He is that One

by sevensistersapostolate | Dec 8, 2017

SEVEN SISTERS – in and out and about:  

A word about ABBREVIATIONS: In this age of economizing time, swift typing and tweeting, it is tempting to shorten everything.  Abbreviations can be confusing outside of context. Fr Johnson, the Apostolate Chaplain, asks that we please refrain from using SS or SSA to refer to the Apostolate.  Both bear connotations that do not point to our efforts. (for example: SS:  Secret Service, Social Services. SSA:  Same Sex Attraction, Social Security Administration)  Blessed exception:  Fr Johnson approves of the use of  7 Sisters as an apropos abbreviation.

RECENT GROWTH: Groups continue to bloom in several ‘established’ states (lately, esp Nebraska and Minnesota).  Priests are now being covered with prayer in these NEW states: West Virginia, Montana, Illinois and Arizona.  Manila, Philippines also has a new group.  One heart welcome to all!

SPANISH translation of Communique:  This is generously done every month by Zahyra B, Anchoress for a Seven Sisters group in Venezuela.  They are then posted (and archived) on the Website.  If it is easier to receive through an email account, please let me know.

REMEMBRANCE of those SEVEN SISTERS who have PASSED: We want to remember those Seven Sisters in name and in prayer, who have gone before us to their eternal rest. Click on ABOUT folder and scroll to bottom, choose: IN REMEMBRANCE.  Follow prompts… OR you may submit info via the Website email or to my email address.

AHEAD on the calendar:

•  Lorrie E will staff an informational booth at the Beauty in Christ Women’s Conference in Cedar Rapids, IA, on January 27, 2018 (8 am – 3 pm)
• Serra Club (MN) February 2018
• Informational: February 2018 (St Paul)
• EWTN spot  (TBD)
• Day of Recollection: Cedar Rapids, Iowa. March of 2018.  Theme: Getting to Know our Patrons
• Gatherings in North Dakota, Georgia, Nebraska, Florida remain in the prayer/discernment stage.

RAISING AWARENESS: Let us together remain open to starting groups for priests that are perhaps less visible (those not in a traditional parish setting). Examples: Hospital Chaplains, Military Chaplains, Monasteries, Professors in Universities, School Chaplains, Retirement Home Chaplains, Canon Lawyers, priests serving in Seminaries, Chanceries,  Exorcists, and Retired priests. If you sense a call to this Apostolate, there is a priest or bishop who needs your prayers!

The Fullness of the Call We Have as Intercessors

by sevensistersapostolate | Nov 3, 2017

Pray the Rosary Every Day

by sevensistersapostolate | Oct 6, 2017

The Storms of Life

by sevensistersapostolate | Sep 8, 2017

St. John Vianney, pray for us!

by sevensistersapostolate | Aug 4, 2017

Tenacity, Fidelity, Perseverance and Love

by sevensistersapostolate | Aug 3, 2017

Before the Blessed Sacrament

by sevensistersapostolate | Jul 19, 2017

Seven Sisters in the News

by sevensistersapostolate | Jun 19, 2017

The Seven Sisters Apostolate was recently featured in two diocesan newspapers.

Click here to read the article in the St. Cloud Visitor (Diocese of St. Cloud, MN): http://stcloudvisitor.org/2017/06/15/seven-women-one-priest-one-hour-one-day/

Click here to read the article in the Southern Nebraska Register (Diocese of Lincoln, NE): http://www.lincolndiocese.org/news/diocesan-news/8694-women-gift-a-year

Let’s continue to give thanks to God for the good work he is about in his Church!

The Path to Heaven

by sevensistersapostolate | Jun 4, 2017

The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. –  Psalm 19:8b

“Love God, serve God.  Everything is in that.” – St Clare of Assisi

Greetings dearest Sisters…

We are together living in that sweet center of two momentous months for the Seven Sisters Apostolate. Our quiet-and-seeking time of discernment in the month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary now encounters the reality of the call-to-action time of commitment in the month of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.  Likely, the commands of the Lord have afforded you the necessary radiance of  light to see your next step in your place of loving and serving Him.

Please inform your Anchoress TODAY (if you haven’t already) whether you will continue with your Seven Sisters group or depart from its schedule and commitment.  By informing your Anchoress in a timely fashion, hope remains to adjust/adapt any prayer coverage transitions needed to keep them seamless for our priests. To both those continuing or departing – eternal gratitude.  Every sacrifice of prayer bears eternal worth. New beginnings and renewals hold great things – radiant with His light!

Recently while on a hike with friends, one of my comrades took hold of my hand as I gingerly searched for a next step attempting to maneuver across the challenge ofa rapid-running stream.  Successfully making it to dry land, I expressed gratitude for her quick assistance.  Later I was happily able to reciprocate when the sureness of the law of gravity expressed itself as my friend slid across a slippery log.  In both cases a keen hand of support and ready encouragement brought the other to a new and safer place in one unbroken piece!  Deeper than that, we each had the unrehearsed opportunity – and joy – of upholding another.

That trek in the woods perhaps hearkens to our endeavors as Seven Sisters.  How we rightly excite in the call to help another, to consider another greater than ourselves.  In this case, a priest.  What a privilege and joy to pray for him! This doctor of souls, whose life is full with prayer, sacrifice, requests, generosity, unpredictability and mystery all at once, is the gladsome recipient of our weekly sacrifices of prayer.

The path to heaven is a universal call.  Like my trek in the woods, it is realized by one step at a time: sometimes on predictable ground, other times amidst paths of unanticipated uncertainty. Our Holy Hour pledge of prayer for a priest/bishop is perhaps a bit like the readiness of a steadying hand offered to another.  Let me help you with the next step heavenward.

Scripture supports this action, “As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning. … Aaron and Hur held his hands up- one on one side, one on the other – so that his hands remained steady till sunset” (Exodus 17: 11,12).  Our concerted prayers – one on one side, one on the other – assuredly offer steady support to the priest/bishop to whom we are committed to pray.   We delight in the seeming littleness of our efforts, yet paradoxically sense a deep value perhaps even beyond measure! In the rays of the Blessed Sacrament our prayer efforts gain greater significance and sureness.   For in You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light. Psalm 36:9

Many priests nationwide are learning of new assignments/retirement in these days.  It is a new season for these shepherds and a new season for those Seven Sisters in prayer for them. Prayer efforts may need to be ramped up a bit for those in the unsteadiness of the transitions.  So many details, one step at a time.  Let us generously offer our folded hands in support.

Let us not lose the opportunity to honestly examine and pointedly be aware of and begin the process of our own detaching, letting go of a hand and heart we have held for a season.  In embracing this course,  the recipient of our prayers may be at greater liberty for his next steps ahead.  We too are freed to take on the task of prayer efforts for another that God has chosen.

This is my ‘go to’ prayer in life’s transitions.  May this prayer of St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein) be yours (and for a transitioning priest), as well:

“O my God, fill my soul with holy joy, courage and strength to serve You.  Enkindle Your love in me and then walk with me along the next stretch of road before me.  I do not see very far ahead, but when I have arrived where the horizon now closes down, a new prospect will open before me, and I shall meet it with peace. Amen.”

United in prayer and mission –
that our prayers may find the heart of every bishop and priest
… eternal gratitude as you each remember to offer a wee Hail Mary for me every day….  Pray that I will not ‘spoil the beautiful work that God has entrusted…’  (St Mother Teresa of Calcutta)

Janette
+JMJ+

Renew/begin your Seven Sisters year of prayer in JUNE using the Commitment Prayer composed by our Apostolate Chaplain, Fr Joseph Johnson. Father Johnson asks that, if possible, renew together as a group and on/close to the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (this year:  June 23, Friday).

SEVEN SISTERS – in and out and about:  

Mary S (our Web master/designer extraordinaire and Anchoress), has added quite a number of items to the Web site:  a printable download of the Guidelines booklet, prayers to enhance our Holy Hours, links, and all the while updating the Google map and living a very full personal life alongside these extravagant offerings for the Apostolate.  Eternal gratitude, Mary…

Marg W (our spreadsheet maestro and Anchoress) will again be contacting you to update the Spreadsheet. The task is increasing! Eternal gratitude, Marg…

Here is the email to look for: Marg2@comcast.net. Again, she will reach out to you.

STEADY GROWTH: Groups are continuing to form, especially in the Lincoln diocese of Nebraska and Superior diocese in Wisconsin. Both areas commit to “a group for every priest”.  The Archdiocese of St Paul/Mpls continues with new groups and a team is forming to commit to secure 100% coverage! We also welcomed groups in two new states: Mississippi and Georgia

COMING SOON: Plans are going forward for the Seven Sisters 4th Annual St Paul/Mpls Day of Recollection/Retreat.  It will be hosted by All Saints parish Seven Sisters groups (2) in Lakeville on the First Saturday of November, Nov 4.  One of the ORIGINAL  (dubbed the “Magnificent Seven”) groups was started in this parish – and still going strong! Check the Web for details regarding the event, as they unfold.

COMING SOON:  Book study of Sheen’s The Priest is not His Own.  Hoping to set this up through Web Site.  This book is FULL of GEMS!!  We are still working on figuring out how to do this… please pray!  It will happen!

A Seven Sisters logo is currently being designed and will make its debut later this month!

May: A Month of Discernment

by sevensistersapostolate | Apr 30, 2017

Greetings dearest Sisters…

“Walk with your feet on the earth, but in your heart, be in heaven.” – St John Bosco

May is traditionally a challenging month to our calendars – BUT for the Catholic, at the heart- it is the happily anticipated and beloved month of Mary and holds our continued celebration of Eastertide, St Joseph the Worker Feast Day, Mother’s Day, Ascension Sunday, Memorial Day and grand celebrations (and anniversaries) of many of the sacraments – Baptism, First Reconciliation and Holy Communion, Confirmation, Holy Matrimony and in many dioceses, Ordinations to the Diaconate and holy Priesthood.  And this May we will also uniquely celebrate Our Lady of Fatima Centenary.  All this resounding JOY will likely revitalize and strengthen us!

God continually meets His hungry and thirsty children with graces a-plenty!  He has supplied all that we need to come to the finish of each day and even the entire month of May – richer and closer to Him!  – and I will cheerily add that He will most certainly have an answer to your prayers of discernment regarding the Seven Sisters Apostolate too!!  Yes, it is a special month for the Apostolate – a month of prayer regarding YOU – and God’s plans for YOU!

My prayers steadfastly and heartily join yours as you commit in this month of May to discern (see Guidelines) your continued commitment or departure from the weekly Hour Hours as part of a Seven Sisters Apostolate group.  To aid your prayer efforts, I will offer a Holy Hour for you and your discernment on May 5, the First Friday in May.

As soon as you have a clear sense (you need not wait until the end of the month), let the Anchoress of your group know the direction of your call for the coming year.  Ideally, before June commences, committed intercessors will be identified and able to seamlessly continue in prayerful support of the priest or bishop.

WORTH NOTING: The Apostolate serves all priests/bishops, so be open to the call that might be to remain in the Apostolate, but perhaps serve in a different (or new!) group (ie Hospital Chaplain, retired priest/bishop, associate priest in a parish where pastor already has a group, priests serving in Seminaries, priests that are chaplains/professors in High schools/Universities, Canon lawyers, priests who serve the Chancery, priests in religious orders, etc).  Every priestly heart needs and deserves our prayers!! Be assured, if you ask, you will know where/how you are called. And likewise, be assured, that God’s graces are sufficient to the task!

Let me encourage you to continue with holy fidelity and focus to your Seven Sister’s commitments through May.  It may take extra planning and efforts in this month of ‘so much’. Let us be sensitive and remember that many of our parish priests and bishops are on ‘double duty’ in this merry, merry month as we celebrate so many of these events in our sacramental life and special Feast Days, as well.  Likewise, many priests will be learning of new assignments and needing our extra sacrifices and prayers as they anticipate transition.

This is a fitting segue to remind that your groups are designed to cover in prayer a priest in a particular position (ie pastor, rector, associate, etc) rather than a particular priest (with the exception of a retired priest who is nolonger receiving new assignments).  If the priest for whom you are praying is being reassigned, please continue prayers for him until he leaves and his replacement arrives.  Then seamlessly begin prayers for this incoming priest.  The outgoing priest will hopefully enter into an assignment that has an existing Seven Sisters group – or maybe you can encourage the genesis of one in his new environs!  Every breath of prayer, every sacrifice of prayer has merit…

United in prayer and mission –
that our prayers may find the heart of every bishop and priest
… eternal gratitude as you each remember to offer a wee Hail Mary for me every day…. (they likely have double benefits in May!) Pray that I will not ‘spoil the beautiful work that God has entrusted…’  (St Mother Teresa of Calcutta)

Janette
+JMJ+

Strength in Prayer

by sevensistersapostolate | Mar 19, 2017

Greetings dearest Seven Sisters…

“Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong, do not fear; your God will come’.” – Isaiah 35:3,4a

A memory from my childhood holds both fondness and lessons for the heart.  Younger brother, Jim, following our home protocol, asked my mother if he could be excused from a finished meal.  With her nod, he dutifully muttered his prayer of thanksgiving, and hastily bussed his dishes.  In a flash, my siblings and I spotted him outside through the window.  We watched in a mix of perplexity and horror as he sped past his bicycle with training wheels and mounted our older brother’s bike.  Off he went with a sure grip, strong knees and surprisingly good balance.  We all jumped up and ran outside.  Jim happily made a U-turn in response to our screams and fearlessly demonstrated his peddling prowess all the way to where the stunned family had gathered.  He leapt off the bike and, proudly donning a semi-toothless grin, announced, “I’m strong to the finish, ’cause I ate my spinach.”  (For those that grew up alongside Popeye, no further explanation needed.  For the younger Seven Sisters, I advise a quick Google search.  And maybe look up the meaning of training wheels too.)

While spinach may not be la cle de succes in our Seven Sisters prayer times, the story certainly hearkens to the words of Isaiah (above) that speak of the longing of the human heart for assurance of strengthening from outside oneself when life’s circumstances call for it.

This Apostolate bears amazingly firm underpinnings and a consistent wellspring of strength. “In strengthening the priest you strengthen the whole Church… Strengthen the priest and you strengthen the whole foundation,  you strengthen everything in the Church” (Fr Gerald Fitzgerald).  Strength’s source is in, with, and through Our Lord.   His strength finds us and buoys us up in a myriad of expressions, some rather surprising and paradoxical.  As is the Way of Our Lord, He invites us to cooperate and collaborate in His gift of strength to us.

Letting go of our own will is a good start to open the channels to His graces of strength.  St Bernard of Clairvaux reminds: “Freed from the heavy burden of my own will, I may breathe freely under the light load of love.”  Entering our prayer chamber with this attitude and humble submission opens us to an easier offering of love in our prayers.  How does God want me to pray for this priest?  Come, Holy Spirit, help me. Not my will, but Thy Will. Help me.

Strength in the present finds its way to us from remembering … remembering that the Lord has been and will continue to be faithful, our Ever-present Help in time of need – for our prayers and for the priest for whom we are committed to pray.  In our need, in our weaknesses, in the priest’s needs and weaknesses, Jesus is our Strength. St Paul reminds, But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ’s power may rest on me (II Cor 12:9).  Likewise, remembering that the cloud of witnesses urges us on by example and by intercession (Heb 12:1) can serve to help us.  Most especially, the patrons of the Apostolate – Madonna of the Grapes, St John Vianney and St Margaret Clitherow – are ever-near in our Holy Hours.  Thank them for their potent witness.  Solicit their sound prayers to strengthen yours.  “Prayer offered in holiness from a faithful heart rises like incense from a holy altar” (St Augustine).  Imagine the extravagance of incense during your Holy Hours!

Strength in prayer is not necessarily fashioned by powerfully phrased or crafted prayers, but paradoxically can find its way through the voice of silence.  An anchor Scripture of the Apostolate assures,  In quietness and trust is your strength (Isaiah 30:15).  St Albert the Great has similar sentiment: “He who enters into the secret place of his own soul passes beyond himself, and does in very truth ascend to God. Banish, therefore, from thy heart the distractions of earth and turn thine eyes to spiritual joys, that thou mayest learn at last to repose in the light of the contemplation of God.”  St Bonaventure concurs, “When we pray, the voice of the heart must be heard more than the proceedings of the mouth.”

Availing ourselves to the sacramental life – especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation – builds our spiritual sinew.  St John Paul II boldly discloses, “The Eucharist is the secret of my day.  It gives strength and meaning to all my activities of service to the Church and to the whole world.”  Revelations given to St Bridget affirm the benefits of Confession: “Just as an animal becomes a stronger beast of burden and more beautiful to behold the more often and better it is fed, so too confession – the more often it is used… conveys the soul increasingly forward and is so pleasing to God that it leads the soul to God’s very heart.” St John Bosco concurs, “You can fly to heaven on the wings of Confession and Communion,” and “There are two things the devil is deadly afraid of: frequent Communion and frequent visits to the Blessed Sacrament.”  The use of Holy water, blessed medals, rosary beads and holy cards all can assist in our prayer times.

Partnering with others brings strength in many of life’s duties and pleasures alike, and in prayer practices too. Many Seven Sisters intercessors comment on the great peace of solidarity and stability sensed by knowing others are praying alongside during the other days of the week.  “I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.” – St Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Yielding to God in obedience and trust in your Seven Sister Holy Hours – all for His glory – is a hidden strength, a discipline unable to be reckoned with.  It is selfless, real, effective, durable, full, the lasting thing.  The secular life knows it not.  Let our example convert hearts.  “To persist in prayer without returns, this is not time lost, but a great gain.  It is an endeavor without thought of self and only for the glory of the Lord!” (St Teresa of Avila). What liberty of heart to know that God is pleased with our sacrifices and prayers and answers them perfectly and precisely in His Way, His Will, His divine Providence.  Staying faithful to our weekly appointments with the Lord (or securing a sub) brings with it a wealth of supernatural strength.  Love reigns.  “The Tabernacle is the actual meeting place of lovers of Jesus with Himself.  There, they find abundance of spiritual energy and fullness of life” (from ‘Listening to the Indwelling Presence’ by a Religious Pelligrini, 1940).

Draper’s image of The Golden Rays is a fitting one as I consider how each of you so readily waits on Our Lord for your strength, as does this eyes-toward-heaven youth.  Life bustles about her, but she captures that moment of her day and seeks her God, her Strength. She is unhurried in His rays, allowing them to penetrate her soul with His Goodness.  I see each of you in this same stance.  Thus, this months’s Communique is one of applause rather than instruction.  Your fidelity and reliance upon your Lord is evidenced in the continued growth and beauty of the Apostolate – and the testimony of your lives and the lives of the priests you are committed to pray for.  Your phone calls, emails and hand written notes have supported this image and insight of you, as well.

Your notes to me, all of which I cherish, share empowering words like: “Let this Apostolate spread like wildfire.” … “Every priest in my diocese needs to be strengthened by these prayers. I can help!” …”May the Holy Spirit enliven women everywhere to take up this challenge and pray, pray, pray.” … “We can’t let up in our sacrifices and prayers for priests.  I see a difference.” Dearest Seven Sisters,  you and yoursturdy hopes and sure visions bring strength to every priest – and to me!

United in prayer and mission –
that our prayers may find the heart of every bishop and priest
… eternal gratitude as you each remember to offer a wee Hail Mary for me every day…. asking for the prayers of Holy Mary at the two definitive times of any life: now and at the hour of death. The opportunities of death to self will present themselves a-plenty through each day.

Janette
+JMJ+

SEVEN SISTERS – out and about:  Currently there are new Seven Sisters groups being formed in Nebraska, Minnesota, Texas and Michigan.  More priests covered – and one more bishop on-the-way!

An Anchoress from Venezuela, Zahyra Balza, generously translates these Communiques in Spanish and Mary Shaffer, our Web designer/master maintainer (and Anchoress too), has added a tab. Check it out! She also added a tab a while ago, to remember Seven Sisters that have passed on to eternal life.  Please let us know if this becomes the case in any of your groups.  We want to honor their lives and contributions with our prayers.

Continued gratitude for the prayers following the invitation of Wendy Wiese (a Seven Sister herself) regarding the Relevant Radio spot on March 9. The podcast is on our Web Site.  Eternal gratitude for the many kind emails and donations.

March 24 will be a talk for a Serra Club in Medina, MN, and the next morning an early Mass and Apostolate Informational gathering at the St James Coffeehouse in Rochester, MN.  This Cafe has an Adoration Chapel! One-of-a-kind spot!  See Seven Sisters Web for details – all invited!

A special Feast Day is coming for us – March 26 – Feast of St Margaret Clitherow.  It lands on a Sunday this year so you may remember her then or perhaps on Monday – or like me – both days!

Please do not let up on the daily Hail Marys – every one is needed!!

What I Was Made For

by sevensistersapostolate | Feb 28, 2017

Greetings dearest Seven Sisters…

“This is what I was made for!” – St Joan of Arc

It is said that as God’s directive toward raising the siege at Orléans was assuredly unfolding in Joan of Arc’s heart, she espoused that she knew nothing of wars or horses. In trust, however, as she mounted her steed for the first time, she uttered, “This is what I was made for!”

How often I have experienced the joy of hearing a similar voice of conviction from those assuming the role of a Seven Sister intercessor. Again and again many express a lovely awakening of heart to this summons to pray for priests. Likely, I am witnessing the bloom of that truth of holy Scripture that assures that God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable (Ro 11:29).

Some verbalize it immediately, “When I was asked to do this, my heart leaped to say, ‘yes!’ or “I was praying for priests before, but this do-able structure and uniting my prayers with others appealed deeply, and I knew I was called to it.” Others come to a certitude after offering a few Holy Hours, “I cannot imagine a week without this Holy Hour. How was I spending my week prior to this?” or “I am learning afresh and anew about both myself and Father, as sister and brother in Christ. We are both benefiting. What a privilege to pray!”

We are together on this gladsome journey, together moving into God, into His beckoning of heart into His Heart on these matters, regarding the lives of these priests – and our lives too. His economy leaves nothing or no one orphaned. “In strengthening the priest you strengthen the whole Church…” (Fr Gerald Fitzgerald, s.P.).

Our committed Seven Sister days are not always so straightforward – either in getting to the Chapel or persevering through the hour of prayer or both.  Life throws curve balls at times and at times we have misplaced our catching mitt. When I am pressed to make decisions about my day’s events in order to remain faithful to this weekly summons, I may find those plans running counter to other opportunities and offerings. Likely, you have found the same challenges in your own lives. Further, our call to pray for our priests/bishops is not necessarily supported by those surrounding us nor those that do not share this particular call in their life at this particular time. So too, we can be our own worst enemy, and, at times, allow our feelings to attempt to dictate our duty. St. Alphonsus Liguori reminds: “He who trusts himself is lost. He who trusts in God can do all things.” If you have experienced these challenges, be at peace. God has called you to this way of prayer. His graces are sufficient for you to be faithful to the charge.

Love demands effort. Pope St John Paul II said, “Real love is demanding. For it was Jesus – our Jesus himself – who said: ‘You are my friends if you do what I command you’ (Jn 15:14). Love demands effort and a personal commitment to the will of God. It means discipline and sacrifice, but it also means joy and human fulfillment.” There is reward, indeed, for our discipline and sacrifices, both immediate and long-term. As we move into what we are divinely called to do and be, the freedom and contentedness of being more fully who we are meant to be is ours.

A week seems to roll along at a fierce pace at times. As we journey into God each day, may we steady the pace by savoring the moments. St Francis de Sales reminds, ‘Every moment comes to us pregnant with a command from God, only to pass on and plunge into eternity, there to remain forever what we have made it.’ While we hope to experience this with more moments than not, let us strive as Seven Sister intercessors to at least weekly commit to sixty minutes of those moments that are pregnant with a command from God. Let us nurture the call on our lives to pray for our assigned priest/bishop and be content that our moments remain forever what we have made them – rich with love.

When our holy sister in Christ, Joan, recognized her weakness in light of God’s plans: of a lack of knowledge of wars and horses,then an exuberance of her lot in life – “This is what I was made for!”, history tells us she swiftly moved to a resoluteness noted in this response that immediately followed: “I fear nothing for God is with me!”

May this transformation be said of you and of me… a living reality…

United in prayer and mission –
that our prayers may find the heart of every bishop and priest
… eternal gratitude as you each remember to offer a wee Hail Mary for me every day….

Janette
+JMJ+

SEVEN SISTERS – out and about: Representing the Apostolate, I participated at a Prayer Fair at Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Faribault, MN, last Saturday and Sunday.  This congregation is full of zeal and mission for prayer!  I smiled throughout, left smiling and still am smiling!  Thursday, March 9, I will be joining dear Wendy Weise on Relevant Radio (1-1:30 pm).  (Yes, Fr Rocky has a Seven Sister group). Please hold us in prayer!  On its heels, is a Prayer Event, Saturday, March 11, where Seven Sisters will be represented by local members. March 24 will be a talk for a Serra Club in Medina, MN, and the next morning an early Mass and gathering at the St James Coffeehouse in Rochester, MN.  If you have never been to St James, put it on your bucket list.  This Cafe has an Adoration Chapel! One-of-a-kind spot!

Please do not let up on the daily Hail Marys – every one is needed!! My heart’s sense is to send this Communique the third weekend of the month,  and lately it is going out on the last day of the month!  OH, pray for me in this regard – that I be prudent in all my affairs regarding time usage!  And diligently continue praying for the approval of the Canonical status of the Apostolate. The best is yet to be…

To Jesus, Through Mary

by sevensistersapostolate | Jan 29, 2017

Greetings dearest Seven Sisters…

“De Maria numquam satis”-“Concerning Mary there is never enough”

Ancient adage of the Church

When we go to Mary she points to Jesus, she gives us Jesus – always.  How fitting that each New Year of the Lord begins with the Solemnity of Mary: the Holy Mother of God, honoring our mother too. I have been praying for you in a special way since then:  that this January has awakened a longing to know and love Mary more fully.  As for me, I have committed to read one new book regarding Mary each month of 2017.  My first was Fr Raoul Plus’ The Little Book of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Model of Christians, Cause of our Joy.  Indeed, she is CAUSE of our JOY!  She gave us our Redeemer, our King, our Emmanuel!

As Catholics, it is elementary – to Jesus, through Mary.  Yet some have forsaken this at times, myself included, and have needed this requisite reminder.   St Louis de Montfort so beautifully encourges: “We never give more honour to Jesus than when we honour His Mother, and we honour her simply and solely to honour Him all the more perfectly.  We go to her only as a way of leading to the goal we seek – Jesus, her Son. … She is an echo of God, speaking and repeating only God.  If you say, ‘Mary,’ she says, ‘God.’

In our prayer offerings as Seven Sisters, aside from the commitment to pray solely for one priest or bishop and his sanctity during our Hour, our only other firm amendment is prayer that his relationship with Mary will be deepened.   Every Holy Hour inherently includes this petition.  The strength of this petition is imperative, for the priest is not his own.  He belongs to Mary. In the final paragraph of the book which I strongly recommend every Anchoress read, The Priest is Not His Own (Fulton Sheen) this is confirmed: “Is it any wonder, then, that she is the Woman in every priest’s life?  No priest is his own.  He belongs to the Mother of Jesus, once and always the Priest-Victim.” This relationship is distinctive in mankind, and we have a privilege to pray for its fruition for the priest for whom we pray!

While we look to Mary as universal Mother, as intercessors we especially view and seek her as the first disciple of Christ, reminding and teaching us to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us in our prayer efforts.  Like Mary, let us seek the Will and Way of God.  This month’s painting radiantly depicts the witness of Mary as a model to our own intercession: mirthfully docile to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.  Pope Francis teaches: “A mother does not stop at just giving life.  With great care she helps her children grow, teaches them the way of life, accompanies them always with her care, with her affection, with her love, even when they are grown up.  In a word, a good mother helps her children to come of themselves.”  As we grow in discipleship in Christ, following Mary as our quintessential model, we become more fully who we are created to be – and likewise for the priest.

Regularly, many of the Seven Sisters share how they have deeply sensed the camaraderie of Mary in the formation of their prayers.  Her strong witness “to do whatever He tells you” spurs us on, keeps our heart and mind steady on the task at hand: to pray for all goodness, beauty and truth to be accomplished in the lives of the priests for whom we pray – and nothing less.  God’s Will and Way – and nothing less.

St John Paul II reminds: “The Blessed Virgin Mary communicates to believers an ever-new capacity to await God’s future and to abandon themselves to the Lord’s promises.”  This is precisely what our Seven Sisters’ prayers entail for our recipients!  As one priest recently stated to a group of Seven Sisters gathered, “Don’t pray I will be the priest you want me to be.  Pray that I will be the priest God wants me to be!”

Dearest sisters in Christ, take hold of the JOY and REWARD of soliciting the help of Mary in your prayers for priests – and likewise in so doing, growing in relationship with her yourself!  “Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin too much.  You can never love her more than Jesus did.” (St Maximilian Kolbe)

Let us then seek Mary as that echo of God. As we say, ‘Mary”, let us discover that she answers, “God” – every time!

United in prayer and mission –
that our prayers may find the heart of every bishop and priest
… eternal gratitude as you each remember to offer a wee Hail Mary for me every day….

Janette
+JMJ+

PS – I just returned from a most beautiful time with Seven Sisters in Nebraska.  The motto of the state is “the good life”.  I assured them that when the Seven Sisters takes root in Nebraska it will be a “better life”!  I have also spoken recently at two local Serra clubs and anticipate speaking to two others in the near future.  There is another talk in the works at a coffee house in Rochester, MN. Please do not let up on the daily Hail Marys – every one is needed!!

A Gift that Lavishes

by sevensistersapostolate | Dec 31, 2016

Greetings dearest Seven Sisters…

“For it is in giving that we receive.”  – St Francis of Assisi

Most of us have likely received a gift that has overwhelmed our heart either because of its extravagance, an element of surprise or a grace of insight into the bigness of heart from which it was given.  In the Spring of 2013 I was recipient to a gift that inundated my heart by all three!  My daughter quite unexpectedly sent me a round-trip airline ticket to Rome.  A note was attached:  “Go to Rome and spend some Mom-time with Spencer.  After May 25 (his Ordination date), he will belong to the Church.”  This gift of love reduced me to a silence… and several tissues-ful of tears. That week abroad unfolded a gift of seemingly endless giving and receiving.  I will bless you so you will be a blessing (Genesis 12:2).  Even now, when I recall the memories and graces of that week – and alongside them, the particulars of my daughter’s sacrifices of  love and finances and time in planning (she missed no details!), – the gift indeed perpetuates a lovely mystery of giving and receiving.  Truly, truly… love is the lasting thing.

Each week each of you is that giver of a gift that lavishes, a gift that comes by great sacrifices of time and discipline and patience.  In quietness and trust is your strength (Isaiah 30:15).  Each week the recipient of that gift is likely overwhelmed in heart by the extravagance and surprise and bigness of heart of your gift.  The ensuing marvel is that you and he alike are blessed to be a blessing.  In that giving, both receive – ah, that wonderful, paradoxical life we live and profess as Christians.  Through the beautiful fidelity of united efforts of seamless prayer by each circle of Seven Sisters, much is wrought – for each intercessor, the recipient of her prayer offerings, and the Church beyond.  All are strengthened.

And here is another gift for you …. Savor this sampling of remarks from priests in response to your sacrifices of prayer.  Listen to the merit of your gift of prayer, a prayer that lavishes and bears fruit, fruit that will last (John 15:16)…

“Since my group of 7 Sisters started praying for me, I often feel comforted and very supported by the fact that I have this loving shield of Marian intercession continually round about me, enfolding me and bearing me up.  I like that, whenever I have a particular need or prayer request, I can call upon these dear, faithful sisters in Christ.  To be so loved, in such a spiritual, prayerful way, I feel so much more confident as a priest, especially when I am facing difficult situations.”

“The power of prayer is real and effective. I’ve felt it.  And it’s great to know that so many people are praying for me in particular. God bless you.” -Fr. Nick VanDenBroeke

“I am so grateful for the prayers of the Seven Sisters. Every now and then I experience an attack by the Evil One in one form or another. I always say a prayer. But I also know that the Seven Sisters are praying for me daily. Usually within a day, I can sense that the attack is over. Your prayers are SO POWERFUL! With much gratitude, A Twin Cities pastor”

“Thank you for all your prayers. The Lord truly uses them. Thank you for your hidden gift of grace from your gift of prayer.”

“I am grateful for your prayers. It allows the Lord to sustain and bear fruit in and through His priests.” -In Christ, Fr Jon Vander Ploeg

“I’m so deeply grateful to be daily enveloped by such powerful prayer.  The effects of the prayers of these dear women have been tangibly felt on numerous occasions.  I have no words to express how blessed I feel.” Pastor from St Paul

“It’s a comfort knowing that one of the Seven Sisters is praying for me every day.  I know I benefit from their prayers in many ways, some of which I’m probably unaware.  … I’m convinced that none of us can thrive without a reliance on prayer, so I appreciate knowing that I’m strengthened by my own prayer life, and the prayers being offered by the Seven Sisters.  God bless this Apostolate for all the good it’s doing for the lives of priests and for the life of the Church!”

“I take consolation and strength from knowing that I am being prayed for each day during a prayer hour.”

“I have very much felt the power of people praying for me since I began a new assignment. There was so much to do …I have felt the strong hand of support that comes through prayer and I know strong commitment of the Seven Ladies group and many others who have been praying for me. I appreciate the efforts of all those who pray for me. I hope my prayers are sufficient to return the grace.”

“Knowing that each day throughout the course of the week is covered with hidden prayer before the Lord is a great consolation that spurs me on to serve with zeal and generosity. I am a grateful recipient of this powerful and steady intercession which reminds me that apart from Him I can do nothing. All of us, priests included, are like the paralytic in the Gospel – carried aloft to the Lord by the prayers of friends, loved ones, even of hidden contemplatives and unknown intercessors. The Seven Sisters who dedicate themselves to pray for my intentions and priestly vocation in no small way take up their part in the Church’s mission for souls. With heartfelt thanks, A grateful associate pastor”

Dear sisters in Christ, if we but knew the width and depth of worth of every breath of our prayers, the benefit of our perseverance through challenges and distractions, the merit of every silent and uttered prayer of generosity of love toward our priests and bishops for whom we are committed to pray.  Be encouraged.  Take heart that your efforts are finding reward!

Like the woman in Portaels painting above, who prudently chooses the proper rose, continue to choose your prayer offerings well and with peace of heart.  Submit to the guidance of the Holy Spirit – and trust. Let us say with heartfelt confidence, like St Ignatius of Loyola, “God, I give it all to you.  Give me only your grace and your love.  That is enough.”

United in prayer and mission –
that our prayers may find the heart of every bishop and priest
… eternal gratitude as you each remember to offer a wee Hail Mary for me every day….

Janette
+JMJ+

Giving Thanks

by sevensistersapostolate | Nov 21, 2016

Greetings dearest Seven Sisters…

“Thou that hast given so much to me,
Give me one thing more – a grateful heart;
Not thankful when it pleaseth me, 
As if Thy blessings had spare days; 
But such a heart, whose pulse may be Thy praise.”

– George Herbert

Being grateful is getting a lot of attention these days as research links gratitude with positive emotional well-being, a protection against some anxieties and depressions, an aid to better sleep and the underpinning of happier relationships.  This is not news to the Christian, who makes gratitude a way of life and has long known its benefits.  After all, the word Eucharist itself means thanksgiving. Our Eucharistic life is thus meant as a life of thanksgiving.

While the modern may cultivate gratitude by attending the rising number of employee gratitude training classes, we are wise to learn from the One to Whom our gratitude is directed. While we might experience the aforementioned benefits, greater still is the benefit of an increased knowledge, love and service of our Lord – and out of that, of others – and especially those for whom we are called to pray.

We do well to allow our sacramental and prayer lives to grow and swell a generous wellspring of gratitude within.  Our Lord reminds through St Paul, Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  – Phil 4:6-7.  As we present our weekly concerns and intercessions for the priest or bishop for whom we are committed to pray, let us take heed to this intentional action of exchanging anxieties for thankful prayer and petition. The promised result is the transcendent, protective peace of God!

Our fidelity to prayer each week is likely not immediately met with the evidence of the fruit of that prayer.  Morgan’s painting of The Apple Gatherers (Is that Seven Sisters and one sub on the ladder that I see?) depicts an abundance of produce that calls for a large, stretched bed linen to accommodate.  The baskets are full to overflowing,  too big for the little ones to lift without sweaty efforts. The ground bears even more fruit, with the threat of being unnoticed.   But this plenitude of apples did not spring up overnight.  The tree needed to live its yearly natural cycle to bear its harvest.  So too with our prayer offerings.

So let us be content, at peace, with the steadiness and the simplicity of the faithfulness of offering our weekly Holy Hours of prayers and allow the fruit to be harvested when and as the Lord deems fitting.  Our charge remains to Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. – I Thes 5:16-18.  St Vincent de Paul reinforces the point, “We should spend as much time in thanking God for His benefits as we do in asking Him for them.”

Let us allow God to nurture an increased gratitude in the action of our prayer offerings that are generated by His love for us and for His priests.  God’s economy is an inevitable win-win – for us and the beneficiaries of our prayers.  We rely on His love for all that we are and do.

In light of our call to pray in this way, let us ponder the words of Pope Francis earlier today on this Solemnity of Christ the King, in the special Mass in Rome which also marked the closing of the Year of Mercy:

“A people who are holy… who have Jesus as their King, are called to follow His way of tangible love.  They are called to ask themselves, each one each day: ‘What does love ask of me, where is it urging me to go? What answer am I giving Jesus with my life?’  …. Because even if the Holy Door closes, the true door of mercy which is the Heart of Christ always remains open wide for us.  From the lacerated side of the Risen One until the very end of time flow mercy, consolation and hope.” 

Pope Francis concluded in a way so deeply fitting to our Seven Sisters Apostolate, reminding us to entrust ourselves daily to Mary, Mother of Mercy, for “in every situation we are in, in every prayer we make, when lifted up to His merciful eyes, (she) will find an answer.” 

United in prayer and mission –
that our prayers may find the heart of every bishop and priest
… eternal gratitude as you remember to offer a wee Hail Mary for me each day….

Janette
+JMJ+

Bless Me, Father

by sevensistersapostolate | Oct 24, 2016

Greetings dearest Seven Sisters…

“In failing to confess, Lord, I would only hide You from myself, not myself from You.” – St Augustine

Somewhere along the time line of ‘finding the perfect gift’ for newly ordained priests, my husband, Jeff, and I settled in on confessional stoles.  Jeff, a devotee of Pope St Pius V, discovered this prayer of the saintly Pontiff, which moved us to this decision: “Only give us good confessors, and reform of the Christian people is assured.”  Years later, Pope Benedict XVI echoed this in making the point that the New Evangelization begins in the confessional.  Today, Pope Francis stresses, “Don’t be afraid of confession.  When someone is in line for confession he feels all these things – even shame – but then, when he finishes confession, he leaves (feeling) free, great, beautiful, forgiven, clean, happy.”

And so it follows that if reform is to happen, penitents need to avail themselves to the sacrament.  The sacrament demands personal involvement and intention, as in the words of St Augustine, “the Lord who created us without us does not save us without us.” Our Lord awaits our assent to the sacramental plan of our Catholic lives.  A priest at his post in the confessional is silently awaiting, witnessing and promising every sinner the availability and merciful love of Jesus Christ. Dorothy Day admonishes, “You do not want to make too much of your constant imperfections and venial sins, but you want to drag them out to the light of day as the first step in getting rid of them.” And the sweet paradox of the faith is that the brightest light of day is located in the dimly lit confessional box.  Oh, how I love the Church and her ways!

Fr Peter John Cameron, O.P, in an editorial in Magnificat magazine (April 2013), highlights the icon of our Apostolate as he points out that “a model for the graces of the sacrament of penance is the sinful woman with the alabaster flask … for the woman, the attraction of Jesus Christ in that dining room was greater than her attachment to her sin.  Faith is acknowledging an exceptional Presence that changes us.”  And we know how this scenario plays out.  Jesus fully accepts her offering and absolves her with the words, “Your sins are forgiven… Your faith has saved you, go in peace.” We too have heard these words to soothe and mend our own torn, aching and bruised souls.  The priest is a chosen conduit for special graces that can bring each of us to a greater knowledge of ourselves, to arouse contrition and desire conversion.  His words and gestures serve as sacramental means of realizing the free gift of grace upon grace.  The result is conversion and peace.

As Seven Sister intercessors we have a dual privilege of praying for the Good: praying for good confessors and also for ourselves: “bless me Father, that I might make a good confession”.   Especially in this extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy, let us avail ourselves to this powerful sacrament.  Most certainly our lives will bear witness to the graces of the Sacrament, and our prayers will bear witness of the graces too!  How much more clearly are we able to listen, to see, to charitably respond in our prayer times with a clean heart and these extra showers of graces.  The priests to whom we are committed to pray will undoubtedly benefit.  As we avail ourselves of frequent confessions and frequent communions we enrich our interior lives and enrich the fountain of prayer that rises from within.  May we too sense as did convert-to-the-Faith St Elizabeth Ann Seton, “I felt as if my chains fell, as those of St Peter at the touch of the Divine messenger.  My God, what new scenes for my soul!”

United in prayer and mission –
that our prayers may find the heart of every bishop and priest
… eternal gratitude as you remember to offer a wee Hail Mary for me each day….

Janette
+JMJ+ 

Still time to register:

Saturday, Nov 5, retreat at St Patrick’s in Oak Grove, MN. 

Respond to your anchoress with your name, names of any guests, priest you are praying for, priest’s parish/location.  I will in turn send all details of the day’s schedule to you w/acknowledgement.

Into the Deep

by sevensistersapostolate | Sep 29, 2016

The Gift of Prayer

by sevensistersapostolate | Aug 26, 2016

Greetings dearest Seven Sisters…

“The best consolation is the next prayer.” – St. Padre Pio

When I arrived for holy Mass yesterday at the Missionaries of Charity Chapel in Minneapolis, Sr Dominique flashed that familiar generous smile and, without a word, held her hands like an open book.  This is the MC gesture of request to lector.  I accepted.

The Ezekiel reading was a pointed and stinging admonition of priests: both difficult to read and to hear, and the type of reading that awaits the homily to help sort it all out for both mind and heart.  The priest did not disappoint and offered a masterful homily.  His reflections stayed with me.  They wove in and out of my thoughts for much of the day, especially in relation to the weekly task set before each Seven Sister to pray for her shepherd.  Every Hour is important!

This morning I happened upon a thought-provoking reflection by Msgr Charles Pope regarding the very same passage.  Later, our son, Fr Spencer, paid a visit home and I took the opportunity to get his view of the passage and its significance then and now.

Today is my Seven Sister day. I carried the strength of that Scripture passage, the homily, the article and my son’s comments and visit – all the way to the Adoration Chapel this evening.  I couldn’t arrive quick enough to meet our Lord in my prayers. My sense of mission and duty seemed to crescendo with every block of travel.  As I began the Hour entrusting Father _____ and the time to the Lord, I was met with a deeper sense of the grace upon grace of these Holy Hours.

On return, I received an email from Terri, an Anchoress in Minnesota, who passed on the Msgr Pope article to all of her Seven Sisters members and included me on the send list.  My second grade teacher, Sr Catherine Ann, remains right, “Repetition is the mother of learning.”

Oh, dearest Sisters, we have such a privileged call to pray for our priests and bishops.  Their responsibilities are immense.  The stakes are high: eternity!  The warfare is fierce and relentless.   Know that you know that every ounce of our offering is utilized.  Our lack of enthusiasm at times, the pesky distractions, the unexpected consolations – all have merit, as we fully and freely offer them all for the sake of that other.

Every morning know that we meet at the altar.  I offer you and your prayer efforts at the time of the consecration of the Bread. This coupled with the strength of your actual Holy Hours truly allows us to anticipate sure answers to our prayers and the certain good of our benevolent Lord’s perfect and precise workings.  May all of our prayers be pleasing to God.

Take time today or this weekend to savor this article of Msgr Pope (and perhaps say a wee Hail Mary for him too!)

A Warning from the Lord to Priests and a Request for Prayers – Community in Mission

United in prayer and mission –
that our prayers may find the heart of every bishop and priest
… eternal gratitude as you remember to offer a wee Holy Mary for me each day….

Janette
+JMJ+

REMINDER: SAVE the DATE:
First Saturday, Nov 5, 2016

Seven Sisters Day of Recollection
St Patrick ~ Oak Grove, MN
Details to happily follow

(Most likely: mid morning thru mid afternoon, incl holy Mass, lunch, testimonies and as always – a few surprises!)

 

IMPORTANT:  Anchoresses

Still needing this info from all of you to update our rosters. The Lord has sent someone – Mary – to help with a re-design of the Web site.  Among other things, it will include a map of all the existing groups.  Every group is important!  Daily prayers for every priest is important!  Please supply this info and return email to Janette:

• Anchoress first/last name
• Anchoress email, phone, postal address
• Priest’s full name (first/last)
• Priest’s position (Pastor, retired, Chaplain, rector, Associate, etc)
• Parish name (or seminary, hospital, Chancery title, etc)
• Location of parish (city/state)
• (Arch) Diocese
• Date Apostolate group began (if known)

Madonna of the Grapes, pray for us!
St John Vianney, pray for us!
St Margaret Clitherow, pray for us!

Renewing our Commitment

by sevensistersapostolate | Jun 3, 2016

“Real love is demanding.  I would fail in my mission if I did not tell you so.  Love demands a personal commitment to the will of God.”
– Pope St John Paul II

Greetings dearest Sisters…

The appointed calendar time meets our heart readiness!  The reward of our time of discernment in the month of May regarding the Seven Sisters Apostolate now encounters the reality of the time of commitment.  New beginnings and renewals hold great things.

Please let your Anchoress know today (if you haven’t already) whether you will continue with the Apostolate or depart from its schedule and commitment.  To both those continuing or departing – eternal gratitude.  Every breath of prayer has merit.

The founding Chaplain of the Apostolate, Fr Joseph Johnson, has composed a beautiful prayer for your commitment/re-commitment.  The prayer is below.  Keep spreading the good news about this Apostolate!  The winds of the Holy Spirit blow where they may….

United in prayer and mission –
that our prayers may find the hearts of every bishop and priest

Janette+JMJ+

Madonna of the Grapes, pray for us!
St John Vianney, pray for us!
St Margaret Clitherow, pray for us!

Prayer of one’s personal annual commitment to fidelity of prayer
within the guidelines of the Seven Sisters Apostolate.
Composed by Fr Joseph Johnson, Archdiocese of St Paul-Mpls

The prayer may also be easily adapted for use any time when forming a new Seven Sisters group outside of the month of June.

O Jesus,
You perfectly revealed the Merciful Love
of Your Sacred Heart on the Cross.
At the Last Supper You gave us the sacraments of the Holy Eucharist
and of Holy Orders to perpetuate Your Loving Presence in our midst.
Help us to keep a sense of awe and gratitude
at Your hidden presence in the Host
and respect for how You come to us through
the human instruments of priests and bishops.

On this Your feast and the World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests,
I, __________ (your name),
commit myself to making an hour in Your Eucharistic Presence
each week for the coming year
to intercede for and raise up before Your throne
_____________ (name of priest/bishop)
begging for him:
Strength when he is tired or weak,
Perseverance when the spirit of prayer or apostolic zeal wanes,
Guidance when he is discerning or lost,
Consolation when he is suffering,
Hope when the sacrifices seem too heavy,
And manifold blessings upon him and his ministry.

Give me the grace to be like Our Lady and Saint Mary Magdalene,
faithful at the foot of the Cross.
May I be selfless and humble in this work of adoration
and in all the ways you lead me as Your disciple.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus,
Have mercy on our Holy Father Pope Francis,
Have mercy on _________ (name of priest/bishop),
Have mercy on all bishops and priests,
Have mercy on me and all Seven Sisters,
Have mercy on the whole world!

Seven Sisters in Art

by sevensistersapostolate | Jun 1, 2016

Greetings dearest Sisters…

When I happed upon this Legros paintingI swiftly passed a copy onto our Chaplain, Fr Joseph Johnson, with a re-title: “The Original Seven Sisters”.   And indeed perhaps this century plus painting has something to say to us, the modern-day Seven Sisters, who likewise routinely andfaithfully seek our place of prayer. We, like the intercessor to the far right, put our parcel from the day’s work aside and out of sight for an hour each week, as we consider our dedicated task before us – an hour of prayer offered for the sanctity of a priest.  (And notice – the intercessor appears to have a glowing nimbus about her face!)

In the simplicity of color and setting in this painting, the images here seem to easily draw one not merely into a study of the faces, but so too toward a desire to consider the hidden movement of the souls.  That is where the truest action dwells.  The attentive gaze, the half-closed eyelids of meditation, the seeking look of affection – all intimate to that deeper place of heart to which prayer beckons and brings.  The hands of the intercessors speak also.  One caresses sacred beads, another points heavenward, while still another settles in place with a binder in hand of perhaps familiar and worn pages.  All, again, with the mission of bringing the mind and soul more in tune with the One to whom the intercessor seeks. Some women make their offerings on their knees, low to the ground, reminding the heart of its true position in the presence of He Who is All, He Who is Able.  For those that sit, perhaps there is not sufficient room or ability to kneel physically, yet the heart desires and postures in lieu.

For me, both eye and heart rest on the intercessor of the far left.  She is leaning in, gesturing a desire to get closer, nearer her Lord.  She is holding a light in hopes of perhaps assisting a spiritual nearsightedness.  Further, she has adjusted her head cover to allow an ear to be open to the chapel’s air, as if enabling a better chance at listening in how to proceed, how to pray.  This is the image of the one still learning, still seeking.

Perhaps you sense yourself too in the orientation of one of these intercessors.  For some, each week’s Holy Hour may express itself similarly, for others it is perhaps varied.  And is not this the beauty of our call as a Seven Sister intercessor.  We have liberty in our Hour, freedom to allow the winds of the Holy Spirit to blow where they may, how they may.  Each week there is truly a fresh and unique spiritual bouquet offered to each priest.  We only see in part, for we are not alone in the offering.

St John Climacus (+606) said it early – and said it well. Consider his words as you take on the mantel of prayer as a Seven Sister and offer your weekly bouquet of prayers for a priest’s well-being and sanctity.  Read these poignant lines  in light of your call to this type of prayer offering. Be encouraged and affirmed and humbled.  Every breath of prayer has eternal merit.

“Prayer is union with God and colloquy with Him.
Prayer maintains the equilibrium of the world,
reconciles people to God,
produces holy tears,
forms a bridge over temptations,
and acts as a buttress between us and affliction.
Prayer drives away the struggles of the spirit.
It is the blessedness to come. It is an action that will never come to an end.
Prayer is a spring of the virtues,
it is an illumination of the mind,
it is a curtain to shut out despair,
it is a sign of hope, it is a victory over depression.
Prayer is a mirror in which we see our steps forward,
it is a signpost of the route to follow,
it is an unveiling of good things to come,
it is a pledge of glory.”

Please, please, please pray for me (one wee Hail Mary a day) – that I will not ‘spoil the beautiful work that God has entrusted…’  (Bl Mother Teresa of Calcutta)

United in prayer and mission –
that our prayers may find the hearts of every Bishop and priest

Janette
+JMJ+

Discerning our Commitment

by sevensistersapostolate | May 1, 2016

Greetings dearest Sisters…

Early in the month I offered a Holy Hour for you – for the special intention of your active discernment regarding your involvement in Seven Sisters in the upcoming year.  I have not ceased smiling (or praying) as I so very often considered that you are in that deep place of interior listening.  At the same time several new Seven Sisters groups have sprouted forth this month, affirming that this remains a work worthy of our attention.  Truly, every sacrifice and every breath of prayer has merit!

I trust that you have or will be given direction for your continued commitment or departure from the weekly Holy Hours as part of the Seven Sisters Apostolate group.

May this prayer of St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein) be yours as well: “O my God, fill my soul with holy joy, courage and strength to serve You.  Enkindle Your love in me and then walk with me along the next stretch of road before me.  I do not see very far ahead, but when I have arrived where the horizon now closes down, a new prospect will open before me, and I shall meet it with peace. Amen.”

Please let your Anchoress know TODAY/soon  (if you haven’t already) the direction of your call for the coming year, so that ideally as we enter the month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the month of  June, committed intercessors (and subs) will be identified and able to seamlessly continue in prayerful support of the priest or bishop.

INPUT: During your discernment, perhaps you have formulated a comment or longer testimony to share with others in the Apostolate.  Likewise, perhaps the priest or bishop that you prayer for has offered a comment, as well.  Please pass those on to me for an upcoming communique, that we all may be edified by them.

IMPORTANT:  Anchoresses – Many priest assignments change in the Spring. Please send this info (if you have not already done so), to affirm your group is still active and to bring any changes to my attention.  Return email: Seven Sisters Roster Info in subject line please.

Please, please, please pray for me (one wee Hail Mary a day) – that I will not ‘spoil the beautiful work that God has entrusted…’  (Bl Mother Teresa of Calcutta)

United in prayer and mission –
that our prayers may find the hearts of every Bishop and priest

Janette
+JMJ+

Madonna of the Grapes, pray for us!
St John Vianney, pray for us!
St Margaret Clitherow, pray for us!

Dealing with Distractions

by sevensistersapostolate | Apr 1, 2016

“Each leaf, each blade of grass vies for attention.
Even weeds carry tiny blossoms to astonish us.”

– Marianne Poloskey

Greetings dearest Seven Sisters…

A shared experience as intercessors, to this degree or that,  is distraction in prayer. There are times when our prayers seem to spill out as fragments of thoughts and appear likely to have no hope of reaching even the ceiling of the chapel.  And never is it more distracting to be distracted then when one is so earnestly offering that prayer for another’s soul!

Let us not lose heart! We are not alone in this experience.  Others have tread this path, and actually become Saints through perseverance of that path.  They  offer encouraging words and will no doubt make haste to help us in intercession to likewise persevere.

As she grew close to her death, Bl Elizabeth of the Trinity (soon to be canonized) began to sense that she would have a special mission in heaven to pray for those still on earth to experience the grace to move away from our distractions and enter more fully into God’s presence.

St Elizabeth of the Trinity, pray for us!

St Francis de Sales reminds us that intentional, persistent efforts have merit:

“If you do nothing else the whole time of prayer than bring your heart back and put it beside Our Lord, although each time you do so it turns away from Him, your hour will be very well employed.”

He counsels us to anticipate the hardships of distractions, but also the rewards of perseverance:

“His will is, that entering into prayer, we should be prepared to suffer the pain of continual distractions, dryness and disgust, which may come upon us, and that we should remain as constant as if we had enjoyed much peace and consolation.  It is quite certain that our prayer will be none the less pleasing to God nor less useful to ourselves, for having been made with difficulty.”

Begin the Hour by consecrating every minute of that Hour for the recipient of your prayers – come what may, distractions or not.

A Seven Sister intercessor can offer the suffering of distractions itself for the benefit of the priest.  Only in the marvelous perfection of divine economy can we expect such dividends!  Also as St Francis reminds, there is the added benefit that we have the certitude that our prayers, albeit imperfect, are pleasing to God.

St Teresa of Avila, presents her transparent heart, that we may likewise be assured that Our Lord is completely aware of all that our hearts endure:

“I could neither pray nor read, but there I remained, for hours together, uneasy in mind and afflicted in spirit on account of the weight of my trouble, and of the fear that perhaps after all I was being tricked by the devil, and wondering what in the world I could do for my relief.  Not a gleam of hope seemed to shine upon me from either earth or heaven; except just this: that in the midst of all my fears and dangers I never forgot how Our Lord must be seeing the weight of all I endured…”

ON A PRACTICAL NOTE: Our contemporary, Fr George Kosicki, CSB, imparts some advice:

“Anytime you come into the Eucharistic presence of the Lord and find that you are distracted and anxious about situations in your life, you can begin your prayer time with a litany of mercy as a way of letting go of all these thoughts. How?  Let me suggest a method that has helped me.

Simply begin asking the Holy Spirit to pray in you, and then respond to each of the distractions and anxieties – from whatever source – with short prayers such as: ‘Jesus, mercy’ or ‘Jesus, I trust in You.”

Imagine that each of the distractions, anxieties, fears, or hurts is a slide-show.  Project one ‘slide’ at a time on the wall and pray your response, and then move on to the next ‘slide.’ You will be surprised when suddenly you have run through all your slides and are at peace in the presence of the Lord.”

A final edifying comment from St Alphonsus Ligouri: “If you have many distractions at prayer, that prayer of yours may well be upsetting the devil a great deal.”

Keep up the good work, ladies!  Pray that your priest becomes a Saint – nothing less!

United in prayer and mission –
that our prayers may find the heart of every bishop and priest
… eternal gratitude as you remember to offer a wee Hail Mary for me each day….

Janette
+JMJ+

The 2nd annual Seven Sisters gathering in Iowa (April 2) was memorable and inspiring!  Since last year’s retreat, there are 18 more priests covered by daily prayer!!!  What a wellspring of graces through the generous sacrifices of prayers of these women. Lasting gratitude for your stellar example!  Dubuque diocese coordinator, JoAnn Olson cjolson@mchsi.com – you rock!

My prayers heartily join yours as you commit in this upcoming month of May to discern (see Guidelines) your continued commitment or departure from the weekly Hour Hours as part of a Seven Sisters Apostolate group.  I will offer a Holy Hour for you and your discernment on May 6, the First Friday in May.

As we grow in knowledge, love and service of our priests, it comes to happen that we desire the same for our knowledge, love and service of our Eucharistic Lord. Many Seven Sisters (and friends) have signed up for free daily Eucharistic Reflections through the Apostolate, Truth Himself. Click here: Truth Himself  Anyone can be added to the distribution list anytime by sending me an email. Please include name.   joy2day2u@aol.com

 

St. Margaret Clitherow

by sevensistersapostolate | Mar 26, 2016

Let us remember the Feast of one of our patrons… St Margaret Clitherow, pray for us!

“I die for the love of my Lord Jesu.”- St Margaret Clitherow

Feast Day – March 26

“March 26th is one of two days the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church honors a Pearl of Our Lady’s Dowry. The Church chose this day, as it was the first available. In reality, she was put to death on quite a momentous day. Not only was it March 25th – the date that the Feast of the Annuniciation is normally celebrated, but in the year that she died, 1586, this date was also Good Friday. She followed inher dear Saviour’s footsteps so closely that she died in a cruciform position, her hands and arms outstretched and bound to the floor on which she would be crushed. After having been secured in the cruciform position mentioned before, in imitation of Christ, the martyr was crushed to death by several hundred pounds of weights that were laid on top of her. She was not the only victim of the execution. She had been four months pregnant.”

Click here: A Good Friday Saint: Margaret Clitherow, the Pearl of York | Daily News | NCRegister.com

ALSO:  One of the Seven Sisters in Minnesota sent this timely prayer offering for priests… it is meant to be shared – and prayed!  Truly, truly the graces are flowing in this Jubilee Year of Mercy!

Divine Mercy Novena prayer for Seven Sisters priest:

Merciful Father, In the name of Jesus, the Virgin Mary and all the saints,  We pray that Fr.___, be washed in the PreciousBlood of the Lamb and be filled with all the gifts and fruitsof the Holy Spirit.  St. Faustina, we pray that Fr. ____ will be blessed by your mission of Divine Mercy and through your intercession help prepare him to offer himself totally to Merciful love and be filled with a great love of Divine Mercy.  Holy Spirit, Fire of Mercy, inspire Fr. ___ to help save every member of ______ Parishas a powerful missionary of Divine Mercy. We thank you Heavenly Father for all the graces and blessings you continue to pour out upon Fr. ____, and for making him a great apostle of Divine Mercy. We pray in Jesus name.  Amen.

United in prayer and mission –
that our prayers may find the heart of every bishop and priest
… eternal gratitude as you remember to offer a wee Holy Mary for me each day….
TO EACH of YOU – Happiest and Holiest of Easter and its full season of JOY!

Janette
+JMJ+

The Chrism Mass: a Celebration of the Priesthood

by sevensistersapostolate | Mar 16, 2016

Recently I joined Seven Sisters in the Winona (MN) diocese.  What a JOY!
Anticipated Seven Sisters regional gathering: Dubuque, IA – April 2.  Your prayers are welcomed!
Another Communique coming Holy Saturday for Feast of St Margaret Clitherow – stayed tuned!

The Ears of the Heart

by sevensistersapostolate | Feb 21, 2016

Greetings dearest Seven Sisters…

“Listen and attend with the ear of your heart.”

– St. Benedict

One of my past places of duty as an RN was serving in a convent of religious Sisters.  One afternoon, after a’flare up of verbal sparks’ within the community during lunch, Sr Barbara tread that higher ground and, with a sincere smile, simply said to me later in private, “To know someone is to love them.”  What grace she readily applied to this fellow Sister of hers, who in my witness certainly seemed to be unjustly critical and hurtful by her sharp words.  Sr Barbara heard ‘with the ear of her heart’ and chose a response in that deeper reality of love.

I have often gone back to that moment with Sister, in the quiet of the hallway of the convent, perplexed about the disturbing event in the Refectory.  She took my hand and heart in that moment and nudged me to leave that place of ruminating and join her in entering and lingering in the Heart of Christ, in that richer place of mercy and love for another.  She challenged me to listen and to see… differently… to serve that Sister with the charity Christ’s perspective and a hope for better and more peaceable lunchtimes ahead.

The very mission of our earthly life is to know God.  In that knowing it follows that we love Him and out of that loving, blooms an authentic desire to serve Him.  Sr Barbara reminded me that this sure pattern exists as we relate to our earthly brothers and sisters too.  Know, love, serve.

What a gift beyond all telling that each week we are called to look and listen and linger in the living Presence of Our Lord on behalf of the priest for whom we are committed to pray.  Each visit affords us the opportunity to see Christ a bit more clearly.  In that seeing and knowing, the graces exist to see the recipient of our prayers more clearly, as well.  Perhaps enough so, to even loosen our grip on an incomplete or narrow perspective and be open to a fuller one.

Christ calls His priests to conformity in Him, as alter Christus,  Click here: Alter Christus – to be holy and blameless.  Let us allow our prayers to be formed through the benefit of resting in the full spectrum of His Light in the Blessed Sacrament, where all things are made clear.  Let us ask for sanctity for our priests, nothing less.  Christ’s love compels our hearts (II Cor 5:14) “In loving one another through our works, we bring an increase of grace and a growth in divine love.” – Bl Mother Teresa of Calcutta

May we remain faithful to our commitment to be praying foremost for the sanctity of our priests, asking the graces for him to live fully in the call of his Holy Orders.  Let us persevere in the length of the full Holy Hour, offered solely for the intention of the priest, mindful of these words of Jesus to St Faustina: “I often wait with great graces until towards the end of prayer.”  Yes, let us avail ourselves to the great graces that assuredly await those who persevere…

PRAYER AID passed on from the practice of a Seven Sister in Minnesota:  Turn to the page outlining the Sacred Heart Novena (pg 10) in the Seven Sisters Guidelines booklet.  Affix a photocopy image (or sketch one) of the priest/bishop for whom you are praying, as a reminder that your prayers are meant to conform him to the image that is pictured ‘above’, the image of Jesus Christ Himself.

United in prayer and mission –
that our prayers may find the heart of every bishop and priest
… eternal gratitude as you remember to offer a wee Holy Mary for me each day….

Janette
+JMJ+

PS The Jan 31 gathering three weeks ago with the ever-growing Seven Sisters in Florida was blessed with grace upon grace. These women are filled with exemplary zeal and joy.  One woman shared that on her committed day (Saturday) she ‘wakes up with the graces of thoughts of the priest for whom she is committed to pray’.  She stated she finds herself offering the entire day to him, the gem and pinnacle being the Holy Hour!  What generosity and witness of continued fruit through the Apostolate.

Next anticipated Seven Sisters regional gathering is in Iowa – April 2.

You are the Heart of the Apostolate

by sevensistersapostolate | Jan 24, 2016

Greetings dearest Seven Sisters…

It might should go without saying that I pray for you and the Seven Sisters Apostolate daily.  I bring you to the altar each morning at Mass and quite often through the day (and night) you are brought to heart and mind.  As I run through the woods of the day, as Spitzweg’s subject in the painting portrays, I am happily stopped in my tracks to lift you heavenward… sometimes in pleas, sometimes in thanksgiving, sometimes simply to consider the pleasantries of the Apostolate in the midst of a harried day.   Most often I stand overwhelmed with joy at the reality that so many priests and bishops are being seamlessly covered in prayer by you- day after day. They are so in need of our every prayer!

Praying for you, I am learning how to pray for the Apostolate and not vice versa.  You are the very heart of the Apostolate.

Your example of His love for ‘the other’ is the love that compels (II Cor 5:14) my heart with an invigorating grace of prayer.    In prayer for you and in witness of the growing numbers of intercessors, the colossal generosity of the love and mercy of God is made boldly manifest, as He chooses to continue this work among and for His priests.  Story after story indicates that a plentitude of graces are already working in the hearts of women, who, then, when asked about serving in this way of prayer for priests, are all too delighted and have sensed they have been prepared all along for this Apostolate.  Likewise, stories also arise where there may be some hesitation, but the unwavering persistence ofyour prayer, coupled with fasting at times, has not only dissipated the reluctance, but often the situation is blessed in abounding ways.

Praying for you humbles my heart as I consider (and hear about) the many sacrifices made to persist in prayer to perhaps begin a Seven Sisters group and also those heroic testimonies to remain faithful to the committed Holy Hours of prayer.

Some of you…

> go early to holy Mass to begin your Holy Hour and remain after Mass to finish the hour.

> have helped begin Eucharistic Adoration in your parish as a way of having the Blessed Sacrament available for the Seven Sisters Holy Hours! (and the parish at large benefits!)

> have responded to a prompting to bring the Apostolate to a neighboring diocese or state.

> travel to a near-by parish’s Adoration Chapel ‘as a pilgrim’ to remain faithful to your Hour

> have recognized when the baton needs to be handed to another so that the prayers may continue as committed.

> delight in the nuances of ‘more peace, more joy, more energy’ in the priest for whom you pray and understand this is ‘all in God’s Will and Way’ and are grateful to accept this call on your life to participate in that plan.

Finally, while fidelity and fruitfulness within the Apostolate are certainly a joy to my heart, the most edifying testimony that comes to me through you is the  recognition that you too are being transformed.  I remain eternally grateful for all of the notes and emails sent to me in this regard. They are edifying, uplifting and serve to help form prayers for you and the Apostolate.

A parting reflection related to this – through the sure thoughts of St Teresa of Avila:  ‘Within us there is a palace of immense magnificence. The entire edifice is built of gold and precious stones….truly there is no building of such great beauty as a pure soul, filled with virtues, and the greater these virtues, the brighter these stones sparkle. In this palace the great King lodges, Who has been pleased to become your Guest… He sits there on a throne of tremendous value: your heart.”

I am quite certain that your edifice within is growing in magnificence as you so consistently and generously offer these selfless sacrifices of prayer for the holiness of a priest or bishop.  All has merit.  Love remains, love is eternal. Let us continue in our fidelity and fruitfulness of efforts.

United in prayer and mission –
that our prayers may find the heart of every bishop and priest

Janette
+JMJ+

PS I will be meeting with several lovely souls in Ave Maria, Florida, for a Seven Sisters gathering on Sunday, January 31.  One woman there learned of the Apostolate in the last few months from a visiting Seven Sister ‘snow bird’ from Minnesota.  An ember was lit and a fire has started, with the result of several groups being established, including one for the Bishop of the area. Attached find a flyer with contact info, if you know of anyone (or you!) who may be interested.

I rely on your daily wee Hail Marys, and pledge to try not to squander any of the graces!