Become a Sister
Do you desire to live a life of prayer, community and service?
Discern your call with us. We are Catholic sisters ... vowed Franciscan women centered in Eucharist. Our mission is to be loving presence through prayer, witness and service. We are dedicated to sharing life in community, which centers us in prayer and deepens the meaning of our consecrated life – our vows of poverty, consecrated celibacy and obedience.
We share our gifts for the common good seeking to actively promote the reign of God. We are inspired to bring the love of Christ that we encounter in the chapel out to the world. We are dedicated to responding to the needs of this time as we accompany all who face systemic inequities and as we provide a compassionate presence and give witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Upcoming Discernment Events
FSPA Charism Immersion for Discerners
Wednesday, Sept. 17 - Sunday, Sept. 21 | La Crosse, Wisconsin
Come meet FSPA and learn about our community history, charism and mission. During this discernment retreat, you'll have opportunities to meet our sisters, pray in our adoration chapel, spend time at our motherhouse (St. Rose Convent), plus much more! This retreat is open to single, Catholic women ages 18-45. This will be a chance for you to experience our modern lives and sacred traditions and reflect on how the Spirit is moving in your life.
Click or tap the button below to express interest; registration deadline is Aug. 22.
Discernment Day at St. Rose Convent (co-ed, ecumenical)
Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025 | La Crosse, Wisconsin
Individualized Discernment Opportunities
Come and See | St. Rose Convent | Ongoing
Mass and Lunch | St. Rose Convent | Ongoing
Coffee and Conversation with a sister | Near you | Ongoing
Email vocations@fspa.org to make arrangements according to your schedule.
Sister Kristin Peters ministers in Chicago. During a recent campaign to raise awareness of Line 5 pipeline threats, Sister Kristin coordinated educational opportunities in her parish.
Sisters Julia Walsh, Laura Nettles, Lucy Ann Meyer, Karen Lueck and affiliate Vicky Freybler are all active in social justice. At a recent rally, they shared an "all are beloved" message.
Sister Lucy Slinger is a leader in our commitment to caring for creation. She leads Canticle of Creatures workshops (here to the Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities).
Connect with Us
Sister Julia Walsh and Susan Amble,
our vocations assistant, are ready to hear from you!
Email Susan: vocations@fspa.org
Email Sister Julia: discerning@fspa.org
Call or text: 608-797-8345
Foundation and Charism
We commit ourselves to witness our love for God in service to others. We strive to bring new life, meaning and hope to a suffering and searching humanity. Two of our early leaders, Mother Aemiliana Dirr and Mother Antonia Herb, were Franciscan women who worked to establish a community devoted to perpetual adoration and serving the needs of all. This fuels our charism, or spiritual gift, to be loving presence.
As Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration:
- We live as a Franciscan Eucharistic community that responds to the needs of the times by sharing the loving presence of God we know in the Adoration Chapel with people on the margins of society.
- Our spirituality is based on the teachings of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi. We emphasize simplicity, poverty and love for all creatures. As Franciscans, we strive to live in harmony with God’s creation and treat others with kindness and compassion.
- We seek to follow the universal call to holiness by our public profession of vows. We wear contemporary clothes (as women in a Vatican II church) and live in small groups or individually, usually near our ministry sites. A community medal and ring are signs of our FSPA commitment.
- We center our lives in prayer; adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is our most sacred tradition. Our prayer lives also include meditation, contemplation, Scripture reflection, liturgy of the Hours, and Mass. Shared prayer and faith are balanced with private and public prayer.
Discern with us
Reach out to the discernment office.
Email Susan Amble: vocations@fspa.org
Email Sister Julia Walsh: discerning@fspa.org
Call or text: 608-797-8345
Steps to FSPA Life
To begin your initial discernment, you may call or text the FSPA vocations team: Sister Julia, at 608-797-8345 or send her an email at discerning@fspa.org; or Susan Amble, vocations@fspa.org. The discernment mailing address is Discernment Office, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, WI 54601.
Discerner
When a woman seeks information and guidance from the FSPA Discernment Office or another FSPA in discerning her call to vowed life, she begins an informal time of discernment. Discerners must:
- desire a deeper relationship with God and a life of Gospel service
- be 21-50 years old with at least one year of college or work experience
- be active members in the Catholic Church
- be free from marriage vows and responsibility for minor children
- wish to live in community and to minister according to the FSPA mission
Candidate
Candidates continue developing personal spirituality, learn FSPA history and traditions and Franciscan spirituality and values while working within and experiencing community life.
Novitiate (two years)
Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in the novitiate experience two years of study and deep discernment. During the canonical year she learns more about the Church, the community's constitution, the vows of celibacy, obedience, and poverty and spends time integrating Franciscan values. The apostolic year is a time of continued study of the vows and integration into ministry.
Temporary Vows (typically six years)
After professing temporary vows, an FSPA lives her vows in community and grows in a Franciscan way of life. Careful attention is given to balancing ministry, prayer, community life, and personal enrichment and preparing for permanent commitment.
Final Vows
A sister publicly affirms her commitment for life. After professing her perpetual vows, she receives a ring, which identifies her as a full participant in the FSPA community for the rest of her life. She is committed to and guided in ongoing Franciscan formation.
Transferring to FSPA
For Catholic Sisters discerning transfer from another religious congregation, the first step is connecting with the FSPA president who invites the sister to a time of initial relationship. If you're a Catholic Sister looking for transfer information, visit Transfer to FSPA.
Vows
In our vocation as vowed women religious we are grounded in the observance of these vows:
Poverty: Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration have vowed to live simply in the spirit of the Beatitudes. We reverence all of God's gifts and rejoice in the goodness of creation. We hold all things in common which allows us to devote our community resources to serving others.
Celibacy: Sisters also commit to living and sharing a community lifestyle within this vow. Community life frees us to cultivate and enjoy personal relationships-both within and outside the congregation.
Obedience: Members of the FSPA community find that we can accomplish great things when we are united in our efforts. Through this vow, we commit ourselves to the congregation's mission to serve God, the church and society. Listening to the voice of the Spirit in our community, ourselves and the world enables us to discern how our unique gifts foster our mission.
Fast Facts
Franciscan life
We follow in the life of St. Francis of Assisi. In Francis' footsteps, we live simply. This allows us to have a true and humble faith, to serve and work faithfully and conscientiously and to live with special dedication and joy.
Global presence
FSPA minister throughout the United States and in Canada. Our Global Awareness Through Experience pilgrimage program takes us throughout Latin America and our partnership in Companions in Franciscan Solidarity connects us with Franciscan Sisters in Cameroon, West Africa, Bolivia, Brixen, Rome and Hull.
Perpetual Adoration
Since Aug. 1, 1878, we’ve prayed daily in our Adoration Chapel. Through perpetual eucharistic adoration, we offer God praise and thanksgiving before the Blessed Sacrament. Nurtured and strengthened by Jesus' presence, we live out this adoration in our daily lives as we strive to help those in need.
Social Justice
True to our Franciscan calling, we commit ourselves to building Christ's Kingdom of justice and peace. We continue our efforts to preserve and nurture God's creation, to increase social and global consciousness, to educate ourselves to political awareness, and to encourage action to effect change where necessary (Unity in Diversity #40).
Sponsored ministries
Through sponsorship, we continue to influence our sponsored ministries in ways that further the mission of both FSPA and the institutions themselves. We sponsor three spirituality centers and Global Awareness Through Experience.
Sustainability
An important role of FSPA is to invite others to learn about and experience God's presence in nature. We steward our land resources, including our garden, to model sustainability practices and spirituality for others is a very significant way of continuing FSPA's long-standing tradition of education ministry.
Common Myths
Common myths about life as a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration debunked:
Myth: I will never see my family or friends again.
Fact: Women in the incorporation process as well as vowed members are encouraged to maintain healthy relationships with family and friends.
Myth: If I become a sister I will never have time off from ministry.
Fact: It is important to maintain a healthy balance of ministry and rest. Each year women in the incorporation process and vowed members through discernment make arrangements for a retreat, and vacation time to see family and friends.
Myth: Someone in community will assign me a ministry and I will have no choice.
Fact: Each person in community discerns her choice of ministry with community members. Factors such as qualifications, living arrangements and timing of a change are some of the topics for discussion prior to interviewing for a job opening.
Myth: I will not have the basic necessities of food, water, clothing and shelter because of preparing and eventually taking a vow of poverty.
Fact: By sharing resources with one another in community together we make sure that each person has the basic necessities of life.
Myth: I will lose my professional credentials because I will not be allowed to complete requirements for my career field.
Fact: Sisters are encouraged to maintain professional standards for any field in which they are actively ministering.
Myth: If I say yes and begin the process of incorporation to become a member of the congregation I will not be able to choose to leave.
Fact: Discernment is a mutual process and at any time in the incorporation process the candidate can chose to leave and the congregation also has the right to require the candidate to leave. There are also processes in place for someone in temporary vows or in perpetual vows to discern departure.
Myth: I will be stuck living and working at the same place my whole life.
Fact: We are Franciscans and by our very nature are iterant and in tune with the Holy Spirit. Changes in living and working experiences happen after discernment with community. Many sisters move and change ministries several times over the course of their lifetimes. Sometimes the change will also require further education to work in ministry.
Myth: I will lose my independence.
Fact: Not all decisions are discernments, you will have some autonomy. Moving from independence to interdependence and thinking about what is good for the community is done in steps as you make decisions through discernment.
Myth: I will not have access to use technology such as a cellphone or a computer.
Fact: Access to technology is available. Use is discerned and resources are shared. Community members have access to the tools they need for mission and ministry. In fact, be sure to meet our podcast host and bloggers! Sister Julia blogs and podcasts at Messy Jesus Business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration do all day?
A: While sisters' days are varied, prayer, ministry, community and recreation are all necessary for a balanced, happy life. Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration are engaged in all - with days that begin and end with prayer, through ministries that are tailored to each sister's individual gifts, and through a community lifestyle that fosters close relationships, recreation and meaningful interaction with other sisters and lay people.
Q: Why do some sisters wear habits?
A: There are many symbols that women religious use to indicate their faith in God and commitment to Christianity. Some congregations choose a habit to be their sign. They believe it helps them live out their vows, and some say it is also a sign of penitence and a separate lifestyle.
Most FSPA opt to wear street clothes instead of habits, believing that it helps us build bridges of understanding with lay people and that it makes us more personally accessible to the people we serve. Although we wear a medal, either as a pendant or pin, and a ring as our FSPA symbol, we strive to make our Christian lifestyle the most obvious sign of our commitment.
Q: How do congregations or orders differ from one another?
A: Differences among religious communities are found in their emphasis on prayer and community life. In contemplative communities, for example, all members live at the motherhouse with their primary ministry being one of prayer. Their only other work is for the purpose of providing for their basic needs of life. Most members of monastic communities also tend to live and work together at the motherhouse, though they work in a variety of ministries. They gather together frequently for prayer, usually several times a day. FSPA is an evangelical community, where the sisters are united through prayer yet work among people wherever needed in the world and serve in various ministries.
Q: What ministries are FSPA involved in?
A: Our strength as Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration is found in our commitment to God and in the unique gifts of each sister. We are encouraged to use our diverse and unique talents as we strive to bring new life, meaning and hope to a world in need of compassion and healing. We minister as teachers, nurses, pastoral workers, spiritual directors, counselors and in many other capacities as directed by the Spirit, community needs and our own talents.
Q: How often do you pray?
A: As our name (perpetual adoration) suggests, prayer has a central role in our lives. As with any individuals working together for the same cause, we must stay in constant communication with God as we seek union with God and to spread God's love, and prayer is that communication. FSPA pray alone, in small groups and with the larger community. Our prayer takes different forms, including liturgy, Divine Office, reading and quiet meditation. We tend to pray more in the morning and the evening since our day usually is spent in ministry, but we carry prayer in our hearts at all times.
Q: Is prayer always easy for you?
A: Prayer is our way of communicating with God. Like any relationship, there are times when we need to act on motives deeper than feelings and trust in God's presence and unconditional love. In fact, Sister Sarah blogged about this! Read The transformative power of the spiritual practice of Eucharistic Adoration.
Q: Do sisters have free time, and if so, what do they do in their free time?
A: We have about the same amount of leisure time as most other adults and may spend that time as we choose. Some sisters enjoy sports and athletic activities, others enjoy the arts. We also spend our free time watching television or movies, reading, sharing with friends or visiting family. While the activities are as diverse as our members and this diversity is encouraged, we at all times and places remain true to our vows and commitment to Christian living.
Q: How often do you gather as a congregation?
A: We meet annually to make community decisions and to reconnect with one another in the midst of busy ministries.
Transfer to FSPA
A sister discerning transfer from another religious congregation, contacts the FSPA president who invites the sister to a time of initial relationship. The sister may visit St. Rose Convent or other FSPA centers, she may visit formally with leadership, or visit with other FSPA members. If she wishes to continue exploring the possibility of transfer to FSPA, transfer guidelines are reviewed.
A formal letter of request to the major superiors of both congregations begins the formal transfer process. An autobiography, physical examination report, and letters of reference also need to be sent to the FSPA president. In the early stages of the process, a behavioral assessment is conducted.
Orientation
After dialogue and discernment, a companion sister is appointed. The companion sister will act as a guide, companion and mentor. She will facilitate the phases of orientation, integration and incorporation for the transfer sister. The mission councilor will introduce the sister in transfer into a local community, and she is officially welcomed into the congregation by a simple ceremony of entrance during which she receives the FSPA medal.
Integration
A sister in transfer plans, along with her mission councilor and her companion sister, for ongoing ministry and community living, consistent with holistic living. During this period, the sister in transfer strengthens her relationship with the community.
This final phase of the process of transfer occurs when the final vows are made according to the FSPA Constitutions. This ceremony of incorporation occurs at St. Rose Convent, and the sister receives the FSPA ring that signifies full membership in our congregation.
Contact
Sister Sue Ernster
608-782-5610
Meet our sisters
See the sisterhood in action! Discover religious life through the voices and experiences of Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. Our video collection offers an intimate look at the joys, challenges and deep purpose that share sisters' lives, faith, service and community. Whether you're discerning a call, curious about sisterhood, or simply seeking inspiration, these authentic stories will move and uplift you.
Explore our movements
We are committed to these movements, we call them our provocative movements:
- Building relationships that stretch us to be people of encounter who stand with all suffering in our Earth Community
- Being freed through joyful Gospel Living to be transformed in love and goodness for community and mission
- Celebrating authentically unity in diversity by challenging our white privilege and working toward equity and inclusion of all
Connect with Us
Sister Julia Walsh and Susan Amble,
our vocations assistant, are ready to hear from you!
Email Susan: vocations@fspa.org
Email Sister Julia: discerning@fspa.org
Call or text: 608-797-8345