Sister Michele Pettit, a native of Edina, Missouri, professed her first vows as a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration on July 25, 2020, at Viterbo University's San Damiano Chapel in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Coming from a family of educators, Sister Michele has taught in the Public Health and Community Health Education program at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse since 2009. She joined FSPA as an associate in 2017 and was welcomed into the novitiate program a year later. As a novice, she prepared for her first vows by engaging in intense prayer and study and encountering Christ in others through her ministry at a soup kitchen, a food pantry, an after school program and a humanitarian respite center for refugees on the US/Mexico border.
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When asked why she became an FSPA, Sister Michele explained that there were a variety of reasons. "First and foremost, I had a desire for a stronger relationship with God. Second, the sisters were very welcoming and I admired their commitment to social justice and Gospel living. Third, I had a desire to be less self-centered, to be part of something bigger than myself, to participate in service activities I wouldn't participate in on my own and to live counterculturally. Fourth, I have an appreciation for the Franciscan emphasis on peace, love and care for the Earth. And fifth, I felt at home in the FSPA Adoration Chapel." For Sister Michele, life as a Catholic sister includes "being exposed to diverse forms of prayer including meditation, praying with nature, praying with art and music and spending time with God in the Adoration Chapel. One of my regular practices involves praying while I exercise. I also enjoy praying with my living community on a daily basis. As one of my housemates put it, 'We pray and play together.'" |
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'Sisters do their part to help' |
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"But now we have guests in our backyard," says Sister Laura Nettles, FSPA in Global Sisters Report's Dec. 20 article "As Afghan refugees restart their lives, US sisters do their part to help."
"… most of my time is spent either playing with the kids — giving them a space to be kids — and talking with the women about what to expect in the US and what rights they have."
"This has been a profoundly humbling experience because the families have been so vulnerable in sharing their experiences in Afghanistan."
Sister Laura Nettles, FSPA is the executive director of Viterbo University Mission and Social Justice in La Crosse, Wisconsin and ministers with Afghan refugees at nearby Fort McCoy, a US Army Installation, where she builds relationships with families and helps offer opportunities for education.
Learn more about the commitment of Sister Laura and many other Catholic sisters around the country serving the "tens of thousands of refugees fleeing to the U.S. and elsewhere" at: globalsistersreport.org.
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Spiritual practices for the fatigued and lonely |
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"In my roles as spiritual director, vocation minister and podcaster, I spend a lot of time exploring possibilities with people who want to listen to their deeper wisdom. I have developed a list of spiritual practices that can strengthen the fatigued and lonely, no matter who you are."
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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 via Zoom
Discerning women are invited to join FSPA for virtual adoration live from the Adoration Chapel located inside St. Rose Convent in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
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.
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All FSPA discerners are invited to join us for the following three events hosted by the Franciscan Spirituality Center:
Praying with Clare
Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022 | 9 a.m. - noon CT via Zoom
Clare of Assisi is not only the co-founder of the Franciscan movement but a spiritual teacher in her own right. What do St. Clare's words of wisdom mean for us today personally? We will look at her life and her gifts as a woman to Franciscanism. Also, we will dive contemplatively into some of her writings, particularly her letters to Agnes of Prague. Clare's unique contributions have sometimes been overlooked, and so we will uncover her particular perspective through prayer, presentation and discussion.
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Making Sense of Life's Changes
Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022 | 9 a.m. - noon CT via Zoom
Change is inevitable. Change disrupts our lives. Even positive change poses challenges. Whether it is a change in jobs, family, marriage, retirement, loss of a loved one or societal, we can all learn from each other's journeys. Join us for an interactive look at transition, and learn helpful strategies that will guide you on the path to joyful acceptance.
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Sacred Listening
Friday, Feb. 25 - Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022 | 6 p.m. Friday - 4 p.m. Saturday CT
In person: Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse, Wisconsin
The Bible describes God's movement as a "still, small voice." Incredibly, we have access to that voice at any time and in every place — because it arises from within us. How do we learn to hone in on that voice and tune out the false self? How do we grow in trusting the movements of God inside of us? How do our physical bodies serve us in this practice? Join us for a full-day retreat exploring the art of sacred listening.
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Praying with Sisters
Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022 | 7 p.m. CT via Zoom
Pray the Sunday scripture with other women of faith and Catholic Sisters on the last Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. CT via Zoom. This online event, hosted by the Dubuque Area Vocation Association (DAVA), is designed for single women between the ages of 18 and 45.
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Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration | Formation | 888-683-3772 | discerning@fspa.org
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