From the Desk of Sister Julia
Dear Seeker,

I remember being told to "follow my bliss" when I was trying to decide what to do with my life — when I was discerning my vocation as a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration. To this day, I am not sure what bliss really is, but I do know that there's a difference between happiness and joy. And I've learned that noticing how joy is part of the journey provides clues that reveal whether or not a person is on a life-giving path.

As disciples of Jesus Christ, we understand that our journey contains both sorrow and joy — and there are times we can feel both together. When I interviewed Father Greg Boyle, SJ, for the Messy Jesus Business podcast, he said, "I think the authentic measure of discipleship is joy and fearlessness." I agree with him. No matter how intense suffering may be, an undercurrent of joy can persist. Perfect joy is what St. Francis of Assisi called this experience of having a deeper joy in the midst of hardship.
 
For those of us who are consecrated religious — who are sisters, nuns, brothers and priests — joy is an element of our vocation. As a member of a religious order himself, Pope Francis reminds consecrated religious that "the old saying will always be true: 'Where there are religious, there is joy.' We are called to know and show that God has the ability to fill our hearts to the brim with happiness; that we need not seek our happiness elsewhere; that the authentic fraternity found in our communities increases our joy; and that our total self-giving in service to the Church, to families and young people, to the elderly and the poor, brings us life-long personal fulfillment." (1, Apostolic Letter of His Holiness Pope Francis to All Consecrated People on the Occasion of the Year of Consecrated Life, November 2014)

As you explore where your journey is leading you, may you also know true and perfect joy. And may that joy be a guidepost and companion to you. I'm here to walk with you during your discernment journey, to help you notice the joy and gain the fearlessness you need to say yes to fulfillment.

Peace & All Good,

Sister Julia Walsh
Adoration and Praise
Adoration Moment is a series of adoration meditations featuring beautiful photos, harp music, psalms and scenes from Mary of the Angels Chapel in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Adoration Moment serves to broaden and deepen the adoration experience. Our intention was to create for you a comforting experience of peace and all good.

All are invited to enjoy Adoration and Praise, a meditation experience featuring Psalm 84 and St. Francis' The Praises of God.
Staying with the God of Love
In the Sept. 28 episode of Messy Jesus Business podcast, Sister Julia Walsh talks with Father Greg Boyle, director of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, California. They discuss Father Greg's journey into being a Jesuit priest who serves gang members and the mission of Homeboy Industries. Homeboy Industries is the largest gang intervention, rehabilitation and re-entry program in the world, welcoming thousands through their doors each year.

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.

Access the Zoom link here.
Walk a 5K to support inclusion with Sister Julia Walsh
Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023 | Illinois Medical District, Chicago, Illinois

Visit chicagolighthouse.org for more information and to register by Oct. 21. After you register, send Sister Julia an email ([email protected]) to let her know that you will be attending.
Poetry Cafe
Monday, Oct. 23, 2023 | 6:30 - 8 p.m. CT | online via Zoom

Bring your favorite poetry, either written by you or another author, for a time of sharing and reflection. After introductions and setting the scene, we will each share the poem that we have chosen. All poetry lovers are invited to gather for a virtual evening of words and community.

Visit fscenter.org for more information and to register by Oct. 19.
Breath, Body, Bowls
Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023 | 5:30 - 7 p.m. CT
Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse, WI

Join us for the opportunity to integrate conscious breathwork and restorative movements while being bathed in the soothing sounds and vibrations of Tibetan singing bowls.

Visit fscenter.org for more information and to register by Oct. 23.
Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice 2023
Saturday, Oct. 28 - Monday, Oct. 30
Washington, D.C.

FSPA will be hosting a booth in the exhibit hall. Stop by to say hello to Rochelle Nicks, an affiliate with FSPA and Jane Comeau, a partner in mission with FSPA, and ask about your Thea Bowman activity guide.

Visit ignatiansolidarity.net for more information and to purchase your pass.
Meet FSPA (in-person event)
Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023 | 9:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
St. Rose Convent, La Crosse, WI

Are you interested in learning more about the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration? Here's an opportunity open to all! Join us to learn about the FSPA charism (spirit) and ways you can get involved.

Visit fspa.org for more information and to register by Oct. 20.
All Saints' Day Mass
Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023 | 11 a.m. CT
Mary of the Angels Chapel, La Crosse, WI

All are invited to join us for Mass on Nov. 1 at 11 a.m. in Mary of the Angels Chapel in honor of All Saints' Day.
All Souls' Day Mass
Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023 | 11 a.m. CT
Mary of the Angels Chapel, La Crosse, WI

All are invited to join us for Mass on Nov. 2 at 11 a.m. in Mary of the Angels Chapel in honor of All Souls' Day.
Silent Directed Retreat
Monday, Nov. 6, 1 p.m. - Saturday, Nov. 11, 9 a.m.
Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse, WI

A silent directed retreat is an invitation to deepen your connection to the Sacred and to yourself through solitude and silence in a community of prayer. 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 Oct. 26.
Sister Thea Bowman Documentary & Discussion
Tuesday, Nov. 7 | 1 - 2:30 p.m. CT | online via Zoom

Watch “Going Home Like a Shooting Star: Thea Bowman’s Journey to Sainthood” — a documentary about the life and legacy of Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman — followed by a group discussion.

Email Sister Julia ([email protected]) for more information and to request the Zoom link.
Culture and Discernment
Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023 | 9-11 a.m. CT | online via Zoom

All single, Catholic women between the ages of 18 and 45 are invited to join us for a panel, reflection and discussion on integrating culture and discerning religious life.

RSVP here by Nov. 6. The Zoom link will be emailed to you upon registration.
National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC)
Thursday, Nov. 16 - Saturday, Nov. 18
Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, IN

FSPA will be hosting a booth in the exhibit hall. Stop by to say hello to Sister Julia Walsh and learn more about FSPA.

Visit ncyc.us for more information and to purchase your pass.
FSPA Virtual Discernment Group
Sunday, Nov. 19 | 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. | online via Zoom 

Email Sister Julia ([email protected]) for more information and to request the Zoom link.
Art as Prayer
Monday, Nov. 20, 2023 | 6 - 7:30 p.m. | 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 a finished product.

Visit fscenter.org for more information and to register by Nov. 17.
Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration | Formation | 888-683-3772 | discerning@fspa.org