Confraternities and archconfraternities
Seven Sisters Apostolate
Seven Sisters · SSA
Founded 2011Founded in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis and currently in the process of seeking approval from the Church as a Private Association of the Christian Faithful. Groups exist across the United States and in other countries.
A few minutes' work
Free online form.
Enroll nowOnly the Anchoress registers, using a free web form that asks for her contact details, her diocese, the priest's name, parish and position and a short account of what led her to start the group, so the real work is recruiting six other women and getting the priest's details before you fill it in.
Seven women, one priest, seven days. Each woman takes one day of the week and spends a Holy Hour that day praying for that specific priest or bishop, so he is covered by prayer every single day of the year. The hour is meant to be hidden: many groups never meet each other, let alone the priest, and the point is deliberately sisterly rather than motherly, following Mary's quiet support of her Son as the first and most faithful disciple. Women join because the commitment is clear, concrete, and aimed at one named person who needs it.
Where it comes from
2011, in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, beginning with seven women praying for one priest. The apostolate marked fifteen years since its founding inspiration in 2026.
What you promise
One Holy Hour each week, on your assigned day, offered for the one priest or bishop your group has chosen. Each group has a core of seven intercessors, one per day, plus substitutes, and one designated leader called the Anchoress, who may lead only one group although she may pray in more than one. Groups are encouraged to gather for an annual commitment prayer on or around the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart. There are no required meetings. If a weekly hour is not feasible, the apostolate suggests serving as a substitute or sharing a day with another woman rather than joining.
What the Church attaches
No indulgences or Mass obligations are claimed. The apostolate is deliberately modest about this: the fruit is the grace of the Holy Hour itself and the spiritual support given to a particular priest. Members receive monthly communiques and have access to prayer booklets, retreats and days of recollection.
Enrollment checked 2026-10-22. Details change without notice and parish practice varies. Confirm before relying on this sheet.