Meet Sister Marcia
Sister Marcia Baumert, born in West Point, Nebraska, joined the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in 1988 and professed her first vows in 1991. Her career has included spiritual direction and chaplaincy. Most recently, she served as a staff chaplain and coordinator of Catholic ministries in Gundersen Health System's Spiritual Care Department. For the past six years, Sister Marcia has eased the suffering of many patients and their families. From providing spiritual care to terminally ill patients to simply being with them in their time of need, Sister Marcia embodied the selfless service that permeates FSPA's strong tradition in the healthcare ministry.
As a hospital chaplain, living Eucharistic presence for Sister Marcia included "walking with people who had cancer or other life-changing illnesses along with those who struggled with treatments and/or were dying." In her ministry, Sister Marcia served as a "loving and compassionate presence who helped others explore meaning in their lives." "Sometimes, the conversation led to talking about really hard decisions, providing a loving presence to a non-responsive patient or comforting loved ones at the time of death," said Sister Marcia. "I was honored to be there for others during such significant times in their lives." In July 2022, Sister Marcia was elected to the FSPA Leadership Team. She has since concluded her time at Gundersen as she'll assume her new role as mission councilor on Nov. 1, 2022.
Sister Julia visits Singapore
Last month Sister Julia Walsh traveled to Singapore to speak at the International Conference on Cohesive Societies. While she was there she visited Catholic Singapore Radio and was a guest on the show "The Faith Perspectives." Tune into the podcast to hear her share her vocation story, explain the Franciscan perspective on the Incarnation, describe her life of prayer and service and much more.
The call to community
A call to vowed life with the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration includes a call into communal lifestyle, an aspect of many forms of consecrated life in the Catholic Church. As explained by Father Luis Romero in "Community life: A place to call home" found in the 2023 issue of VISION Magazine:

"Since our creation, God designed humankind to be relational. None of us were intended to live the Christian life alone. Scripture calls us to love one another as Jesus loves us. It, therefore, challenges us to commit ourselves to life together as the People of God. Religious communities of Christians living together are one way of following the mind of God. Religious communities are meant to be gifts of God, offering those who enter them the opportunity to live a rich and demanding life together. They provide a path for sharing with all people our common life in Christ."
Upcoming Events for Discerning Women
Prayer Experience Series
Every Tuesday | 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. CT | via Zoom

We are blessed with many ways to pray and reflect, including songful prayer, contemplative prayer, visio divina, embodied prayer, silent prayer and guided meditation. Join Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center and facilitators Kim Seward and Diane Wheeler Dunn for this ongoing prayer series via Zoom. Together we will experience the joys of prayer and meditation.

Click here to access the Zoom link. If prompted, please enter the meeting ID (739 543 244) and password (042717).
Friday Virtual Adoration and Mass
Every Friday | 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. CT | via Zoom

All are invited to join FSPA for virtual adoration live from the Adoration Chapel located inside St. Rose Convent 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 again after Mass. Click here to access the Zoom link.
Adoration, Mass and Lunch with Sister Julia
Friday, Oct. 28, 2022 | 10:30 a.m. CT | St. Rose Convent, La Crosse, WI

Join Sister Julia Walsh for adoration, mass and lunch at St. Rose Convent in La Crosse. Email discerning@fspa.org for more details.
Meditation for Emotional Health
Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022 | 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. CT | via Zoom

Meditation is proven to reduce stress and promote relaxation. All are welcome to join us for a time of rejuvenation through videoconferencing. We'll start with a guided meditation that includes relaxed breathing, a body scan and a visualization. Afterward, we will have a brief discussion.

Gatherings are on the first Thursday of the month. You are invited to attend any or all sessions as your schedule permits. Click here for more information and to register by Wednesday, Nov. 2.
Bridges to Contemplative Living
Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022 | 7 - 8:30 p.m. CT | via Zoom

The practice of contemplative living helps us respond to everyday experiences with greater awareness of our connections with God and others. It becomes a positive force in our lives and provides direction for our journey, enabling us to embrace our truest selves.

Facilitator Carole Butz will guide us to explore the truths of human existence using the Bridges to Contemplative Living series, which includes excerpts from the writings of Thomas Merton and other authors. The process involves readings, reflections and contemplative dialogue. Click here for more information and to register by Wednesday, Nov. 2.
Coffee and Chat with Sister Julia
Monday, Nov. 7, 2022 | Spokane, WA

Join Sister Julia Walsh for some coffee and friendly conversation in Spokane, WA. Email discerning@fspa.org for more details, including time and location.
Experience Franciscan Hospitality
Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022 | The Fireplace, 5045 S Ellis Avenue, Chicago, IL

All women with a desire to learn more about life as a Catholic sister are invited to join the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration and experience radical welcome as we gather for candid conversation at The Fireplace.

We'll gather at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m. with prayer and social following.
Email thefireplacecommunity@gmail.com to RSVP and share your dietary restrictions by Wednesday, Nov. 9.
Vocation Awareness Week: Live with Sister Sarah
Friday, Nov. 11, 2022 | 8:30 a.m. CT | via Facebook live

Join FSPA on Facebook for a live conversation with Sister Sarah Hennessey, hosted by Sister Julia Walsh, during Vocations Awareness Week. Sister Sarah will share her vocation story, including what drew her to FSPA and what she means when she talks about FSPA as "downhome, prayerful and wacky."
Click here to visit the FSPA Facebook page.
Franciscan Music for the Soul
Friday, Nov. 11, 2022, 7 p.m. CT - Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, 4 p.m. CT
Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse, WI

Deepen your relationship with God through music created by Franciscan
composer Cathy Tisel Nelson. Our time together will include presentations, prayer and ritual, reflection and group sharing.

Franciscan spirituality will be woven into the retreat. Experience the healing power of music inspired by St. Francis, St. Clare and the Holy Spirit! Click here for more information and to register by Friday, Nov. 4.
Coffee and Chat with Sister Julia
Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022 | Orlando, FL

Join Sister Julia Walsh for some coffee and friendly conversation in Orlando, FL. Email discerning@fspa.org for more details, including time and location
Franciscan Day of Solitude
Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. CT | Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse, WI

Yearning for a day to unplug and pause from the stresses and demands of life? You are invited to spend a day of solitude at the FSC that will give you permission to simply BE. Solitude offers us a place to listen to and rest in God.

We will gather together as a group to begin and end in prayer, spending the remainder of the day in solitude. You will have a private, comfortable room and a simple meal. Options include using our art room and meeting with a spiritual director. Click here for more information and to register by Wednesday, Nov. 9.
Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration | Formation | 888-683-3772 | discerning@fspa.org