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Julia Walsh enters associate phase with FSPA

Julia Walsh

Julia Walsh, a member of the Archdiocese of Dubuque, has become an associate with the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. The associate phase is the first formal step toward becoming a vowed member of the congregation.

A native of Elgin, Iowa, Walsh is a 2003 graduate of Loras College in Dubuque, and holds a bachelor of arts degree in history and teacher education. She says during college she was searching for who she was and where she belonged. "I realized that my passions are many and that God has blessed me with the desire for a life in community, centered around prayer and working for justice and peace.

"When I visited the FSPA two years ago, I felt like I had found the 'home' I've always needed," Walsh explained. "I was more than embraced-my very being seemed to be celebrated. I was in awe of the light that shone out of the holy women and out of the beauty of their adoration."

Walsh interned with the Iowa Catholic Conference in Des Moines, Iowa, in early 2004, and afterward she spent a year working with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Sacramento, Calif.

The associate phase of FSPA's membership process includes continuing to develop personal spirituality, learning FSPA history and values, and working within and experiencing community life. During this associate phase, Walsh is volunteering at Place of Grace, the local Catholic worker house; and with the campus ministry program at Viterbo University.

Associate welcomed

 

From left, Sister Dorothy Dunbar, Julia Walsh, and Sister Karen Flottmeier await the start of the welcoming ceremony for Julia.

Julia Walsh was welcomed on Thursday, Jan. 5, in Mary of the Angels Chapel. Julia says she was full of joy during the service, and was struck by how ordinary and right it felt to be participating in her own welcoming vespers.

"It was such a blessing to be received into such an amazing group of women who
affirm my love for God, God's creation, and my desire to work towards peace."

During the service, Julia was presented the Tau cross to welcome her into the associate phase. The symbol serves as a reminder of her desire to discern her call to Gospel living within FSPA.

"It was my trying to listen to my heart that led me to this place and this community," explained Julia, "as my heart has been telling me for quite some time that the best setting for me to become authentically who I am could be with a group of like-minded, prayerful, out-reaching women."

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