From the Desk of Sister Julia

Dear Seeker,

Our Franciscan community recently gathered for a few days of meetings and communal reflection. During this time, we were joined by Sister Sarah Kohles, OSF, who guided our community through conversations centered on the meaning of hope during chaotic times, especially as it relates to Scripture, our Franciscan tradition and religious life. Discussing the topic of hope was especially apt since globally the Catholic Church is continuing to walk pilgrimages of hope during this Jubilee year.

As Pope Francis wrote at the start of the Jubilee Year of 2025, "in the life of the pilgrim Church, the Holy Spirit illumines all believers with the light of hope. He keeps that light burning, like an ever-burning lamp, to sustain and invigorate our lives. Christian hope does not deceive or disappoint because it is grounded in the certainty that nothing and no one may ever separate us from God's love … hope perseveres in the midst of trials: founded on faith and nurtured by charity, it enables us to press forward in life."

Since 2025 began, with all its trials and challenges, I've felt convinced that fostering and expressing the virtue of hope can be a form of resistance to oppression and tyranny. And, when it comes to the personal circumstances of our lives, it is good to notice and tend to the light of hope that Christ has illuminated within us, to persevere in our faith and search for God's will to be done in our hearts, our communities, in the world. The hope that comes from Christ can indeed be like a bright light moving us forward. If you have some particular hopes to explore how religious life could be part of your future, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Peace & All Good,

Sister Julia Walsh

We welcome Stephanie to the FSPA community

On Oct.11 in Mary of the Angels Chapel, Stephanie Held was welcomed into the candidacy phase of formation with the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration.

Originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, Stephanie lives in Chicago and serves as a parish communications coordinator at Mary, Mother of God Parish. She also volunteers for West Side Mutual Aid group and is part of the St. Francis Catholic Worker House of Hospitality.

"My past experiences have shown me that I desire a life of community, service, faith and purpose. I am drawn to religious life because I want to contribute to something greater than myself in service of God and others."

To learn more about Stephanie and her discernment process, visit fspa.org.

'Let go and let God'

"If you're listening to God, you really do find joy in knowing that you are opening yourself up to God and to God's way for you. … Let go and let God guide us on the way," explained Sister Katie Mitchell in A Nun's Life Ministry's "Ask Sister" podcast.

To listen to Sisters Katie Mitchell and Eileen McKenzie discuss the joyful side of discernment, visit anunslife.org.

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.

LovingKindness Meditation Practice

Oct. 18 I 9-10:15 a.m. CT

Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, Hiawatha, IA or online via Zoom

LovingKindness meditation offers a daily practice to assist us in being compassionate to ourselves, others and all of creation. Fostering compassion and kindness instead of judgment, anxiety and fearful reaction, this short daily practice can assist us in creating a world environment that brings forth compassion and creative life-giving choices.

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

Desperate Journeys Training

Oct. 22 I 1:30-4:30 p.m. CT

Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse, WI

This course offers a foundation of the migration process for asylum seekers, refugees and immigrants. Participants will review legislation that impacts resettlement while gaining insight into refugees' experiences and psychological well-being. Activities in the training are designed to assist providers in understanding the complexities related to migration while improving outcomes for this population through skills and integration.

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

Holding Hope: Staying Grounded in Mission through Uncertainty

Oct. 31 I 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. CT

Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, Hiawatha, IA

Through reflection, storytelling, creative practice and shared dialogue, we'll explore how to remain anchored in hope, even when external support changes. Participants will leave with practical tools to strengthen resilience, build community within their teams, and continue serving with clarity, creativity and compassion – no matter what comes next.

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

Exploring the Spirit of St. Francis

Nov. 3, 10 and 17 I 6:30-8 p.m. CT

Online via Zoom

This three-week virtual series explores the Gospel values lived out by St. Francis of Assisi, particularly his radical love of enemy, commitment to nonviolence and ability to overcome fear and anger. Gain inspiration and practical insight for living with courage, gentleness and Gospel-centered conviction.

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

Expanding our Hospitality: Common Language

Nov. 4 I 5:30-7:30 p.m. CT

Online via Zoom

Loving our neighbor requires us to take time to learn more about who they are. We will learn more about the diversity and difference around sex assigned at birth, gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation, and how this can impact our ways to be intentional in our hospitality and welcome.

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

FSPA Discernment Prayer Group

Nov. 9 | 4-5:30 p.m. CT

Online via Zoom

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

Email discerning@fspa.org to register by Nov. 7.

Sister Thea Bowman Jubilee of Hope Bus Pilgrimage

Nov. 15-16

Mobile and Montgomery, AL

Join the Diocese of Jackson for a two-day pilgrimage honoring the legacy of Sister Thea Bowman. This Jubilee of Hope journey will visit key cultural, historical and spiritual sites in Mobile and Montgomery.

Visit jacksondiocese.org for more information and to register by Nov. 1.

Silent Directed Retreat

Nov. 28, 2 p.m. CT - Nov. 30, 1 p.m. CT

Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse, WI

A silent directed retreat is an invitation to deepen your connection to the Sacred and to your inner wisdom through solitude and silence within a community of prayer. You will have a private, comfortable bedroom, delicious meals and sessions with a spiritual director who will listen to you and your unfolding story. Your days will be open for time in quiet spaces for reflection, with options for attending liturgy, praying in the chapel and creating art.

Visit fscenter.org for more information and to register by Nov. 17.