What’s New At The Franciscan Spirituality Center?
Celebrating 25 Years Of Spirituality The Franciscan Way
What do these people have in common? A man leaving the hospital after a suicide attempt, a Jewish rabbi involved in holocaust education, a woman struggling with her prayer life, a superintendent of schools discerning God’s call in the next chapter of his life, and a divorced person wanting to forgive her unfaithful former spouse.
What they have in common is they all walked through the doors of the Franciscan Spirituality Center (FSC). They are part of the more than 246,000 people who have come through our doors since 1985, all with their own stories.
We have desired to honor each person’s story by providing hospitality, acceptance, safety and compassion these past 25 years. Our goal is to continue to be dedicated to the wholeness of each new guest as the story of FSC continues.
Jail Ministry
Two summers ago, FSC began a new jail ministry. We weren’t sure where this would lead us, just that we wanted to expand our relationships with the incarcerated.
After speaking with those working in the criminal justice system as well as inmates, we learned that many people were being released in La Crosse with few, if any, supportive relationships in their lives. And so working with AMOS and collaborating with other community organizations, FSC provided the staff time to start a Circles of Support program in La Crosse.
Based on a Madison model, the program facilitates relationships between five trained volunteers and one recently released inmate. The group meets about weekly for six months, supporting an individual as they transition back to life in the community.
Launched in spring 2009, La Crosse Circles of Support has worked with 27 volunteers and six released inmates in its first year.
Sometimes, it takes one organization to put resources into a project up front in order for it to come to life. And we, in turn, couldn’t have helped make Circles of Support happen without the generous gifts FSC’s supporters have offered us over the years.
Lenten Appeal
It is Lent now. As we pray, fast and mindfully prepare to celebrate the resurrection, we invite you to give alms, a Lenten financial gift, to FSC for our endowment fund. Interest from the endowment enables us to do programs like Circles of Support for those leaving jail, programs for women living on the margins, and spiritual direction for those in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. AN ANONYMOUS DONOR WILL MATCH YOUR GIFT. GIVE AND YOUR DONATION IS DOUBLED!
If you would like to donate on-line you can do so on our secured server. Donate Now
If you can give, we are grateful. If you cannot, we understand. If you would like to volunteer for a Circle of Support, please call us to learn how.
E-mail: Vince@fscenter.org
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