Tenth Anniversary

“In looking back over the years we can discover how a red thread goes through the pattern of our life: the Will of God.”

— Maria von Trapp

Greetings to dearest Sisters in Christ!  The month of March is providentially enveloped in the season of Lent and within the glad embrace of the Year of St Joseph. Silence. Challenge. Insight. Prayer. Fasting. Almsgiving. Graces sufficient. Let us also make room for celebrating: St Joseph’s Solemnity (19th) and what God has done through YOU!  Read on…

St Padre Pio shared a story about a youngster who each afternoon sat near the lap of his grandmother while she sewed. The boy kept happily occupied with his toys.  For days into weeks, he often glanced up to heed his grandmother’s voice and smiles.  In those moments, he caught glimpses of what seemed a puzzling, even peculiar, design of her handiwork.  One afternoon the grandmother excitedly invited the lad to stand near her.  There he surveyed her outstretched finished piece, and was stilled by its detail, harmony and beauty.  Weeks of viewing only the underside of the project had not prepared him for the exquisiteness of the work, now fully and rightly viewed.

March 24 marks the tenth anniversary of the Inspiration Day of the Apostolate.  Divine Providence reserved the day (Thursday) and the moment (during the Hour of Divine Mercy) long before any of us or any priests existed.  A heaven-sent plan showed itself in the humility of a whispered idea in the hush of an Adoration Chapel.  A mere thread-of-a-plan lay destined to weave its beauty into the existing tapestry of not just St Paul, Minnesota, history, but eventually into that of all 50 states and into lands across the great ponds.

In June of that year (2011), seven groups of seven women formed to test the spirit of the inspiration through committed Holy Hours for seven St Paul-Minneapolis diocesan pastors.  Positive testimonies abounded after the first full year of their intentional, consistent prayer for these seven priests.  Since that ordained time, hundreds, then into thousands, of generous hearts have bolstered the prayer discipline of the Apostolate – you included!  The Master Weaver continues to weave the threads of His Will and Way for such as time as this for His Plans, His Purposes.

While we hold an encouraging benefit today of witnessing a great deal of growth and fruit through the Apostolate, in large part, as the youngster in St Padre Pio’s story, we have a limited view.  We cannot see better than God Himself, the master weaver. No eye has seen nor ear has heard nor mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him (I Cor 2:9). 

For 10 years our sacrifices and prayers for priests have gone forth, joining those of centuries past.  We claim nothing novel.  We heed a call, do our part, during our time, in cooperation with a colossal plan of God that directs all things in the universe. His sovereignty, our collaboration.  For now, the Apostolate work is appealing to many and blessing many.  God’s Hand and Heart will direct what is ahead. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Truly, as St Paul reminds, let us only boast in Him (II Cor 10:17).  “In all your affairs lean solely on God's Providence,” counsels the saint dubbed the “Saint-Maker” (St Francis de Sales), “by means of which alone your plans can succeed. Meanwhile, on your part work on in quiet co-operation with Him, and then rest satisfied that if you have trusted entirely to Him you will always obtain such a measure of success as is most profitable for you, whether it seems so or not to your own individual judgment.'”

Let us remain as handmaids, both docile to His Providence and ready and willing to act.  Humility and endurance have their reward.  On the other side of the veil, as we are made aware of our patterns of life, may we appreciate and recognize that red thread of the Will of God (Maria von Trapp) woven frequently, firmly and surely in our life’s tapestries, which for some length of time for each of us, has included the threads of this Apostolate.  Every breath of prayer has merit.

Work in the Apostolate under the attention of God’s guidance brings about a tremendous liberty of heart, anticipation and ensuing peace, and perhaps especially in the midst of our perplexing times.  “We are entirely in the care of Divine Providence,” reminds St Rose Philippine Duchesne, “and it is very sweet to remain so in peace.  The Cross is never lacking; may it be our consolation.” Amen.

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+   
sevensistersapostolate@gmail.com

The Apostolate received a most exquisite GIFT for our TENTH anniversary!

A Seven Sister, Lamp-Bearer and seamstress par excellence created a stunning piece of handwork in counted cross stitch to commemorate our 10th anniversary of service.  Nancy H (Minnesota) used 77,678 stitches with 78 distinct colors to fashion a replica of our patron, Madonna of the Grapes.  First stitch: 1 June 2020 (month of our commitment renewals).  Last stitch: 4 August 2020 (Feast of St John Vianney).  With each stitch she prayed, "Jesus, Mary and Joseph:  bless each Seven Sister for Priests.” Photos attached: (1) Nancy and her pastor who blessed the image. The blessing was unrushed, thorough and very, very moving.  (2) Image in my home where it has pride of place!  Nancy added, “May the Seven Sisters Apostolate joyfully celebrate the first of many decades of prayerful support for priests!”  Eternal gratitude in every language, Nancy, for your time, talent and treasure!

Virtual Celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the Founding Graces
24 March 2021, Wednesday, 7 pm
Fr Joseph Johnson and Janette
Includes: two short pre-taped talks and live Q and A
Total time: 1 hour, FREE

View fullsize

Painting: Jean Groberg

SEVEN SISTERS – in and out and about:

Heartfelt welcome: New groups registered in FEBRUARY to cover more priests in daily prayer:  Additional groups in these USA states: Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Tennessee and Wisconsin.  We pray daily for priests and bishops on 6 continents, 23 countries, and all 50 USA states!

DAILY prayer for GROWTH: During this Year of St Joseph (12/08/20 to 12/08-21) every Seven Sister has been asked to offer DAILY the Act of Confidence:  Heart of Jesus, I adore Thee. Heart of Mary, I implore thee. Heart of Joseph, meek and just. In these three Hearts I place my trust. Two Seven Sisters (Karen, PA and Lisa, MN) have created beautiful prayer aids.  

RECENT … and AHEAD on the calendar:

> 26 March: Feast of St Margaret Clitherow: Day of prayer and fasting linked to Lenten fasting (see attached flyer) Inspiring talk by Dr Carol Houghton (Harrisburg, PA) on our patron.  THANK YOU, Carol!

Carol served the Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg as a canon lawyer for 33 years. She holds two doctorates from the Angelicum in Rome. One in Sacred Theology and the other in Canon Law. Carol served as an associate professor at Mt. St. Mary's Seminary in Maryland for 28 years.  She retired from her position as Chancellor of the Diocese of Harrisburg in 2019. In addition, Carol is a Dame of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, supporting and promoting the preservation of Christianity and peace in the Holy Land.  Carol continues her service to the church in her retirement as a Seven Sister, lector and teacher of adult formation in her parish.  Here is the link.

> 6 May 2021: Day of Reflection and Renewal. (Mass w/Bishop Hanefeldt) St Elizabeth Ann Seton, North Platte, NE.  Janette will lead this Retreat.  Inquiries to Joan: rylandjoan@yahoo.com

> 7-8 May 2021: Retreat at Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House in Waverly, NE. Theme: Real Women wear Armor (Eph 6:10-18) Janette will lead this Retreat. Registration: Retreat House.

> Upcoming Radio spot on Cleveland Catholic Radio, The Rock 1260 AM.  TBA

MATTERS of the HEART:

Ø  “Our Mom, Beatrice, loved being a Seven Sister and never missed her holy hour for her priest, despite her being 87 years old. She received many graces when praying her hour. In the last months of her life, her priest was such a comfort to her with his visits of encouragement, to give her Holy Communion and lastly Holy Viaticum. Mom has 5 of her daughters who are currently active Seven Sisters. We are grateful for this Apostolate.” (Emily, Nebraska) … Eternal rest grant unto, Beatrice, O Lord…

Ø  “My employment was ended after 32 years. With that, I had been asking God for direction. I was contacted by a dear friend, who shared about 7 Sisters and its mission to pray for our dear priests. I had an immediate interest - and have now been asked to be the Anchoress. Thank you for these beautiful emails!!   The stories and love shared are so comforting and supportive – and truly reinforce the need for this precious ministry. May God continue to bless this holy calling! (Debbie, Ohio)

Ø  “After Mass, Father asked us to start a group. Of the 6 women there, 4 said yes immediately, then told 3 more. One week later on Saturday, after morning Mass we prayed our commitment prayer and Father gave us a blessing. Sunday was our first day.” (Rosemary, New York)

Ø  “I saw a story in our diocesan newspaper. I was immediately drawn to this Apostolate because our pastor totally spends himself for us. There is no better way to thank him or support him. The fact that commitments are made and renewed from one feast of the Sacred Heart to the following feast of the Sacred Heart really spoke to me. … I had seven immediate “yeses” and the Holy Spirit gave us two more in a few hours.  The web site and materials are excellent.” (Carmen, Kansas)

Ø  “I love Jesus though that wasn’t always so! He rescued me when I was a teenager. … A cradle Catholic, I grew in my faith outside the Catholic Church, but reverted at the age of 60 when I married a Catholic convert. A friend told me about this ministry. It sounds marvelously anointed by the Holy Spirit and my friend told me how many benefits there have been for her pastor and her 7 Sisters group. I believe in the power of persistent prayer and want to bring this ministry to our parish.” (Beth, Ohio)

APPRECIATED and LOVED quilt project:  A double cloaking for RETIRED PRIESTS: Seven Sisters prayer and a quilt!  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 for the benefit of the priests/bishops. He also wants to keep track of the groups forming.  Anchoresses: let us know the Seven Sisters group to which the Fasting Brothers are linked, name of FB contact 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!  

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:  Generously done every month by Zahyra B, Anchoress for a Seven Sisters group in Venezuela.  Posted/archived on the Website.  If it is easier to receive through an email account, please let me know. Expect 2-4 days for translation. Commitment Prayer/Guidelines Booklet in Spanish (on the Web - free download).