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FSPA celebrate Julia Walsh reception into the novitiate

Sister Marlene Weisenbeck, right, welcomes Sister Julia Walsh into the FSPA novitiate.

With her characteristic broad smile and a basket overflowing with bread she had baked from scratch, Sister Julia Walsh celebrated her reception into the FSPA novitiate on May 25. Under the theme, "Walking with the bread of life," the reception ceremony served not only as a celebration of Sister Julia's entrance into the novitiate, but also as a nod to her past work as a member of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in California. The group's symbols for spirituality-the cross-and simplicity-bread-were apparent throughout the day's events.

In what may have been a first-ever reception ceremony event, Sister Julia wrote and delivered her own reflection. She explained that she loves Bible Camp, and at her favorite camp where she served on staff years ago, they had a ropes course. "We would wear harnesses, connect ourselves to ropes, trust the belays-the people trained to keep us safe-and listen to the cheers of our friends while doing strange things at great heights among the tree tops," she explained. "My favorite challenge on the ropes course was a thing called the Leap of Faith. Today my spirit is about to take a great Leap of Faith in your presence and in the presence of our Good Eucharistic God." Sister Julia spoke about strapping on the harness of infinite goodness and a supportive community, then connecting herself to the ropes of all that have gone before.

With her family, friends and the FSPA looking on, Sister Julia said that, like the Leap of Faith on the ropes course, which required her to climb a 40 foot pole, she feels as if she's eye-level with the birds in the tree tops and Jesus is calling her to take the Leap of Faith. She confessed that she was anxious, wondering whether she has the faith to leap with no questions, and how she will land. At camp, a belay would pull her to a stop before hitting the ground, then lower her gently.

Sister Julia Walsh carries the lard light into the chapel.

"I believe that this time the belay is Jesus," she said. "So I do as St. Paul told the Philippians. I rejoice! I stop worrying and start praying. I think happy thoughts of gratitude, truth, honor, purity and love. I think how incredible my walk with the Bread of Life has been so far and get excited about all the possibilities to come."

In addressing Sister Julia at the celebration, Sister Marlene Weisenbeck recognized that Julia was at once both radiant and perhaps trembling, but stated that Sister Julia's Franciscan Sisters, family and friends were there to support her as she entered more deeply into a life of conversion in the way of an FSPA. "Be confident in your radiance, Julia, because your soul boasts of the living Christ within you, the one who allays all fears.

"God will rain down bread from heaven for you as he did for Moses and his people. Each day there will be enough for you, though on some days you may not always recognize it. The gift of this bread, the Eucharist, has been kept precious in the generations of FSPA who have preceded you. This is the food that has sustained us. This is also your inheritance, Julia, so rejoice, don't worry.

"Take heart," said Sister Marlene, "your faith makes you well."

Sister Julia scanned the crowd, "I look at your faces: my friends, family, sisters and community who are so dear to me, and I am warmed with gratitude and peace," she said, her voice gaining in strength and confidence, "And so, I leap."

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