Greetings to dearest Sisters in Christ – If you are reading this, you have recently prayerfully bound yourself for either the first time, or for another year, to regularly pray for one priest/bishop. Heaven and earth applaud you. This is no small thing! Nothing given to God remains small. History reminds what the Lord does with loaves and fish and when a toe is dipped in the water and when a peasant girl says “yes”. In wisdom and joy let us surrender even now all of our anticipated Holy Hours to God’s Providence and together see what He will do!
I vividly remember leaning against my mother’s knee as a little one, asking for prayer. While a usual occurrence, one afternoon Mom’s response was new: “I will pray with you.” That maternal whisper awakened within a newfound confidence that God would listen to me too. My fledgling perspective affirmed that my mother was the quintessential intercessor, but she pointedly called that forth in me. That moment and those that followed – now long into years – fostered something that remains important. As Christians, we are in this together!
Our dedicated prayers as Seven Sisters bind us as family. Sisters in Christ. One heart of prayer. Acts 1:14 is living and active to us: “All these with one accord devoted themselves to prayer together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” Our loyalty to prayer brings us before the Sacrament of Unity, where our Lord’s influence is paramount. Sometimes written prayers of the holy ones – in heaven or on earth – bolster both our prayers and us. Images and sacramentals have an effect. Even silence serves. Acts 1:14 points to something additional. Our unity, our one accord, can be fortified as we actively pray together. The united actions of Jesus, Mary and our fellow Seven Sisters intercessors knowingly impact our Holy Hours. What about our priestly brothers in Christ? Are we praying only for them – or with them too?!
Priests and bishops pray. What, when, where and how certainly varies, yet these men in Christ do share common prayers. All clergy are obliged to daily pray the Divine Office (Liturgy of the Hours). This ancient meditative prayer of the Church marks the hours of each day with a rhythm of prayer. Knowing this is a “given” in the day of a priest/bishop can serve as a way of praying alongside. On your designated Apostolate day, pray or review the LOH prayers. Something there may strike you to bring deeper into prayer, beseeching graces for the good of your priestly prayer recipient, who is offering those very same prayers. Reviewing the LOH prayer for this purpose might have the effect of nurturing your own discipline to desire to pray the Hours. Now that would truly be “coming alongside” in prayer!
Priests and bishops offer holy Mass. This highest form of prayer of our Faith is brimming with prayer excerpts to “echo” on behalf of a priest/bishop. Slowly and meditatively review the prayers of the Mass as if learning of it for the first time. Prepare to pause at the places where the presider alone offers particular prayers. Wrap these in special intercession for the priest/bishop to comprehend these prayers more personally, intensely, sincerely. Appreciate the value of the Eucharistic Prayers (I-IV) and how they can serve to impact the one repeatedly uttering them. The words of institution are the most astounding prayers proclaimed on the planet. Imploring a more perfected identification with these words might be how you are led in prayer for a priest/bishop. Through Him and With Him and In Him. This is the presider’s declaration of adoration, fidelity and perfect kinship with Jesus. What a solid, gripping prayer to resound for the priest/bishop for whom you pray. Every Mass contains the Lord’s Prayer. Imploring each word and promise for the life of the priest/bishop could fittingly satiate a full Holy Hour. It is the prayer taught to us by Christ Himself and contained in the living words of Scripture, which thus hold the promise that they will not return void! Considering the final blessing of holy Mass, the words of the saintly bishop, St Francis de Sales, give insight: “At the blessing, we should think that Jesus Christ is at that moment giving us His own blessing.” How suitable to pray that the priest/bishop becomes more fully mindful of this commission at each Mass.
The gamut for the prayer occupations of our priests/bishops is profoundly wide and deep. In addition to the Divine Office and holy Mass, consider the scores of prayers linked with offering the Sacraments, blessings of every sort, Holy Hours, Rosaries, devotional reading, the constant cascade of intercessory prayer requests. The life of the priest/bishop is a full life of prayer. Perhaps as they lean against the knee of Mother Church asking for prayer, a sure whisper meets them, reminding them that Seven Sisters earnestly devote themselves to pray for them and pray with them. For truly, we are in one accord with Jesus, Mary, our sisters and our brothers. We are in this together!
United in prayer, fasting 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 that registered in JUNE to cover more priests in daily prayer: Additional groups in Africa (Cameroon), Central America (Belize: NEW country), Eastern Asia (Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan: NEW countries), Europe (Italy), Northern Ireland (Downpatrick) and these USA states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisianna, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, and Washington. Currently 4200+ active groups in 32 countries. Our sure mission in every diocese of every country: Let no shepherd be left behind!
RECENT … and AHEAD on the calendar:
> Gratitude to Colleen D for organizing a beautiful Mass, informational and Recommitment prayer time. (Woodbury, MN) on 1 June. Another priest is assigned there now, another group is coming!
> Gratitude for invitation of At Home with Jim and Joy (EWTN). Two shows aired 5,6 June regarding Seven Sisters. What super supporters these two are to us! Links to shows on our website.
> Gratitude to Leone B (and team) for organizing a full and meaningful Apostolate event on 8 June in the Archdiocese of Dubuque (IA) celebrating 10 years of the Apostolate presence there!
> Gratitude to Seattle (WA) Diocesan Coordinator, Holly D, for organizing the 3rd annual Day of Reflection and Renewal on 8 June in Olympia. 150 in attendance with lots to share!
Well-designed Apostolate T-shirts & hoodies available. Inquiries: sevensistersseattle@gmail.com
> Gratitude to Galveston-Houston (TX) Diocesan Coordinator, Heidi G, for organizing a time of Reflection and Renewal on 7 June. 125 in attendance. Fastest growing group numbers currently!
> Gratitude to St Cloud (MN) Diocesan Coordinator, Carrie E, for organizing the annual Reflection and Renewal gathering on June 29. These ladies are faithful and committed!
> May thru October 2024. Join me! Pray for one Bishop in the USA each day in this season of prayer offered through the Shepherd Project. Prayer emailed daily. championshrine.org/shepherd-project
> 17-21 July. National Eucharistic Congress. Indianapolis, IN. 10th National Eucharistic Congress – Official Website Pass out brochures! Let us imitate our Lord with personal invitation!
> 7 Sept. 2nd annual Time of Reflection and Fellowship. Getting to Know our Patrons. Diocese of KC-St Joseph (Missouri). Will incl Mass, lunch, 3 talks, Q&A. Judy: sevensisterskcsj@gmail.com
> 21 Sept. Day of Reflection. “Fiat!” Blessed Sacrament (Hibbing, MN). 8-2:30 pm. $20 suggested donation, incl Mass, talks, lunch +++! Anna: sevensistersduluth@gmail.com or 218-565-0122
MATTERS of the HEART:
- “Peggy was a beautiful woman of faith. She texted me while in the hospital to ask if she could offer her holy hour from her hospital room. I assured her she could. A short week later our Lord called Peggy home to Himself. Her family mentioned in her eulogy how important Seven Sisters was in their wife/mother’s life.” Eternal rest grant unto Peggy, O Lord… (Beth (Anchoress), Georgia)
- “There have been and are so many graces for the Church, her priests, and for the Sisters praying. May God continue to bless this beautiful Apostolate. Know of my prayers.” (Joan, Minnesota)
- “I have a lot of respect for my priests and seeing the way they work with so much difficulties. I said to myself only prayers can help them achieve the mission assigned to them. With the Seven Sisters Apostolate it is a very unique opportunity to do so. Thank you!” (Ayamba, Cameroon, Africa)
- “This experience has been so fruitful and a complete blessing to our Pastor. In our parish the Apostolate has really become a ministry of prayer and sisterhood. My husband took up the mantle of leading Fasting Brothers and has 16 men fasting with 3 more currently discerning.” (Nellie, Ohio)
- “I heard about the Seven Sisters while at bible study. I fell in love with the idea of praying for our priest and asked to join. Such a beautiful group of women. I am proud to be a sister.” (Maureen, Florida)
- “I don’t normally watch TV, especially mid-day, but there was Jim and Joy (EWTN) talking with Janette. This touched my heart because I have many friends that get very upset about the state of the world. Seven Sisters gives me something tangible to pray for to make a difference.” (Cheryl, Alabama)
- “I am a retired preschool teacher so when Father shared his concern about retirement I identified with those feelings. It wasn’t difficult to find others with the same thought.” (Linda, Indiana)
- “I was on retreat last weekend and someone started telling me about Seven Sisters Apostolate. I was hooked. This is exactly what I was looking for.” (Patricia, Illinois)
- “Prayers for the leaders of our church are vital, always and until Jesus returns. Our pastor oversees a cluster of parishes and is often overwhelmed, as many of our priests today. We must do this. In our quiet way, we are flooding heaven with prayers. Our Lord in His goodness hears and responds. I cannot go through this life without a priest giving me the gift of Jesus in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. We must do this. So, pray, pray, pray, pray, pray, pray, pray! (Mary, Montana)
ELIJAH’s HELPERS: Intercessors in this group are dedicated to offering Holy Hours for priests in various forms of crisis (no names known). These are special Hours for special circumstances and carry special supportive graces. It is growing! Please consider this vital, hope-filled offering for our priests! All inquiries to Nancy at ElijahsHelpers@gmail.com or cell: 612-756-1107. She will help!
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’, was launched to pray for the Apostolate at large. Each intercessor offers prayers every day for the Apostolate. 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. 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.
SPANISH translation of Communique: Posted (and archived) on the Website. The translation link is sent with every Communique. Commitment Prayer/Guidelines Booklet in Spanish (on the Website – free download)