From the Desk of Sister Julia |
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Dear Seeker,
Picture the scene: I'm at an exercise class in a room full of people who don't know me. We're told to introduce ourselves briefly to the person nearby. I casually say, "I'm a Franciscan Sister," wondering if my conversation partner will understand. Seeing a blank expression, I ask if she does. It turns out that she doesn't. When I say, "I'm like a nun," she replies that she doesn't know what that means either.
Later I wonder how my identity as a woman religious makes a difference in the lives of people who have little religious literacy. With my vows of poverty, celibacy and obedience, I figure I've given my whole life away to God, Church and humanity. But even if the vows are not understood or appreciated, do they make a difference?
Yes, they do, of course. Each of our actions — from the small to the bold — make a difference in the world; after all, we are all connected and bound together by our shared humanity. Plus, my faith has filled me with conviction that all religious vows — religious consecration and marriage — impact all of humanity. Each time a person makes a countercultural commitment to the Gospel way, Christ's goodness is somehow more fully known. It is a mystery to me how it works, but I am certain that religious life has an important role in the development of the Church and society.
Plus, since the earliest days of Church history, women and men religious have been setting themselves apart. Each time they do, others are influenced, impacted and inspired. Religious life is a movement guided by the Holy Spirit, and religious life continues to influence and evolve. Each life consecrated to God makes a difference in Church and society; this lifestyle is different, yet it matters. Even for my partner in the exercise class who didn't understand who I am, the vows I live make a difference.
Could you be called to be part of this countercultural movement of peace, community and prayer? I'm here to walk with you during your discernment, your surrender to the Holy Mystery.
Peace & All Good,
Sister Julia Walsh
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Busting into spirituality and religious life |
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Sister Meg Earsley, Sister Sarah Hennessey and radio show host Jack Socha |
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"God busts in when God wants to bust in," explains Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Sarah Hennessey in La Crosse's "Connecting the Diocese" radio show episode titled "Good Advice."
Sisters Sarah Hennessey and Meg Earsley share a conversation with host Jack Socha about "getting closer to God" as women religious living in community and as individuals seeking spirituality.
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Religious Life Vocation Basics |
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Interested in learning more about religious life? Tap or click the button below to explore essential resources for the vocation journey, including types of religious vocations, commonly asked questions and a timeline of religious life through the ages.
And for more information on becoming a Catholic religious sister, nun, brother or priest visit vocationnetwork.org.
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Upcoming Events for Discerning Women |
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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, WI. 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.
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Faith Into Action Thursdays
Every Thursday | 1 - 4 p.m. CT
FSPA land on St. Joseph Ridge, La Crosse, WI
All are invited to join the FSPA integral ecology team in the gardens every Thursday through August to assist with planting, weeding and picking vegetables, all while learning how to live more sustainably on the land.
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Dinner and Prayer at The Fireplace
Tuesday, July 11, 2023 | The Fireplace, Chicago, IL
Join Sister Julia Walsh and friends for dinner and prayer at The Fireplace, an intentional community of artists, activists and spiritual seekers. Email [email protected] for more details, including time and specific location.
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Poetry of Witness and Resistance:
A Writing Workshop and Reading
Saturday, July 15, 2023 | 2:00 - 8:30 p.m. CT | The Fireplace, Chicago, IL
In this generative writing workshop, we will read poems by writers from around the world who have lived through times of struggle. After reading and discussing these poems, participants will be given prompts to generate their own writing in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment.
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Art as Prayer
Monday, July 17, 2023 | 6 - 7:30 p.m. CT | online via Zoom
Join us for a lighthearted summer of painting. With watercolors and other assorted media, we'll explore ways to paint the treasures discovered in our sacred spaces.
Visit fscenter.org for more information and to register by Friday, July 14.
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Nocturnal Insects
Saturday, July 22, 2023 | 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. CT
FSPA land on St. Joseph Ridge, La Crosse, WI
All are invited to join us for an evening on FSPA land to learn about moths and other nocturnal insects. After a short presentation from Viterbo University biology professor Ted Wilson, we will explore the ridgetop looking for various organisms.
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Poetry Cafe
Monday, July 24, 2023 | 6:30 - 8 p.m. CT | online via Zoom
Join other poetry lovers for an evening of words and community online. Bring your favorite poetry, either written by yourself or by another author, for a time of sharing and reflection.
Visit fscenter.org for more information and to register by Friday, July 21.
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Coffee and Chat with Sister Julia
Friday, July 28, 2023 | Madison, WI
Join Sister Julia Walsh for some coffee and friendly conversation in Madison. Email [email protected] for more details, including time and specific location.
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Chicago Homicide Vigil with Catholic Sisters
Saturday, July 29, 2023 | 9:30 a.m. CT | 1130 West 51st Street, Chicago, IL
All are invited to join the Chicago Catholic Sisters as they pray with those affected by violence. Email [email protected] for more details.
If you plan on joining virtually, here is the Zoom link. If prompted, please enter the meeting ID (895 9004 5325) and password (vigil).
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Mass and Discerner Meet-Up with Sister Julia
Friday, Aug. 4, 2023 | Chicago, IL
Join Sister Julia Walsh for Mass and friendly conversation about discernment in Chicago. Email [email protected] for more details, including time and specific location.
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Watercolor: Painting with Alcohol Inks on Yupo Paper
Monday, Aug. 7 - Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023 | 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. CT
Marywood Franciscan Spirituality Center, Arbor Vitae, WI
Join Sister Karen Kappell for a two-day retreat about painting on Yupo, an ultra-smooth, acid-free synthetic paper with a velvety smooth surface that takes pen, ink, pencil and markers.
Visit marywoodsc.org (and scroll down) for more information and to register by Tuesday, Aug. 1.
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Christ in the Mirror
Friday, August 11, 2023
9:30 - 11:30 a.m. | Marywood Franciscan Spirituality Center, Arbor Vitae, WI
1:30 - 3:30 p.m. | online via Zoom
Have you ever considered looking in the mirror a spiritual practice? The image of the mirror was central to St. Clare of Assisi's spirituality. On this feast day, let's explore her insights and discover a few of our own.
Visit marywoodsc.org (and scroll down) for more information and to register by Wednesday, Aug. 2.
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Parliament of the World's Religions
Monday, Aug. 14 - Friday, Aug. 18, 2023
McCormick Place Lakeside Center, Chicago, IL
Registrants enjoy access to all the plenary sessions, hundreds of breakout sessions, art & cultural exhibits, performances, a film festival, and countless opportunities to connect with individuals and organizations committed to justice, peace and sustainability.
*Sister Sue Ernster, Sister Julia Walsh and FSPA integral ecology director Beth Piggush with be participating in panels throughout the week.
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Centering Prayer: Silent Listening Retreat
Friday, Aug. 18, 7 p.m. CT - Saturday, Aug. 19, 4 p.m. CT
Centering Prayer is a modern form of meditation that began in a Trappist monastery in Massachusetts. Join us as we uncover the dynamics that make up Centering Prayer, practice silent prayer together and sample some of the traditions that have grown up around Centering Prayer.
Visit fscenter.org for more information and to register by Friday, Aug. 11.
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Reverend William Malloy Speaker Series:
Nourish Your Catholic Spirituality
Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023 | 11 a.m. CT | St. Barnabas Parish, Chicago, IL
Join Sister Julia Walsh, Messy Jesus Business blogger and podcaster and
co-founder of The Fireplace Community, for a presentation entitled "The Spirituality of Messiness."
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FSPA Discernment Day with Sister Julia
Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023 | La Crosse, WI
Join Sister Julia Walsh at FSPA's motherhouse to learn more about discernment with FSPA. Email [email protected] for more details and to register by Wednesday, Aug. 16.
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Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration | Formation | 888-683-3772 | discerning@fspa.org
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