with Sister Julia

Thursday, Oct. 31 | St. Paul, MN

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

An Hour of Peace and Centering Meditation

Tuesday, Nov. 5 | 7 - 8 p.m. CT | online via Zoom

All are welcome to join us online for an hour of peaceful meditation. Together, we will explore light and heart meditations, self-compassion and more to help navigate whatever the future holds from a place of inner balance, acceptance and peace.

Visit fscenter.org for more information and to register by Nov. 4.

Mass and Lunch at St. Rose Convent

Wednesday, Nov. 6 | 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. CT | 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.

Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton

Thursday, Nov. 7 | 7 - 8:30 p.m. CT | online via Zoom

Join the Merton Group as we slowly explore "New Seeds of Contemplation," one of Thomas Merton's best-loved books. As one of the great spiritual leaders of our time, Merton invites readers to join him as he plants wise and fruitful seeds of the contemplative life.

Visit prairiewoods.org for more information and to register by Nov. 6.

Letting Go to Release the Story Within: A 3-Day Writers' Retreat

Friday, Nov. 8, 3 p.m. CT - Sunday, Nov. 10, 12 p.m. CT

Marywood Franciscan Spirituality Center, Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin

This weekend will explore creative blocks to our writing, focusing on the themes of letting go in the autumn months. Get a chance to spend quality, dedicated time on your writing endeavors while sharing thoughts and ideas with other writers passionate about their craft.

Visit mardwoodsc.org for more information and to register.

You are Enough! Conversation and Practices to Quiet Mind Chatter

Tuesday, Nov. 12 | 5:30 - 8 p.m. CT

Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, Hiawatha, Iowa

Whether you are in high school, in mid-life or an ageless goddess, many of us have experienced self-doubt at one time or another. Come to Prairiewoods for dinner and an evening of honest conversation and play. We will explore practices to calm the negative chatter in our minds, reduce anxiety and connect to the Oneness of Spirit that lives and breathes through us daily.

Visit prairiewoods.org for more information and to register by Nov. 10.

Wisdom from the Global Sisterhood Discussion Group

Wednesday, Nov. 13 | 6:30 - 8 p.m. CT | online

Join Sister Julia Walsh and others for an online vocation discernment faith-sharing discussion centered on essays in the book "Wisdom from the Global Sisterhood."

If you are interested in participating or would like a copy of the book, please email discerning@fspa.org.

Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration

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

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