From the Desk of Sister Julia |
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Dear Seeker,
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches here in the United States, I've been remembering times when gratitude kept me centered in Christ. When I taught high school, I hung a poster in my classroom that said, "If you must have an attitude, have an attitude of gratitude." While volunteering in the county jail, I guided people who are incarcerated through an exercise about gratitude: together we reflected on how much better we feel when we meditate on what we appreciate. At another time, I was alone in a dark hospital room and praying through my pain after I survived a serious accident. That night, as I considered how much my body was working to heal and how many people were caring for me, "Thank you" became my mantra.
No matter the circumstances of one's life, each person can give thanks. Scripture says it's a Christian duty to express our appreciation. "In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). "To give thanks" is translated into Greek as "eucharisteo." The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration is a Eucharistic community, which means we are a community that makes thanksgiving a central part of our prayer and communal life. Daily mass is an ordinary part of our life because the celebration of the Eucharist is a prayer of thanksgiving. When we notice all that we can be grateful for, we can see the work of God in our life; we can notice how God is guiding us onward. As you discern and navigate through the questions and stirring of your heart, as you work to notice where God is pointing you, may gratitude be a guidepost for you. I am grateful for you and the sincerity of your search!
Peace & All Good,
Sister Julia Walsh
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Adoration Moment: Thanksgiving |
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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 is to create for you a comforting experience of peace and all good.
All are invited to enjoy Thanksgiving, a meditation experience that encourages you to pause and reflect on all of which you are thankful. "Thank you for trusting me with your wonderful gift of peace, for allowing me to gift others with your compassion, your mercy, your forgiveness …"
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The Power of Presence and Ongoing Conversion |
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In the Oct. 26 episode of Messy Jesus Business podcast, Sister Julia Walsh talks with Sister Laura Nettles, the Executive Director of Mission and Social Justice at Viterbo University in La Crosse. Sister Laura shares her vocation story and how she came to know her call to be a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration. They discuss the relational and communal charism of Franciscanism as well as the charism of FSPA: being a Eucharistic presence to others.
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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. 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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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.
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Coffee and Chat with Sister Julia
Friday, Nov. 17 | Indianapolis, IN
Join Sister Julia Walsh for some coffee and friendly conversation in Indianapolis. Email [email protected] for more details, including time and specific location.
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FSPA Virtual Discernment Group
Sunday, Nov. 19 | 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. CT | online via Zoom
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Art as Prayer
Monday, Nov. 20 | 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.
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Chicago Homicide Vigil with Catholic Sisters
Saturday, Nov. 25 | 9:30 a.m. CT | 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, you can access the Zoom link here. If prompted, please enter the meeting ID (895 9004 5325) and password (vigil).
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Evening Centering Prayer
Tuesday, Nov. 28 | 5:30 - 7 p.m. CT
Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center | Hiawatha, IA
Centering Prayer is a contemplative form of prayer that assists people in deepening relationships with God or the Source of All Being. Together, facilitator Judith Smith will guide us to relax and attune our body, mind and spirit to the Indwelling Presence.
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The Greccio Experience: Opening Prayer Service
Wednesday, Nov. 29 | 5:30 p.m. CT | San Damiano Chapel, La Crosse, WI
As part of the 800th-anniversary celebration of the crèche, Nativity scenes from around the world will be on display for self-guided tours in San Damiano Chapel Nov. 29 - Dec. 17. All are invited to join us for the opening night prayer service at 5:30 p.m. in-person or online via Facebook live.
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Advent Women's Prayer
Sunday, Dec. 3 and 17 | 5 p.m. CT | online via Zoom
Mary's trust in God and the companionship of those who stood with her provide inspiration for our own spiritual journey. Join other women of faith and Presentation Sisters for prayer, reflection and conversation to enter more deeply into the Advent season together.
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Community Mural: "For Unto Us a Child is Born"
Dec. 4 - 15
Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. CT | Mondays & Thursdays: 5 - 7 p.m. CT
Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse, WI
All are welcome to stop by the Franciscan Spirituality Center to take part in this 12-by-5 foot community mural paint-by-number experience. Painters of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to participate. No registration is required and all supplies will be provided.
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Advent Adoration Hour
Monday, Dec. 4 | 2 - 3 p.m. CT | Mary of the Angels Chapel, La Crosse, WI
Join us for an hour of Advent Adoration on Monday, Dec. 4 in-person in Mary of the Angels Chapel or online via YouTube. If you plan on joining virtually, you can access the live stream link here.
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Chicago Discerner Get-Together
Tuesday, Dec. 5 | Chicago, IL
Join Sister Julia Walsh for a friendly gathering in Chicago. Email [email protected] for more details, including time and specific location.
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Bridges to Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton
Thursday, Dec. 7 and 21 | 7 - 8:30 p.m. CT | online via Zoom
On the first and third Thursday of the month, 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.
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A Courage & Renewal Retreat: Abundantly Available Grace
Friday, Dec. 8, 7 p.m. CT - Saturday, Dec. 9, 4 p.m. CT
Through individual written reflection and group interaction, you will have opportunities to recognize the grace that is always abundantly available. Our time together will include periods of silence, guided discussion, experiences with poetry, wisdom tradition essays and art experiences.
Visit fscenter.org for more information and to register by Nov. 27.
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The Nativity Experience
Saturday, Dec. 16 | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. CT
Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse, WI
Discover the magic of the Christmas story through a hands-on approach to the Nativity scene. Explore this story and your own stories connected to the symbols of the biblical scene through reflection, discussion, art and a tour of the Nativity scenes on display at Viterbo University's San Damiano Chapel.
Visit fscenter.org for more information and to register by Dec. 11.
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Advent Bowls: Sounds of Greccio
Dec. 16, 2023 | 6 - 7 p.m. CT (5 p.m. for Nativity scene viewing)
San Damiano Chapel, La Crosse, WI
Join the Franciscan Spirituality Center, Viterbo University Campus Ministry, Tom Roberts and Sister Malinda Gerke for an evening of Taize-style prayer, paired with the beautiful sounds of Tibetan singing bowls, harps, choirs and hymns.
Visit fscenter.org for more information and to register by Dec. 14.
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Blessing of Baby Jesus
Sunday, Dec. 17 | 9:50 a.m. CT (followed by 10 a.m. Mass)
Mary of the Angels Chapel, La Crosse, WI
Join us in honoring the birth of Jesus Christ with a Blessing for the Baby Jesus. Bring your Baby Jesus figurine from your home Nativity scene to be blessed by Father Conrad Targonski in this profound symbolic gesture, demonstrating respect, love and reverence for the divine made manifest in the world.
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Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration | Formation | 888-683-3772 | discerning@fspa.org
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