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UPDATES FROM THE SISTERS - JANUARY 2021

1/21/2021

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Sisters gathered around the computer to chat with our friends at the Zoom Epiphany party on Jan. 3, 2021. We had some sound problems but we were so happy to see everyone. Thank you to all those who came! (CLICK ON ANY PHOTO TO ENLARGE)
"Even in the midst of what  seems to be endless dark times, we can always find the things that give us joy."

​-Sister Margo Elizabeth
One of the many theories about the unanswerable question: “Why would a loving God allow bad things to happen?” is that this world is a classroom in which we learn wisdom, strength, and compassion through our trials and tribulations. We also learn that no matter what our circumstances are, we can still spread the joy and light of Christ. In that spirit, all of us Sisters look forward to the many new things that God will teach us in 2021. We have learned so much in this long time of trial, and we have gained a deeper faith in our Lord’s mercy. 
Sister Victoria Michelle started off the new year by giving us an inspirational meditation about joy at our January 4 Eucharist. CLICK HERE to read her spiritual advice to us.

​If you’d like to join Sister Victoria for her Feb. 13 Zoom retreat entitled “Knowing Who You Are in Christ,” please email philip.muniz@gmail.com  to register. More information on this retreat can be found on our Events page on the CSJB website.

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Amanda Gorman's words inspire us as we begin the new year. We pray for our new President, our new Vice President, the new administration, and our country.
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Sister Monica Clare (L) and Sheriff's Corporal Erica Rice (R) loading hand-knitted items into the Hope One van outside the Convent on Jan. 12.
​SITTING AND KNITTING
In the past, before COVID prohibited us from having guests, we sometimes invited visitors to join us at our daily recreation. Some visitors who observed us knitting during recreation assumed that we knit for our own amusement or to relax. That is actually not the case. Those of us who knit are constantly producing hats, scarves, and other items for the poor and for those experiencing homelessness. ​
Some of our Sisters also crochet cinctures for clergy vestments. We believe that hand-made items provide more of a sense of comfort, nostalgia, and personal connection than store-bought goods can provide.
 
At the beginning of this month, we donated several bags of our handmade items to the Hope One van – a service of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office which provides mobile support for people struggling with addiction. We thank Sheriff James M. Gannon and Sheriff’s Corporal Erica Rice for giving us this opportunity to help.

​

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Some of the items knitted and crocheted by Sisters and by our live-in staff member Donna McKenzie.
PictureThe children of the Good Shepherd Home with a sign saying "Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year."
FROM SISTER JANE MANKAA AT THE GOOD SHEPHERD HOME
​IN CAMEROON

Our dear friends of the Good Shepherd family. Happy New year 2021.  We pray and hope all is well with you. We follow American News and we are worried about our loved ones like you. We keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. This is all we can do.  Life in Cameroon is not the best. The war is going on and so much suffering around.  Yesterday a young mother of twins came to see us with her babies who were so sick. She was coming back from the hospital. She came to see us because someone directed her to come see us for support.  The babies were so sick and so malnourished. She left her village because of the war. We face so many challenges on daily basis.  We thank God for the Good Shepherd Home. Many find refuge here with us.
​
Cistus leaves this week for Nigeria. Cistus is one of our young men studying in Nigeria. He has been of so much great help to the younger ones. Helping them with their homework helping with the pigs and leading the kids in their morning and evening prayers. The kids will miss him lots. Pray for a safe trip for Cistus please.  God keep all of us safe in His Love.

If you’d like to help the children of the Good Shepherd Home, CLICK here for more information or email gsh@csjb.org. We are deeply grateful to the generous donors who have sent substantial gifts to the children in recent months. You are providing support not only for the Home but for all the people they are assisting through the Cameroonian Civil War.

PicturePony passed away in June 2019, but his 27-year ministry of presence is being preserved in Sister Margo Elizabeth's new book.
FROM SISTER MARGO ELIZABETH:
Greetings, dear friends…
Here’s an update from yours truly, Sr Margo.


As probably most of you might have guessed, due to the COVID virus we had to cancel all Celtic Journeys in 2020 as well as our Feb 2021 retreat on Lindisfarne. And just this week an email went out to those who signed up for the Ireland trip this coming May. It doesn’t look promising, on both sides of the Pond. Ireland is in lockdown until at least the end of January, and it is likely that will be extended. So we’ll see about Cornwall and the Southwest of England in September (Sept 7-17) here’s the link: https://www.celticjourneys.org/cornwall And only today we saw in the news that a variant strain of the present virus would likely be in the states by March. Sigh. When will this ever end?

PictureWe really love our pets at CSJB. Sister Mary Lynne knitted a lovely hat for Jennie, but when she tried it on Jennie wasn't at all sure it was a good idea.
I always think of all those on the front lines, so to speak - doctors, nurses, healthcare workers. They need our prayers!
 
We are all OK here, inasmuch as how OK can any of us be after the events of Jan. 6 at the Capitol. Still trying to process… almost surreal, isn’t it? The important thing to remember in all this is to stay grounded. Do whatever gives you a sense of peace (ie, listening to classical music, knitting, perhaps woodwork, going for walks, etc. And of course, pray… encourage those who are perhaps feeling alone or discouraged.
And, be thankful. Even in the midst of what seems to be endless dark times, we can always find the things that give us joy.
 
On another note, many people have been asking how the book is coming along. Oh, for those of you that didn’t know, I’ve started writing the story about our beloved Pony. Over the years, folks would say to me, write a book! So, it is about how he came here, or found us, as well as so many wonderful anecdotal stories. Copies of the articles “he wrote” for countless CSJB newsletters over the years will be included, with accompanying black and white photographs. There will also be some illustrations in color (we hope!)
 
Anyway, the book is “a work in progress”, with fitful starts and stops. It experienced “suspended animation” due to the holidays, and is awaiting for me to return (it has taken on a life of its own.) In the Fall there were some weeks with bursts of energy (5, 6, 7 hours a day.) But alas, these ol’ bones just can’t take that kind of grueling pace any more. The months ahead hopefully will provide the opportunity to get back to some kind of routine, in moderation of course. Pray that I have the endurance to see it through.
 
Stay well and safe. Keep the faith during these trying times.
 
love and prayers to you all,
Sr Margo

PictureA preliminary cover for Valerie Bonham's next book about the history of CSJB. Photo by Valerie Bonham
FROM AUTHOR VALERIE BONHAM:
In January, 2017, the Sisters launched my first volume of their history - Living Stones. This covered their work in the USA after arriving from Clewer, UK in 1874, until 1939. Since 2017, I have continued to visit the Sisters for research until prevented by the pandemic. Here in UK lockdown, I have been preparing the next volume, which is now with my UK editor/proofreader. This covers the Sisters’ life and ministry from 1940, until September 2020. The title is The Second Spring and will be published later this year. It’s too early to give the number of pages, but there will be at least 85 photographs. After 1940, the Sisters withdrew from their older institutional work and began new work which took them into parishes, schools, giving spiritual direction, leading and hosting retreats, giving hospitality and much more, undergirded by their life of prayer. It was for them, a ‘second spring’. But CSJB has undergone many ‘second springs’ as they have taken up new ministries. Now, in the midst of this terrible pandemic the Sisters have begun to minister electronically – another ‘second spring’. In this new way, the Sisters share their life of prayer and ministry, which continues to be a light in dark times, and is something beautiful for God. 

PRAYING FOR OUR NATION
On January 19, CSJB joined local faith leaders of the Interchurch Committee of the Mendhams to pray together on the eve of the Inauguration. The service focused on comforting scripture and prayers that reminded us of God's unfailing strength and wisdom.
The prayer service was led by Sister Monica Clare along with St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Rector Lorna Erixson, Hilltop Presbyterian Church Pastor Alison Paden, and Colleen Peterson of Grace Lutheran Church. Amy Southerland from Brookside Church provided music. A recording of the service can be viewed by clicking the image above. 
The Interchurch Committee of the Mendhams will be planning more of these inspirational community-building events in the coming year
. 
OBLATE AND ALUMNAE NEWS
Oblate Kit Rockwell, who is also an Alumna of the St. John Baptist School, spoke at the Zoom Oblates' meeting on January 9. Kit, who is 97 years old, gave a presentation about her faith journey. In her presentation, Kit said "The dear sisters taught me the catechism and had me confirmed so I had the joy of receiving communion.  A lifelong joy!  
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Catherine "Kit" Rockwell (maiden name King) with her class at St. John Baptist School in 1940
My family were very protestant.  I remember standing before a huge statue of Mary and crying “if you really are a great advocate please ask for a good husband for me.”  Did she ever!  54 happy years of marriage!" ​
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CLICK on this image to see the shop.
THE NUN BETTER ETSY SHOP
Have you stopped by our shop lately? The Nun Better shop on Etsy has many new necklaces and bracelets, all handmade by the Sisters, and there will be many more to come. We only use top-quality glass, stone, and semi-precious beads, and many of our items also feature sterling silver and copper settings.

 CLICK HERE to visit our shop.

CSJB IN ENGLAND
The Clewer Initiative, founded by our Sisters in England and Bishop Alastair Redfern to fight human trafficking worldwide, will soon be launching an online Lenten Course. The course is centered on the theme "Women in the Shadows" and it features five mini-films with survivor stories and interviews with frontline workers. CLICK HERE to learn more about the making of the course, and to sign up to receive an update when the course is available.  Also featured on the Clewer Initiative website is a page on our Mother Foundress, Harriet Monsell, which Sister Monica Clare helped to create. CLICK HERE to read about Harriet Monsell's life and work. 

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WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM?
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Sister Victoria Michelle making Anglican rosaries.
Sister Linda Clare delivered a thought-provoking sermon on the feast of the Confession of St. Peter. You can read Sister Linda Clare's sermon by CLICKING HERE. 

​The Sisters of CSJB take turns preaching at our worship, and it is always a joy to hear each others' reflections on scripture and on the lives of the saints.

LOOKING AHEAD

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​​CENTERING PRAYER
Every Thursday from 7:15 PM to 8:15 PM On Zoom
​
Our Centering Prayer group has been meeting for many years and it is one of our most popular ministries. Guests can gather on Zoom. Please email Sister Monica at srmc@csjb.org if you are interested in joining. 



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​JOIN US FOR PRAYER ON ZOOM
Friday, February 12
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM Eastern time.
 
The community of St. John Baptist invites you to meet on Zoom on the second Friday of each month for a half-hour prayer service for comfort and strength during these difficult times.

Please email Oblate Pat McKenzie for the Zoom info. at:
mckenziepat@gmail.com
Let’s join together to pray for ourselves, our neighbors, our church, and the world.​

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​THE WINTER SEARCH PROGRAM
Friday, Feb. 12-Monday, Feb. 15.
THIS YEAR'S SEARCH PROGRAM WILL BE ON ZOOM DUE TO COVID RESTRICTIONS.
 
​Our SEARCH program is not only for those feeling called to be Sisters but for anyone who is hoping to determine God's call in their lives, whatever that call may be. Our program includes classes in prayer and discernment, time for discussions with individual Sisters, and opportunities for questio​ns from our Searchers.
 
Please call Sister Pamela at 973-543-4641 ext. 9 or email sr-pamela@csjb.org for more information.
 
CLICK HERE for our page about the Search Program. ​
​
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KNOWING WHO YOU ARE IN CHRIST
CSJB Valentine Retreat – February 13, 2021 – Saturday afternoon - 1-3 p.m.

Retreat led by Sr. Victoria Michelle
Whatever your present circumstances may be, my earnest prayer is that somehow in this time together you can discover how amazing your life in Christ is meant to be! May you experience God doing in you and through you what only God can do.

Suggested Donation - $20.00 – send to CSJB, P.O. Box 240 Mendham, NJ 07945. Payment may be made by check or through PayPal.
 
To register, contact CSJB Associate Philip Muniz at philip.muniz@gmail.com
Please place the words “CSJB Valentine Retreat” in the email subject line.

​
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YAD B' YAD ABRAHAMIC FAITHS
​DIALOGUE SERIES

Dates: Wednesdays: February 17, March 3, and March 17
Time: 7:30 - 8:45 pm EST (4 - 5:45 pm PST)
Cost: Pay-what-you-can
Led by: Rabbi Deb Smith, Sister Eleanor Francis, and Dr. Shabiha Sheikh
 
Join ALEPH for a brand new Yad b' Yad Abrahamic Faiths Dialogue Series, an opportunity for immersive, interfaith learning at the intersection of the Abrahamic traditions. This program is perfect for curious seekers hoping to expand their knowledge of Judaism's sister faiths and build relationships with Christians and Muslims.
 
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE ABRAHAMIC FAITHS DIALOGUE SERIES
​
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SPECIAL ZOOM PROGRAM FOR CSJB ASSOCIATES
Saturday, April 24 1:00-3:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)
 
PEACE PILGRIM:
An American Woman who walked more than 25,000 miles for peace.
She walked alone and penniless and with no organizational backing.
 
Led by Sr. Eleanor Francis
Suggested donation: $65 (pay what you can)
Send to Community of St. John Baptist
P.O. Box 240
Mendham, NJ  07945
Payment may be made by check or through PayPal
To register, contact Pat McKenzie at mckenziepat@gmail.com or 973-769-1461
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CELTIC JOURNEYS
Due to the Corona Virus pandemic, many of our 2020 Celtic Journeys were canceled, but Please see our trips for 2021!

 
https://www.celticjourneys.org/copy-of-ireland 

​
https://www.celticjourneys.org/cornwall
​

For more information, contact Sister Margo Elizabeth:
Phone: 973 543 4641 ext 4                      
Email: srmargo@gmail.com
​
CLICK HERE FOR OUR CSJB EVENTS PAGE
​
​PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR
All who are suffering from COVID, and for all who have died from COVID.

For all healthcare workers and other essential workers. 

For our Searchers who are discerning a call to the Religious life,

​For the Clewer Initiative, and for our Sisters in England,


Sister Margo Elizabeth ringing the bell in the Main Chapel on Jan. 19 as part of a nationwide memorial for all who have died of COVID.
Andy
Annette
Anthony
Bill and Carol,
Carolyn and Bruce
Chase
Chris
Sam and her children
Claire
Daniel,
Dean
Doug
Erin
Geri and family
Greg and Pat,
Heather
Helen
Honor
Hugh
India
Ingrid
James
Janet
​Jarad and Monica
Jay
Jean

Jeanette
Jennifer
Jess
Jessica and Brendan
Jim
Joanna
Joseph
John
John and Family
Jon
Joyce
Judith
Juli and Gil
Julian
Kamala
Lana
Larry
Lee
Linda and PauL
Linda Lee
​Margaret
​​Margaret and family
Maria
Matthew
Maureen and Donald,
Michael
Michelle,
Myles
Myram,
Nicole
Norman
Patrick
Patty
Phoebe
Rebecca and her family
Shane
Sheila
Sister Barbara Jean
​Stephanie

Sully
Suzanne
The family of Mary Flood
Tiffany
Tommy
Virginia
Warren
We pray especially for the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed,
 
We would be honored to pray for you. Please email superior@csjb.org with any prayer requests
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The Convent and Retreat House from above. Photo by the Rev. Cynthia L. Black, DD
​OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO:
All who have responded so generously to our Reaching Out appeal letter.
​Our many helpers, volunteers, and those who encourage us
​All our CSJB Oblates, Associates, Alumnae, and friends, and:
Magdalena Aders
Peter J. Arney and George W. Jordan III
Donna Aubel
Barbara Barbeau
Joe Boney
Christine Brodeur
Chris Chrystal and Myram Borders
Julie Crawford
Hans Dekker and the Hyde and Watson Foundation
Rosina B. Dixon
Margaret Dohnalek
Mary Donovan
Gerrie Dressler
Lorraine
 Emanuel
Kay & Frank
 Failla
Joanne Foster
Susan Fuller and family
​Bill and Gay
 Grier
Elizabeth S. Halpin
Jane
 Hayden
​Father Joe 
Hennen
Margaret Johnson
​Bradley Kalos

Judi Kerr
​The Very Rev. H. Scott 
Kirby and family
Linda Lee Mundy
Janet Maulbeck and Interweave
Patrice and Doug McKenzie
Jane and Peter Mercer
Connie Moore
Jan Paxton
Judy Picciano
Susan and Joseph Pigott
Jack and Penny Rohrbach
Ed Roworth
Juli Towell
Joannah Wilmerding
The S.A.D. Foundation
The Rt. Rev. Carlye J. Hughes
The Rev. Kevin Coffey
The Rev. Cynthia L. Black, DD and the people of the Church of the Redeemer
The Rev. John A. Rollins
The Rev. Lorna Erixson and the people of St. Mark’s Mendham
The Rev. Margaret Otterburn and the Church of the Messiah
The Rev. Victoria McGrath and the people of All Saints Millington
The Rev. Anne C. Thatcher and the people of St. Peters Morristown​

And all those who have generously donated to the Good Shepherd Home, our Capital Campaign, and our general fund despite all the economic uncertainty.
​
TO SUPPORT OUR GENERAL FUND
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A young deer on the CSJB property
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Sisters waving to the camera from the cloister (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Photo by the Rev. Cynthia L. Black, DD
We Sisters of CSJB look forward to the day when we can reopen our ministry of hospitality and welcome hundreds of people per year to our Retreat House and the Convent as we have always done in the past. Until then, like many nonprofits, we are having a very difficult time covering our monthly operating costs after nearly 11 months with no income.

If you'd like to help us continue our ministries, please consider making a gift to our general fund through our new online
 Paypal portal:
​https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/CommunityofStJohnBap
 


YOUR LEGACY
Would you like to include CSJB in your estate planning?

If you’d like information on how to arrange a legacy gift, please email Sister Monica Clare at srmc@csjb.org or call 973-543-4641 ext. 2.
 
The majority of our buildings, chapel furnishings, Convent and Retreat House furnishings, and ongoing ministry funds were made possible through legacies. It is mainly through the kindness of legacy donors who believed in our mission that we have carried forward the plans of the Holy Spirit for our Community from 1852 to the present time.

The restoration of the Convent in 1960 was made possible by a legacy gift. Before that gift, the Sisters lived at St. Marguerite's for ten years because the Convent repairs were too expensive to undertake.
 
Your planned giving would help to ensure that the dreams of our Mother Foundress, to continually address "the needs of the day," will live on into the future. We welcome gifts for specific purposes and ministries, for our Capital Campaign to restore and repair our sacred space, or for the general operating fund of the Convent and Retreat House where we welcome an average of 2,000 visitors per year.
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Clouds over the Convent, 2021
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Sisters singing at the virtual Epiphany party, with Sister Margo Elizabeth providing flute accompaniment. Many thanks to our generous Associate who donated a Christmas tree to us this year.
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Glass blocks, set in the ground along the cloister in 1915 to bring sunlight into the Convent basement.
Our Diocese, along with the Episcopal Church Foundation, provides expert legal and financial guidance to guide you through the process of the many ways of making a planned gift. Please contact Sister Monica at srmc@csjb.org or call 973-543-4641 ext. 2 if you’d like to find out more
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    CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW FOR:

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    ANTI-RACISM
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    founded by our Sisters in England
     and the Rt. Rev. Alastair Redfern

    THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS!

    Thank you to all our donors who raised over $480,000 to replace our 114-year-old septic system! 

    Next, we hope to replace the Convent stucco and restore our cemetery.

    Thank you for supporting our Capital Campaign to help us continue God's work in our sacred  space. 



    It's easy to help!

    To donate by check, make your check out to:
    St. John the Baptist Foundation 
    and specify
    "Capital Campaign" on the ledger line of your check.
    Mail to: PO Box 240
    Mendham, NJ .7945

    To donate by PAYPAL, go to 
    Paypal.me/stjohnfoundation 
    ​and in the "purpose" section of your online donation type "Capital Campaign."

    Thank you for supporting our ministries of retreat and spiritual direction which are needed more than ever in today's world.


    The State of New Jersey recently stopped giving grants for repairs to religious structures, so this has taken away half our funding for repairs and restorations. The COVID crisis has also negatively impacted our funding for these projects.
     
    If you're interested in contributing to our Capital Campaign to help with these goals, or you'd like to learn about donating in other ways to the ministries of CSJB, CLICK HERE
    If you'd like to find out what's going on at other Episcopal Religious Communities, go to: www.caroa.net

Location

​82 West Main Street Mendham, NJ 07945

community of saint john baptist

By centering our lives in prayer and worship, we seek to:
  •  Build community among ourselves
  •  Live by the Vows of Poverty, Chastity and
     Obedience
  •  Prepare a place where hearts may be open  to receive God's love
  •  Use our gifts individually and corporately to  minister  to the needs of God's world.

"He must increase, I must decrease"
(John 3:30)

Contact Us

PO Box 240 
Mendham, New Jersey 07945
​
   • 973 543-4641

   • superior@csjb.org
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