[Clueless in Seattle[_2_]]

Each morning I open the same seven document files with Word 2003.

I keep these files in their own folder on my desktop.

I open the folder, select all seven files, right-click with my mouse,
and then click Open.

Then, while waiting for the files to open, I turn to another task such
as reviewing my morning email.

But Word keeps stealing the focus away from my email program each and
every time it opens the next of the seven files.

Is there a way I can tell Word to run and then open those documents in
the background without repeatedly intruding on my attempt to check my
email?