November 2025 Communiqué

Download the November 2025 Communique Here

Greetings to dearest Sisters in Christ as together we cross this month’s threshold into the bright and glorious Solemnity of All Saints.   Here we rejuvenate our thoughts to remember that while our baptism opens us to a sufficiency of God’s graces for this journey Homeward, the fullness of sanctity will be possessed in heaven.  We have a road set before us to trek!  As newly canonized St Carlo Acutis reminds, “Heaven has been waiting for us forever.”  November 1st should rouse that deep hope in all who follow Christ, but maybe especially Seven Sisters, for this is the concerted aim of our prayers: sanctity for the recipient of our prayers – nothing less!  And in the ways of God, we full well know that we too, in and through our offerings of prayers, become wealthy with graces. “By standing before the Eucharistic Christ, we become holy” (St Carlo Acutis). 

On this Solemnity (2006) Pope Benedict XVI delivered a stirring homily offering several thoughts that Seven Sisters might find useful to incorporate in the Holy Hour:

1. 1. Looking at the shining example of the Saints reawakens within us the great longing to be like them.  All priests share the prayerful discipline of the Liturgy of the Hours and the Liturgical calendar where testimonies of saints present themselves daily and abundantly.  Perhaps pray that these examples will enkindle renewed yearning for personal sanctity.
   2. (The Saints) are all brought together by the common desire to incarnate the Gospel in their lives under the impulse of the Holy Spirit… This speaks for itself toward a powerful way to pray for the recipient of our prayers.  Come, Holy Spirit.  You are the Lord and Giver of new life!
   3. To be a Saint requires neither extraordinary actions or works nor the possession of exceptional charisms.  Let us more intentionally allow the Holy Spirit to guide our prayers as to His Will and Way for the one priest/bishop for whom we pray.  Our Lord works in and through the ordinary.
   4. The Church’s experience shows that every form of holiness, even if it follows different paths, always passes through the Way of the Cross, the way of self-denial.   Here rests the vital element toward sanctity. Seven Sisters appear remarkably sensitive to when and how to offer prayers of support when the exterior/interior rough waters arrive for the priest/bishop for whom prayers are tendered.  Pope Benedict’s point seems to urge prayer for greater surrender to God’s Will.
   5. Holiness demands a constant effort, but it is possible for everyone because, rather than a human effort, it is first and foremost a gift of God, thrice Holy.  This thought can serve to build confidence that our prayers are not too lofty, but fitting to God’s gift for every priest/bishop.

• The Beatitudes show us the spiritual features of Jesus…this mystery …and invites us to follow Jesus and thus walk toward it.  Utilizing the Beatitudes as a guide of praying for sanctity for a priest/bishop will surely prove fruitful – for them and us!

• The Saints are friends and models of life for us. Let us invoke them so that they may help us to imitate them and strive to respond generously, as they did, to the divine call. In particular, let us invoke Mary, Mother of the Lord and mirror of all holiness.  The Apostolate Work has a plethora of Saintly advocates to call upon.  Beseeching increased friendships with them for our priest/bishop is prudent. Seven Sisters already cultivate and bear the habit during every Holy Hour to plead for an increased devotion to Mary for the priest/bishop.  Truly, as the Holy Father states in this homily, she is the mirror of all holiness.

The unyielding, probing gaze of the woman in Cynthia Sheppard’s painting can serve to remind that we too are fully embraced in the call to holiness, life’s wonderful adventure with Christ (St JPII). As we present our sacrifices of prayers for our priests, we are not forgotten by heaven.  Our individual fiats to the Apostolate work – for this time, for His purposes – all lean toward the goal of holiness!  Together we anticipate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (Nov 23) marking the culmination of the liturgical year.  He Himself speaks to us:  Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense, to repay every one for what he has done (Rev 22:12).  Let us unite in confidence with the prayer of the Church: “Christus vincit! Christus regnat! Christus imperat!”.

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 OCTOBER to cover more priests in daily prayer:  Additional groups in Canada (Ontario), Portugal (Lisbon) and these USA states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.  Internationally there are now over 5300 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:

> Champion Shrine’s Shepherd Project has concluded.  Seven Sisters look forward to praying next year.

> Gratitude to Doris & Anna for hosting a Day of Reflection on 4 Oct in Pine City, MN.

> Gratitude to Brigid & Ana for hosting an evening of Reflection on 9 Oct for Oklahoma City Diocese

> Gratitude to Susan & Jean for hosting 4th annual Retreat on 11 Oct for the Baltimore Archdiocese

> Gratitude to Rhonda for hosting a Day of Renewal on 18 Oct for Diocese of Lincoln (Nebraska)

> Gratitude to Judy for hosting annual Retreat on 25 Oct for Diocese of Kansas City-St Joe (Missouri)

> Sat, 1 Nov: 12th Annual Reflection/Renewal (St P-Mpls). The Holy Influence of Beauty. Maternity of Mary, St Paul.  8-2:30. Holy Mass (Archbsp Hebda presider), Priest schola, talks (Frs Johnson, Andrie, Howe), Vintage vestment display, Lunch, Testimonies. $30. Contact sevensistersstpaul@gmail.com

>Fri, 7 Nov: Annual Day of Prayer for all deceased members of the Seven Sisters Apostolate. 

>Sat, 8 Nov: Day Retreat/fellowship.  Heritage Retreat Center (Crawfordville, GA) Mass celebrant: Bsp Ned Schlesinger.  Curbing Distractions in Prayer (Janette).  Contact:  ahailey@archatl.com

> 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: 

• “Hi! I am a senior at University of St. Thomas! I heard about the Seven Sisters through my mom, so I joined about a year ago. Through my experience, I learned how to pray for a priest and thank God for everything they do. I am excited to be the new anchoress for this year!” (Jacqueline, Texas)

• “7+ for 1 borne from love and gratitude. Sometimes you can almost feel the bonds growing.  It’s called the Body of Christ!  And the shepherds and their flocks are loving it!” (Carmen, Kansas)

• “As soon as I looked up the info, it resonated. The charism of intercession is one I have been discerning, so it made sense that the Holy Spirit would lead me this direction.  I contacted our local anchoress and our pastor was already covered each day, so I offered to be a backup. The next day we found out that we have a new parochial vicar!  This was another God-wink that this is for me.” (Amy, Florida)

• “After Sunday mass one week, it was on my heart that our pastor had so much responsibility on his shoulders and could use prayer.  Within a few weeks, a woman involved in Seven Sisters in a nearby church asked if I would be interested in starting a group.  I’m honored to be able to do this.”  (Frances, Pennsylvania)

• • “In July I attended a retreat in Montana.  Three ladies from Wisconsin were describing the wonders of the Apostolate. I said WOW!  Every priest needs and deserves this.  I started a group.” (Marianne, Florida)
  • “Thank you for your support and information.  I take this position (as Anchoress) seriously and will honor Father and my Father in heaven too.” (Lu, Florida)

• “3 years ago (age 29), I was confirmed and received the Holy Eucharist. My love for the Church, the Sacraments, and Christ continually grows. I was asked to pray for our Priest, becoming a Seven Sister and a part of this beautiful ministry! I had a wonderful year praying for our amazing Priest. This is an absolutely vital ministry, all Priests need prayers, and I do hope this can spread to every Parish!” (Shawna, New York)

• “Our priest attributes sustenance of his priesthood on the power & graces of these Hours.” (Tobey, Wisconsin)

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 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.