December 2025 Communique Dec PDF Download
Greetings to dearest Sisters in Christ as together we welcome the arrival of a fresh, all-invigorating new liturgical year. Although its opener, the Advent season, begins within nature’s darkest, coldest season, it loses no time to herald the certain coming of the Light of the World. Advent has been concisely described as a season of hope to nurture peace and experience joy in anticipation of the love made incarnate through Jesus. Our Advent wreathes are set aflame with this truth. Seven Sisters might keep that glowing going through the graces of the rich readings and biblical themes of Advent to enliven our Apostolate prayers. May we remain aware that all the while we live these Advent and Christmastide days, we are within the concluding, lingering embrace of the Jubilee Year (all the way until January 6). And Sisters, this will not happen for another 25 years. Truly we are given every opportunity for every grace and blessing.
Sometimes things are so close or too familiar that we miss seeing them. Let us consider figuratively lighting a candle each week in Advent to reflect anew on how its theme may guide our thoughts and Apostolate prayers. The priest for whom we pray is embracing these same liturgical themes. In considering the first and second comings of Christ, let us allow the sacred mission of Advent to influence our prayer offerings.
+HOPE: The first candle (Prophecy Candle) hearkens us to Isaiah’s foretelling of the birth of Christ and God’s promises that would be fulfilled through the birth of the Messiah, Jesus. Our hope is rooted in the unchanging nature of God, who is our Hope. Our related prayers for the priest/bishop might include his growth in the theological virtue of hope; his perseverance in a current personal difficulty; or a sharpened ability to offer hopeful pastoral words or counsel in due season.
+PEACE: The second candle (Bethlehem Candle) portrays the journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Building on the hope of the Prophecy Candle that after all of the division, destruction, and dispersion of the kingdom in the Old Testament, peace on Earth seems within reach. Jesus is the royalty of Peace, the Prince. Jesus does not live aside from the Names He bears, but perfectly lives them. Our related prayers for the priest/bishop might include his growing ability to embrace tranquility in the midst of a day’s challenges; his action toward seeking reconciliation for himself or others; or that he might embody and be witness to a peace that surpasses all understanding.
+JOY: The third candle (Shepherd’s Candle) ushers us into a joyful expectancy and action akin to the shepherds who journeyed to Jesus in Bethlehem and also regarding our swelling joy in His anticipated return. Our related prayers for the priest/bishop might include an ever-growing interior intensity that God is ever-near and works all for good; becoming an authentic lighthouse of joy for others; or that he may serve as an unwavering model of surrendering to God’s Will in and with joy.
+ LOVE: The fourth candle (Angel’s Candle), points to the message of God’s love heralded through the angels at Christ’s birth. Our related prayers for the priest/bishop might include opening wider still the doors of his heart to receive God’s love to be a generous conduit for others; casting out fear in himself and others due to a growing wellspring of love; or influencing conversations through words that are seasoned with merciful and healing love.
Our Advent days look to the future based on the surety of the past, and yet remaining true to a present reality. Our Lord comes to us further than we go to Him. He came so very low… to the lowliness and dirt of stable. He meets us in this intersection of time and offers the abundant gift of His graces. His most generous Gift remains the genius of the Incarnation. All gifts flow from the reality of this. Let us intensify our prayers for our Brothers in Christ in celebration of such a gift – and may we never tire, never wane, never quit… and may we find benefit and abundance of graces in journeying these Advent days very much alongside them and with them … in the glow of the Advent candles.
United in prayer, fasting and mission…that our prayers may find the heart of every bishop and priest Eternal gratitude continues as you each offer a daily wee Hail Mary for me. “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 emails, notes and calls always arrive to my heart door at the just the right moment! Financial sacrifices are for 100% furtherance of the Apostolate. Your letters of testimony are beautiful and edifying! What glory is given to God through them! 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 that registered in NOVEMBER to cover more priests in daily prayer: Additional groups in the Archdiocese of Washington, DC, Canada (Calgary), Mexico, Spain, Uganda and these USA states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. Internationally there are now over 5400 groups (of at least 7 intercessors – many have more) in 6 continents, 36 countries, all 50 USA states and most Provinces in Canada. Currently there are 8 groups for Pope Leo registered. More welcomed!
RECENT … and AHEAD on the calendar:
> Gratitude to Doreen/team for hosting Annual Reflection on 1 Nov in Archdiocese St Paul-Mpls
> Gratitude to Bsp Ned/Amanda/team for hosting 8 Nov Day of Retreat for Atlanta, GA area
> 14 Dec, Sun: Solemn Chanted Vespers. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. 4-5 pm. Fr Paul Felix. Church of the Annunciation (Houston, TX). Wine & Cheese Reception t/f. Open to friends/family of Seven Sisters also. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050844AEA723ABFA7-60595176-advent#/
> Link to quality Apostolate T-shirts (short & long sleeved and hoodies) Eye-catching monstrance design. https://www.bonfire.com/seven-sisters-apostolate OR sevensistersseattle@gmail.com
MATTERS of the HEART:
- “Recognizing the immense power of the Mystical Body of Christ when united in prayer—and the profound need to support our priests—I knew immediately that the Seven Sisters Apostolate was something I wanted to be part of. I have found a tangible way to offer spiritual support—quietly, consistently, and in union with others who share the same desire to uphold our clergy in prayer. Each Holy Hour is not just an offering for one priest, but a moment of deep communion with Christ, who Himself intercedes for His Church. In that sacred silence, I am reminded that prayer, though unseen, strengthens the very foundation of the Church and unites us in a hidden network of grace that sustains those who shepherd us.” (Julie, Michigan)
- “I grew up in the Catholic faith and have fallen away multiple times due to various circumstances. Every time, God has been so merciful and loving, He places a priest in my life that brings me back to the Church. The priest rekindles the flame for Jesus. The priests sacrifice so much to be shepherds for so many souls. I feel the very least I can do is pray for them.” (Stacy, Texas)
- “When our parish added a third priest, I readily joined. Your website is amazing. Thank you for all the treasures found within.” (Ann Marie, Indiana)
- “I was introduced to the Apostolate from a brochure. The moment I read about it, my heart was drawn to the concept. I have been humbled at how quickly the ladies I invited have been eager to say yes.” (Amy, Missouri)
- “I have become more and more convicted of how desperately our priests need our prayers! We need good strong and holy shepherds of our flocks, and our priests have quite the burden to carry!” (Rosie, Kansas)
- “I feel blessed to pray for our priest. It is something I can do behind the scenes to help. My prayer time has been very peaceful. I love the recommended prayers. I now even go in other days when I’m free to sit in front of the tabernacle. I was asked to be an Anchoress and have a great team of prayerful women.” (Alicia, Florida)
- “We often reach out to our parish priest inviting them to our home for meals and celebrations. I feel the Lord has placed on my heart the importance of including them in our family’s lives. Participating in the ministry of Seven Sisters adds another layer of service to our priests.” (Jennifer, Massachusetts)
- “I first became involved as a substitute, stepping in to pray when needed. It didn’t take long before I felt a strong calling to become a permanent part of this unbroken chain of prayer for our priests.” (Aide, Indiana)
ELIJAH’s HELPERS: Intercessors in this group are dedicated to offering Holy Hours for priests in various forms of crisis (no names known) within a particular Diocese. These special Hours for special circumstances carry special supportive graces. It is growing! Please consider this vital, hope-filled offering for our priests! Inquiries about stating a group: sevensistersapostolate@gmail.com
PRO PACE (Latin, for peace): In Nov 2024 an opportunity opened to pray for the souls of priests in Purgatory. Groups of seven are to band together. The commitment for each intercessor will be to attend holy Mass on one’s unique day every week and offer one’s personal Mass intention and personal Communion for the souls of priests in Purgatory. Anchoress: registration forms on the Website.
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 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. Form on the Website for FB leader to register.
LAMP-BEARERS: Lamp-Bearers, so-named for their action of continually ‘filling of their lamps with the oil of prayer’, pray for the Apostolate at large. Each intercessor offers prayers of her choice every day, and prays for two unique countries to increase prayer efforts for priests. Intentions are gleaned from topics and calendar points in the Communique and sent to members on the second or third Sunday of the month. Additional intercessors ever-welcomed. Inquire through 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. 50 cents each or 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. 50 cents each or 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.