Parishioners in Archdiocese of Baltimore make it their mission to pray for priests

The power of prayer often works quietly, but its effects can be profound. In parishes across the Archdiocese of Baltimore, dozens of priests are discovering just how deeply they are being upheld by the intercession of women who have pledged to pray for them.

That hidden force is the Seven Sisters Apostolate, a grassroots prayer movement that has steadily spread since arriving in the archdiocese in 2017. What began with 13 parishes has grown to 36. Today, 61 priests are remembered daily by groups of women who commit themselves to this spiritual mission: one holy hour, one day a week, offered entirely for their priest.

Behind the growth are two local leaders, Susan DeLoach and Jean Whitaker, parishioners of St. Philip Neri in Linthicum who serve as co-coordinators. Their efforts have inspired new groups, raised awareness and helped weave a network across the region.

The apostolate often describes its commitment as a “holy wasting,” a reference to Matthew 26:6-13, where a woman pours costly oil on Christ and is criticized for the act. What the world might see as wasted time, the Seven Sisters regard as a gift of love. As Whitaker explains, it is “lavishing an hour of love” on the priest who cares for his parish, mirroring the woman’s anointing of Jesus himself.

Priests who are the recipients of their prayers said they feel the difference.
“We need spiritual support,” said Father Michael DeAscanis, pastor of St. Louis in Clarkesville and St. Francis of Assisi in Fulton, and one of the apostolate’s co-chaplains. “This prayer pushes the soul to be good. As Catholics, we all have a part to play. We’re all called to be holy.”

His fellow co-chaplain, Father Brian Nolan, pastor of St. Ignatius of Loyola in Ijamsville, echoes the sentiment.

“I saw a change almost right away when they started praying,” he said. “I feel like my preaching went up a notch.” The additional prayers, he added, gave him the grace to face difficult pastoral challenges.

The apostolate traces its roots to 2010, when Janette Howe of St. Paul, Minn., felt called to pray intentionally for her pastor. She committed to a weekly holy hour for him and soon invited six others to join, one for each day of the week. That single spark grew into a movement that has now reached all 50 states and spread to nearly every continent.

“We know that the pastors and associate pastors are being stretched beyond imagination,” DeLoach said. “We just would like them to have the prayer support.”

For those unsure about making such a commitment, she offers reassurance drawn from experience.

“Every sister I talk to can’t believe how blessed they are that they do it,” she said.

: For more information, email sevensistersbaltimore@gmail.com

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