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 [email protected] 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: [email protected]
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 [email protected]
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 [email protected] 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: [email protected]. 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: [email protected]
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 [email protected]
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 [email protected] 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: [email protected]. 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: [email protected]
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 [email protected]
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 – The holy fires of Pentecost (June 5) reach us and seem to fittingly launch our deeply cherished month of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. The universal time of recommitment in accepting the invitation given us for this Work is on or near the Solemnity (this year, June 24). We unite in pledge and in prayer!
When our son, Spencer, turned 6 or so, we extended invitations seeking “shipmates” to search for a hidden treasure in a nearby beach. (Yes, adults and life jackets for all in the canoes). The summons took the form of a parchment “map” with charred edges. It was rolled, dropped in a bottle alongside sand and rocks, capped with a cork and delivered to the doorsteps of a few neighborhood chums.
Sometimes invitations take resources and pre-planning, most often they arrive in the spontaneity of the breaths of life itself. We are formed by the profusion of both the small and soaring daily invitations we receive and our responses to them. Invitations are sometimes subtle, sometimes sly, sometimes misjudged. At times we can backtrack from regrettable choices, other times we bear consequences.
Our Faith is rich with invitations of the best kind because they follow the Master Himself who is generous and trustworthy in invitation: Come and see (John 1:39); Follow Me (Mark 1:7) Come unto Me, all that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matt 11:28). To Zacchaeus: Come down, for today I must abide in your house (Luke 19:5) and to his friend: Lazarus, come forth (John 11:43). Not even the grave can thwart His call.
Sacred Liturgy, formed by both oral and written Tradition, echo the truth, goodness and beauty that mark the invitations of the Trinity. Grace, peace and mercy are extended throughout our Liturgies, inviting us ever-deeper into that river of graces that prepares us to receive both the living Word and the living Bread. Concurrently, a beckoning to offer heartfelt praise and glory to God is woven throughout. At the proper time, we burst into a chorus of Alleluia, Alleluia (literally “Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord”), inviting the reading of the Gospel, where we fittingly stand to listen and catch every word. We are invited (and often challenged) to live more deeply, as its truths are unfolded through the homily. Prayers and silences prepare us for the profound moments of consecration, that we may hear and respond properly to the invitation to the supper of the Lamb. This Sacrament of Unity unites us as one, but also touches each as a unique individual. That is indeed an invitation par excellence! In the remaining moments of the Mass, a final Trinitarian blessing is extended inviting us to go forth in renewed zeal and strength to fulfill God’s Will in our daily lives. We are blessed to be a blessing!
In these continuing uncertain times, this powerful and sure invitation can ironically seem fragile or even impossible. This month especially, Seven Sisters should sense the exact opposite. In our recommitment to the prayer support for our shepherds, we are poised to take this invitation surely and seriously. We are poised to imitate the way of the Master Himself and extend invitation to others to join in the work He has called us to in sacrifices of prayers for priests. Our work strengthens the priest and strengthens the Church. Yes, we are blessed to be a blessing! And why not call forth more blessing in these times that try to silence the invitations of Christ Himself. The Church is currently undergoing a Eucharistic Revival and our prayers are potent fuel for these efforts. Let us throw the nets far and wide in invitation for others to join in these efficacious endeavors of praying for priests through the offering of seamless Holy Hours. In this Revival we will need fortified and tireless priests!
You may not sense the nudge to invite someone to the prayer efforts of the Apostolate by dropping off a corked bottle at their doorstep. Be assured, there is a way that best suits you and those you may ask. Perhaps it may come in the echo of the Master Himself, “Come and see” …“Can you not watch … for an hour?” …“Follow me…I will show you how”. Over and again, I receive testimonies from women who joined our efforts because of the personal invitation of another. Such invitations hold eternal promise – for the impetus is love, the eternal thing. To those anxious about the future of the world or the future of the Church, to all who might question the place of charity in a world who has abandoned God, let us find encouragement in the words found in the Apostolate Guidelines Booklet from Pope Benedict XVI: “Love is never finished.”
May we solicit the aid of our Advocate, the Holy Spirit, “O Holy Spirit, descend plentifully into my heart…. Scatter there Thy cheerful beams” (St Augustine). Then, let us go forth, with joy, dear Sisters in Christ, to spread the good news of God’s work through the merits of this Apostolate – and invite!
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.
Heartfelt welcome: New groups registered in MAY to cover more priests in daily prayer: Additional groups in British Columbia (Canada), Cameroon (Africa), Co. Derry (Ireland) and these USA states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. We pray daily for priests and bishops on 6 continents, 25 countries, all 50 USA states, and nearly every Province in Canada.
Reminders: (1) Gather together as many as possible to offer the commitment prayer. (2) If the priest you pray for is reassigned, continue praying until he finishes, then your group will pray for the priest who takes on that role of service of the former priest. (3) Distinct Anchoress for each group. If you are Anchoress for more than one group, please pass the baton to another to share in the joy of leadership. (4) Bishop groups have 21 intercessors, one Anchoress. (5) Holy Hours are the offering through this Apostolate work. Ideal is before the Blessed Sacrament exposed. Prayer before the Tabernacle is acceptable. (6) Contact your Anchoress, volunteer Coordinator in Diocese, or Website for questions.
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 [email protected] or cell: 612-756-1107.
ANNUAL Holy Card Design: As promised, this Communique announces that the upcoming Holy Card design was submitted by Susan S who prays for priests in Minnesota. Her beautiful icon of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is surrounded by these calligraphed words: Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart. As I read this my own heart leaped with a sure recognition that this is the unceasing invitation to every woman who commits to prayer for priests through the Apostolate! Know I remain very, very grateful to all the others who submitted their works of love.
RECENT … and AHEAD on the calendar:
> Gratitude to Katie for a well-organized and well-attended informational at Sacred Heart parish in rural Norfolk, NE, on Thurs, 05/05/22. These ladies love to pray and know how to cook!
> Gratitude to Fr Gary Coulter for invitation to Janette to offer a silent retreat at Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House, Waverly, NE, on 05/6-7/22. Topic: Inseparable: Our Eucharistic Lord and Our Lady. We employed the use of Visio Divina.
> Gratitude to Kristen & Natalie (North Platte, NE) requesting Janette join them for their weekly Zoom Rosary (Facebook) on 05/11/22. What a generous endorsement they gave to the Apostolate work!
> Gratitude to Kathy, the Bible Chicks and Fr Michael of St Dominic’s in San Francisco, CA, for hosting a 05/21/22 Retreat. Prayer: opening the heart wider still. Archbishop Cordileone joined us in the afternoon, offered a reflection, personal blessing to Janette and to all those in attendance. WOW!
> Sat, 06/04/22: St Mary’s Cathedral, St Cloud, MN. Day of Reflection, Prayer, Recommitment. 8:30-2:45. Talks: Fr Brady Keller/Fred Blonigan. $15. Contact: Laura at [email protected]
> Sat, 06/11/22: Morning of Renewal: Getting to Know our Patrons. St Vincent de Paul, Ft Wayne, IN. Talks: Fr Daniel Scheidt/Janette. Contact Tammie: [email protected]
> Sat, 06/18/22: Retreat and Recommitment. St. Michael Westside Chapel (Olympia, WA). All are welcome. Contact Holly: [email protected]
MATTERS of the HEART:
Ø “Recently attended the retreat on Mary & the Eucharist at the Good Counsel Retreat Center in Waverly, Nebraska. It was a blessed weekend, and I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to attend. I wanted to share a grace that I received in doing Visio Divina with the Madonna of the Grapes. As I looked at the painting, the way Jesus was holding Mary’s veil captured my attention. It seemed to me that there must be more to that than just Jesus’ playfulness as a baby. I pondered this, and it seemed to me that Jesus was inviting us behind the veil. Mary veiled Jesus’ divinity by giving him flesh in the Incarnation, just as Jesus’ divinity is veiled in the Eucharist under the appearances of bread and wine. It seemed to me that Jesus is saying “Come and see,” inviting us to enter the mysteries behind the veil of the appearances of bread and wine and the human flesh He took on.” (Prefers anonymous, Nebraska)
Ø “Words cannot express the experience of partaking in this protective dome of grace surrounding our priests through our prayers.” (Sandy, Wisconsin)
Ø “Two years ago, I became a Seven Sister. I was so unsure but once I started in Adoration I was swept away by the love and mercy found there in listening, asking how prayers should be directed, and focusing on supporting our priest. It has become a favorite time in my week.” (Mary Ann, Wisconsin)
Ø “What called my attention is the commitment and true need for our prayers in gratitude for our priests. Father E is an incredible priest, always supporting the community, helping with vocations, keeping our community, ministries, and activities running, and bringing new people into our Church. His efforts, energy, ideas, and guidance are greatly appreciated. Having the opportunity to commit together with sisters from my community to pray for him is such a blessing. I cannot thank God enough for giving us, faithful priests who dedicate their entire life to serving others. (Karla, Texas)
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 [email protected]
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 in these reflective April Lenten days into Holy Week into the jubilant Alleluia-rich Eastertide. Let us live the days with attention and responsiveness.
The protracted days of the Lenten season grant one’s soul the gift of opportunities to ponder the Way of Christ. One such scene is our sorrowful and troubled (Mt 26:37b) Lord in the Garden of Gethsemane. Withdrawing with the three disciples closest to Him, He takes refuge in a familiar place. Hofmann’s portrayal is a motivating detailed piece for unhurried meditation. The disciples have been directed to pray. Three times the Lord pauses from His own prayer to find they have succumbed to drowsiness. “Could you not keep watch with Me for one hour?”
At its core, this is the inherent invitation posed to a woman considering Holy Hour offerings as a Seven Sister. Yes, at the heart, the intercessor assenting to the commitment is responding to Christ Himself. One-to-one. He asks for cooperation, a friendship in prayer, regarding matters of immense importance. One hour, watchful. The summons continues to echo through the centuries. “Could you not keep watch with Me for one hour?” Our Lord endures in intercession for and with us as we pray for His brother priests. He does not forsake us in our sacrifices of prayer, but rather joins us in an intimate companionship in, with and through the prayer. He is beckoning us into the conversations and doings of heaven! Thy Will on earth as in heaven. What a comfort and fortification all at once.
Considering Our Lord in the Garden might move one to be reminded that sacred Scripture often alludes to images of the gardens of our own hearts. Here prayer finds its roots. Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord (Hosea 10:12). Our Lord nurtures, cultivates, prunes and waters the virtuous bloom of our hearts for the end result of love. What potential for sweet aroma in this world in desperate need! For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing… (2 Corinthians 2:15).
Every gardener either cultivates or yearns for roses! Since ancient times, roses symbolized God at work. The red rose has long been linked with love, beauty and martyrdom, so likely the cultivated garden of the heart of every Christian manifest the noteworthy blooms! Our Blessed Mother bears the titles of Mystical Rose and the Rose without Thorns. She is often portrayed with a crown of roses, as is the icon of the Immaculate Heart. At Lourdes, St Bernadette described Mary as having a yellow rose on each foot. A profusion of roses cascaded from St Juan Diego’s opened tilma, which bore the image of Our Lady. Rosary prayers are commonly spoken of as sending roses heavenward. St. Elizabeth of Hungary once carried food under her mantle to distribute to the poor. On her way, she unexpectedly met her husband who forbade this almsgiving. He opened her mantle, finding not food, but a bouquet of roses. As she lay dying St Thérèse of Lisieux shared: “After my death, I will let fall a shower of roses. I will spend my heaven doing good upon earth. I will raise up a mighty host of little saints.” She poetically captured the essence of a self-emptying heart, desiring to give all to Christ, in her poem, An Unpetalled Rose (translation: Donald Kinney, OCD). All emphases by St Thérèse herself.
Jesus, when I see you held by your Mother,
Leaving her arms, trying, trembling, your first steps on our sad earth,
Before you I’d like to unpetal a rose in its freshness,
so that your little foot might rest ever so softly on a flower!
This unpetalled rose is the faithful images, Divine Child, of the heart
that wants to sacrifice itself for you unreservedly at each moment.
Lord, on your altars more than one new rose likes to shine.
It gives itself to you… but I dream of something else: To Be Unpetalled!
The rose in its splendor can adorn your feast, Lovable Child,
but the unpetalled rose is just flung out to blow away.
An unpetalled rose gives itself unaffectedly to be no more.
Like it, with joy I abandon myself to you, Little Jesus.
One walks on rose petals with no regrets, and this debris is a
simple ornament that one disposes of artlessly, that I’ve understood.
Jesus, for your love I’ve squandered my life, my future.
In the eyes of men, a rose forever withered, I must die!
For you, I must die, Child, Beauty Supreme, what a blessed fate!
In being unpetalled, I want to prove to you that I love you, O my treasure!
Under your baby steps, I want to live here below with mystery, and
I’d like to soften once more on Calvary your last steps!
In Lenten and Eastertide seasons, Our Lord is distinctly set before us as He who emptied Himself completely for love of us. Seven Sisters easily recognize the imitation of this lavishing of love in the lives of our saintly Apostolate patrons, St Mary Magdalene (outpouring of oil) and here in the poetry of St Thérèse. As we take refuge in a familiar place, as Christ Himself took refuge in the Garden to pray, let us seek the graces to cultivate the garden of our hearts of prayer – to desire to love more fully. Perhaps we may soften the steps of the priests/bishops for whom we pray with our unpetalled roses of prayer. Yes, Lord, we will keep watch with You for one hour. Yes, Lord! Yes!
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.
Blessed Easter and Eastertide – all 50 days of rejoicing!
SEVEN SISTERS – in and out and about:
Heartfelt welcome: New groups registered in MARCH to cover more priests in daily prayer: Additional groups in British Columbia (Canada), Ireland (Co. Derry, Northern Ireland), Madrid (Spain), Washington, D.C., and these USA states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia. Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin. We pray daily for priests and bishops on 6 continents, 25 countries, all 50 USA states, and nearly every Province in Canada.
ANNUAL Holy Card Design: The next Apostolate Holy Card will feature the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Submit your design! Render with pen and ink, full color, B/W, watercolor, as an icon, sketch. Inquiries through Website for size details. Will send copies of past years cards, as desired. Artwork due by May 1, 2022.
BOOK study: Seeking someone with KNOW-HOW to coordinate a book study through the Website on A Priest is Not His Own (Sheen). Send interest to do this to [email protected]
RECENT … and AHEAD on the calendar:
> Gratitude to Deb for arranging a gathering of Polish Seven Sisters and the recipient of their prayers, Fr Cyprian. (03/13/22- Holy Cross, Minneapolis, MN).
> Sat, 04/02/22: Des Moines Diocese CCW Conference “Vision for the Future.” Janette will speak in the afternoon regarding the Apostolate. Sts Peter and Paul (Atlantic, IA)
> Thurs, 05/05/22: Informational for Omaha Diocese in Norfolk, NE (Sacred Heart parish). Contact Katie: [email protected]
>05/6-7/22: Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House, Waverly, NE. Janette will conduct the retreat on this topic… Inseparable: Our Eucharistic Lord and Our Lady. Registration through Retreat Web.
>Sat, 05/21/22: St Dominic, San Francisco, CA. Women’s Retreat. Prayer: opening the heart wider still. Janette will offer the reflections. Contact: [email protected] (415) 567-7824 x111
> Sat, 06/11/22: Morning of Renewal: “Getting to Know our Patrons.” St Vincent de Paul, Ft Wayne, IN. Talks: Fr Daniel Scheidt/Janette. Contact Tammie: [email protected]
> Sat, 06/18/22: Retreat and Recommitment. St. Michael Westside Chapel (Olympia, WA). All are welcome. Contact Holly: [email protected]
MATTERS of the HEART:
Ø “Our priests need so much prayer in such a modern time of secularism. Our priests are so crucial to the parish in celebrating Mass, providing the Eucharist and offering us the sacraments. The truth of our Catholic faith has become very unpopular in society and our priests need the support of the faithful.” (Rhonda, Ireland)
Ø “I am a widow 1 – 1/2 years. My love for God has grown deeply in this time due to the encouragement and profound faith of my pastors. I heard about this ministry on Relevant Radio.” (Carol, Minnesota)
Ø “I heard about the Seven Sisters Apostolate through another prayer group. Our priests need prayer. It is the most holy and devout who are often targeted by evil. It is our honor and privilege to join this group of prayer warriors. Thank you for this beautiful invitation to special prayer.” (Patti, Pennsylvania)
Ø “The March Communique made me feel both privileged and blessed to be able to spend an hour praying for a priest or bishop who is carrying on Christ’s counter-culture way of love!” (JoAnne, Minnesota)
Ø “I heartily appreciate the Seven Sisters Apostolate in providing a prayerful structure toward supporting our beloved priests. Your booklet is beautifully written, clear and informative.” (Melissa, Illinois)
Ø “This ministry is so beautiful. Our priests truly appreciate the prayers. It is so dear to our hearts and joy to say I’m going to church to do my “SISTERS HOUR “. Some of us have a particular SISTERS prayer partner to go and pray with, for we have three priests to pray for.” (Wanda, Minnesota)
APPRECIATED and LOVED quilt 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 [email protected]
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!
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).
