2 014 - 2 015
FISCAL YEAR IN REVIEW
9 2 0 M a r ke t S t r e e t | L a C r o s s e, W I 5 4 6 0 1 | 6 0 8 - 7 9 1 - 5 2 9 5 | w w w. F S Ce n t e r. o r g
The Franciscan Spirituality Center is a sacred place that welcomes everyone in their search for God, meaning and wholeness. We are rooted in the Gospels and sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration.
The FSC guides and directs processes for prayer and o�ers personal presence to anyone on their sacred journey as co-creators of a just and peaceful world. We o�er individual and group spiritual direction, guided and preached retreats, and daylong programs and events. Sta� is also available for o�-site workshops, presentations and programs.
Th e Fr a n c i s c a n S p i r i t u a l i t y Ce n te r S t a f f
Pictured from left: Deborah Hansen,Rose Elsbernd, FSPA, Zoua Vue, Laurie Swan, Michelle Frazier, FSPA, Audrey Lucier, Steve Spilde, Marcia Bentley, Barb Kruse,Elizabeth Kapanke and Stacey Kalas.
920 Market Street, La Crosse, WI [email protected] • www.FSCenter.org
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Fro m O u r B o a rd
Dear Friends,
Over the years, I’ve been invited to attend business engagements and various social events. Depending upon the type of event, some of the thoughts that may have crossed my mind before attending might be: Should I prepare something? What should I wear? Will I feel comfortable and feel welcomed? What is expected of me?
After all, it’s uncomfortable to show up and not be prepared and not feel comfortable. It might, in fact, present a barrier in attending.
“Come as you are” is this year’s theme at the Franciscan Spirituality Center. If I had been told this when I received an invitation, I probably wouldn’t be concerned with what I was wearing, or if I was expected to bring something, but I might still be wondering: Will I feel welcomed? Will I �t in and be comfortable?
What I’ve learned at the Franciscan Spirituality Center is that the phrase “Come as you are” has a deeper, more profound meaning. To me, it has meant: You are welcome no matter what your religious a�liation is; you are welcome no matter what your standing in the community is; you are welcome if you are experiencing challenges in your life and need someone to listen to you and help guide you through life’s path. You are most welcomed if you just need a safe place for re�ection and prayer. No judgments, just a place where we all can be ourselves and “come as we are.”
I invite you to attend a meeting or a program and experience the welcoming hospitality of the Franciscan Spirituality Center for yourself.
Peace,
Karen Dunn
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Karen Dunn ChairpersonDorothy Lenard Vice ChairpersonJoan Weisenbeck, FSPA Secretary/TreasurerHelen Elsbernd, FSPA FSPA LiaisonEmilio AlvarezSharon Berger, FSPAPatricia BogeKen FordDan HendersonMike HeschLaurice Heybl, FSPAMariellen JaniszewskiMichael KruegerJohn McHughKristy Walz
President
All Are Welcome.
Whether you are staying in one of our three cozy hermitages on scenic Solitude Ridge in nearby St. Joseph, Wisconsin, or in one of the FSC’s 24 comfortable bedrooms, an overnight stay is time away from the routine, noise and busyness of life. When you are here for a program, retreat or meeting, you are invited to stay overnight and experience peace, quiet and the Franciscan hospitality that makes the FSC such a special place.
E X P E R I E N C E P E A C E , Q U I E T A N D F R A N C I S C A N H O S P I T A L I T Y .
Rest and Renewal
44 Re s e r vat i o n s Fo r AHe r m i t a g e S t ay
235B e d ro o m Re s e r vat i o n s
2 0 1 4 - 2 0 1 5
Spiritual directors are trusted guides who hold what is shared with reverence and con�dentiality, helping others to explore their own spiritual path and inner wisdom. In addition to o�ering one-on-one spiritual direction, FSC spiritual directors facilitate several groups, both at the FSC and o� site. They also meet with university students during our popular Busy Student Retreats, which were held in fall 2014 and spring 2015 this past year.
Spiritual Direction
Barb [email protected] 791-5612
Steve [email protected] 791-5297
Marcia [email protected] 791-5603
Rose Elsbernd, [email protected] 791-5268
FSC Spiritual Directors
588 O n e -To - O n e S p i r i t u a l D i re c t i o n M e e t i n g s
16 0S m a l l - G ro u p S p i r i t u a l D i re c t i o n M e e t i n g s
2 0 1 4 - 2 0 1 5
114 M e e t i n g s Wi t hS t u d e n t s
T R U S T E D C O M P A N I O N S
Programs and Retreats
60 P ro g r a m s &Re t re at s
1,400Re g i s te re d Pa r t i c i p a n t s at F S C P ro g r a m s / 3 0 t h A n n u a l Co n fe re n c e
2 0 1 4 - 2 0 1 5
793 At te n d a n c e AtS p i r i t u a l L i v i n g O f fe r i n g s
We can’t tell you how many times we receive a note back or a personal thank you from guests telling us how much one of our programs or retreats meant to them, or how much fun they had. Some of our bigger events in 2014-15 include the 30th Annual Conference with keynote speaker Tom Ryan, CSP; Friends of Sister Thea: Sharing the Joy; Journey Toward Wholeness; our 20th annual Celebration of Marriage; John McHugh’s Lenten Gospels series; Justice and Peace Stations of the Cross; Leading Like Francis, a book signing and program with Carl Koch; plus
l a poetry slaml two iconography retreatsl a writing retreatl a serenity retreatl an art journaling programl a yoga retreat l and our weekend exploring the Enneagram with Leslie Hershberger.
In between, there were many other opportunities to create, learn, grow, rest and recharge — all available to anyone seeking God, meaning and wholeness.
In addition to our programs that require registration, the FSC is host to the following monthly Spiritual Living o�erings, which do not require registration and are open to anyone at any time: Centering Prayer, Imago Dei Women’s Group, Divorce Recovery, Rohr Discussion Group, The Sound of Bowls and Drumming Circle.
I N T E G R A T I N G T H E O R Y A N D P R A C T I C E .
Transformation and Training
27S p i r i t u a l D i re c t i o nP re p a r at i o n P ro g r a m G r a d u ate s
40
2 0 1 4 - 2 0 1 5
Since 1985, we’ve prepared more than 400 people to move into their communities and jobs as trained spiritual directors, and our Spiritual Direction Preparation Program (SDPP) keeps growing. This innovative, three-year training program provides a mix of workshops and real-life experiences, giving participants an opportunity to integrate theory and practice. Recent graduates have described the SDPP as life-changing, transformative and deeply rewarding. Our 13th class — which is mid-journey through the program — is our largest class to date. To cap o� a fabulous year, we also learned this summer that the SDPP has been selected as the winner of the 2015 FSPA Christian Mission Award!
Pe o p l e C u r re n t l yE n ro l l e d I n Th e S p i r i t u a lD i re c t i o n P re p a r at i o nP ro g r a m
FSC programs and retreats aren’t the only events happening in our eight meeting rooms. Area groups and organizations have rented our space for training sessions, support groups and business meetings. We o�er up-to-date technology, professional seating, �exible layout options, and our rooms can easily accommodate groups ranging from 2 to 90 people. We o�er full-day, half-day and a very economical two-hour rate, plus refreshment options and environmentally friendly setup and service.
Meeting Rooms
46Co m m u n i t y G ro u p s &B u s i n e s s e s B o o ke d O u rRo o m s Fo r M e e t i n g s
2 0 1 4 - 2 0 1 5
O F F E R I N G U P - T O - D A T E T E C H N O L O G Y
S P I R I T U A L A N D I N S P I R A T I O N A L W R I T E R S
Books & Gifts
$3, 376Ne t S a l e s Fro mS o p h i a B o o k s to re
2 0 1 4 - 2 0 1 5
Tucked away inside the Franciscan Spirituality Center is a gem awaiting your discovery. Our Sophia Bookstore is a wonderful, quiet place to browse a wide array of spiritual and inspirational books as well as exquisite cards and gift items, including prayer bowls, scarves, handcrafted earrings, soaps and lotions.
Stop by between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and enjoy a cup of co�ee or tea on us.
FinancialPOSITION{ As of June 30 • 2015}
ASSETS
Cash Total Investments Total Assets LIABILITIES &NET ASSETS
Current Liabilities General Fund Balance Current Year Net Assets
Total Liabilities & Net Assets
$ 219,119 $ 1,738,666
$1,957,785
$ 12,747
$ 1,647,900
$ 297,138
{ J U LY 1 • 2 0 1 4 t h r o u g h J u n e 3 0 • 2 0 1 5 }
INCOME Center Programs and Retreats $244,812 Spiritual Direction $ 28,030 Meeting Rooms, Bedrooms & Hospitality $ 54,667 Hermitages $ 12,898 Bookstore $ 26,710 Donations & Scholarships $ 38,190 Endowment Interest $ 9,000 FSPA Sponsorship & Operational Support $407,787
TOTAL INCOME $822, 094
EXPENSES Sta� $382,406 Plant Operations $100,819 O�ce & Administration $ 29,879 Programs & Hospitality $ 71,941 Communications & Fundraising $ 36,722 Other Professional Services $ 15,515 Bookstore $ 23,334 Hermitages $ 4,144 Professional Development $ 6,407
TOTAL EXPENSES $671, 167
$1,957,785
To Our Donors
Karen Acker
So�a AdamsIn memory of Reuben Adams
Emilio AlvarezIn honor of Mike Woods
Terry & Ron AmelIn honor of Kathleen Kenkel, FSPA
Sallie & Ted Bachar
Char Baier
Scott & Faye BakerIn honor of Vince Hatt
Kathryn Baker & Jim Kerney
Ardel Barta
Teri & Dave Barthelmes
Laurie BartholomewIn honor of spiritual directors
Rosalia Bauer, FSPA
Allan Beatty
Lisa Becker
Doralyn Benson
Kathleen Berg
Larry BergerIn memory of Alice Kaiser, FSPA, and Leclare Beres, FSPA
Gerald & Alice Boehm
Stephen & Helen BoesIn memory of Joe Boes
Patt Boge
Vana Bowen
Bill & Elizabeth Brendel
Sonia Brye
Madalene Buelow
Kathryn Bushar
Graham & Karen Cameron
Dennis Carter
Kenneth CharlesIn memory of the Charles, Dempsey & Bodnan families
Regina ChihakIn honor of Carl Koch & Joyce Heil
Lisa ChristiansenIn honor of Blanche Klein, FSPA
Naomi Craft
Carol Crevier
Beverly & Frederick Deprey
Jerilyn DinsmoorIn honor of Janet Mallak, SSND
Maria & Je� Dols
Rose Dymetryszyn
Suzanne & Stan Ferguson
Ken FlottmeierIn memory of Barbara
Spencer Foon
Ken & Cathy Ford
Jim Fowler
FSC Operating Board In honor of Mike Woods
Steven & Judy FuchsteinerIn honor of Paulynn Instenes, FSPA
Bill & Carol GablerIn memory of Flora Lesczynski, Alice Hornick & Alice Kaiser, FSPA
Roberta & Dan Gelatt
Verne & Sharon Goetzinger
Jeanette & Al Graf
Joan GundersenIn memory of Maria Happe
Phillip & Jean HahnIn memory of Claire Hahn McNulty
Candice Haight
Vince & Janice Hatt
Peg Hedrick
Rita Heires, FSPAIn memory of Mary Walter Heires, FSPA
Tammy & Spencer Henderson
Marita Ho�art
Barbara Ho�manIn memory of Frank & Monica Kleczewski
Betsey Jane Holland
Gayda & Ramon Hollnagel
Holmen Lutheran Church
Kelly Holmes
{ J U L Y 1 • 2 0 1 4 t h r o u g h J u n e 3 0 • 2 0 1 5 }
Rosalie Hooper Thomas & Stan Thomas
Je� & Nikki HorihanIn honor of the Villa Sisters
Debra Hoskins
Elizabeth HoweIn honor of Linda Kerrigan
Shirley HuhnIn honor of FSC sta� & volunteers
Frances HutsonIn memory of Therese Eileen, FSPA
Jane JacobiIn honor of Mike Jacobi
Lin Jennewine & Todd Hu�man
Tim & Reggi Johnson
Beth Kabat
Dave Kampa & Donna ReichweinIn memory of Leclare Beres, FSPA
Lori Kaufmann
Eileen KazmierowiczIn honor of Blanche Klein, FSPA
Shanen Kazynski
Tim & Gretchen Kelly
Pat & Linda Kerrigan
Carl Koch & Joyce HeilIn memory of Susan Harmon
Rita KruegerIn memory of Krueger & Michel families
Rose Krumenauer Lessard
Barb & Joe Kruse
Suzanne LaneIn memory of Mary Clare Lynch
Inez LarsonIn memory of Helene Horwitz
Jim LaSaterIn memory of Patrick
Mary Welch Lee
Rich & Dorothy Lenard In honor of the FSPA
Jan Lietz
Mary Jane Lipinski & William Jokela
Kris & Mark Litzow
Sandra LocherIn memory of Leclare Beres, FSPA
Audrey Lucier
Alex & Becky Lueck
Patricia Lund
Kirk & Mary MalnorIn honor of Erin Flottmeyer’sCon�rmation
Peter & Marla Markham
Barbara & Ed Martinez
Shari Mason
Francis & Joan Massman
Kathleen Matter
John & Dorothy Maule
Marguerite McCardle
John & Maggie McHugh
Bill McNamaraIn memory of Janet McNamara
John & Dee Medinger
Sally Micek
Sheila & Dave Momont
Carol & Lyle Monsebroten
Genny Morrissey, FSPA Mary Morrow
Terry Murphy
Bonnie Nesbitt
Lorraine NewbroughIn honor of Vermie & Margaret Green
Joanna Newhouse
Dale & Connie Norris
Betty Nystrom
Sharon Obermann
Bryan Olson
Greg & Laura Olson
Donna Omernik
Dee PaquéIn memory of Dr. Tom Pauly
Susanne PedrettiIn memory of Patricia Hansen
Christine Petersen
Michele Pettit
Helen Phelps
Lois Pouzar
Dan & Carol Pulsfus
Richard RadyIn memory of Mary Jeanne Rady
Samuel Rahberg
Edward Rasmussen
Therese & Mike Regner
Pat Resch
Everett & Maureen Rice
Silvana Richardson
Thomas Roberts
Sheryl Rose
Alice & John Ross
Ed Rowley
Jerry Ru�
Fran Rybarik
Marianne Sambar
Connie Scharlau
Melissa Schreifels
Gail & Allen Schultz
Stacy Shapiro & Dan Baumgardt
Betty & Brian Singer-Towns
To Our Donors
{ J U L Y 1 • 2 0 1 4 t h r o u g h J u n e 3 0 • 2 0 1 5 }
Jean & Sam Skemp
Steve & Heather Smart
Edna & Wenzel SmetanaIn memory of Steven Smetana & Terry Vandenboom
Mary Ann Snapp
Art & Patricia Soell
Louise SondayIn honor of Luanne Durst, FSPA
Wilma SpaethIn honor of Mary Kathryn Fogarty, FSPA, & Blanche Klein, FSPA
Steve & Jeannette Spilde
Mark StahlhutIn honor of Vince Hatt
Paula Stephens
Brad & Lynn Sturm
Kate SullivanIn memory of Neil Decker
Steve & Suzanne Tanke
Dwayne & Denine Voegeli
Colleen WalshIn memory of Paul R. Neman
Patrick & Kristy Walz
Jason & Candace WeberIn honor of Rita Mae Fischer, FSPA, & Mary Boniface Kriener, FSPA, & in memory of Josef J.
Joan Weisenbeck, FSPAIn memory of Matson & LucyWeisenbeck
Mary Jo & Shawn WernerIn honor of Mary KathrynFogarty, FSPA
Edna & Ray Whalen
Chris WheatleyIn memory of Soren Kierkegaard
Marjorie WilburIn honor of Linda Kerrigan & Barb Kruse & SDPP Alumni
Steven Wilkow
John Williams & Jane Redig
Liz Wing
Cathy Witzke
Sarah Yanko
We support the Franciscan Spirituality Center because it is such a vital part of the community. The Center supports people spiritually, physically and emotionally with compassionate, understanding programming. It’s hard to imagine anyone in the community not positively a�ected.
W H Y W E S U P P O R T F S C :
For SDPP Labyrinth Gift
Several members of the SDPP XII class generously gifted the FSC with a portable, custom-made canvas labyrinth upon their graduation this summer.
As Terri Beck-Engel described:
During our formation weekend in March, a group of us sat around a late-night table sharing the felt blessings of the gift of the SDPP and the Franciscan Spirituality Center. That led to pondering a tangible way our class might express our gratitude in the form of a class gift that could bless future SDPP classes and spiritual journeyers who might use the Center.
Ruth BattagliaTerri Beck-EngelRocky DanielsonSheri DaylongCatherine DeKreyDeb HansenSandy KoenigDeb LanduytMaggie LangenfeldJackie Leiter, OSBTeresa MahlerMichael ManternachJennifer MarschallAnne Maule-MillerMarge McCardleEarl & Donna MitchellKara PaganoAshleigh VarleyKristy Walz
A H E A R T F E LT T H A N K Y O U T O :
To Our Volunteers
Mary Bates, FSPAMaggie BjorkquistMadalene BuelowMary Kathryn Fogarty, FSPAMaria Friedman, FSPADonna GlowcheskiApril HarmanJohn HempsteadDee HerzingGayda Hollnagel Linda KerriganPatrick KerriganRandy KjosKarina KlugKatherine KrageNancy La�erty, FSPAKarolena LanierJoe LeuckSue LundKathy MankowskiMarian Massman, FSPAJustin McKnightArlene Melder, FSPALyell MontgomeryGrace Nicholson-MalyCatherine O’Neill, FSPAKate ParkerKarolyne Rohlik, FSPAEdna SmetanaMargaret Wagner, FSPAJan WellikFran Yanisch, FSPA
My time at the Franciscan Spirituality Center o�ers me the opportunity to practice loving presence and Franciscan hospitality. But, in truth, I receive more than I give when I spend time here. There is a peace about the Center that �lls my soul when I step through the doors, and I bring it with me back out into the world every time I leave.
W H Y I V O L U N T E E R A T F S C :
We are always looking to add to our volunteer team. If you have an hour or two to spare each week or even once a month, we can use your help with hospitality, office work and special events. Please contact Marcia Bentley at [email protected] or 608-791-5603 to get started.
F S C D i re c to r ’s
So often our anxieties and stress come from feeling that we lack something. To know that I have enough and I am enough leads to feelings of gratitude. And gratitude leads us to a place of grace, where we are moved to share the blessings we have received.
In the entrance to the Franciscan Spirituality Center, a new painting of St. Francis of Assisi extends his arms in welcome to all who enter seeking God, meaning and wholeness. The donors listed in this report made it possible to welcome all who came through our doors this year with the FSC’s scholarship funds. Sometimes this was a college student; sometimes, a person in recovery from alcohol or chemical dependency. Because of your gift, we were able to say, “Come as you are.”
Many donors give to where the need is greatest at the FSC. This allows us to o�er free healing programs such as Divorce Recovery and Imago Dei (for women who have experienced sexual abuse). It provides us the resources to o�er hospitality in our Sophia Bookstore and to community groups, such as the Mental Health Coalition and Survivors of Suicide. Your gift also allows us to o�er monthly, low-cost discussion groups, creative expression programs and contemplative practice groups.
A special note of thanks to our Spirited Friends: Your monthly gift of $10, $25 or $50 gives us a stable, year-round base of support. This has become increasingly important to our future. As we begin our 31st year, we are grateful that you have chosen to be our sustaining partner in welcoming all to come as you are to the FSC.
Audrey Lucier
Vision
C O M E A S Y O U A R E . . .
242 Re q u e s t s Fo rS p i r i t u a l D i re c t i o nS c h o l a r s h i p s
$8,480I n A s s i s t a n c e Fo rS p i r i t u a l D i re c t i o n
2 0 1 4 - 2 0 1 5
49 Re q u e s t s fo r P ro g r a mA n d Re t re at S c h o l a r s h i p s
$10, 202I n A s s i s t a n c e ToAt te n d P ro g r a m sA n d Re t re at s
Of The Franciscan Spirituality Center
R E M E M B E R I N G O U R F R A N C I S C A N T R A D I T I O N S
In keeping with the tradition of our Franciscan founders, we hold these core values:
Sacredness: Believe that in every person and all creation lives the Sacred.
Respect: Acknowledge the dignity, diversity and worth of each person as a unique image of God.
Community: Through prayer, empathy and sharing, create a safe, peaceful place.
Hospitality: Welcome all with compassion, acceptance and celebration.
Professionalism: Commit to competence, quality, trust and personal spiritual development.
This is an extraordinary place to grow and evolve in an atmosphere of loving acceptance.
W H Y I L O V E T H E F S C :
Sharon Montalbano just might be our most frequent guest at the FSC. In fiscal year 2014-15, she attended nearly 30 different programs and is on track to set a new record for the coming year. She’s also enrolled in our Spiritual Direction Preparation Program.
F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , p l e a s e c a l l 6 0 8 - 7 9 1 - 5 2 9 5 o r e m a i l u s a t F S C e n t e r @ f s p a . o r g .
K E E P O U R M I S S I O N T H R I V I N G
Your generous donations are key to ensuring that the Franciscan Spirituality Center stays vibrant and thriving. Gifts to the FSC help keep programs, retreats and spiritual direction accessible to everyone, regardless of income, and allow us to bring in the very best spiritual thinkers, writers and presenters. By supporting the FSC, you make it possible for us to o�er several healing ministries at no cost to participants.
HOW TO HELP:1. Visit our website, www.FSCenter.org, and click on
the blue DONATE button to make a secure, online contribution.
2. Mail or drop o� a check to:Franciscan Spirituality Center920 Market StreetLa Crosse, WI 54601
3. Join our monthly giving program, Spirited Friends. It’s easy and convenient: Simply decide on a monthly gift that �ts your budget and authorize your bank to transfer the amount from your checking account directly to FSPA for the FSC. You can download a brochure and enrollment form at www.FSCenter.org (click on the blue BE A SPIRITED FRIEND button) or we’d be happy to mail you one upon request. Please call 608-791-5295 for more information.
Gifts of all sizes are welcome. You can designate your contribution to go toward one of our three scholarship funds – Blanche Klein, FSPA, for SDPP and spiritual direction; Mary Kathryn Fogarty, FSPA, for programs and retreats; and Norman L. Gillette Sr., for those recovering from addictions – or to be put in a general fund to meet needs as they arise. Gifts also can be made in memory or in honor of someone. For more information, please call 608-791-5295 or email us at [email protected].
Thank you.
Ke e p F S C Accessible For Everyone
FSPA
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