From the Desk of Sister Julia
Dear Seeker,

We are people of story. Salvation History – the story of God's fidelity to God's people as revealed through Scripture – is a long and beautiful love story. The story of Holy Week and Easter shaped the formation of the early Christian church, just as it forms us today. When we're children, we bond with adults by snuggling into their laps and listening to the stories that they tell us. As members of a community, the stories that we tell each other about our experiences and our shared history make and remake us. We are transformed in the listening and the telling; as we remember unity is fostered and built. We become one.

Because I believe in the power of stories, I felt called to share my unique vocation story. That's why I wrote "For Love of the Broken Body: A Spiritual Memoir," which is releasing next week (but widely available for purchase now.) I am praying that the offering of my story of brokenness, my true vocation story, helps serve people like you who are seeking belonging, meaning and purpose in their lives. I pray that my vulnerable offering compels others to be open and share who they are for God's mission. I hope that my story normalizes the messiness of doubt that is often part of vocational discernment. I pray that this book serves you, the FSPA community and the wider Church. I pray that we each find safe spaces to tell our stories so that humanity can become more whole.

Peace & All Good,

Sister Julia Walsh
Lessons in Land Conservation
"The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration are making the most out of 200 acres of land in their care on St. Joseph Ridge," states WXOW News 19's Mar. 14 story.

"'It's a real privilege to work with the Franciscan Sisters,' Integral Ecology Director Beth Piggush said. 'To see an all-women leadership team have a history of public health and education and having that encourage us to carry on that legacy.'"
Messy Jesus Business Podcast
In the latest episode of Messy Jesus Business podcast, guest host Reverend Adam Bucko interviews Sister Julia Walsh about her new spiritual memoir, "For Love of the Broken Body." Their conversation explores the story of the accident that shaped Sister Julia's experience as a novice with the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. She speaks about how she felt called to share her powerful story. "In alignment with my vow of poverty, I felt like I couldn't keep this story to myself," Sister Julia admits.

How to Become a Catholic Sister
"Ever wonder if God might be calling you to become a Catholic sister? Don't know where to begin now that you feel drawn to looking into religious life?

At anunslife.org you'll get a general idea of where to start, what the general logistics are and some helpful hints from those of us who have been there and are now Catholic sisters. Our intention here is just to get you started on your way. As you move towards checking out a religious community, check in with the vocation director ([email protected]) who can give you specifics about how that particular community goes about the steps for becoming a sister. Also, be sure to check out the 'Prerequisites for Becoming a Catholic Sister' at the bottom of the page."
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.
Coffee & Chat with Sister Julia
Saturday, Mar. 23 | La Crosse, WI

All discerning women are invited to join Sister Julia Walsh for coffee and friendly conversation in La Crosse. Email [email protected] for more details, including time and specific location.
Palm Sunday Prayer Walk at Cook County Jail
Sunday, Mar. 24 | 3 p.m. CT
2434 South California Avenue, Chicago, IL

Let's begin Holy Week with a prayer walk around Cook County Jail with Kolbe House Jail Ministry. We will reflect on Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem, as well as his own arrest and detention, as a call to unite in our commitment to defend the human dignity of those incarcerated and promote reconciliation and healing for those impacted by the criminal justice system.

Visit kolbehouseministry.org for more information and to RSVP.
Zoom Launch Event: "For Love of the Broken Body"
Tuesday, Mar. 26 | 3 p.m. CT | Online via Zoom

All are invited to join authors Sister Julia Walsh and Jon M. Sweeney online via Zoom as they celebrate the launch of Sister Julia's new memoir "For Love of the Broken Body."

Click here to register and access the Zoom link.
Life Beyond Borders: A Maryknoll Mission Discernment Retreat
Thursday, Mar. 28 - Sunday, Mar. 31, 2024 | El Paso, Texas

All (21 and older) are invited to discern their call to global mission as a priest, brother, sister or lay missioner through this Easter Triduum encounter with Christ on today's borders.

Visit mklm.org for more information and to register for the March event.
Justice and Peace Stations of the Cross
Friday, Mar. 29 | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. CT
Meet at St. Rose Convent, La Crosse, WI

This form of the Way of the Cross – recalling the journey of Jesus as he carried his cross to Calvary to be crucified – is a two-mile community prayer walk from the heart of the city to the Mississippi River. We'll make 10 stops along the route to sing, pray and reflect on injustices and suffering in our community and throughout the world.

Visit fscenter.org for more information and to register by Mar. 27.
Sister Water and the Sultan (six week series)
Wednesday, Apr. 3 | 6:30 - 8 p.m. CT | online via Zoom

During this virtual series, we will delve into themes of interconnectedness with nature, simplicity and contemplation, discussing how these timeless principles can enrich our modern-day spirituality. We will also share reflections, experiences and thoughts on living out Franciscan values in today's world.

Visit fscenter.org for more information and to register by Mar. 25.
The Universal Christ: Finding Christ in Every THING
Wednesday, Apr. 3 | 6:30 - 8 p.m. CT
Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, Hiawatha, IA

Richard Rohr's book "The Universal Christ" provides a new/old way of understanding and embodying the love of Christ in God, Self and Others. Join us for a six week group book study that will provide opportunities for self-transformation and an increasing awareness of Christ in all things.

Visit prairiewoods.org for more information and to register by Apr. 2.
Thea Bowman Documentary Screening
Thursday, Apr. 4 | 7:30 - 9 p.m. CT
Rivoli Theatre, 117 4th Street N, La Crosse, WI

All are invited to join us at the Rivoli Theatre in La Crosse to watch "Going Home Like a Shooting Star: Thea Bowman's Journey to Sainthood," a documentary showcasing the life and legacy of Sister Thea Bowman. A Q&A session will begin at 7:30 p.m. and the documentary will stream at 8 p.m.

Visit fspa.org for more information.
Dubuque's Got Sisters: Behind the Scenes of Convent Life
Friday, April 5 and Saturday, April 6
Dubuque, IA and Sinsinawa, WI

Are you interested in exploring religious life? Here's your chance to spend time with sisters from several communities, visit congregations, hear stories and ask questions. There will be time for prayer, personal reflection, a small service project, shared meals and fun! This event is for single women ages 18-45.

Click here for more information and to RSVP.
Two Medieval Mystics: Different Spiritual Traditions, Similar Message
Monday, Apr. 8 and Tuesday, Apr. 9 | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. CT
Marywood Franciscan Spirituality Center, Arbor Vitae, WI

Join us as we listen to the music, poetry and universal spiritual insights of 12th Century German Benedictine abbess, Hildegard of Bingen, and 13th Century poetic genius, Jalaleddin Rumi.

Visit marywoodsc.org for more information and to register.
Book Launch: For Love of the Broken Body
Thursday, Apr. 11 | 6 - 8 p.m. CT
Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse, WI

All are invited to meet author, Sister Julia Walsh, and enjoy refreshments as we celebrate the publication of her spiritual memoir, "For Love of the Broken Body." Sister Julia will speak and read an excerpt from her new book at 7 p.m.

Visit fscenter.org for more information and to register by Apr. 8.
Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration | Formation | 888-683-3772 | discerning@fspa.org