FSPA Latest News

Land conservation projects

Thu, 4 Mar 2010 08:31:55 -0600

FSPA honors its commitment to Mother Earth. In recent years, attention and energy have been funneled into long-term care for FSPA land.

Earth Month events planned

Thu, 4 Mar 2010 08:29:42 -0600

FSPA has proudly partnered with La Crosse Earth Week Coalition’s Earth Month 2010.

Committee focus: Immigration

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:29:38 -0600

FSPA's Justice, Peace & Integration of Creation committee kicked off its 2010 immigration project with an op-ed in the February 10, 2010 edition of the La Crosse Tribune.

Sister Fran visits Bangladesh

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 08:57:13 -0600

Sister Fran visited Bangladesh to give a workshop. While there, the Muslim culture took hold of her heart.

New book release: Thea's Song

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:17:34 -0600

An article by Sister Charlene Smith about her experience writing her new book, Thea's Song, appeared in U.S. Catholic Magazine.

Postville: A Translator's Experience

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:27:58 -0600

Dr. Erik Camayd-Freixas, a federally certified interpreter who translated at federal hearings in Waterloo, Iowa, after the 2008 immigration raid at Agri-Processors, Inc., a meatpacking plant in Postville, Iowa, will speak to audiences throughout eastern Iowa in March. “Immigrant Rights and American Values,” the theme of his presentations, reflects his reaction to the hearings and the opinions he has expressed before Congress and in numerous essays published in the ensuing months.
FSPA, through its partnership with Sisters United News of the Upper Mississippi Valley, co-sponsors these events.

Find FSPA on Facebook

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 08:26:57 -0500

Read about the FSPA on Facebook.

Sister Sarah shares journey

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 08:50:25 -0600

The Witness featured an article about Sister Sarah's journey to religious life: Former Quaker receives God's call, enters FSPA.

Discerning? Come and See in 2010

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:36:37 -0600

Come and See Weekends are designed for women, ages 19-50, who are considering religious life to learn more about FSPA and Franciscanism in the 21st century.

Resolve to clean green

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 09:03:28 -0600

FSPA affiliates and sisters commit to use environmentally-friendly cleaning products in 2010. Recipes for cleaning products are available here.

Schedule your 2010 retreat

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 17:28:14 -0600

FSPA spirituality centers will be offering a variety of retreats in 2010. Select the retreat that is right for you.

12 days. $1200. A merry mission.

Wed, 2 Dec 2009 15:13:32 -0600

The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration are giving $100 a day for 12 days to respond to community needs and show how donations, no matter the size, make a big difference. The nonprofit organizations selected reflect the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration’s varied ministries, such as peace and justice, serving those less fortunate, ecology, education and the arts, as well as the wide-ranging needs of people in the Greater La Crosse area. Read about the donations each day in the La Crosse Tribune. It is a "very merry mission!"

Join us: A blessing of time

Tue, 1 Dec 2009 07:38:22 -0600

The FSPA invite you to a New Year's Eve prayer service and blessing of time at Mary of the Angels Chapel.

Rosary for Peace Planned

Tue, 1 Dec 2009 07:35:20 -0600

You are invited to join the FSPA for a special Rosary for Peace on December 8.

Plan your Advent Retreat

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:45:02 -0500

Join FSPA facilitators for a 3 day Advent retreat, Awakening Advent Consciousness, Dec. 3-5. Or a one-day Advent Reflection Day will be held on Dec. 5

S. Constance professes final vows

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 09:00:50 -0600

The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA) welcomed a sister into full membership on Oct. 31. The community celebrated the perpetual vows of Sister Constance Walton at St. Rose Convent in La Crosse, Wis.

Nun Run scheduled

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:58:56 -0500

Visit four different kinds of Catholic Sisters in the Twin Cities in one day! Explore with a group of women, 20-40 years of age, who are also seeking.

FSPA partners for justice, peace

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 09:01:26 -0600

FSPA has partnered with Catholics Confront Global Poverty - a call from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) to confront global poverty. Advocate with us to end hunger, disease, conflict, and other issues that affect the lives of our brothers and sisters worldwide.

S. Rochelle receives Alumni Award

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:50:02 -0500

FSPA Rochelle Potaracke receives Viterbo Outstanding Alumni award According to Sister Rochelle Potaracke, education and Viterbo University, La Crosse, Wis., have been part of her life since childhood. Three of her aunts (all FSPA) taught at various levels of schooling, including two at Viterbo. “I guess you could say that teaching is in my genes!” she said. With those familial experiences and FSPA by her side, she has spent the past 33 years ministering to the students in Viterbo University’s School of Education. For all her work and dedication to the institution of higher learning, Sister Rochelle was the recipient of the 2009 Outstanding Alumni Service to the University award.

Prayer Partner orientation is Oct. 27

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:11:41 -0500

To become an FSPA prayer partner, you will attend one orientation session. The session is held at St. Rose Convent, 912 Market St., La Crosse, Wis., from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the last Tuesday of October and the second Tuesday after Easter. Following the orientation session, a commissioning service takes place at a 9 a.m. liturgy on the first Sunday in November and the second Sunday after Easter at Mary of the Angels Chapel.

Discerning? Come and See

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 11:37:42 -0500

Come and See Weekends are designed for women, ages 19-50, to consider the call to live a Franciscan lifestyle. These weekends allow participants to become better acquainted with our community through learning more about FSPA and Franciscanism in the 21st century as well as through prayer, reflection, and discerning in a supportive spiritual environment.

Women & Spirit Exhibit

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:05:55 -0500

Women & Spirit opened May 16 at the Cincinnati Museum Center, Cincinnati, Ohio. Sisters Marlene and Celesta Day attended the opening. In addition to the lively historic exhibit featuring numerous communities and individual sisters, coordinators are developing a series of note cards for retail.

FSPA featured in the news

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:00:02 -0500

Several Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, FSPA, were recently featured in the La Crosse Tribune.

Sister Donna celebrates jubilee

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:14:36 -0500

Sister Donna Snyder celebrates 25 years of religious life, walk down aisle.

Blog: U.S. and the Wolf of Gubbio

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:58:43 -0500

Blog update: The United States and the Wolf of Gubbio Reflecting on the Feast of St. Francis, FSPA Justice and Peace blogger, Liz Deligio, offers the story of St. Francis and the Wolf of Gubbio. "I invite you as you read this familiar tale to picture the wolf as the United States and the village as one of the many communities that has had to survive our dominating presence." Read the blog, and comment, here.

Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration celebrate the Feast of St. Francis.

Join us for Franciscan Fest

Wed, 2 Sep 2009 10:58:26 -0500

The Franciscan Spirituality Center together with co-hosts Viterbo University, Franciscan Skemp Healthcare and the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration announce the second Franciscan Fest, which celebrates the medieval, earth-centered, life of St. Francis and St. Clare. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Franciscan Spirituality Center or on the day of the festival.

Sister Amy Taylor enters novitiate

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:20:36 -0500

The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration accepted Amy Taylor into the novitiate program. A reception was held August 7 at Mary of the Angels Chapel in La Crosse, Wis.

Religious life: Reflections

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:57:17 -0500

Read reflections by the sisters and affiliates celebrating their 75, 70, 60, 50 and 25 year jubilees in 2009.

Celebrating Sister Julia's first vows

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 07:35:52 -0500

Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Julia Walsh professed her first vows on Friday, July 24, 2009 in Mary of the Angels Chapel in La Crosse. She celebrated with her fellow Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, family—including her parents Kevin and Elsie Walsh, and friends.

Sister Dawn professes final vows

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 13:05:41 -0500

FSPA welcomed Sister Dawn Kutt into full membership at a ceremony on July 18th.

Solar array at Prairiewoods

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 13:10:02 -0500

Prairiewoods is installing solar array as part of its environmental education program.

Hunger and Gender

Thu, 9 Jul 2009 08:26:07 -0500

In the final article in our Hunger Series, we look at the connections between hunger and gender, specifically at how hunger impacts women

Peace conference seats available

Wed, 1 Apr 2009 13:05:23 -0500

Four congregations of Catholic sisters are pleased to present Together, Creating a Culture of Peace, a conference intended to spread the message of peace. The conference is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009, in La Crosse, Wis.

24 Hours a Franciscan scheduled

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 08:24:10 -0500

Spend time learning about the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration and help us with our ministry.

Hunger Series - Violence

Tue, 26 May 2009 09:34:50 -0500

Hunger and violence are two faces of the same coin; you almost always have one with the other whether it is in situations of war or urban poverty.

Grant supports Arizona school

Mon, 18 May 2009 07:46:46 -0500

FSPA ministry grant pays for art supplies for an art therapy program as well as shoes, uniforms, sock and underwear for needy children.

FSPA welcomes new prayer partners

Mon, 18 May 2009 07:44:11 -0500

Fourteen new prayers partners were recently commissioned to join the FSPA in their ministry of perpetual adoration.

Sister Carolyn's work recognized

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 09:09:49 -0500

Sister’s work is recognized with the Green Cottager Award, Carolyn’s Way project announced

Postville raid commemoration

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:08:46 -0500

To commemorate the anniversary, FSPA has extended an open invitation to the community to attend both a prayer vigil on Monday, May 11 at 3:30 p.m. (with the Franciscan Sisters’ daily mass to follow at 4:15 p.m.) as well as a bilingual mass on Sunday, May 17 at 3 p.m. Both events will take place at the Mary of the Angels Chapel, St. Rose Convent, 715 Franciscan Way in La Crosse.

Biblical background of Pastoral Care.

Tue, 12 May 2009 13:37:43 -0500

This article, written by Sister Fran Ferder and Father John Heagle, discusses an evolving ethic of pastoral care.

Hunger Series - Biodiversity

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 13:30:52 -0500

Colombia is one of the top five countries in the world for biodiversity. Deforestation is occurring at a rate of 1.5 to 2.2 million acres a year, at this rate Colombia will be completely deforested in about 40 years.

Buy local, eat green

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 14:22:04 -0500

Buying local is a great way to support the farmers in your area and increase the local economy.

Lenten poem

Wed, 1 Apr 2009 13:03:24 -0500

Read this Lenten Poem written by Lucille Kleinheinz, FSPA

Cultural aspects of healing

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 07:38:06 -0500

By the sun and the moon, traditional Chinese medicine and Franciscanism are in alignment. This connection makes perfect sense to licensed acupuncturist Sister Eileen McKenzie.

Environmental Film Series

Thu, 5 Mar 2009 10:36:59 -0600

In preparation for Earth Week 2009, a series of three short films on the environment will be shown on April 2. Follow-up discussion will be held.

Justice and Peace Hunger Series

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:35:15 -0600

As we grow in our understanding of Earth, galaxy and the universe, we see revealed in more exquisite detail not points of life but a whole trembling web of life. We see that we are not solitary creatures, single communities or even isolated nations but an intimate, diverse expression of sacred inter-relation. This deepening awareness within the Franciscan Catholic community touches and expands the commitment expressed by our Catholic tradition to honor the inherent dignity in all life. This reflection of inter-relation resonates with the radical love lived by Clare and Francis that was committed to crafting communities that transcended false barriers of fear, prejudice and privilege.

A walk with immigrants

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:34:23 -0500

On May 12, 2008, history was written in tiny Postville, Iowa, when the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency conducted a raid on a meatpacking plant and arrested 389 immigrants, most of whom were undocumented persons from Guatemala.

Cedar Rapids flood relief

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:35:10 -0500

Last June flooding devastated Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration began supporting the community. Nine months later, that support continues.
According to Joann Gehling, FSPA and Cedar Rapids resident, With spring approaching, many volunteers are signing up to come to Cedar Rapids to help with the long, ongoing process of gutting and rehabbing houses that were flooded.”

24 Hours as a Franciscan

Thu, 5 Mar 2009 10:40:34 -0600

Women, 19 and older, who are interested in life as a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration: Please join us for a Mid-Lent Retreat March 21-22.

FSPA supports CANGRANDS

Fri, 6 Feb 2009 12:40:30 -0600

There are approximately 62,500 children in Canada who are growing up, not in the arms of their parents, but with extended family members like grandparents, aunts and uncles.

Remembering S. Geneva Kneer

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 16:04:46 -0600

Sister Geneva Kneer, FSPA, 95, died Friday, Feb. 13, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the 74th year of her religious profession.

Sister Thea Bowman documentary

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 11:13:41 -0600

Watch clips from a documentary on the life of Sister Thea Bowman.

Remembering S. Therese Marie

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:34:27 -0600

Sister Therese Marie Pedretti, FSPA, 79, died on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009, at her home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She was in the 60th year of her religious profession.

Thea Bowman: In My Own Words

Fri, 6 Feb 2009 12:41:46 -0600

Explore the thoughts, memories, and reflections of Sr. Thea Bowman, a devoted Franciscan woman, joyful Christian, prophetic preacher, and tenacious teacher.

FSPA in the news

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:47:24 -0600

Several Franciscan Sisters have been featured in the news recently.

Composting: the ultimate in recycling

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:24:17 -0600

Composting is simply common sense. Read this article by affiliate Shirley Huhn and Sister Lucy Slinger.

Celebrating Black History Month

Tue, 3 Feb 2009 11:41:37 -0600

Sister Charlene Smith will share experiences of Sister Thea Bowman and lead a discussion about Thea's continued influence.

Programs for discerning women

Thu, 8 Jan 2009 08:37:37 -0600

Women discerning a religious vocation may attend the following programs: Nun Run, Jan. 31, 2009 - Visit four different kinds of Catholic Sisters in the Twin Cities in one day; Come and See Weekend, Feb. 28-March 1 - Come and See Weekends are designed for women, ages 19-50, to consider the call to live a Franciscan lifestyle.

Vacationing green in 2009

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 15:53:06 -0600

Two hundred acres of natural prairie grass and timber. An 1890’s granary and barn, and a silo made into three hermitage apartments. Simple one-room, earth-friendly hermitages providing such ecological features as straw bale construction and radiant floor heating. Where do you find these amenities? At retreat centers in Wisconsin and Iowa sponsored by the Catholic Sisters of the Upper Mississippi Valley.

A Prayer for our New President

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 12:57:00 -0600

Read this prayer for our new president on his inauguration day.

Situation in Postville still dire

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 15:51:58 -0600

Carrie Kirsch, a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, may be miles away from Postville, Iowa, but she is working hard to make sure people do not forget what happened that day in May. “Several hundred families are still suffering from the immigration raid against Agriprocessors, Inc.,” says Sister Carrie. “The needs are great.”

Prayer requests received

Thu, 4 Dec 2008 16:39:45 -0600

The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration recognize the thousands who submitted prayer requests after learning of the congregation’s perpetual adoration first on local ABC affiliate, WXOW TV 19, and then on a variety of stations including CNN Headline News.

Remembering S. Mary A. Geisler

Thu, 4 Dec 2008 16:40:28 -0600

Sister Mary Aquin Geisler, FSPA, 95, died Monday, Dec. 1, 2008, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the 74th year of her religious profession.

Remembering Sister Grace McDonald

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:44:04 -0600

Obituary for Sister Grace McDonald

Sister Malinda releases book

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:04:48 -0600

Sister Malinda releases book on harp ministry

Ecological advocate events

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:04:49 -0600

Sister Lucy Slinger's community events

Welcome to our new Web site

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:04:47 -0600

Welcome to our exciting new site.