UPDATES FROM THE SISTERS - jANUARY 2022

Embroidery sample made by the Sisters of CSJB for the Church Workroom (Click on any photo to enlarge)

I hunger for the bread of God, the flesh of Jesus Christ;
​I long to drink of his blood, the gift of unending love.

St. Ignatius of Antioch

Since the beginning of the pandemic, we Sisters have prayed at every mass for all those who cannot receive communion and for those who cannot attend worship in person at this time.

​As we have watched the COVID risk level skyrocket this winter and have seen 48 states go from moderate to severe almost overnight, we have become keenly aware of the fact that more and more churches are being forced once again to switch from in-person to online worship. 

Sister Laura Katharine placing the sacred vessels containing wine and water on the credence table in the chapel.

We know that for many Christians it is a true hardship to be unable to receive communion regularly, so whenever we receive the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, we receive on behalf of those who cannot. Our hearts and our prayers are with all of you who are longing for the Eucharist.
​
Until we all gather together again, here is a list of virtual worship opportunities in our diocese: https://dioceseofnewark.org/covid-19/worship
​

SISTER MONICA CLARE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH

Sister Monica Clare with (From L) Sister Hannah, Sister Felicity, Sister Elizabeth and Sister Madeleine Mary (Prioress) at St. Mary's Convent in Sewanee

This month, Sister Monica Clare traveled to Sewanee, Tennessee to attend the Alternate Clergy Training in Sewanee (ACTS) course at the University of the South.

​She is currently a postulant in the diocese of Newark, following the call to priesthood, and this two-year course is part of her training for ordination. Sister Monica Clare began her studies in mid-January with classes in preaching the Old Testament and preaching the New Testament. ​

The Sisters at the Community of St. Mary, who live only a few minutes' drive from the university campus, graciously welcomed Sister Monica Clare as their guest during her time there. ​ The CSM Sisters are a Benedictine community with many active ministries, including programs and spiritual direction at the ​School of Theology at the University of the South. Their modern convent looks out over breathtaking views from the Cumberland Plateau, and it is a place of retreat and spiritual nourishment for many grateful guests year-round.
​

The chapel at the Community of St. Mary Convent in Sewanee, Tennessee

ST. MARGUERITE’S RETREAT HOUSE – WELCOME, R.J.!

R. J. Lewis in his element - the Retreat House kitchen

We are very happy to welcome R.J. Lewis to our CSJB family as the new Banquet Chef at the Retreat House.

R.J. says: “The Kitchen is my passion, and I am excited to serve the guests of the St. Marguerite's Retreat House."

He has nearly ten years' experience working in restaurants in Chicago, IL, and Corolla, NC, and also holds a B.A. in Behavioral Health and Sciences.  Retreat groups are enjoying R.J.’s excellent cuisine, and we look forward to getting to know him better as he settles into his new role.

IN MEMORY OF LORENZO “RENNI” VAN DINE

On December 30, Sister Eleanor Francis presided at the funeral of Lorenzo “Renni” Van Dine, the great-grandson of CSJB Oblate the Rev. Deacon John Van Dine.

Renni, who was only 6 years old, was killed in a 5-car hit-and-run accident on Route 80 in Roxbury on December 23. Please join us in praying for Renni’s mother Ashley, the Van Dine family, and all those who mourn him.

Renni Van Dine

CSJB Oblate John Van Dine with Renni
​

​A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family with the funeral and with ongoing needs. CLICK HERE to access the page.

The crash is under investigation as state police still seek the driver who caused the chain reaction. Any tips can be called in to the Netcong "Troop B" station at 973-347-1001. Callers may choose to remain anonymous.

OUR WINTER SEARCH PROGRAM

We are all looking forward to our annual Winter Search Program which will take place over President’s Day weekend February 18-21.

​This year’s program will be on Zoom, and we now have three participants registered. Usually, there are one or two more who sign up closer to the date, so we expect our usual 5-6 participants. The program includes classes on different forms of prayer, discernment, the history of CSJB, and the process of entering a community among other topics. 

CSJB Sisters meeting Searchers on Zoom at one of our virtual Search programs.

We like to remind everyone that our program is not limited to those discerning a call to be a Sister. We seek to provide prayer and discernment tools to anyone who feels called to any church ministry or other charitable work.
​

THE GOOD SHEPHERD HOME IN CAMEROON,
​WEST AFRICA

Gildas Teneng at his college graduation Jan. 22, 2022

The Good Shepherd Home is rejoicing once again this month as Gildas Teneng – who grew up at the Home - graduated on January 22, 2022 from the University Institute of Bamenda as an Agricultural Engineer specializing in Animal Husbandry.

The children of the Good Shepherd Home also sent this lovely New Year’s greeting to the Sisters and to all of the generous donors who support them:
 
"Happy New Year 2022. We, the Children of the Good Shepherd Home are so grateful for your relentless and great support for the Good Shepherd Home since its inception. We have deeply felt your love and consistent concern even after the death of our dear Mama Jane."
​

"You have indeed proven to us countless times that you love us and you are always willing to attend to our worries. Oh! What a blessing to have you.

We sincerely appreciate every bit of work you are doing to put smiles on our faces all through the years. Words would fail us to express how awesome it is to have such a loving community as the CSJB (Community of Saint the John Baptist).
​
We can't thank you enough but It is our utmost desire that God continues to shower you with His blessings of longevity, good health, strength, wisdom, riches, and honor all through 2022 and beyond.
We Love you so much.”

Gildas Tenang as a child at the Good Shepherd Home

If you'd like to become a GSH sponsor, or would like to sponsor a child’s college education, please email [email protected] or go to www.goodshepherdhome.org. CSJB provides administrative services to the Home at no cost, so 100% of your donations go to the children.
​

JUDITH FOSTER-SMITH, ST. MARGUERITE'S GIRL – 1934-2022

Judith Foster Smith - 1934-2022

Judith Foster-Smith, who spent her formative years at St. Marguerite's Home, died peacefully at home on January 12. Judith was born January 7, 1934, and was brought to St. Marguerite's at age 5 with her sisters. An excerpt from her obituary says “Throughout her life, Miss Smith credited the Sisters with giving her a strong faith foundation and upbringing.  Judith was a 1951 graduate of the College High School of Montclair University and an alumna of Fairleigh Dickinson University. 
For nearly 40 years, Judith worked in the regulatory affairs department for Schearing-Plough Pharmaceuticals in Kennilworth, NJ.” Her close friend Andrew Krystopolski says “She came back to visit St. Marguerite’s and would light up as she walked around the rooms and remembered her days there.” Judith’s full obituary can be read by CLICKING HERE. 

Judith’s funeral will be live-streamed on Saturday, Feb. 5 at 11AM at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Palmetto Bay, FL. The Livestream can be viewed at this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOywJSu8nqYuGLUuWyT56nw/featured 
​
Judith has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to CSJB.

(PHOTO: St. Marguerite's girls worshipping in the chapel in 1939. It is not known if Judith Smith is pictured in this photo.)
​

​

SERMONS BY THE SISTERS

 Click the image above to view the Jan. 9 online worship service from Good Shepherd Lutheran  Church in Florham Park, at which Sr. Monica Clare preached. Good Shepherd Lutheran was the first church to sponsor the Good Shepherd Home in Cameroon. Pastor Beau Nelson's adorable son joined him for virtual worship Jan. 9.

The CSJB Sisters take turns preaching in our chapel. Click the links below to read some recent sermons.

CLICK HERE for Sister Deborah Francis' sermon on the Feast of the Holy Innocents

CLICK HERE for Sister Monica Clare's sermon on the First Sunday after the Epiphany

CLICK HERE for Sister Eleanor Francis' sermon on Epiphany 2 Year C

CLICK HERE for Sr Linda's sermon on the feast of the Conversion of Paul

CLICK HERE for Sister Eleanor Francis' sermon on the feast of the Confession of St. Peter.

​

ASSOCIATES AND OBLATES

​From Sister Eleanor Francis:
​"Like so many other groups, Oblates have had to adjust to the pandemic. Most of the meetings we have had in the past couple of years have been Zoom meetings. Oblates renew their Rule of Life once a year. Our January meeting included renewing of Rules for The Rev. Cathy Brunson, JeanMarie DuHamel, Doug McKenzie, The Rev. Susan Negrotto, Janet Thomas, Juli Towell, and Pat McKenzie. When the weather is favorable, we can hold meetings on the cloister for all who can come in person.  In November, in addition to receiving The Rev. Lorna Erixson, we had renewals for:  Carol Albert, Carolyn Dunham, The Rev. John Van Dine, Vanessa Foster, Alina Gonzalez, and The Rev. Barbara Harriman.

CSJB Oblate cross and Associates' medal

A "fringe benefit" of Zoom meetings is that we can include Oblates from around the country.  Janet Thomas Zooms in from Washington State, Deacon Cathy Brunson comes from Kansas, and JeanMarie Duhamel comes from Virginia.
Congratulations to all Oblates for continuing on this path.
--Sr. Eleanor Francis, Director of Oblates
​

​CSJB Oblate Charles R. Smith, whose late wife Linda A. Smith was also a CSJB Oblate, passed away on December 4, 2021. CSJB Associate Nora Kashinsky is assisting his widow Katrina Smith with post-funeral details. The Smiths resided in Monroe Township, NJ. Please keep the family and friends in your prayers.

Bruce C. Dunham, husband of CSJB Oblate Carolyn Dunham, died on January 21, 2022. He was 85 years old. His obituary can be found HERE. Prayers are appreciated for Carolyn and all who mourn Bruce's passing.
​

ST. JOHN BAPTIST SCHOOL ALUMNAE

Elizabeth (Cumming) Gheno in the 1968 St. John Baptist School yearbook - The Satura

A St. John Baptist School reminiscence from Elizabeth (Cumming) Gheno '68
"St. John Baptist school offered me education, friendships, and inner discipline which is so important in life. Plus, a love of sports and English especially writing poetry.

​Mrs. Bergman was a fantastic Physical Education teacher who taught hockey and lacrosse-playing but also instructed us in fair competition-a lifelong learning. Miss Pearson, my English teacher, taught me a love of writing and thinking. I pursued a degree in English Lit. at Pace and eventually became a reading specialist. In my Junior year, I rebelled a bit and left SJBS to attend a day school in Saddle River. After 2 weeks there, I was disappointed in the Physical Education program and missed my friends!

My dad begged Sister Superior, Mary Barbara, to allow my return. Back to SJBS!! My dad picked the school because it had safe fire escapes and charged a reasonable fee! I treasure my days at SJBS although discipline was tough! Sister Jane Patricia didn't let anyone get away with anything! I later developed a relationship with her, and we visited her at Windsor once.

​There was also the spiritual side that affected me. I loved the quiet and peace at vespers and Sunday at the Convent. I was baptized and confirmed at SJBS in 1964. So these early years at St. Johns did influence me greatly in many ways! ​

Sister Jane Patricia

Sister Mary Barbara at St. John Baptist School

And I cannot forget Sister Jane Patricia’s homemade honey with Mrs. Smith's delicious biscuits! My dad had a great influence on my future too; his love of reading, writing, and music. He selected St. John Baptist School out of all the schools we visited."
--Elizabeth Cumming Gheno '68

Do you have a reminiscence about your days at St. John Baptist School? We'd love to hear it! Just email Sister Monica Clare at [email protected] with anything you'd like to share on the blog.

Elizabeth Cumming Gheno '68, second from left, with the SJBS LaCrosse team.
(Click photo to enlarge.)

​

LOOKING AHEAD

​CENTERING PRAYER
​Every Thursday from 7:15 to 8:15
On Zoom
​
Our Centering Prayer group has been meeting for many years and it is one of our most popular ministries. 

Please email Sister Monica at [email protected] if you are interested in joining.

Class: The Jewishness of Jesus
​Every Friday morning
On Zoom
​
This class brings together participants from all faiths to discuss topics and materials related to Jesus' Jewish perspective. 

The current class reading is Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi
By: Amy-Jill Levine

If you'd like to participate, please email Sister Eleanor Francis at [email protected].

​JOIN US FOR PRAYER ON ZOOM
Friday February 11
​10:15 AM - 11:00 AM Eastern time.
​ALL ARE WELCOME

Join us on the 2nd Friday of each month for informal intercessory prayers to give us strength and hope during these trying times.  We begin with a check-in time of 10:15am Eastern and praying starts at 10:30am. A special thanks to Interweave for the use of their online platform.

Please email Oblate Pat McKenzie for the Zoom info. at:
[email protected]
​

WINTER COMMUNITY READ
February 27th  3:00 - 4:30 PM
On ZOOM
​
SO YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT RACE
BY IJEOMA OLUO

February is Black History Month. If you’d like to enhance your skills in discussing race, you are invited to join The Mendhams Diversity Committee in reading "So You Want To Talk About Race" by Ijeoma Oluo. Copies are available through local booksellers, online, and through the our local libraries (including eBook and audio recordings). Register in advance for this conversation:
https://us02web.zoom.us/.../tZctdu...

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing the link and additional information on joining the conversation.
​

WINTER INTERFAITH SERIES
Feb. 16 at 7:30 PM on ZOOM
The Good Samaritan: Jesus' parable from a Jewish and Christian perspective

Suggested minimum donation for each:  $18.

To register, please use this link: ​https://www.aleph.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=400
​
If you have difficulty registering, please contact Sr. Eleanor Francis at [email protected] or 973-543-4641 ex. 3. She will see that you get registered.

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.

The Winter SEARCH program takes place over President's Day weekend every year. The dates for 2022 are Friday, Feb. 18-Monday, Feb. 21. 

Our program includes classes in prayer and discernment, time for discussions with individual Sisters, and opportunities for questions from our Searchers.

Please call Sister Pamela at 973-543-4641 ext. 9 or  email [email protected] for more information.

CLICK HERE for our page about the Search Program.​

​

LENTEN RETREAT
Saturday, March 12, 2022
10:00 AM t0 noon - on Zoom
​Names of God​

Join us as we explore some of the names of God. You will be amazed at how your faith will grow and how much closer to God you will feel.
 
The Retreat will be led by Sr. Victoria Michelle.  All participants are asked to bring a Bible, pen and paper to the retreat.
 
Retreat Fee:  $25.00
Please make checks out to Community of St. John Baptist with “Names of God” in the Notes.
 
Send to Community of St. John Baptist
                     P.O.Box 240
                   Mendham, NJ 07945
 
Payment may also be made by PayPal
 
To register contact Associate Philip Muniz at: [email protected]
Please place the words “Names of God” in the email subject line.

​

CELTIC JOURNEYS

Due to the Corona Virus pandemic, many of our 2021 Celtic Journeys were cancelled, but please see our trips for 2022!
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: [email protected]
​​

LABYRINTH WALKS

Walk our labyrinth and learn about this ancient way of prayer.  

Our Labyrinth is still available for socially-distanced walks, with all participants wearing masks and keeping 6-foot distances between non-household/family members.

To schedule an individual or a group labyrinth walk, email Sister Monica Clare at [email protected]

PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR

All who are suffering from COVID, for all who have died from COVID, and for all who have lost loved ones to COVID,
 
For the civilians and military personnel in Afghanistan and all regions affected by war, and for peace in the Middle East

For all those affected by mass shootings,

For all healthcare workers and other essential workers,

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

Sister Victoria crocheting a white cincture. CSJB offers these cinctures for sale in either black or white cotton thread.

Amber
Andy
Annette
Anthony
Aurora
Barbara
Bill and Carol
Brandon
Carolyn
Chase
Cheryl
Chris
The Clewer Initiative
Sam and her children
Claire
Dana
Daniel,
Dean
Diane
Doug
Ellen
Erin
The Flood family
Geri and family
Greg and Pat,
Gretchen
Heather
Honor
Hugh
India
Ingrid
Jack Grier's family
James
Janet

​Jarad and Monica
​                                
Jason
Jay
Jean
Jeanette
Jeff and his children
Jennifer
Jess
Jessica and Brendan
Jim
Joanna
Joseph
John
John and Family
Jon
Joyce
Judith
Juli and Gil
Julian
Kamala
Kathleen
Kia
Lana
Larry and his daughter
Lee
Linda and Paul
Linda Lee
Margaret
Margaret and family
Maureen
Maria
Marne
Matthew
​

Maxton
Maureen and Donald
McGrath family
Meg
Michael
Michelle
Myles
Myram,
Nicole
Nikki
Norman
Pat and Ellie
Patrick
Patty
Phoebe
Rebecca and her family
River
Salma
Shane
Sheila
The Singh family
Sister Barbara Jean
Stephanie
Sully
Susan and family
Suzanne
Tiffany
Tommy
The Trout Family
The Van Dine Family
Virginia
Warren
William Benefield, Sr

We pray especially for the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed.
​

OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO

St. James School Chaplain the Rev. Andrew Kellner (2nd from left) and St. James School Headmaster David Kasievich brought their Servant Year ​retreat group to St. Marguerite's this month.

All who have given so generously to our Reaching Out appeal for 2021.

All who sent donations, gifts, and cards to CSJB for Christmas.
​
All who have contributed to the children of the Good Shepherd Home,

All who have contributed time, talent, and donations to help reopen our retreat house.
 
Our many helpers, volunteers, and those who encourage us

Magdalena Aders
Peter J. Arney and George W. Jordan III
Donna Aubel
Barbara Barbeau
MaryJane Boland
Joe Boney
Christine Brodeur
Chris Chrystal and Myram Borders
Julie Crawford
Rosemary DaCuna
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
Mayor Christine Glassner
Bill and Gay Grier
The Rev. Deacon Cathy Brunson
Elizabeth S. Halpin
​Jane Hayden

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
Sheila Mulholland
Mayor Sarah Neibart
Bart Oates
Jan Paxton
Judy Picciano
Susan and Joseph Pigott
J. Vincent Reppert
Jack and Penny Rohrbach
Michael Reiter
Ed Roworth
Anne Salvatore and family
Juli Towell
​Nick Vytell
Alix Weisz
Joannah Wilmerding

The DCLM Fund
The S.A.D. Foundation
The Community of the Transfiguration
The Rt. Rev. Carlye J. Hughes
​The Rt. Rev. Allen K. Shin
The Rt. Rev. Mary Glasspool
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 people of 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​
​

TO SUPPORT OUR GENERAL FUND

Because the pandemic suspended our ministry of hospitality for 19 months we, like many nonprofits, are having a very difficult time covering our monthly operating costs.
 
If you'd like to help us continue our ministries, please consider making a gift to our general fund through our online Paypal portal:
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/CommunityofStJohnBap
​
​

Snow at the Convent on January 7

YOUR LEGACY FOR CSJB

Statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary in St. Michael's Chapel at CSJB. The Sisters have been praying the Divine Office here at the Convent since 1915.

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 [email protected] 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.