Come forth. Go forth.
Greetings to dearest Sisters in Christ – Although perhaps unnoticed by visitors because of its altitude, the stunning granite façade of the Cathedral of St Paul (St Paul, Minnesota) bears a compelling dual invitation of love through Our Lord’s arms, extended in both welcome and commission. Those ample arms seem to beckon those passing by to enter the house of God, “Come forth – and after your visit with Me, Go forth!”
A verbalized benefit by some Seven Sisters is that aside from gathering with your group for an initial, then annual, Commitment prayer, there are no meetings. Drawing the veil to the side just a wee bit, though, one finds that in this Apostolate of “no meetings”, our work is ironically “full of meetings”!
Our spiritual history and heritage richly reveal a God whose love enflames Him to draw near to His created ones. Sacred Scripture preserves images of God routinely walking in the Garden with mankind’s first parents. He meets Abraham repeatedly at the Tent of Meeting, Moses in the blazes of a bush and leans in enough toward every prophet to impart detailed messages. Over the arc of time, countless angelic messengers arrive for impromptu meetings. The earthly life of Jesus discloses His constant union with God the Father, seeking His Will and Way, and in so doing, effecting His earthly encounters. Following, the life of the Holy Spirit literally bursts forth as flame to accompany the nascent Church and the Church now. God comes to meet us in a myriad of ways: past, present, future. His encounters foremost bear His love, and His plans and purposes to live deeper in that love.
Many Seven Sisters have expressed the perception of a lingering and growing inner call to intercession for priests. This is initiated by a closeness of God, a Heart-to-heart meeting. He rouses His love and plan to stretch each heart to greater generosity. How sweet that the Lord sometimes uses another to open the door toward growth of that call. Seven Sisters might have sincerely said, or heard it said, in the excitement of discovering the Apostolate work and in the readiness to begin …when can I go and meet with God? (Ps 42:2b). Our recurrent Hours of offering satisfy, for we meet with Our Lord in His real Presence. Love and faithfulness meet together (Ps 85: 10a). And there are more meetings going on in each Hour! We meet on behalf of another, for the good of another, seeking the Will and Way of God for another, carrying that one to the meeting place in the Heart of God. Oh, Lord, I bring my Brother in Christ to You that You may meet him in all of his needs. In so doing, our hearts seek, listen and meet with the Heart of the Lord to guide our thoughts and prayers. Our Holy Hours are united with others in our prayer efforts. The Sacrament of Unity mystically unites the other intercessors in our prayer group. We meet at the altars. We meet at the Tabernacles. Sometimes we meet for lunch with our sisters. Where two or three have gathered together in My Name, I am there in their midst (Mt 18:20).
Fidelity to our committed Hours release us into a continuation of our day or evening with something more. Every encounter with Christ impacts us. How life-giving is the Come forth and Go forth rhythm of God’s directives and work. He calls us to meet with Him that we might move from that meeting with more – more humility, more trust, more contrition, more understanding, more meditation, more hope, more love, more like Him.
And as if all this reflecting about meetings within our Apostolate without meetings is not enough, has it ever been considered that the monthly Communiqués are meetings of sorts too?! And what a meeting it is! One that can be attended fitting one’s own schedule: early before the household awakens or after the day has quieted. It can be listened to via audio recording while attending to chores or resting with a cup of tea. Each Communiqué offers a fresh Reflection to rekindle and enliven one’s faithfulness to prayers, fortify ways of the Faith and/or go deeper in knowledge of the priesthood. Each monthly “meeting” includes new testimonies from fellow sisters, priests and/or Fasting Brothers. Particulars are repeatedly available regarding joining the fruitful work of the Apostolate through Fasting Brothers, Elijah’s Helpers, the Appreciated and Loved Quilt Project, the Lamp Bearers daily prayer group (and another fruit to be announced next month!). Where groups have sprung up and where events are taking place is part of the monthly meeting too! Every few months Freebies are offered. The stack of SASEs that arrive those months is testimony that attendance to the monthly meeting through the Communique is high! If the classic Word document or pdf is printed, each issue is exactly 4 single sheets or 2 sheets, double sided. Some have printed and put them in a shared Adoration Chapel and/or mailed to homebound members, those without computer access or simply prefer hard copies. It is not quite a “meeting on a stick” as at the state fairs, but certainly one do-able in 20 minutes of time!
The Cathedral of St Paul façade touchingly reminds of that individual and collective call to Seven Sisters to join Our Lord in His unceasing intercession for His brother priests. That Come forth to his invitation has launched us to Go forth to many parts of our towns, cities, Dioceses, Archdioceses, states, countries and world. May this image be received as my heartfelt invitation to visit the Cathedral of St Paul to personally contemplate this breathtaking stone frieze. If you accept, contact me, and if at all possible, we will honor it together and visit the sacred Chapel where the spark of Seven Sisters began. “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Heb 10:25).
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 AUGUST to cover more priests in daily prayer: Additional groups in Cameroon (Africa) and Italy and these USA states: Alabama, Alaska, California, Connecticut, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. To celebrate: Nine groups registered 4 Aug, Feast of St John Vianney! Our sure mission in every diocese of every country: Let no shepherd be left behind!
RECENT … and AHEAD on the calendar:
> May thru October 2024. 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
> Gratitude to, Gina L, for an invitation to Janette as guest on Mother and Refuge of the End Times podcast. Aired 6 Aug. Seven Women needed! One Hour, One Day! https://tinyurl.com/2937ztjn
> Sat, 7 Sept. Day of Reflection. St Gabriel (4737 N Cleveland, KC) 8 am Mass (w/First Sat devotions prior), ends w/Adoration (2-3 pm) Getting to Know our Patrons. Diocese of KC-St J (Missouri). $15. Incl Mass, lunch, 3 talks, Q&A. Janette is one of speakers. Judy: [email protected]
> Sat, 21 Sept. Day of Reflection. “Fiat!” Blessed Sacrament (Hibbing, MN). 8-2:30 pm. $20 suggested donation, incl Mass, veneration of relics, talks, lunch, vendors, fellowship. Janette will offer one of the talks. All welcome! Contact: Anna: [email protected] or 218-565-0122
> Sat, 21 Sept. Retreat in Spanish! St Andrew (6720 Union Mill, Clifton, VA) 9:30-2:00. Day incl Holy Hour, Mass, talks, lunch and Confessions! $15. Reflection: Fr Charles Wilton. Registration Deadline: 09/16. Andrea: [email protected]
> Thurs, 10 Oct. St. Bonaventure (Columbus, NE) Informational/Inspirational evening. 6:30 pm.
Incl supper, talks, Q/A. FREE. Janette in attendance. RSVP Katie: [email protected]
> Sat, 9 Nov. Annual Time of Reflection and Renewal. Archdiocese of St Paul-Mpls. St Michael (St Michael, MN). 8-3 pm. Speaker: Fr John Riccardo. Incl Adoration, Mass, relics, lunch, testimonies, vendors. All invited! Contact: Doreen: [email protected]
> Because you asked: link to Limited edition Apostolate T-shirts (short & long sleeved, hoodies): https://www.bonfire.com/seven-sisters-apostolate. OR [email protected]
MATTERS of the HEART:
- “I was introduced into the group by Sr. Theresa Itor. We talked and I felt a longing in my heart to pray for the Bishop whom I knew as a child of about 6 years old. I watched him grow into a fine young man, then a priest and now a bishop. He is a bishop in an area bereft in a terrible crisis with lots of killings and kidnapping. So many priests have been killed, shot at, and kidnapped. The Bishop was so overburdened and I needed to join the Seven Sisters to help pray for His mission.” (Aurelia, Cameroon)
- “We (my 7 sisters and I) are growing so much in our Faith due to this ministry. We are still all in for year #3! God bless in all this Apostolate is!” (Barbara, Massachusetts)
- “I was approached by a current Sister to attend a gathering of the Seven Sisters. I was so touched by the information given, I felt I needed to join. This is so needed.” (Linda, New Mexico)
- “God the Father sent the Son; the Father, in the Son’s name, sent the Holy Spirit who sent all of the Church to go out and bear fruit that will last. Every one of us hopes to bear lasting fruit but imagine our priests’ vital role in guiding us and providing the blessed sacraments. Our Holy Hour as Seven Sisters is essential for us and for our priests’ bearing of eternal fruit. We can all be “winners”! Praise God for this Apostolate.” (Corrine, Iowa)
- “When in Medjugorje, I was inspired by a newly ordained priest and a few of his Seven Sisters accompanying on his pilgrimage. Am hoping to help grow this in our diocese.” (Colleen, Ohio)
- “I have recently had a career change, which allows me more time to spend in prayer. My mom is a member in another group and her faith has inspired me.” (Jilliane, Nebraska)
- “I am a lifelong Catholic always searching to increase my faith life, learn and share with others. After I was asked to be an Anchoress, a nudge from the Holy Spirit came to accept. Six names came to me in time of prayer. We are all thrilled to be part of this beautiful ministry.” (Lois, New York)
- “The world is topsy-turvy. We really need our Priests to bring us closer to Jesus. Praying that we keep our Priests safe. I had an uncle who was a Priest, overseas, and was killed.” (Charlotte, Texas)
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 [email protected] 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 [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. 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.