Sister Meg Earsley took the next step in religious life with the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, renewing her vows on Aug. 2, Feast of the Portiuncula. Sister Meg joined FSPA in 2018, entered the novitiate stage in 2019 and professed first vows in 2021. Her renewal marks a step toward professing final vows with the congregation.
“As I renew my vows today, I see that holy fire in the hearts of our beloved sisters. We come as different types of people from different places. We have different personalities, experiences and passions,” said Sister Meg. “Thanks to the consuming love of God, we are together and find belonging in this blessed place, our Portiuncula. We live our love in prayer, gospel living and in all the ways we are community.”
Sister Meg …
Q. What inspired you to pursue a vocation as a Catholic sister?
A. I was inspired to pursue my vocation to become a Catholic sister after being called while I was in adoration at my local parish. This occurred after a period of restlessness, even though I was happy and successful. I became committed to giving my everything to God, and spent time in reflection and discernment. It was after a period of patient and open waiting that I received my call.
Q. Can you describe the process and steps you took to discern this calling?
A. When I first felt the calling, I didn't know any sisters personally. Because of that, I researched religious life on Google, Vocation Match and reviewed websites. I planned to spend a lot of time researching, but my search was quickly narrowed when my discovery, conversations and prayer all directed me to FSPA. Trusting God, I began speaking with FSPA. We participated in regular phone calls in addition to two visits to the community. I met regularly with a spiritual director and confided in my closest friends and my family throughout. I continually reflected and prayed during my discernment.
Q. How has your faith journey evolved throughout your discernment process?
A. I believe my faith has become more focused on God, or perhaps it would be better to say that God has become more foundational in my life. Through sharing with the sisters in my community, our faith is mutually deepened. It is such a gift to share my dedicated life, focused on God, with others who love God as well.
Q. What aspects of community life are you most looking forward to deepening as you continue the process?
A. I am looking forward to deepening my relationships with my sisters and understanding more fully who I am within the community. I pray that my love for community continues to deepen.
Q. How do you envision your role and mission as a Catholic sister contributing to the broader Church and community?
A. I feel called to live God's love in the world. With so much hopelessness and isolation in the world, people are so lost. I want to spread the message that we are God's beloved. I want to live the love I have felt my whole life, in ways that help people see how amazingly valuable they are. Living that call in community with all of my sisters, with others in the Church, and also living that together in the world will bring new hope and life to every person in need.
Q. What advice would you give to someone who is considering a similar vocation?
A. I would advise that someone considering religious life rest firmly in relationship with God through reflection and prayer. Then, trust the fruits of that discernment. Trust, too, the loving presence of their community, and trust them to truly know you, as their love will help you learn who you really are.
Sister Meg is serving as bookkeeper for Mary Mother of the Church in La Crosse, Wisconsin. She has worked at Marywood Franciscan Spirituality Center in Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin, and continues to champion action on climate change as a Laudato Si’ Animator. Prior to joining FSPA, she earned a diploma in interior design from the Waukesha Area Technical College, Pewaukee, Wisconsin. She later developed a passion for information technology and served as a software director of training and support and as a director of engagement services at Pethealth Inc., a company focused on assisting animal welfare organizations with their software needs. She spent time in Fairfield, Iowa, and was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church. There, she enjoyed participating in the community as part of the music ministry and faith formation programs. Sister Meg is pictured in the top photo (right) with Sister Karen Lueck; bottom photo again with Sister Karen Lueck (left), Sister Sue and Sister Georgia Christensen.
Learn more about becoming a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration