Greetings to dearest Sisters in Christ – Mary’s fiat on the 25th of March lent allowance to the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit. The query of how can this be, came to be. Her fiat might be said to be all-embracing in quietness, trust and strength. Come every 25th of December we commemorate and celebrate the blessed fruit of her fiat and of her womb, Jesus.
Mary, as model of docility to the Holy Spirit, can inspire Seven Sisters to live more deeply in the friendship of the Holy Spirit. Consideration of the Apostolate’s anchor Scripture: …in quietness and trust is your strength (Isaiah 30:15) is a fitting framework, for Mary fully lived it. Advent into Christmastide presents the perfect milieu to awaken to the key roles of the Spirit in this Apostolate.
Quietness: Our commitments to Holy Hours dutifully and naturally bring us to environments of quiet that, in turn, ideally move us to quiet our inner places. In preparation for His earthly departure, Jesus promised His followers that He would send the Paracletos to comfort, console and guide those who belong to Him. The quieted heart is the resting place of wisdom, healing and inspiration, marks of the HS. The impulse of the Spirit moved the authors of sacred Scripture and whispered myriads of invitations and words of guidance and healing to souls across the span of history, including a call during Adoration to the work given the name Seven Sisters. The splendid image of the Holy Spirit (imaged here) hovered nearby that very Adoration Chapel (like hovering over the waters) and serves as a powerful reminder of both the fruit of quietness and the work of the Holy Spirit in it. Many of you attest to sensing that still, small voice in the quietness of heart to give assent as an intercessor in this Apostolate and/or to help it grow. Many more of you speak about the guidance received during the offerings of the Holy Hours. Yes, the Holy Spirit in a sense overshadows us in our dedicated quietness, fit to bear fruit! “God cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence…. God speaks in the silence of the heart. Listening is the beginning of prayer” (St Teresa of Calcutta).
Trust: Most Seven Sisters do not enter the Chapel with a roster of prayer intentions. Trust has ample and ready room for growth! An encouraging and comforting ministry of the Holy Spirit, and one keenly akin to us, is intercession. We may be tempted to be in a quandary of what and how to pray, but can remain assured that the Spirit intercedes with and for us. The HS comes alongside to lend assistance through inspiration of what to pray, assistance in searching Sacred Scripture to offer (after all, the Spirit is the Author) or will intercede with wordless groans. The thoughts and ways of God are higher. In acceptance of this, trust increases. Sacred Scripture reminds that the winds blow where it will, alluding to the work of the Holy Spirit. But let us not be shy to, at times, summon the winds of the Spirit: “Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden and eat his pleasant fruits” (Song of Solomon 4:16). The HS comes to teach us all things, trust included, so let us be good disciples in learning and be fixed in a firm heart of entrusting all things to God’s perfect Will and Way. “I ask not to see. I ask not to know. I ask simply to be used” (St John Henry Cardinal Newman).
Strength: Praying and living in the well-founded principles of quietness and trust brings remarkable inner strength. The holy ones who have gone before, Mother Mary at the forefront, are sure examples. We are invited to do the same – and God willing, can and will! The Holy Spirit is the Lord and Giver of life, where newness of life reigns. The fruit of the Spirit grows within and strengthens our disposition to follow the promptings of the HS towards a sound moral life and active life of faith. It is the Spirit that moves us to call Jesus our Lord (I Cor 12:3) and thus, as Seven Sisters, to pray with assurance for others. The very Love of God overflows our hearts with strength. The scene of Elijah (I Kings 18:41-46) running in front of a horse drawn chariot (for 7-8 miles) fueled by the power of the Holy Spirit highlights the tie between body and soul. Elijah’s prayer for rain was earnest, expectant and ultimately effective. Let us imitate this! “Hold your eyes on God and leave the doing to Him. That is all the doing you have to worry about” (St Jane Frances de Chantal).
Had but one glance been granted Mary at the time of the Annunciation, the radiance of that blessed moment of the hiddenness of Trinitarian love, may have blinded her. The work we are called to do as Seven Sisters is at its very best done in quietness and trust. The splendid effects of our sacrifices of prayers, if known, would likely completely confound us, as well. Simple fidelity to the mission of prayer brings strength. In that prayer, we live the balance between the rousing forces of the Holy Spirit, and the calming, soothing power thereof. Oh, Holy Spirit, sustain and grow our friendships…
Breathe into me, Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Move in me, Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Attract my heart, Holy Spirit, that I may love only what is holy. Strengthen me, Holy Spirit, that I may defend all that is holy. Protect me, Holy Spirit, that I may always be holy.
United in prayer and mission…that our prayers may find the heart of every bishop and priest…… eternal gratitude continues as you each remember to offer a wee Hail Mary for me every day…. “One Ave Maria makes hell tremble” (St John Vianney). Pray that I will not ‘spoil the beautiful work that God has entrusted…’ (St Teresa of Calcutta) … your kind emails and notes and phone calls and generous support always arrive to my heart door at the right moment! Your financial sacrifices are for 100% furtherance of Apostolate. THANK YOU! The letters of testimony are so beautiful and edifying! What glory is given to God through your writing! Eternal gratitude is mine for YOU! Be assured of my continued daily prayers for you at the altar.
Greetings to dearest Sisters in Christ – Our purses, totes and backpacks require frequent, all-the-way-to-the-bottom cleaning. We each have a method and timetable. Sometimes we get to the task later than planned and suffer consequences. The goal is the same: making our load lighter, re-organizing to find things more readily, and did someone suggest cleanliness is next to godliness?
As Catholics, if we have eyes to see and ears to hear, we have consistent reminders regarding the need for our interior cleansing. We share the entry point of our Christian lives through the purifying waters of Baptism. So too we share the invitation to walk more readily in its promises through the gift of the sacramental life brimming with a waterfall of graces. Frequent and good confessions make the way for frequent and good Communions. Examination of conscience, Sacred Scripture, the rhythm of holy Mass, compelling homilies, and that splendid gift of the liturgical seasons also serve to call us into accepting moregraces and mercy to strengthen our resolve to live holy lives.
Liturgically speaking, November always holds both the last and the first. This year the last Sunday of the liturgical year, the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, is November 20th. Here we recognize the Messianic Kingship and the eternal Priesthood of Our Lord. For this reason, the Solemnity has special significance to the Apostolate, as all the men we pray for partake in this one priesthood of Jesus Christ. Imagine the extra graces awaiting our priests and bishops this month as they move toward and enter the celebration of this Solemnity! Let us ask for graces in abundance! The following Sunday, the 27th, marks the first Sunday of Advent, launching the new liturgical year afresh and anew. More bountiful graces!
While our task as Seven Sisters is to pray for the other, it behooves us to likewise beseech and partake in the special graces of November. The last Sunday of the liturgical year is an opportunity to rejoice in Christ as King and eternal High Priest, and also consider, in both gratitude and reflection, the previous year regarding our own lives. Sometimes, like our heavy-laden purses, a spirited clean-up helps us to see more clearly and hear more closely what was then, what is now and what may lay ahead. We cleanse ourselves through repentance and cooperation with God’s Will and Way. By humility and love we summon His graces and mercy to purify our minds and hearts.
Consider ending the liturgical year in making a good Confession. Following are seven points of guidance from the wisdom of the Canon Regulars of St John Cantius (Chicago). They offer this quote: “Sin is the shipwreck of the soul. If the sin is serious, it is a fatal shipwreck. Confession is the only plank to which we can safely cling, if we want to be brought back to the harbor of God’s grace.”
First, have a clear awareness of what constitutes a mortal sin and a venial sin. A mortal sin is gravely and objectively evil, committed with full knowledge that it is evil, and given full consent to it with the will. Venial sin is a deviation but not a total turning away from God. They “bruise” our state of grace with God, but do not break it like mortal sins.
Second, awareness of a mortal sin demands Confession as soon as possible. It is necessary to do so before receiving Communion.
Third, it is not necessary to go to Confession on the very day of, say, First Friday, First Saturday, Divine Mercy, etc., which have indulgences associated with them. The Church says it is sufficient to go to confession within 20 days and that you have not committed any mortal sin since then.
Fourth, some people have a habit of re-confessing past sins—sometimes repeatedly. Confess those sins committed since your last confession (which, by the way, may be the same as past sins since we sometimes have areas of repeated weakness). An exception to this guideline is if you remember a mortal sin from the past which you have not confessed; then do confess this sin right away.
Fifth, the Sacrament of Confession is for the confession and the absolution of your sins. Although the priest may give some advice, it is not the time or place for in-depth spiritual direction. Unduly extending your confession by asking questions or by discussing your spiritual life tends to demonstrate a lack of charity for those behind you who are now unnecessarily waiting longer to confess their sins.
Sixth, confession of your sins should be fairly concise, specific, to the point, and well-prepared. Lengthy, detailed explanations of what you did and how you came about doing it are not necessary. It also may even be a subtle way of justifying or even reliving your sin. So, confess your sins concisely, and if the priest needs more information, he will ask you. On the other hand, the sins you confess should be reasonably specific rather than general observations. For example, confessing “I have not followed God’s commandments” is not specific enough. Rather, please specify the ways in which you have not followed God’s commandments.
Seventh, sometimes the priest may tell you something in confession that you may not want to hear. Please consider that the Holy Spirit sometimes works in ways that seem blunt in order to help uproot sin. Try not to feel disheartened, but instead, consider that perhaps the Holy Spirit inspired the priest to tell you something plainly because you may need it.
Our doings outside of God’s Will can clutter our interiors and hinder the free flow of graces in our lives. Our prayer lives are affected. What ample room we afford our Lord to fill us to overflowing with His life, when we regularly yield to the sacrament of Confession. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work (2 Timothy 2:21). What a double blessing for Seven Sisters who pray for both our own good confessions and good confessions for our Confessors. Christ is King, full of merciful love, for all!
United in prayer and mission…that our prayers may find the heart of every bishop and priest…… eternal gratitude continues as you each remember to offer a wee Hail Mary for me every day…. “One Ave Maria makes hell tremble” (St John Vianney). Pray that I will not ‘spoil the beautiful work that God has entrusted…’ (St Teresa of Calcutta) … your kind emails and notes and phone calls and generous support always arrive to my heart door at the right moment! Your financial sacrifices are for 100% furtherance of Apostolate. THANK YOU! The letters of testimony are so beautiful and edifying! What glory is given to God through your writing! Eternal gratitude is mine for YOU! Be assured of my continued daily prayers for you at the altar.
Janette (Howe) +JMJ+
…in quietness and trust is your strength. – Isaiah 30:15
Madonna of the Grapes, pray for us!
St John Vianney, pray for us!
Greetings to dearest Sisters in Christ – By shapes, color, text and images a logo portrays and hopes to beckon a pause in the onlooker to consider something. For Seven Sisters, our emblem splendidly conveys what we hold central in our lives as Catholics and what we do about that.
This logo made its debut in March 2020. While the prayerful work commenced in 2017, little materialized. In 2020 the project resurrected. The directions remained: the Eucharist and monstrance must be prominent and a bit of blue included somewhere/somehow to honor Our Lady.
Since the title Seven Sisters denotes a myriad of things: from a waterfall in Norway to sea cliffs in the English Channel to a boutique in Iowa to a cluster of colleges in Northeastern USA to an almond custard pastry from Wisconsin, it seemed essential to differentiate who we are. Utilizing the word Apostolate served as a start. While some logos flash a single letter or monogram, this was not for us. A vital lower line visually balances the image while succinctly unfolding the trifecta of God’s Work through us: Holy Hours that are for priests and united! The circular arc of the words echoes both the round Host and fuller icon. Hinting toward concentric circles that result from a pebble in water, so too the Apostolate embraces its life in, with and through the Eucharistic Presence.
Despite the substantial breadth of pattern, Our Eucharistic Lord foremost attains the eye of the beholder here. The image at times seems to glow with life, the black and white version especially. Mission accomplished in this element of the design because indeed He is our mission!
The hands, incorporated by the artist’s inspiration, present as a pleasing aspect. At first glance, they might resonate as looming, collective hands of the Seven Sisters making their united offering to Our Eucharistic Lord. A prolonged reflection might reveal a portrayal of the hands of a priest or maybe of God Himself, whose work this is. Perhaps it is the hands of Our Lady or our patrons alongside us. In the spirit of St Therese, “I want them all!” And so, it seems to be. It is both, and, all!
The seven arched stars at the bottom are a rich embellishment. While they might signal to the three Scripture references to Pleiades (the star cluster also known as Seven Sisters), they visually represent the cluster of seven intercessors needed for the Apostolate work in the seven days of the week. Thoughts also easily move to the gospel of St John, chapter 15, when Jesus reminds us – 7 times! – to abide in Him and His love. This is the way of the Apostolate Holy Hours, abiding. How fitting that the stars are transparent and in the place of humility, as the Magdalene, at the feet of Our Lord.
Color use in design goes beyond aesthetic appeal. It can serve as a core communicator in a logo, denoting seriousness, lightheartedness, timelessness, innovation. Here the blue hearkens toward Our Lady in its brilliant use of every shade of blue, in which Our Lady has been depicted through art imagination and apparition testimonies. Every Holy Hour we ask the Lord to deepen the devotion of the priest/bishop for whom we pray, to Mary. It was essential this be represented in the design. Color was a strong and sure way to accomplish this. Last November at the annual St Paul-Mpls Archdiocesan Reflection and Renewal, Seven Sisters in attendance were invited to wear blue in honor of Our Lady on that First Saturday. And indeed, every shade of blue was donned in magnificence!
Love bears fruit! Two generous gifts have been bestowed to us recently related to the logo. Seven Sister, Bev C (North Dakota), allowed her appreciation of this Apostolate to meet with her God-given skills as a quilter. She beautifully appliqued the logo (and every individual letter!) along with 3D applications of the Hearts of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, on a slim white banner fit for use at a podium or stand-alone display. Seven Sister, Ellen U (Minnesota), a superb vestment seamstress by trade, perfectly fashioned every detail of the logo and words through machine embroidery. How fitting that she utilized the same fabric and threads used to make priestly vestments! She created a pocket for the 12 X12 piece and inserted Plexiglas for suspension from a podium or as a table-top display on an icon stand. May the Lord richly reward you, Bev and Ellen, and bless the work of your hands!
So much generosity surrounds, inspires and perpetuates this work! At my behest Craig G started the logo design process. Together a hiatus was discerned. Several months later, with his whole-hearted permission and blessing, Amanda D continued, leaving some of the elements from the initial work. The two were connected by Annie W. Later Bev and Ellen would independently take this work and fashion beautiful gifts using the logo as inspiration. What a grace that God allowed so many to be His co-workers in these endeavors! While the concrete things help inspire and beautify, the invisible sacrifices of your weekly offerings are eternal gifts! St JP II (Feast Day: Oct 22), affirms us to be generous in our sacrifices of prayers for our shepherds: “The Church and the world have a great need of Eucharistic worship. Jesus waits for us in this sacrament of Love. Let us be generous with our time in going to meet Him in adoration and in contemplation that is full of faith and ready to make reparation for the great faults and crimes of the world. May our adoration never cease.”
United in prayer and mission…that our prayers may find the heart of every bishop and priest…… eternal gratitude continues as you each remember to offer a wee Hail Mary for me every day…. “One Ave Maria makes hell tremble” (St John Vianney). Pray that I will not ‘spoil the beautiful work that God has entrusted…’ (St Teresa of Calcutta) … your kind emails and notes and phone calls and generous support always arrive to my heart door at the right moment! Your financial sacrifices are for 100% furtherance of Apostolate. THANK YOU! The letters of testimony are so beautiful and edifying! What glory is given to God through your writing! Eternal gratitude is mine for YOU! Be assured of my continued daily prayers for you at the altar.
Greetings to dearest Sisters in Christ – In the very heart of this month (Sept 14), a most beautiful Feast besieges us – the Exultation of the Cross. The enormous gift of our liturgical cycle is that it calls us surely and steadily to revisit all the glorious aspects of our Faith. At the core is the Cross. A life time is needed to unfold and grasp such magnitude. And in reality, an eternity is given to us to do so!
Vivid in my memory remains an autumn day when our wee daughter toddled out onto our front patio. She spotted a dried oak leaf, clutched it in her chubby cherub-like fingers, then was held rapt in wonder of the mystery of form and texture. And so as not to keep the joyous discovery all to herself, she thrust it out with a shriek of glee, “Look!” Years later, on another autumn day, our son and I were walking in Rome toward a reception following his Diaconate Mass at St Peters. He turned, to be certain of my full attention. “Today I said ‘yes’ to carrying the Cross.” Like synchronized swimmers we both adjusted our gazes forward, allowing the words to travel deeper. The newly ordained Deacon then breathed out another statement, “And when I am ordained to the priesthood, I will say ‘yes’ to mounting the Cross.”
As Catholics, we do not shy from the Cross. It defines us. Baptism seals us with the Sign of the Cross, signifying the fullness of redemption and that we fully belong to Christ. It forms us. We embrace the Cross to unite our sufferings with those of Christ, and hope for reminders from others, when we forget or find it difficult to do so. The Cross of triumph is generally depicted as a globe with the cross atop, symbolic of our Savior’s irrevocable victory over the sin of the world and the conquest of His Gospel. O cross, you are the glorious sign of victory. Through your power may we share in the triumph of Christ Jesus. The exquisite mosaic in Rome’s San Clemente (above) is also expressive of our deep-held belief.The Cross is the very tree of life that nourishes us to spiritual wholeness and holiness. St Paul of the Cross upholds, “Believe me – afflictions, fears, desolations, dryness, abandonment, temptations, and other persecutions make an excellent broom, which sweeps from your soul all the dust of hidden imperfections.”
We unashamedly wear crucifixes around our necks and hang them in our homes and churches. They serve not as morose, but rather, to invite meditation upon the immensity of love and triumph represented. We Sign ourselves before prayer to remind of our Trinitarian life and to assist our minds and hearts to move into sacred conversation. And how often we bestow kisses upon the crucifixes of our rosaries! Truly anyone observing this must experience a measure of conversion of heart!
Those called to sacred priesthood, affirm all of this – and more. They are in persona Christi. They are more than symbol! Holy Mass is opened and closed by them with the Sign of the Cross and countless additional blessings using the Sign are woven throughout the sacred liturgy. In the celebration of Mass, a crucifix must be present before the eyes of the celebrant while at the altar. This is the source of the Mass! He offers in,with and through Christ as both priest and victim. The gestures of the priest echo his connection to the Cross. When he prays, he extends his hands and palms to symbolize that he has mounted the cross with Christ. He marks his forehead, lips and heart with the Sign at the Gospel – and we imitate. The Gospel is our life, sealed with the Cross. Yes, the priest is called to lead us in deeper comprehension of the Cross. All is found in the Cross. He is helping us to encounter this.
Reflection written and offered by Msgr Bernard Powers, at the visitation of Passionist nun, Sr Mary Dolores (14 Sept 2015). Let us learn from this brother and sister in Christ:
The Cross for her was the wisdom of the saints… She was immersed in this wisdom.
The Cross for her was the road to holiness… She walked this road faithfully.
The Cross for her was God’s greatest manifestation of love… She embraced this love graciously.
The Cross was the very gift of God himself… She graciously accepted her God, her Beloved.
The Cross was the school of prayer… She humbly learned the art of prayer.
The Cross was union with God… She knew an espousal union.
The Cross was a mystery to continually be remembered…She lived in constant recollection.
The Cross was the center of her vocational call… She made her life a living response to this call
The Cross was at the heart of her prayer… She knelt daily at the foot of the Cross.
The Cross was a living flame of love within her… She had a burning desire for God.
The Cross was a gift on the day of profession… She took a life time to open and live this gift.
The Cross was power and strength… She found here victory in spiritual combat.
The Cross was a transforming spirit within… She knew surrender, submission, unconditional yes.
The Cross was a fountain of nourishment… She drank deeply of sacrificial love.
The Cross was a pledge of resurrection… She lived in high hope.
The Cross was Jesus loving the Eternal Father… She was caught up in filial love.
The Cross was a precious treasure found… She gave all to possess it.
The Cross was for Sister Mary Dolores a silent act of adoration, a constant hymn of praise, a persistent cry for mercy, an espousal love that captured her heart.
The Cross is the Bridegroom, Jesus, the Crucified Spouse bringing his Beloved Sister Mary Dolores to the wedding banquet of the Resurrection.
My daughter marveled in a leaf that most others would simply step over or at most seek others with more color and life. My son disclosed a truth about the priesthood that might go unnoticed or pondered. Listen with me in the memory of my daughter’s thrill, “Look!” and my son’s wisdom and somberness. There are lessons in both. Oh, what graces abound for Seven Sisters who live the discipline of prayer and meditation to see something fresh in the truth of the Cross. “The passion of Jesus is a sea of sorrows, but it is also an ocean of love. Ask the Lord to teach you to fish in this ocean. Dive into its depths. No matter how deep you go, you will never reach the bottom” (St Paul of the Cross).
United in prayer and mission…that our prayers may find the heart of every bishop and priest…… eternal gratitude continues as you each remember to offer a wee Hail Mary for me every day…. “One Ave Maria makes hell tremble” (St John Vianney). Pray that I will not ‘spoil the beautiful work that God has entrusted…’ (St Teresa of Calcutta) … your kind emails and notes and phone calls and generous support always arrive to my heart door at the right moment! Your financial sacrifices are for 100% furtherance of Apostolate. THANK YOU! The letters of testimony are so beautiful and edifying! What glory is given to God through your writing! Eternal gratitude is mine for YOU! Be assured of my continued daily prayers for you at the altar.
Janette (Howe)
SEVEN SISTERS – in and out and about
Heartfelt welcome: NEW groups registered in AUGUST to cover more priests in daily prayer: Additional groups in (Cameroon) West Africa, (Alberta & Ontario) Canada, Co Derry (No Ireland), Washington, DC and these 27USA states: California, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. We pray daily for priests and bishops on 6 continents, 27 countries, all 50 USA states, and nearly every Province in Canada. We pray for Pope Francis, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, Cardinals and numerous Bishops. 8 new groups registered on St JV Feast Day (Aug 4)!
Continued gratitude: Despite news regarding my husband we did not like, your sacrifices of prayers have sustained and buoyed Jeff and our family! We truly carry a peace beyond understanding. We are a witness to so much goodness in and through you as we continue to navigate these waters! Blessings!
ELIJAH’s HELPERS: By prayerful desire and directive of our Apostolate Chaplain, Fr Johnson, a pilot group of Seven Sisters intercessors dedicated to offering Holy Hours for priests in various forms of crisis within the Archdiocese of St Paul-Mpls, began in June 2021. In June 2022, this fruit of the Apostolate opened to form more groups in more Dioceses. All inquiries to Nancy at ElijahsHelpers@gmail.com or cell: 612-756-1107. It is growing! Please consider this!
RECENT … and AHEAD on the calendar:
> Gratitude to Julie H for organizing Sat, 08/06/22: “Do whatever He tells you…” Retreat (Cincinnati, OH) Sponsored by Serra International. Very well attended and new groups already!
> POSTPONED: “Distractions in Prayer” & “Seven Privileges in Praying for Priests” Retreat at St Gabriel’s in Kansas City, MO. Date TBD. Talks by Janette. Contact Lorie: hailmaryjmj@gmail.com
MATTERS of the HEART:
Ø “A high school friend recruited me. She is currently an Anchoress for another priest and shared booklets. I shared the information with six of my Sunday morning after church breakfast group. Everyone agreed to participate and anxious to get started. The Feast of the Assumption seemed the perfect day. (Nancy, Ohio)
Ø “I am so Happy to be a Seven Sister.” (Margaret,Minnesota)
Ø “I heard about the Seven Sisters group at my home parish in VA. My brother is a pastor in (another state) and struggling to lead people to their faith. There was a group already formed for my pastor, so I reached out to parishioners in his parish and formed a group to support my brother.” (Jill, Virginia)
Ø “Our Priest is young and dedicated to serving Our Lord. As his ministry is growing so are the challenges he is facing. In his need he is asking for prayer support, his is the heart of Christ. He is available for the sacraments when any parishioner is in need. Thank you for this apostolate.” (Maryann, Washington)
Ø “We are so excited to share our story! A priest mentioned this Apostolate. I gasped reading that Madonna of the Grapes was a patron. I have had her picture in my living for close to 20 years! Our Bl. Mary wanted this in our parish. The Holy Spirit sent seven women AND the days of their Holy Hours fell into place. A new priest arrived. We had so many women wanting to pray we had enough to pray for our new priest and pray for our former priest, as he no longer had a parish. Our Bishop came to install the new priest. I described the Apostolate and he told me he wished all his parishes knew about this. Then he said, “If you gather seven more women will you pray for me”. Well, the Spirit heard his request and we joyfully had seven more women come forward!! When we met to share with our new pastor about the gift of the Holy Hours he was deeply touched as he had never in his 34 years ever had such a gift. We are a lovely group and truly are sisters in Christ. As the Anchoress, I was merely a witness to how our Lord sent the Holy Spirit to lift up our priests and Bishop in this trying time. Thank you!” (Diane, Pennsylvania)
APPRECIATED and LOVEDquilt project: A double cloaking for RETIRED PRIESTS: Seven Sisters prayer and a quilt! The priests love both! To learn more regarding a single quilt for a retired priest or on how to get this started in your Diocese, contact QuiltsBySevenSisters@gmail.com
FASTING BROTHERS is growing: Groups of men offering various forms of fasting to augment the prayer efforts of a Seven Sisters group. Each man prayerfully discerns the type of fasting he will offer and commits to fast a designated day of the week (excepting Sunday/Solemnities). Our Chaplain, strongly urges formation of these groups. Anchoresses: let us know the Seven Sisters group to which the Fasting Brothers are linked, name of lead Brother, his contact info and the start date.
LAMP-BEARERS: In January 2020, Lamp-Bearers, so-named for their action of continually ‘filling of their lamps with the oil of prayer’, was launched to pray for the Apostolate at large. Each intercessor prays a minimum of once per week, but many are offering prayers every day. Intentions are gleaned from topics and calendar points in the monthly Communique and also sent to members on the second or third Sunday of the month. Additional intercessors welcomed. Those desiring to learn more, send an email of interest/inquiry through the Website.
SEVEN SISTERS Guideline BOOKLETS: Available as free download from Web site. Hard copies passed on for printing cost of $2 each + P/H. Order thru Web email with amount desired/address
SEVEN SISTERS Tri-fold BROCHURE: Effectively used in parish pamphlet stands (ask pastor’s approval prior), Adoration Chapels, Retreat Centers, Bags/Packets for Women’s Conferences/Retreats, Women’s clubs, Serra clubs – or simply handing out! Available on Web as free download. Recommend 80# silk for best printing results. May also order through Web site. Indicate address/quantity. 25 for $10 + P/H. Available in ENGLISH and SPANISH.
SEVEN SISTERS Tri-fold LITANY for PRIESTS: Beautifully printed on 100# silk (a bit thicker than brochures). Original artwork (inspired by the Diary of St Faustina) by Seven Sister in Minnesota, Litany by Richard Cardinal Cushing. 25 for $10 + P/H.
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. Visit the Web site. Click on ABOUT folder and scroll to bottom, choose: IN REMEMBRANCE. Follow prompts… OR you may submit info via the Website email. Please check site monthly for additions and to pray!
PRIEST who has PASSED to ETERNAL REST: If the priest for whom you pray has entered eternal life, the group may be led to continue to pray for a length of time for the soul of that priest. Perhaps a novena of Holy Hours or the offering of holy Mass(es) for the priest. You will know. Some groups have/are offering Holy Hours for an entire year for their beloved deceased priest. Groups may be started following the death of a priest that did not have a group prior. This is commendable and welcomed. Please register these special groups through the Web site.
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. Expect a few days for translation. Commitment Prayer/Guidelines Booklet in Spanish (on the Web – free download).
Greetings to dearest Sisters in Christ – Each August, the Church sets our inner orientation on the Blessed Sacrament and Adoration. How enlivening to every Seven Sister’s heart! Two of our great loves! August happily begins with thoughts and celebration of our dear patron, St John Vianney (Aug 4), who was likewise enlivened by a robust Eucharistic life. He is a sure and saintly example, tireless intercessor for every priest and loyal comrade to each of us. St John Vianney, pray for us!
While no priest is called to be another St John Vianney, the Church, in declaring him the patron of all priests, asserts that he is suited to model for every priest something about life as a priest on-the-way of sanctity. While holiness and virtue are not quite the same, virtue is the surest way to holiness. Grace builds on and perfects nature. What then, might we glean from bearing witness to this journey of St John Vianney toward heroic virtue? Could insights help form and fortify our prayer offerings as Seven Sisters? Stir our own hearts?
Simply put, “the goal of the virtuous life is to become like God” (St Gregory of Nyssa). Thus, this is the essence of every maturing Christian life. We are attracted to goodness. We desire goodness. Virtues are habitual and firm dispositions to do the good (CCC, 1803). Experience, intentionality and cooperation with graces foster these habits. Virtues are middle points between two extremes, deficiency and excess, and thus present a delicate balancing act. St Anthony of the Desert affirms that once a virtuous life is reached, it is not easy to maintain. Herein enters prayer for perseverance! While the cardinal virtues are not the only virtues, they are the cardes (“hinges”) upon which all the other virtues are said to turn and virtues very much apparent in St John Vianney’s life. Prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance serve as the essential foundation for all the others.
Ø Prudence prompts a person to form sound judgements about what to do or not do. It helps to determine the good among many competing goods and to choose the right means to achieve it. Prudence discerns, but importantly, acts. St Thomas Aquinas helps us: it is “right reason in action.” For this virtue, knowledge and experience are important. St John Vianney’s consistently interrupted studies, shyness and overall social awkwardness appeared serious obstacles to his pursuit of priestly formation and life. When assigned to Ars the Vicar General said to him: “You have been appointed Cure of Ars. It is a little parish where there is not much love of God; you must put some into it.” The disorder of the town was obvious: drinking and dancing to excess, swearing, working on Sunday. St JV seemed ill-equipped, but swiftly took to lengthy prayer before the Blessed Sacrament for guidance. His homilies presented as fiery, yet despite criticism of harshness, he prudently persisted. He added fasting and a stripping away of unnecessary comforts in his rectory. Little by little, day by day, Ars and its people experienced conversion. The prudence of St JV bore eternal fruit. Let us pray for Prudence for our priests and bishops!
Ø Justice disposes a person to give both God and neighbor what is due. It makes one willing to live according to the Commandments and respect and safeguard the rights of others. Genuine reform is interior and wrought by fidelity to Christ and the Gospels, not by more programs. When St JV arrived in Ars the church interior was unkempt and in shambles. St JV sensed that if the parish environs were improved it would attract people, but also show the esteem one must place for God in and out of His House. Of money received by St JV, what did not go to the poor was poured out with splendid generosity for beautifying the church, altar accoutrements and priestly vestments – all to the honor of God. St JV’s heroic time in the confessional was the perfect milieu to counsel and encourage growth in interior justice within each penitent. The justice of St JV bore eternal fruit. Let us pray for Justice for our priests and bishops!
Ø Fortitude influences a person to pursue and do what is good in spite of struggles. It strengthens one to conquer fears, even fear of death, avoiding evil regardless of obstacles and afflictions. It requires endurance and forbearance. Anyone in love with God must expect reprisals from the dark side. It is said that St JV experienced spiritual warfare every day of his priestly life. Retaliations came at times through innumerable outcries and slanders of the unholy lives of the people of Ars. The evil one manifested in various ways: verbal bantering, earsplitting noises, appearance of bats and a ferocious black dog, heinous odors, upsetting of the furnishings in his rectory, including burning his bed. When the devil attacked, St JV armed himself, so he tells us, with the sign of the cross and prayer. But the louder the din, the happier he seemed to grow, for he noticed that this was the signal that a great sinner was coming to him, under the impulse of God’s grace. He termed it as that his net would soon hold “a big fish.” The fortitude of St JV bore eternal fruit. Let us pray for Fortitude for our priests and bishops!
Ø Temperance motivates a person to curb one’s appetites for natural goods – like food, drink, sexual pleasure. It helps bring balance by knowing rightly which appetites are suitable for one’s state of life. St JV is a quintessential model for temperance. He quickly linked his adoption of an aesthetic life of intense fasting and limited sleep with interior and eternal benefit to his flock. All was offered for the good of another, the mark of a virtuous soul. The temperance of St JV bore eternal fruit. Let us pray for Temperance for our priests and bishops!
May our desires be twofold this month: to delve into the life of St John Vianney and become a closer friend, and (if led) to pray more intently for the Cardinal Virtues for the priests/bishops for whom we commit to pray. St John Paul II, at the end of his first encyclical letter, maintained that our prayer always must be “great, intense, and growing” (The Redeemer of Man, 22). May it be so – for you and for me – may it be so!! St John Vianney, pray for us!
United in prayer and mission…that our prayers may find the heart of every bishop and priest…… eternal gratitude continues as you each remember to offer a wee Hail Mary for me every day…. “One Ave Maria makes hell tremble” (St John Vianney). Pray that I will not ‘spoil the beautiful work that God has entrusted…’ (St Teresa of Calcutta) … your kind emails and notes and phone calls and generous support always arrive to my heart door at the right moment! Your financial sacrifices are for 100% furtherance of Apostolate. THANK YOU! The letters of testimony are so beautiful and edifying! What glory is given to God through your writing! Eternal gratitude is mine for YOU! Be assured of my continued daily prayers for you at the altar.
Janette (Howe) +JMJ+
SEVEN SISTERS – in and out and about
Heartfelt welcome: New groups registered in JULY to cover more priests in daily prayer: Additional groups in Alberta and Ontario (Canada), Cameroon (Africa), Denmark (NEW country!),Philippines and these 32USA states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. We pray daily for priests and bishops on 6 continents, 27 countries, all 50 USA states, and nearly every Province in Canada. We pray for Pope Francis (8 groups), Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, Cardinals and numerous Bishops. Seamless Holy Hours!
ELIJAH’s HELPERS: By prayerful desire and directive of our Apostolate Chaplain, Fr Johnson, a pilot group of Seven Sisters intercessors dedicated to offering Holy Hours for priests in various forms of crisis within the Archdiocese of St Paul-Mpls, began in June 2021. In June 2022, this fruit of the Apostolate opened to form more groups in more Dioceses. All inquiries to Nancy at ElijahsHelpers@gmail.com or cell: 612-756-1107. It is growing! Please consider this!
RECENT … and AHEAD on the calendar:
> Feast Day, 08/04: Janette will offer a Holy Hour for the intentions of Apostolate members.
> Sat, 08/06/22: “Do whatever He tells you…” Retreat at Cathedral Basilica of St Peter in Chains (Cincinnati, OH), 8:30-2:30, incl lunch. Presenter: Janette. Free will offering. All heartily welcomed! Contact Julie: julievanhoose57@gmail.com. Sponsored by Serra International.
> Sat, 08/27/22:“Distractions in Prayer” and “Seven Privileges in Praying for Priests” Retreat at St Gabriel’s in Kansas City, MO. Talks by Janette. 8:00- 2:30, incl Mass, confessions, lunch. Contact Lorie: hailmaryjmj@gmail.com
MATTERS of the HEART:
Ø “Seven Sisters has led me to a life of prayer and I am so happy for that. Praying for our priests has enriched my life in every possible way. Thank you.” (Carol, Wisconsin)
Ø “In addition to praying for the Priest, it has helped me towards deeper meditation and communication with God. I have also come to appreciate more the sacrifices and works of the Priest. My tolerance of their short comings has greatly increased. Thank you again.” (Leonie, Kumba, Cameroon)
Ø “I have personally felt the presence of God in my life as I pray for our parish priest.” (Eileen, Virginia)
Ø “My weekly hour in prayer for Fr. P not only benefits him, but my presence before the Blessed Sacrament gives me the most peace and comfort of the entire week!” (Joann, Minnesota)
Ø “I have worked in a parish for 20 years and witnessed the selflessness and dedication of every pastor. Our current pastor is a young priest, and very courageously working toward moving our parish from maintenance to mission. Prayers specifically and intentionally for him will help him keep his resolve, restore his spirit and help him to know that God loves him.” (Char, Illinois)
Ø “The priest we pray for was deeply touched when we all gathered to collectively recite our Commitment Prayer before Jesus. He has always felt called to pray for priests, even before he was called to be one! A couple of years ago he coordinated 3 months of prayers, Holy Hours, etc., for every priest brother in our Diocese. After the 3 months (bookended by St Therese Feast – Oct 1st and Mother Mary’s Feast – Jan 1st), he sent every priest the book, In Sinu Jesu! As he shared all of this with us, he was almost moved to tears at what we were now doing for him – “praying for the pray-er” he said! It is an honor for all of us!” (Jill, Iowa)
Ø “I just have to say that I am overjoyed in being an Anchoress. It has inspired me to pray more and become devoted to doing Holy Hours. My Seven Sisters also speak of their joy in doing this! (Jo, Washington)
Ø “I am honored to be a part of this endeavor to strengthen our priests and the Church as a whole. I have only been an anchoress for just over a month, but I have already felt so much peace during my Holy Hours. I have heard similar feedback from several of the women in the group. The Holy Spirit is at work, and graces are flowing for our pastor and parochial vicar as our sisters prayerfully bring their needs before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. I pray for more and more groups throughout our country and world! (Kathy, Ohio)
APPRECIATED and LOVEDquilt project: A double cloaking for RETIRED PRIESTS: Seven Sisters prayer and a quilt! The priests love both! To learn more regarding a single quilt for a retired priest or on how to get this started in your Diocese, contact QuiltsBySevenSisters@gmail.com
FASTING BROTHERS is growing: Groups of men offering various forms of fasting to augment the prayer efforts of a Seven Sisters group. Each man prayerfully discerns the type of fasting he will offer and commits to fast a designated day of the week (excepting Sunday/Solemnities). Our Chaplain, strongly urges formation of these groups. Anchoresses: let us know the Seven Sisters group to which the Fasting Brothers are linked, name of lead Brother, his contact info and the start date.
LAMP-BEARERS: In January 2020, Lamp-Bearers, so-named for their action of continually ‘filling of their lamps with the oil of prayer’, was launched to pray for the Apostolate at large. Each intercessor prays a minimum of once per week, but many are offering prayers every day. Intentions are gleaned from topics and calendar points in the monthly Communique and also sent to members on the second or third Sunday of the month. Additional intercessors welcomed. Those desiring to learn more, send an email of interest/inquiry through the Website.
SEVEN SISTERS Guideline BOOKLETS: Available as free download from Web site. Hard copies passed on for printing cost of $2 each + P/H. Order thru Web email with amount desired/address
SEVEN SISTERS Tri-fold BROCHURE: Effectively used in parish pamphlet stands (ask pastor’s approval prior), Adoration Chapels, Retreat Centers, Bags/Packets for Women’s Conferences/Retreats, Women’s clubs, Serra clubs – or simply handing out! Available on Web as free download. Recommend 80# silk for best printing results. May also order through Web site. Indicate address/quantity. 25 for $10 + P/H. Available in ENGLISH and SPANISH.
SEVEN SISTERS Tri-fold LITANY for PRIESTS: Beautifully printed on 100# silk (a bit thicker than brochures). Original artwork (inspired by the Diary of St Faustina) by Seven Sister in Minnesota, Litany by Richard Cardinal Cushing. 25 for $10 + P/H. Available in ENGLISH and SPANISH.
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. Visit the Web site. Click on ABOUT folder and scroll to bottom, choose: IN REMEMBRANCE. Follow prompts… OR you may submit info via the Website email. Please check site monthly for additions and to pray!
PRIEST who has PASSED to ETERNAL REST: If the priest for whom you pray has entered eternal life, the group may be led to continue to pray for a length of time for the soul of that priest. Perhaps a novena of Holy Hours or the offering of holy Mass(es) for the priest. You will know. Some groups have/are offering Holy Hours for an entire year for their beloved deceased priest. Groups may be started following the death of a priest that did not have a group prior. This is commendable and welcomed. Please register these special groups through the Web site.
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. Expect a few days for translation. Commitment Prayer/Guidelines Booklet in Spanish (on the Web – free download).
Greetings to dearest Sisters in Christ – On Corpus Christi Sunday (June 19) a plan to reaffirm and enflame Eucharistic love and zeal across the United States was launched. A chord of three strands is not easily broken. Three years of prevailing, intentional prayer is anticipated. This first year of the Eucharistic Revival will focus on implementing prayers and actions to move hearts in each Diocese as a whole. In 2023 the emphasis shifts to individual parishes. The third year is one of mission where what is learned and lived compels one to share. The goal: hearts afire to know, love and serve our Eucharistic Lord!
As exciting as this presents, and surely is, let the truth be known that Seven Sisters have happily and assuredly begun this revival of heart already! Seven considerations:
1) A flagging in the belief of the Real Presence has set our Church and world in the present desperate need of a rekindling of Eucharistic understanding and love. Seven Sisters are consistently poised to experience an ever-maturing truth and love of the Real Presence. We intentionally and routinely pray in Christ’s Presence. Our Eucharistic Lord is the source of our strength and the strength of our love: “Until we have a passionate love for our Lord in the Most Blessed Sacrament, we shall accomplish nothing” (St Peter Julian Eymard).
2) The Eucharist is the Sacrament of Unity. Our Holy Hours for only one other, grant insight into how Our Lord uniquely prays for each He has created, yet mindful of all He has created in that same prayer. Through recurrent Hours of prayer, a Seven Sister may eventually recognize an interior accord with the other Seven Sisters in the group, Seven Sisters and priests world-wide, and the Body of Christ. All seem intrinsically linked to the mystery of the Trinity held in the Blessed Sacrament. “The veil of mystery has been torn asunder. He is there, my God, infinite Unity, adorable Trinity, under the appearance of a small piece of bread” (Bl. Dina Belanger). The Eucharistic mystery not only signifies unity, but generates it.
3) The Eucharistic life is characterized by a life lived for the other. As women, Seven Sisters may have a built-in holy leaning toward this. St Theresa Benedicta (Edith Stein) exhorts, “A woman’s life must be a Eucharistic life. Only in daily, confidential relationship with the Lord in the tabernacle can one forget self, become free of all one’s wishes and pretensions, and have a heart open to all the needs and wants of others.”
4) Sacred Scriptures speak of Our Lord’s design to send His ambassadors of love out two-by-two. We do not journey alone. Seven Sisters keep company with three patrons that guide us in the way of Eucharistic love. Mary, under the title of Madonna of the Grapes, is fittingly described as the “overseer of the Eucharistic life”. St Margaret Clitherow’s fiery, unflinching and courageous love of the priesthood and the Eucharist afforded her the crown of martyrdom during the horrific penal times in England. St John Vianney, patron of all priests, modeled and encouraged an intensely Eucharistic life: “What happiness do we not feel in the presence of God, when we find ourselves alone at his feet, before the holy tabernacle! … Ah! if we only had the angels’ eyes! Seeing our Lord Jesus Christ here, on that altar, and looking at us, how we should love him! …a foretaste of heaven; everything else would become insipid to us.” Our Lord has generously assigned companions to Seven Sisters in this call to Eucharistic fervor.
5) The Greek word for “thanksgiving” (eucharistia) gave us the word Eucharist. How fitting that the spark of this now-international movement of prayer was a simply-lived, quiet gratitude for the generosity noted in the life of one priest pastoring one parish. Gratitude remains the spark for the formation of the majority of Seven Sisters groups. Thankfulness swells through the discipline of prayer enjoined with the Eucharist. “He has remained so that you could . . . visit Him and tell Him your concerns; and by receiving Him sacramentally, you could fall more in love each day, and help other souls, many souls, to follow the same path” (St Josemaria Escriva).
6) Holy Orders and Holy Eucharist were divinely willed gifts instituted on the same evening. They are inseparable. Growth in knowledge and love of one begets growth in knowledge and love of the other. Over and again Seven Sisters attest to this. Ven Fulton Sheen points out how intimately connected a robust Eucharistic life is with the priest’s growth in holiness and fruitfulness, the core of our Apostolate prayer efforts. Referring to St Thomas Aquinas he writes, “The priest’s power over the corpus mysticum [members of the Mystical Body of the Church] follows from his power over the corpus physicum [the Body and Blood] of Christ. It is because he consecrates the Body and Blood of Christ that the priest can teach, govern and sanctify the members of the Church. Practically, this means that he walks into the confessional from the foot of the altar… Every sick call, every word of counsel in the parlor, every catechism lesson taught to children, every official act in the chancery flows from the altar. All power resides there, and the more shortcuts we [priests] take from the tabernacle to our other priestly duties, the less spiritual strength we have for those duties” (The Priest is Not his Own, p. 231).
7) A ripening of one’s Eucharistic life augments one’s union with Our Lord. Our gift of time as Seven Sisters is rewarded without measure with this greatest of rewards – oneness with Christ. Such lives can influence the world. “The time you spend with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the best time that you will spend on earth. Each moment that you spend with Jesus will deepen your union with Him and make your soul everlastingly more glorious and beautiful in heaven, and will help bring about an everlasting peace on earth”(St Teresa of Calcutta).
In the third year of the Eucharistic Revival construct, a Eucharistic Congress will be held in Indianapolis, IN: July 17-21, 2024. Let us anticipate a tsunami wave of Seven Sisters in attendance to bear witness to His flourishing Presence through our lives – for we have come to know, love and serve Him more and more via the splendid gift of His marvelous Eucharistic Presence.
United in prayer and mission…that our prayers may find the heart of every bishop and priest…… eternal gratitude continues as you each remember to offer a wee Hail Mary for me every day…. “One Ave Maria makes hell tremble” (St John Vianney). Pray that I will not ‘spoil the beautiful work that God has entrusted…’ (St Teresa of Calcutta) … your kind emails and notes and phone calls and generous support always arrive to my heart door at the right moment! Your financial sacrifices are for 100% furtherance of Apostolate. THANK YOU! The letters of testimony are so beautiful and edifying! What glory is given to God through your writing! Eternal gratitude is mine for YOU! Be assured of my continued daily prayers for you at the altar.
Janette (Howe)+JMJ+
SEVEN SISTERS – in and out and about
Heartfelt welcome: New groups registered in JUNE to cover more priests in daily prayer: Additional groups in Alberta (Canada), Cameroon (Africa), Sonora (Mexico) and these USA states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. We pray daily for priests and bishops on 6 continents, 26 countries, all 50 USA states, and nearly every Province in Canada. We pray for Pope Francis (8 groups) and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
ETERNAL GRATITUDE for the outpouring of generous prayer for my husband, Jeff, and our family. At this writing, tests and treatment continue. Your big-hearted offerings are as balm!
FREEBIE this month: Beautiful Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus (4X6 card). Send self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) to Janette Howe, 43 Nord Circle Rd, St Paul, MN 55127
ELIJAH’s HELPERS: By prayerful desire and directive of our Apostolate Chaplain, Fr Johnson, a pilot group of Seven Sisters intercessors dedicated to offering Holy Hours for priests in various forms of crisis within the Archdiocese of St Paul-Mpls, began in June 2021. This fruit of the Apostolate will be opening up to form more groups in more Dioceses beginning in June 2022. All inquiries to Nancy at ElijahsHelpers@gmail.com or cell: 612-756-1107. It is growing! Please consider this!
RECENT … and AHEAD on the calendar:
> Gratitude to Carrie and Laura for organizing a Day of Reflection at the Cathedral in St Cloud, MN, 06/04/22. Robust attendance and excellent talks from Fr Brady Keller/Fred Blonigan.
> Gratitude to Tammie and stellar team for organizing a Morning of Renewal: Getting to Know our Patrons, 06/11/22. Ft Wayne, IN. Reflections: Fr Daniel Scheidt/Janette. 120 in attendance!
> Gratitude to Holly for organizing a Retreat/Recommitment on Sat, 06/18/22. Olympia, WA. “So many, many graces – too numerous to count.” There is now an explosion of new groups in WA area!
> Gratitude to Jean for organizing a Zoom meeting on 06/18/22 with Seven Sisters in Cedar Rapids, IA, and Janette, who was asked to speak on the inspiration of the Apostolate and Q/A time.
> Thurs, 08/04/22: Feast Day of patron, St John Vianney.
> Sat, 08/06/22: “Do whatever He tells you…” Retreat at Cathedral Basilica of St Peter in Chains (Cincinnati, OH), 8:30-2:30, incl lunch. Presenter: Janette. Free will offering. All heartily welcomed! Contact Julie: julievanhoose57@gmail.com. Sponsored by Serra International.
> Sat, 08/27/22: “Distractions in Prayer” and “Seven Privileges in Praying for Priests” Retreat at St Gabriel’s in Kansas City, MO. Talks by Janette. 8:00- 2:30, incl Mass, confessions, lunch. Contact Lorie: hailmaryjmj@gmail.com
MATTERS of the HEART:
Ø “I had originally thought about waiting until the Fall, but after talking with one of the other sisters, have decided that the need is too urgent to wait until then.” (Joyce, New Hampshire)
Ø “A new Seven Sister had her first hour. She said it was the most wonderful hour of her life! It made my heart sing… and obviously hers too.” (Donna, Wisconsin)
Ø “Fr R is the principal of my children’s school and I felt this was an excellent way to support and aid him. Also, my mom is a Seven Sister and would like to share the experience with her.” (Tami, Nebraska)
Ø “What a tremendous blessing this year has been to my life. I am amazed at the beautiful prayers that the Holy Spirit issues forth for the Hour for our devoted priest. The priests hold up our world! It makes me humbled to be called to this ministry. Our prayers are powerful before the throne of God. My offering of one hour once a week is so small for the gifts our priests give us every day, every hour.” (Tammy, Florida)
Ø “Father E attends over 10 communities in Mexico. I have always prayed for him and my local priest. In May I attended a retreat at St Dominic (San Francisco). Janette presented this Apostolate. I went home with such joy. A few days later I spoke with Father E and he asked me to pray for him for persecution is eminent. The next day I was inspired to organize a group that will pray for him.” (Maria in California, priest in Mexico)
APPRECIATED and LOVEDquilt project: A double cloaking for RETIRED PRIESTS: Seven Sisters prayer and a quilt! The priests love both! To learn more regarding a single quilt for a retired priest or on how to get this started in your Diocese, contact QuiltsBySevenSisters@gmail.com
FASTING BROTHERS is growing: Groups of men offering various forms of fasting to augment the prayer efforts of a Seven Sisters group. Each man prayerfully discerns the type of fasting he will offer and commits to fast a designated day of the week (excepting Sunday/Solemnities). Our Chaplain, strongly urges formation of these groups. Anchoresses: let us know the Seven Sisters group to which the Fasting Brothers are linked, name of lead Brother, his contact info and the start date.
LAMP-BEARERS: In January 2020, Lamp-Bearers, so-named for their action of continually ‘filling of their lamps with the oil of prayer’, was launched to pray for the Apostolate at large. Each intercessor prays a minimum of once per week, but many are offering prayers every day. Intentions are gleaned from topics and calendar points in the monthly Communique and also sent to members on the second or third Sunday of the month. Additional intercessors welcomed. Those desiring to learn more, send an email of interest/inquiry through the Website.
SEVEN SISTERS Guideline BOOKLETS: Available as free download from Web site. Hard copies passed on for printing cost of $2 each + P/H. Order thru Web email with amount desired/address
SEVEN SISTERS Tri-fold BROCHURE: Effectively used in parish pamphlet stands (ask pastor’s approval prior), Adoration Chapels, Retreat Centers, Bags/Packets for Women’s Conferences/Retreats, Women’s clubs, Serra clubs – or simply handing out! Available on Web as free download. Recommend 80# silk for best printing results. May also order through Web site. Indicate address/quantity. 25 for $10 + P/H. Available in ENGLISH and SPANISH.
SEVEN SISTERS Tri-fold LITANY for PRIESTS: Beautifully printed on 100# silk (a bit thicker than brochures). Original artwork (inspired by the Diary of St Faustina) by Seven Sister in Minnesota, Litany by Richard Cardinal Cushing. 25 for $10 + P/H. Available in ENGLISH and SPANISH.
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. Visit the Web site. Click on ABOUT folder and scroll to bottom, choose: IN REMEMBRANCE. Follow prompts… OR you may submit info via the Website email. Please check site monthly for additions and to pray!
PRIEST who has PASSED to ETERNAL REST: If the priest for whom you pray has entered eternal life, the group may be led to continue to pray for a length of time for the soul of that priest. Perhaps a novena of Holy Hours or the offering of holy Mass(es) for the priest. You will know. Some groups have/are offering Holy Hours for an entire year for their beloved deceased priest. Groups may be started following the death of a priest that did not have a group prior. This is commendable and welcomed. Please register these special groups through the Web site.
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. Expect a few days for translation. Commitment Prayer/Guidelines Booklet in Spanish (on the Web – free download).
