On July 18, the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration celebrated the commitment of “yes” to God with Sister Michele Pettit’s profession of perpetual vows. Sisters and friends gathered in Mary of the Angels Chapel to be with Sister Michele for this event, which culminates her nine-year journey to becoming an FSPA. The ceremony included the blessing and presentation of the ring Sister Michele will wear identifying her as a permanent member of the congregation.
“Today we celebrate the seed of blessing that was planted in Sister Michele’s heart,” shared Sister Helen Elsbernd. “We are grateful that she has responded graciously to God’s call. We praise and thank God for the seed that has grown from God’s love.”
We invited Sister Michele to reflect on her journey to becoming an FSPA.
Q. What inspired you to pursue a vocation as a Catholic sister?
Sister Michele: I was inspired by the sisters’ commitment to living the Gospel through loving service to others and all of Creation. I also recall being inspired by Pope Francis and the Nuns on the Bus movement for social justice. At the time of my discernment, I was searching for a deeper relationship with God and had a desire to be part of something bigger than myself.
Q. Can you describe the process and steps you took to discern this calling?
Sister Michele: When I came to La Crosse, I was searching for opportunities to enrich my spiritual life. I discovered the Franciscan Spirituality Center and attended a conference at the center. After attending one of the sessions at the conference, I was left with many questions. I subsequently met with an FSPA who suggested that I try spiritual direction. I began the process of spiritual direction and continued a lengthy journey of prayer, discernment, spiritual reading, and spiritual direction. I also attended a few Come and See events with the FSPA. After a while, I came to realize that God was inviting me to become a sister. The rest is history.
Q. How has your faith journey evolved throughout your discernment process?
Sister Michele: I am grateful for the many opportunities I have had to grow as a woman of faith. Throughout my discernment process, I have learned more about myself and have broadened my experience of prayer and being in relationship with God, others, and all of creation. I also have become more comfortable living with mystery and with less certainty.
Q. What aspects of community life are you most looking forward to deepening as you continue your ongoing formation?
Sister Michele: I look forward to deepening my relationship with God, others, and all of creation through prayer, service, advocacy and loving presence. I also look forward to continued opportunities to say “yes” to God’s presence and action in my life.
Q. How do you envision your role and mission as a Catholic sister contributing to the broader Church and community?
Sister Michele: As a Catholic sister, I am invited to join other sisters and lay people to manifest God’s love to a suffering world. This invitation involves being grounded in the Gospel and attentive to the signs of the times. It also involves being inclusive and serving as an instrument of hope and peace in the midst of fear and division.
Q. What advice would you give to someone who is exploring religious life?
I would encourage them to pay attention to God’s presence in their life and to what is stirring in their heart.
Coming from a family of educators, Sister Michele has served as an associate professor at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in public/community health education since 2009. She joined FSPA as a candidate in 2017 and was welcomed into the novitiate program a year later. She made her first vows with FSPA in 2020, with renewal in 2023. She’ll continue to live and minister in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
“My heart is full of love and gratitude for all those who have journeyed with me to my final profession of vows,” said Sister Michele. She offered a special thanks to God, her Franciscan Sisters, her family, friends, housemates, spiritual director, companion sister and formation directors. “I am most grateful for your love, support and prayers. May God bless you abundantly.”
Learn more about religious life with FSPA
