FSPA News
Stories from the border [listen]
Wisconsin Public Radio's Newsmakers program caught up with Sister Mary Arnoldussen, FSPA staff members Pat Ruda and Vickie Kendle and The Greater La Crosse Area Diversity Council Executive Director Arlette Rodriguez-Miller upon returning from a recent trip to the U.S. - Mexico border where they observed conditions for migrants trying to cross. Click image, or here, to listen to the...
Sisters at St. Rose and Villa St. Joseph embrace beatitudes project
The sisters at St. Rose Convent and Villa St. Joseph are currently engaged in a project that focuses on the Eight Beatitudes. The project was created by Sister Mildred Tigges who received inspiration from Justice and Peace Promoter Pat Ruda’s presentation during FSPA Community Days in June. Throughout this gathering, several sisters took turns speaking on each of the beatitudes....
Vocations Mass pilgrimage to make stop in La Crosse
Dubuque Area Vocation Association invites young adults to attend Sunday liturgy with them on February 2 – March 29, 2020. Each week is hosted by a different religious community. Attend one or all nine! Week #6 stop: Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration March 8, 2020 9-10 a.m. Mary of the Angels Chapel 901 Franciscan Way, La Crosse, Wisconsin “In...
Stories of Spirit & Heart: join FSPA in Chicago March 11
FSPA ministering in the Chicago-area will join this conversation! Facebook event page here!
Perpetual Adoration changes announced
Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration announces change in adoration practice La Crosse, Wisconsin— Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, after 23 years of including prayer partners in its adoration ministry and after 12 years of careful study and discernment of the future of the practice, will begin a new chapter in the tradition on Feb. 26, 2020, when they begin praying...
Global Awareness Through Experience in Cuba
FSPA Justice and Peace Promoter Pat Ruda in Cuba (photo by Chelsea Ruda) The lives of the people of Cuba, discovered FSPA Justice and Peace Promoter Pat Ruda during her Global Awareness Through Experience trip of 10 days there last November, are not shrouded in complete darkness and oppression, not exactly what many perceive life under the thumb of communist rule to be. “Instead of a...
Join DAVA Mass Pilgrimage
The Dubuque Area Vocation Association welcomes Catholic young adults to worship with a different religious community each week from Feb. 2 to March 29, 2020, including FSPA on Sunday, March 8, for a nine-week pilgrimage of Sunday liturgy. Mass will be celebrated in Mary of the Angels Chapel, 901 Franciscan Way, La Crosse, Wisconsin. Accessible entrance located at 912 Market Street.
Sister Marlene named person of the year
Congratulations to Sister Marlene Weisenbeck! "For her extensive, unwavering efforts in the fight against human trafficking and decades of leadership in the community and beyond, she is the La Crosse Tribune’s 2019 Person of the Year." Wrote Sister Marcella Steffes in her nomination letter: “There is no doubt that Sister Marlene’s contributions have not only...
Collaborating, leading and peacemaking in 2019!
When FSPA proclaimed A Revolution of Goodness in 2018, committing to Relationships, Gospel Living and Unity in Diversity, we called you to join us. As we reflect on this movement now, at the end of 2019, we are so grateful to say that you have. You have served as collaborators, leaders and peacemakers with us in ministry. Together, we’ve reached out and supported people around the world,...
Sister Joanne: Moeller: Enjoying diversity in ministry
Sister Joanne Moeller "Giving hospitality is what religious life is all about," says Sister Joanne Moeller. Since professing her final vows in 1963, she has had the opportunity to serve many people — as a leader, a collaborator and a peacemaker in ministry — with such goodness for all in her heart. Perspectives Update: How have you ministered as a...
Sister Kathy reflects on her time at the border
"As my three friends and I began our two-week journey here on some of the hottest days of the year (July 8-21), I wondered if the harsh beauty of this land was symbolic of the people we were to meet and their life's circumstances. Weren't these people of our time fleeing from slavery, fleeing from government controls, rejection, poverty, drug violence, climate crises, child...
Sister Ladonna Kassmeyer: enjoying diversity in ministry
Sister Ladonna Kassmeyer Sister Ladonna Kassmeyer, a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, knew that she wanted to teach ever since the 4th grade. After growing up on a farm and attending school in Fort Madison and West Point, Iowa, she aimed to follow in the footsteps of her teachers. As soon as she graduated from high school, Sister Ladonna entered FSPA and fulfilled her dream by...
Ministry fund grant supports Nevada youth group
Because an affiliate sponsored a ministry fund grant … The youth group from Holy Child Catholic Church in Panaca, Nevada, was able to attend the Steubenville Catholic Youth Conference in San Diego, California. Their group leader sent the following thank you: “They have just now arrived in San Diego, and they are getting signed in to their rooms. They have worked...
#ThankYouWednesday!
We called you to #BECollaborators, #BELeaders and #BEPeacemakers with us in ministry on #GivingTuesday, and you did: we have $40,421 to be grateful for this #ThankYouWednesday! Because of your gifts and the generosity of our matching partners Robertson, Ryan & Associates, U.S. Bank - La Crosse and Brown & Brown Insurance of Wisconsin, it is truly a day of...
New chapel tour hours effective Dec. 1
Effective Dec. 1, 2019, we will offer tours of Mary of the Angels Chapel as follows: Regular tour hours, December - March: Fridays and Saturdays, 9-10:45 a.m. and 1-2:45 p.m. Regular tour hours, April - November: Tuesdays - Saturdays, 9-10:45 a.m. and 1-2:45 p.m. We are closed on all national holidays. Learn more about chapel tours Enjoy a virtual chapel...
Organic garden produces 6000 pounds of goodness
The abundant, high-quality fruits, vegetables and herbs and the nutrient-rich soil itself thrive because of FSPA's organic horticulture practices like companion planting, grouping plantings together to nourish each other without fertilizer and pesticides. Each growing season provides fullness—a fullness of produce picked fresh and served directly to the sisters at St. Rose Convent and...
Act Now: U.S. Withdrawal from Paris Climate Agreement
Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration stands with the Leadership Conference of Women Religious regarding the recent formal request for US withdrawal from Parish Climate Agreement. "The Leadership Conference of Women (LCWR) was deeply disappointed by President Trump’s 2017 pledge to pull the United States out of the Paris Climate Agreement and we are profoundly troubled...
FSPA supports NCR EarthBeat
National Catholic Reporter’s newest project, EarthBeat, has launched. EarthBeat is a comprehensive resource that tells stories of how people of faith are taking action on climate change. Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration’s generous support helped make EarthBeat possible and is listed as a funder on the site. The publisher...
Ecospirituality: Sowing Hope for the Planet
FSPA's ecosirituality office has joined the UISG campaign "Sowing Hope for the Planet," a collaborative effort in the name of UISG and the Global Catholic Climate Movement. "As we continue to journey with the Amazon, this campaign offers opportunities for participation and sharing. A recent video offers interviews with indigenous speakers, updates from Global Catholic...
The Amazon: Common Home
Our Statement Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration has declared a Revolution of Goodness by committing to action that demonstrates how we are interconnected, united in Christ. We are committed to building bridges of relationships that stretch us to be people of encounter who stand with all suffering in our Earth Community. That is why FSPA joined other religious...
Watch: Report from the border
As we honor World Day of Migrants and Refugees, we invite you to watch FSPA Justice and Peace promoter Pat Ruda, Sister Joan Weisenbeck and Sister Laurie Sullivan share their experiences with migrants at the Yuma and Tucson borders.
FSPA: "Living Religious Life NOW!" [video]
Sisters Julia Walsh, Sarah Hennessey, Michele Petit, and Meg Earsley were "Living Religious Life NOW" at Giving Voice's 2019 National Gathering in St. Louis! Catch a glimpse of them and hear Sister Julia reflect that "As daughters of God ... it is bold for us to work towards oneness."
Day of Prayer for Creation: AdorationTalk [video]
AdorationTalk release: Canticle of the Creatures Reflect on this AdorationTalk as we honor the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation on Sept. 1 “All creation is family. All creation praises and glorifies God in a unique way,” begins Sarah Hennessey, a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, in her latest AdorationTalk. She invites us in to learn more about...
German pilgrims visit St. Rose Convent
During 2019, we're celebrating 170 years since our founding. This anniversary also holds special meaning for FSPA friends in Bavaria, Germany. And on Aug. 29, FSPA welcomed 11 German pilgrims—FSPA friends—to St. Rose Convent. During their visit, the pilgrims shared in a special Mass where they recognized the 170th anniversary of the congregation’s founding,...
FSPA, LCWR: "End the divisive rhetoric"
During the Leadership Conference of Women Religious assembly in August, sisters called on President Trump to stop all divisive and polarizing rhetoric. LCWR challenged all attendees to add our own voices to the call. FSPA has added its voice to the call. A challenge to leaders: share the goodness Guest Editorial La Crosse Tribune Eileen McKenzie, Franciscan Sister...
Sister Meg Earsley takes next step in religious life
Recently, Sister Meg Earsley was welcomed into the novitiate, the second step in the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration process to become a Catholic sister. For the last year, Sister Meg lived as an FSPA associate in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and ministered at St. Rose Convent in the liturgy office. She now resides in Chicago as she enters more fully into the FSPA novitiate...
Sisters call for end to gun violence
Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, as members of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, call for an end to gun violence. The recent mass shootings in our country impel us to once again beg all citizens and all elected leaders to end the rampant rage and division that has overpowered the nation and too often result in mass, indiscriminate violence. We are a nation...
5 ways to celebrate 141 years of perpetual adoration
We're honoring the 141st anniversary of perpetual adoration, 24/7 prayer since Aug. 1, 1878. From our history book, "For Mother Antonia the events were the crown of her fruitful life. With the introduction of perpetual adoration, the community had achieved another objective of its existence, an objective which tradition traces to the founders, especially to Mother Aemiliana,...
Strong desire: standing against racism, white privilege
FSPA action for unity and diversity “proven” By Karen Lueck, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Just Do It. This tagline for a globally-famous brand popped into my mind during a recent conversation I had with Lori and Pat Lunney — people of faith who came to me with a strong desire to stand up against racism and white privilege. Lori and Pat shared...
Sister Thea Bowman graces The New York Times
Nathan Yungerberg’s “Thea,” a play that “straddles earthly existence and the afterlife in the waning days of Sister Thea Bowman,” was recognized in The New York Times article, “When Theater is a Religious Experience”. To read more about “Thea” and how “plays can bring spiritual solace to the nonbeliever,” visit nytimes.com.
Adoration Moment: meditation experience for all
Earlier this year, Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration launched Adoration Moment: a comforting experience of peace and all good. Adoration Moment is designed as a meditative experience intended to leave the viewer with a deep sense of calm and presence—a feeling of peace and all good. The second meditation in the series, Life is Worth Living, features beautiful photos, harp...
Modern Ministry: Meet Sister Rose
The "wholeness" of spirituality: Perspective Update shares a conversation with Sister Rose Elsbernd about this calling as she's lived it in her 56 years of vowed religious life and its perpetual presence within the community that she serves. Sister Rose Elsbernd Perspectives Update: How have you ministered as Franciscan Sister of Perpetual...
Caring for earth: protecting pollinators
National Pollinator Week, June 17-23, is a time to celebrate pollinators and spread the word about what you can do to protect them. A new lupine bloomed this spring following the burn of the prairie on FSPA land. Our eco crew member spread the seeds (lupine seed is consistent with Oak Savanna habitat and is needed for the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly...
FSPA is an Invader Crusader [video]
FSPA ecospirituality team members Steve Dewald and Beth Piggush traveled to Madison, Wisconsin, June 5 to receive the Invader Crusader Award. They are pictured below with Tom Buechel, chair of Wisconsin Invasive Species Council (far right). The Wisconsin Invasive Species Council honored FSPA for its significant contribution to prevent, control or eradicate invasive species that harm...
Discerning religious life? Meet Sister Laura.
Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration knows that considering life as a Catholic sister today can be met with lots of questions, both for the woman contemplating vows and for her family. Women have been asking discerning questions of FSPA for 170 years, founded May 28, 1849. “To kick off our 170th anniversary celebration, we’re introducing Sister Laura...
Sister Shirley masters centuries-old woodworking craft
Story by Mike Tighe, La Crosse, Wisconsin MEDFORD, Wis. --- Sister Shirley Wagner could be the poster girl for the old saw that elderly nuns never retire --- they just retread themselves, as she has done for the past quarter century. Although Wagner never had touched a woodworking tool in her life, the jovial, 5-foot-half-inch dynamo bought herself a $1,200 Hegner scroll saw on a whim...
Take action for peace in Kumbo, Cameroon
Thank you for advocating for peace. July 2019 Watch Representative Ron Kind share his experience as part of a Congressional Delegation to Cameroon (tip: turn up your device volume). Learn more and share La Crosse Tribune: Rep Kind visits Cameroon, calls on government to end violence, civil conflict WXOW: Rep. Kind calls for U.S. action in...
With LCWR, we #StandAgainstRacism
Leadership Conference of Women Religious, of which FSPA belongs, approved a resolution recommitting to the important work of addressing racism as a systemic, structural cause underlying and contributing to multiple injustices. Together, sisters declared: In the presence of constant and painful reminders of the deep roots of racism in our country, we the Leadership...
AdorationTalk: Psalm 42 [watch]
Sister Sarah releases "Psalm 42: a prayer of disorientation" “Psalm 42 is a prime example of a lament, of a prayer of disorientation,” begins Sarah Hennessey, a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, in her latest AdorationTalk. She invites us in to pray the psalm and then reflect. Sister Sarah offers insight into the psalm, “In times of great...
Follow the Interfaith Pilgrimage to Honduras
Over 70 delegates from five countries, representing diverse religious traditions and advocacy organizations made their way to San Pedro Sula to begin pilgrimage, March 18-25. They use pilgrimage to describe the way they will journey as a community and how they come to Honduras. They are not on a tour, but rather are committed to engaging in a spiritual practice that...
A prayer for peace: New Zealand's darkest days
We stand in deep grief and solidarity with our Muslim sisters and brothers in Christchurch, in La Crosse, and around the world. We stand with people of all faiths and denounce all violence. We work toward and pray perpetually for true peace in our world. Pray with us.
Religious life questions? Watch Sisters Dawn & Jacinta
We know that considering life as a Catholic sister today can be met with lots of questions, both for the woman contemplating vows and for her family. And that’s we created a video series for women contemplating religious life. We’ve introduced sisters who answer the following common questions, “What if my family doesn’t agree with my choice?”, and...
FSPA supports mental health at Boys and Girls Club
Through support from an FSPA ministry grant and a portion of our #GivingTuesday 2018 gifts, the Boys and Girls Club of Greater La Crosse is able to provide mental health intervention for at-risk youth. Mental health has received increasing attention over the last several years. While people of all ages struggle with their mental health, treatment can be especially effective when mentoring...
Listen Up to create peaceful communities [watch]
Area Catholic Sisters spread peace-making message Three poignant videos will begin circulating on social media and in movie theaters on March 8, thanks to area Catholic Sisters. Created in collaboration with the Azubuike African American Council on the Arts, the videos feature vignettes of discriminatory and potentially violent situations sparked by ignorance and fear. The situations are...
New video: Vocations and parent conversations
Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration knows that considering life as a Catholic sister today can be met with lots of questions, both for the woman contemplating vows and for her family. And that’s why FSPA has added a second video to its Show me a sign guide for discerners. In the series premiere, “What if my family doesn’t agree with my choice?”, Sister Lucy...
Join us: Human Trafficking Day of Prayer
On February 8, 2019, people of faith all over the world are encouraged to host or attend prayer services to create greater awareness about human trafficking. Join us In La Crosse, Wisconsin, the public is invited to a prayer service co-hosted by the La Crosse Task Force to End Modern Slavery, Interfaith Leaders Coalition and English Lutheran Church. Faith leaders from various religious...
2018 in review: sharing goodness
Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life." - Psalm 23:6 Enjoy this look back at the goodness of 2018.
U.S. bishops condemn sin of racism
"But racism still profoundly affects our culture, and it has no place in the Christian heart. This evil causes great harm to its victims, and it corrupts the souls of those who harbor racist or prejudicial thoughts. The persistence of the evil of racism is why we are writing this letter now." - Open Wide our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love America published an...
AdorationTalk: Prayer beyond the basics [watch]
Prayer Beyond Words: 7 steps for contemplative prayer “To pray beyond words is to simply sit in the love of God. To be touched by God. To rest in God. To quiet the inner as well as outer sounds and find our own being in God,” begins Sarah Hennessey, a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, in her latest AdorationTalk, “Prayer Beyond Words.” Sister Sarah...
Video premiere: vocations and family conversations
We know that considering life as a Catholic sister today can be met with lots of questions, both for the woman contemplating vows and for her family. And that’s why we've added a video series to our Show me a sign guide for discerners. In the Show me a sign series premiere, “What if my family doesn’t agree with my choice?”, Sister Lucy Slinger...
Q & A with Sister Marlene: human trafficking
Global Catholic Sisters Report sat down with Sister Marlene Weisenbeck to understand the "particular role women religious can play in ending human trafficking." GSR: You've talked before about the importance of collaboration when it comes to ending human trafficking. Why is collaboration so important? Sister Marlene: No one organization can do it all alone. It's as...
Sisters call for protection of immigrants
We stand with the Leadership Conference of Women Religious and its recent statement on immigration. Sept. 25, 2018 The US Department of Homeland Security’s proposed changes to the public charge regulation are yet another attempt by President Trump to restrict immigration and punish immigrant families. The new regulation would force parents to make impossible choices between the...
St. Rose Complex Renovation announced
The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration announced in August 2018 plans to renovate St. Rose Complex. Renovation is scheduled to begin in March 2019. St. Rose Convent, home to some Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration and the organization’s administrative headquarters, and the Franciscan Spirituality Center, a program and retreat center founded and sponsored by the...
FSPA welcomes new member into novitiate
We celebrate and welcome Michele Pettit into the FSPA novitiate! A reception was held August 12, 2018, at Mary of the Angels Chapel in La Crosse, Wisconsin. During her novitiate reception, FSPA President Sister Karen Lueck invited Michele “to be open to the gifts and blessings of the novitiate as you continue your journey growing into a deeper relationship with God,...
Sister Thea Bowman's path to sainthood advances
Updated Nov. 14, 2018 The U.S. bishops endorsed the sainthood cause of Sister Thea Bowman on Nov. 14 during their fall assembly in Baltimore. The granddaughter of slaves, she was the only African-American member of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, and she transcended racism to leave a lasting mark on U.S. Catholic life in the late 20th century. Read...
Sacred Tradition: honoring 140 years of prayer
On Aug. 1, "More than 100 FSPA and lay prayer partners gathered at St. Rose Convent in La Crosse for the reverential ceremony, prayer service and Mass [celebrating 140 years of perpetual adoration]. The tradition traces to the prayer of Mother Antonia Herb in 1865, when the FSPAs overcrowded the cramped space in their small Maria Angelorum Chapel: “Dear Lord, if you will...
Sister Julia joins Sirius XM as a guest
America magazine published an article written by Sister Julia Walsh in its July 23 issue: "Standing in the divide: The Postville immigration raid, 10 years later." And on Aug. 1, America invited Sister Julia to be a guest on the America This Week program hosted by Sirius XM radio's The Catholic Channel. Listen to Remembering Postville, 10 years later.
New leaders elected, take office Nov. 1
Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration Elect Leaders for 2018 - 2022 La Crosse, Wis.—The 99-member General Assembly of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration completed three days of meetings July 26 to 28 at which they elected leaders for 2018-2022. Sisters Dawn Kutt, Eileen McKenzie, Sue Ernster, Karen Kappell and Lucy Slinger Sister...
Our statement on zero-tolerance policy
As FSPA works toward building bridges of relationships that stretch us to be people of encounter who stand with all suffering in our Earth community, we are taking a stand against the separation of children from their parents. We join the Leadership Conference of Women Religious Wisconsin region, representing more than 2000 Catholic Sisters, and express our strong disagreement...
We proclaim A Revolution of Goodness
The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration and affiliates have proclaimed “A Revolution of Goodness.” We showed up to "do something." For the second time in the congregation’s 169-year history, the sisters invited guests from the general public to attend. The last time was during the 1980s as the...
Sister Julia gets real on Jewish Podcast
Sister Julia Walsh tackles questions about Motherhood, Discernment and Community Sister Julia Walsh was featured as “Gentile of the Week” on a Jewish podcast called, Unorthodox. The podcast, a product of Tablet Magazine, an American Jewish online publication, allowed Sister Julia to tackle some difficult questions, including motherhood, discernment, and choosing a...
Modern Ministry: Meet Sister Laurie
What does is it mean, as a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, to minister in modern life by way of sacred traditions? Perspectives Update, asked Laurie Sullivan, FSPA, who says "it's about building relationships of love and empowerment ..." Perspectives Update: What ministry are you currently serving as an FSPA? Sister Laurie: I am the volunteer...
Listen to: "An Eco-Advocate with a Green Thumb"
Sister Lucy Slinger is featured in “An Eco-Advocate With A Green Thumb,” the May 19 episode of Connecting the Diocese (Diocese of La Crosse’s weekly radio program) hosted by Jack Socha. Click image to listen Learn more about Sister Lucy Sligner and her role as FSPA Ecological Advocate.
Viterbo honors Sister Helen with St. John XXIII award
During a May 22 ceremony hosted by Viterbo University, John Desmond, a community leader known for his ability to get things done, Mike Desmond, a retired educator who has provided tremendous leadership with organizations that serve area youth, and Helen Elsbernd, a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration who has always felt called to serve, are the 2018 recipients of the...
Sister Diane: honored for literacy support
Left to right: Sisters Mary Ann Gschwind, Grace Ann Schiffer, Marcella Anibas, Diane Boehm, Esther Leis, Laverne Wilichowski, and Mary Morrissey Literacy Chippewa Valley (LCV) announces that this year's recipient of the Eric J. Wahl "Making a Difference" Award is Sister Diane Boehm. Sister Diane is an LCV tutor and received the award on May 15 at LCV’s Celebration...
Sisters lead meditative Earth Day walk
To honor Earth Day 2018, the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration hosted a meditative walk around St. Rose Convent. Guided by the prayer service prepared by Catholic Health Association, sisters and guests "gathered in gratitude for God’s good gift of creation and the Earth ... recalling our responsibility to care for our common home."
