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Two women make first vows with FSPA on May 26
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Sisters Karen Grochowski and Laura Nettles made their first vows as FSPA on
May 26 in Mary of the Angels Chapel in La Crosse.
Sister Marlene Weisenbeck offered the reflection on the sisters' first profession
of vows. "Today, on the cusp of Founder's Day for FSPA, we find ourselves,
once again, drenched in God's love, called and challenged to greater holiness.
And in the flickering glow of Easter candles, almost overwhelmed by the power
of God's spirit, we yield to a way of being together in a sacred place of great
promise, to commitment, to doing the mission, yet all the while asking the questions
and leading into a response fired by passion for the future. This is what our
founders lived for: a love of the future which led them to wisdom.
"Laura and Karen, in this new moment, wisdom passes into your souls,"
said Sister Marlene. "Today you more deeply befriend the God of your heart's
desire. Where will wisdom find you? What will you do with the Spirit's love?
Where is the place that your deep joy meets the world's need?"
Below, Sisters Karen and Laura reflect on the day and what it means to them,
even today as they explore their deep joy and its pull to the world's need.
by Karen Grochowski, FSPA
As the day of my first vows approached, I often found it hard to believe that
this moment was finally arriving. I knew in my heart that I was ready to take
this step, and that the time was right to do so, but, like any long-term dream
or goal at which one finally arrives at it still felt distant. However, that
all changed for me as friends and family started to arrive for the event, and
the final preparations fell into place. I became more aware that the vow ceremony
was really happening, and I felt excited!
Soon the big day was here, and the moment which we had been preparing for these
past three plus years had arrived. As Laura and I processed into the chapel
that day, I remember the joy and exhilaration that was inside me knowing that
I was about to strengthen my commitment to journey with my Franciscan Sisters.
As I sat in the chapel, listening to the readings about the gift of wisdom through
the Holy Spirit, and looked at the lard light which symbolizes the wisdom of
Franciscans past and present, I was reminded once again of how this journey
in our religious community is not walked alone. Yes, there are times in my life
and each of our lives when it may feel as though we are alone, or there are
things that we have to do on our own, but even in those moments, we are never
truly alone for we are supported by the love of God, and the love and support
of community and friends.
It was with these thoughts and feelings that I stepped forward with Laura to
profess my vows. As I stood in front of the congregation, I became even more
aware of the love and support surrounding me. I also felt a deep sense of peace
about my decision to continue in this journey. At the same time, I was also
aware of how right it felt that both Laura and Lucy Ann were standing behind
me during my profession with their hands on my shoulders, for both of them have
been an integral part of my journey and a source of great support for me along
the way. I was filled with a deep sense of gratitude. It is these feelings that
I will carry forward with me as I deepen my understanding of who I am as a person
and who I am as a member of FSPA community, and learn what it will mean to live
my vowed life authentically.
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Once again thank you to all of you for the gift you are, and for being part
of my special day! Your presence in body and spirit meant so much to me, and
I am so grateful to all of you for your continued prayers, support and love
as I continue to seek God's will for me and in my ministry! Know of my prayers
and support for you as well.
by Laura Nettles, FSPA
There are certain moments in our lives that we will remember forever. For me,
taking my first vows on May 26th was one of those moments. However, it is not
the details of the ceremony that I will remember nor the preparation that took
place prior to this event. What I will remember most, what is already etched
into my memory, are the faces of those who came to celebrate with us.
Processing into the chapel, I was overwhelmed by the love, joy and support written
on the faces of those present. It was in looking at the faces of support that
I was reminded in a deep and profound way that Karen and I were part of something
special. In looking at Karen's face I was reminded that our journey will never
be alone.
As I sat listening to the various readings about the Spirit and wisdom, I couldn't
help but look around. In the faces of our older and newer members I saw the
Spirit alive. I felt (and continue to feel) privileged to be part of such a
wise and alive community.
Perhaps the most powerful moment for me was when Karen and I were called forward
to profess our vows. As it came my turn to recite the words that I had studied
and prayed with for so long, I took a moment to look out at the congregation.
In that moment I saw the many faces of love. I was moved with gratitude for
all of the support and love that I have received from my family, friends and
community. In a most profound way I knew that I was called to be an FSPA. It
is not the details I will remember but the many faces of love. Thank you all!
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