UPDATES FROM THE SISTERS - JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023

​"Let your Lenten work be to work in quietness,
with the amount of strength GOD may give you,
and take care of it with great simplicity.
​
Every year we want to grow one year more simple.”
​
--Mother Harriet

The Rev. Phil Carr-Jones distributing ashes in the CSJB chapel on Ash Wednesday

LENT AT CSJB

As we enter the holy season of Lent, we are reminded by our Mother Foundress, Harriet Monsell, to keep it simple. It is sometimes difficult to remember that when we become caught up in life’s many distractions. Lent provides a time of quiet contemplation on how we can simplify our lives and be reconciled to God. We are called away from our busy lives to remember where our focus should be. The Sisters of CSJB observe fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. We walk the stations of the cross. We keep silence on Ash Wednesday and then from Maundy Thursday through Holy Saturday. On Maundy Thursday the Angelus bell is last rung at noon and not rung again until noon on Easter Day. It is a time to draw inward and walk the road to Jerusalem with our Lord.

Please go to our EVENTS PAGE to see our offerings of Lenten programs.
​

MOTHER HARRIET IS IN THE RUNNING!

Harriet Monsell, our Mother Foundress
​

This year, for the first time ever, our Mother Foundress is in the running for the Golden Halo in Lent Madness. CLICK HERE to learn about this “fun, engaging way for people to learn about the men and women comprising the Church’s Calendar of Saints."

​We are encouraging all our friends to go to the Lent Madness website and vote for Mother Harriet. It would be a triumph to see her win the Golden Halo!

​

MENDHAM FAITH LEADERS LENTEN SERIES

The Mendham Faith Leaders are once again sponsoring our Lenten Luncheon Series on Wednesdays at noon throughout Lent. Grace Lutheran Church is graciously hosting these meditative noonday services, which are followed by a simple lunch of soup and bread. All are welcome.

Each Wednesday a different pastor or religious community leader leads the worship and delivers a short meditation. Here’s this year’s schedule:

Feb. 22 - Scot McCachren, Hilltop Presbyterian Church
March 1 - NicoletteSiragusa, Brookside Church (UCC)
March 9 – Sister Linda Clare, Community of St. John Baptist
March 15 - Lorna Erixson, St. Mark's Episcopal Church
March 22 - Minho Cho, Mendham United Methodist Church
March 29 - Julie Haspel, Grace Lutheran Church

Pastor Scot McCachren preaching at the Feb. 22 Lenten service 

The Lenten series has been a meaningful part of the Mendham Faith Leaders’ programs for many years. It was suspended from 2020-2023 due to the pandemic, so we are very glad to be able to gather together again.

THE GOOD SHEPHERD HOME IN CAMEROON

ACTS Volunteer Team in Cameroon

Aben Cistus, who grew up at the Good Shepherd Home and now has a degree in petroleum engineering, is continuing to expand the ACT Foundation that he founded to bring technical skills to the poor in Cameroon.

​He and his team of volunteers recently held a training session in Bamenda that included lessons in computer skills and tailoring. The session concluded with a party where over 87 children shared fresh fruit and fellowship. CLICK HERE if you’d like to donate a computer to the ACT Foundation.

Cistus was also featured as a speaker on "Community Volunteering" alongside the founder of Homes Diary, Peinlap Shnaida. He shared his volunteering experience live on Instagram on Feb. 20, in a discussion geared towards encouraging people to volunteer and transform their communities by proffering sustainable solutions to community problems.

Dr. Akwa Gilberto, who also grew up at the Good Shepherd Home, asks our prayers for the Mother Jane Legacy Foundation as they await government approval to officially recognize the Foundation.
 
​If you are interested in becoming a Good Shepherd Home sponsor for as little as $40.00 a month, please email 
gsh@csjb.org for more information​

One of the Sisters of Bethany with older girls at the Good Shepherd Home

Children carrying water at the Good Shepherd Home

Go to www.goodshepherdhome.org to learn more.

​

FROM SISTER VICTORIA MICHELLE - JOY​

Sister Victoria Michelle with fellow volunteers at Homeless Solutions
​

Scripture says that joy comes in the morning. When you wake up each morning, God sends you a special delivery of joy. When you get up in faith and make a declaration that “ this is going to be a good day,” you receive the gift of joy that God sent to you.

Dear God, We praise you and thank you that the joy of the Lord is our strength. We choose to put a smile on our face and live a joy-filled life. Today, help us to spread joy everywhere we go.

​We are blessed to be a blessing. We invite You to fill us with Your inexpressible, glorious joy so that we can be a blessing to the people You have placed in our lives. Amen.

​

THE 149TH ANNUAL NEWARK DIOCESAN CONVENTION

After three years of being unable to attend the Newark Diocesan Convention due to the pandemic, we Sisters were thrilled to be back there on Feb. 3 and 4. CSJB had three tables in the exhibit hall – the Nun Better Shop, the Good Shepherd Home, and the Garden of Hope. It was truly a joy to see so many friends, many of whom we have not seen since Feb. 2020. The Convention is a time for our diocese to accomplish business matters, share programs and workshops, and gain inspiration from fellowship with clergy and lay leaders. 

L to R: Sr. Mary Lynne, Sr. Linda Clare,
​Sr. Pamela, and Sr. Monica Clare at the Newark diocesan convention

Sr. Linda Clare and CSJB Associate Julie Crawford at the Garden of Hope table 
​

The Rt. Rev. Carlye J. Hughes, 11th Bishop of Newark, actually mentioned CSJB in her sermon! We are so grateful for her encouragement and support. Many thanks, also, to CSJB Associate Julie Crawford for putting the Garden of Hope exhibit table and presentation together, and for making sure our ministry photos were included in the “Working Together Snapshots” slideshow.

INTERFAITH STUDIES - From Sister Eleanor Francis

The Friday morning “Jewish Jesus” class, led by Rabbi Deb Smith and Sr. Eleanor Francis,  has begun a new book:  The Bible with and without Jesus by Amy Jill Levine.
 
At this point the class is full, but there may be openings in the future. In order to meet the interest in interfaith studies, we are trying to make other offerings available.

​See our Events Page for the upcoming March 15 Lenten program which will explore Christian and Jewish approaches to The Prodigal Son.  In the fall, (no date set yet), there will be a program called "Eastern Spirituality for Western Seekers."  Please watch our website for other offerings as they come up.

​​

THE WINTER SEARCH PROGRAM

Three women attended our Search Program on Zoom from Feb. 17-20. They learned about our ministries and our life of prayer, and also learned tools for discernment of the next steps in their Christian journey. This is the first time in recent memory that all the Search participants are local. Usually, the group is comprised of women from throughout the U.S., Europe, and the U.K. but this time we had a participant from Mendham and two from Verona. They all hope to visit us in person soon since they’re so close by. Please join us in praying for all our Searchers and Aspirants as they follow God’s call.
​

CSJB Sisters talking to Searchers on Zoom during the winter Search program.

SISTER MONICA CLARE AT SEMINARY

Sister Monica (R) with the Sisters of CSM and a CSM Oblate

Sister Monica Clare traveled to Sewanee, Tennessee Jan. 13-28 to attend the ACTS (Alternative Clergy Training at Sewanee) seminary program at the University of the South.

​She is currently in year two of the program, which includes two in-person sessions per year as well as monthly online classes. 

While Sister Monica is in Sewanee for training, she always stays with the Sisters of the Community of St. Mary, 
​Southern Province at their beautiful convent on the Cumberland Plateau in the Appalachians. The timing was just right for her January visit, as she was able to attend the installation of Sister Hannah Aloysius as the new CSM Prioress on January 22.

​We will be keeping Sister Hannah in our prayers as she follows God’s call to leadership.
 ​

Attendees at the Installation of the new Prioress in the chapel at St. Mary's
​

RELIGIOUS LIFE SUNDAY

Sister Victoria (R) speaking about the religious life at the Church of the Messiah

Three of our Sisters spoke about the religious life in local parishes on Religious Life Sunday. Sister Linda Clare, Sister Pamela, and Sister Victoria Michelle were all invited to give presentations on Sunday, January 22. Sister Linda Clare spoke at Christ Episcopal Church in Bloomfield & Glen Ridge, Sister Pamela spoke at the Church of the Atonement in Fair Lawn, and Sister Victoria Michelle spoke at the Church of the Messiah in Chester.

Religious Life Sunday is a celebration of religious communities in the Episcopal Church and it occurs every year on the third Sunday after the Epiphany.  It is part of a wider effort within CAROA (The Conference of Religious Orders in the Americas) to raise awareness about the gifts of religious communities. The next Religious Life Sunday will be January 21, 2024.

​CLICK HERE to learn more about Religious Life Sunday and make your plans for next year!
​

Sister Pamela (L)  talking with Barbara Barker and Barbara Lacetti after her program at Atonment, Fair Lawn

GOOD NEWS GARDENS
CSJB Garden of Hope Preseason Greens & Eagle Scout Induction
From CSJB Associate Julie Crawford

As the winter days grow shorter, passive solar energy has extended the growing season at The Garden of Hope by using recycled bottle waters as a heat sink.  The Sisters have saved their milk and juice jugs to line their greenhouse and mini ground greenhouses to experiment with seedlings. The work in progress has yielded some greens with the hope of more productivity in the pre-season of March and April.  The greenhouse temperature reached 81 degrees at least one day in February.

Eagle Scout Bret Keifer at the Garden of Hope greenhouse
​

The Community of St John Baptist will be hosting the Eagle Scout Induction Ceremony for Mendham Boy Scout Troop #1 this April.  Eagle Scout Bret Kiefer, who worked on the Garden of of Hope past year, will be among the honorees.  The ceremony anticipates over 100 community members attending to honor three Eagle Scout candidates. 

Volunteers are needed to assist on a one time work day or throughout the season.  Worship can be scheduled around the work session.  Contact Sr Linda Clare for more information at srlc@csjb.org.

CREATION CARE:
Trees, the Givers of LIfe, Serve as Heritage or Witness Trees
​From CSJB Associate Julie Crawford

The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit with seed in them, after their kind; and God saw that it was good.
​~Genesis 1:12

The property of The Community of St. John Baptist is abundant with mature trees including the Eastern White Pine just outside the main chapel.  This tree has been registered with the New Jersey Big Tree Registry and will be inspected in the near future by their lead Regional Forester Joseph Bennett.  Bennett was on site last year to certify the Signature Black Walnut Tree near the Retreat House.

Like all of the 400+ registered New Jersey’s big trees, trees just as CSJB’s Eastern Black Walnut and the chapel Eastern White Pine not only benefit the environment but have historic value.  These trees have been around for hundreds of years, witnessing many state and local events and are also Heritage Trees or Witness Trees.  We can use these trees to tell stories of the past or preserve memories we make today for others.​

Our Eastern White Pine outside the Main Chapel.

The benefits of conserving big trees are countless.  Big trees give us hope.  These massive trees have stood the test of time and weathered countless storms and events.  If these great survivors can stand after enduring so much, then so can we.

As the lead for NJ Big Tree Registry program, Joseph Bennett can provide educational programs for communities and youth groups but requires a three month in advance request. You may CLICK HERE to email Joseph Bennett for more information on the Big Tree Registry.
 ​

GOOD NEWS GARDENS
Grow it Green Greenhouse Work and Annual Fundraiser
​From CSJB Associate Julie Crawford

For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God.~Hebrews 6:7 

Grow It Green, a non-profit in nearby Morristown, operates two urban farms that serve the surrounding communities.  The Sisters are again scheduled to do volunteer service at the greenhouse at The Sisters of Charity in Convent Station in early March.   Anyone who would like to assist for 2 hours are welcomed to join the Sisters and can contact Sr Linda Clare at srcl@csjb.org. 

Grow It Green will host their annual fundraiser and auction Spring Into Action at the Glenbrook Brewery in Morristown on Monday May 1st.  Register and/or Sponsorship Information for Spring Into Action ​

Sister Pamela and Sister Linda at the Grow it Green greenhouse with Farmer Shawn

In keeping with Creation Care, Grow It Green offers

• Farm-based education for local children
• Growth and donation of critically needed fresh food
• Build strong communities that raise community health through education and involvement that elevates the freedom, dignity, and self reliance that comes from growing your own food
• Activities that provide places to reconnect and respect and protect the land, air, and water
• Collaborations to help equalize the health of NJ communities
• Community gardening to grow food and friendships while supporting pollinators using native vegetation and sustainable features that protect our water supply​​

GOOD NEWS GARDENS
Join the Movement to Plant, Pray, and Proclaim!
​Breaking New Ground at St. Andrews and Holy Communion
​From CSJB Associate Julie Crawford

This Spring a new Goods News Garden  will be installed at St Andrews and Holy Communion in South Orange.  The garden will include pollinator beds, a patch for black berries, a kitchen garden, and a garden for the Sunday School and Youth Programs.  

​Donations are welcomed for this Creation Care Agrarian Ministry endeavor, and anyone or any group interested in volunteering for the installation and/or assisting with on-going care can contact Sister Linda Clare at srlc@csjb.org

The foundational GNG motto of Plant, Pray, and Proclaim can be applied by all by using the following steps:

Click the image above for the Agrarian Ministries Facebook page

1. Plant: Commit to planting more than you would under average circumstances in order to share the bounty. This may mean you plant one window box of herbs when you have never planted any, or you add an extra row to your garden or an extra hen to your flock.
2. Pray: Commit to praying daily for our church and our world to form loving, liberating, life-giving relationships with all of Creation through the better use of our land – personally and communally. Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, GNG will be sending a monthly email with scripture, prayer, and practical resources.
3. Proclaim: Commit to proclaiming the love of God through word and example by sharing your Good News Garden commitment, status, and story via social media channels, and personal testimonies (A great place to begin is by joining the Agrarian Ministries Group on Facebook).
   ​
   

EPISCOPAL WOMEN'S HISTORY PROJECT

On Feb. 23, Sister Monica Clare gave a Zoom presentation to the Episcopal Women’s History Project as part of their Lenten lecture series on women who have made a difference in the world. Sister Monica’s presentation was on the reason St. John Baptist was chosen as the patron saint of CSJB, and how our Mother Foundress Harriet Monsell utilized St. John Baptist’s gifts of prophetic witness, calling for repentance, and pointing others towards Christ to build the Community of St. John Baptist’s mission.  The series will continue on Thursdays throughout Lent at 3PM EST, and if you’re interested in joining a meeting (or meetings), you can register by CLICKING HERE.

Photo and quote of Mother Harriet Monsell from Sister Monica's history presentation.

THE EPIPHANY PARTY

The CSJB Epiphany party, which we have celebrated on the first Sunday after the Epiphany for many years, was suspended during the pandemic. On January 8, we joyfully welcomed our friends to the Convent in the first large gathering we have held here in over three years. We shared Vespers, welcomed new Associates, had our traditional hymn sing, and enjoyed excellent food together. We were so touched and thankful to see so many people attending, and we look forward to our next gathering here at the Convent – Commemoration Day on June 24 – 2023. We’ll have a Eucharist in the Main Chapel, followed by luncheon on the cloister. Mark your calendars and let us know if you’d like to serve as a volunteer at this event. Just email Sister Monica Clare at srmc@csjb.org if you’d like to help.

L to R: New CSJB Associates the Rev. Nathaniel Darville, Pastor Julie Haspel, Linda Ochs, and the Rev. Dave Jones with Sr. Monica Clare (center) and Sr. Eleanor Francis (R) on  Jan. 8 at Vespers before the Epiphany party.

A HUGE THANK YOU to CSJB Associate Margaret Erath for playing piano at our Epiphany party.

Click on the slideshow for a few Epiphany Party moments.

​

THE CLEWER INITIATIVE

The Clewer Initiative, founded by our CSJB Sisters in England and the Rt. Rev. Alastair Redfern is the anti-trafficking initiative for the Church of England. The Clewer Initiative consistently launches new programs to fight trafficking worldwide, and this month they launched “Journeys” in honor of St. Bakhita, the patron saint of victims of modern slavery and human trafficking. Journeys is a new 5-week course that includes video testimonials, a faith-based Lent resource, and other materials that can be used for group or individual study. CLICK HERE to learn more about the Clewer Initiative and be sure to sign up for their newsletter for future updates.
 
CLICK HERE to watch the Journeys trailer.

​OUR KNITTING MINISTRY

The CSJB Sisters and many of our knitting-angel friends have produced a bumper crop of hats, scarves, lap blankets, and other items to share with the poor and unhoused.

Even though this winter has been relatively mild, it is still freezing cold for those who sleep outdoors all night. We are so grateful to all who have joined us in providing knitted goods to the Hope One Van,  to Neighbors in Need at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin in New York City, and to local shelters. We have also started collecting lap blankets for people in wheelchairs at care facilities in our area.

If you’d like to help out with this ministry, please email Sister Monica Clare at srmc@csjb.org. We have huge amounts of yarn, so we can provide the materials!

A Hope One volunteer came by the Convent this month to pick up several bags full of our latest knitted offerings.
​

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

Progressive Renovation team at the Convent.

One of the Convent chimneys was leaking into our Black Workroom, so in early February Mel Lita and his team from Progressive Renovation bravely climbed all the way up to the chimney top to seal off the leaking areas. This repair, as well as the repair of a collapsed chimney at St. Marguerite’s and the maintenance of 7 other chimneys late last year, were all funded by a generous benefactor who remembered CSJB in his will. The majority of our buildings, chapel furnishings, Convent and Retreat House furnishings, and ongoing ministry funds were made possible through legacy gifts.

​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. 

Many thanks to all the kind people who have expressed interest in being CSJB Legacy donors. Our promise to you is that your legacy will continue God's work. ​CLICK HERE for information about becoming a Legacy donor.
​​

GOODSHOP

In the past, our friends chose CSJB as their charity of choice on Amazon Smile. Amazon Smile was discontinued on February 20, 2023, but luckily there is another place where shoppers can designate CSJB as their charity of choice. GoodShop.com easily connects online shoppers with CSJB at https://www.goodshop.com/nonprofit/csjb-community-of-st-john-baptist. Just click on the red button on the GoodShop page to choose us.

​Goodshop is an online shopping mall that donates a percent of your purchase price to your cause when you shop at one of 3,000+ partner stores including top retailers like Amazon (1.5% donation), Expedia (up to 5% donation), and Staples (2.5% donation). You can also find 25,000+ active discounts and money-saving coupons so you can save money and give back at the same time!
​

ST. MARGUERITE'S RETREAT HOUSE

Even during the winter months, our Retreat House is always busy welcoming groups from all walks of life.

From Retreat House Manager Brad Kalos:
 “The Vestry from Church of the Holy Spirit - Lebanon, NJ, held their winter retreat here at St. Marguerite’s. Leading the retreat were The Reverend Philip Carr-Jones, Rector, and The Reverend Dot Hospador, Deacon. The Vestry of St. Michael's Episcopal Church, NYC was here at St. Marguerite's for their annual retreat, led by The Rev. Katharine Flexer, Rector.

The Holy Spirit, Lebanon vestry retreat at St. Marguerite's.

Ghostlight Chorus doing pre-rehearsal yoga at St. Marguerite's

Vestry members from St. Michael's Church in Manhattan at Sr. Marguerite's

Ghostlight Chorus, under the direction of Dr. Evelyn Troester DeGraf, returned to St. Marguerite’s to spend time on retreat and to rehearse for their March 11, 2023 concert at Christ Church in Rye, New York.”

​Many thanks to Brad and our Retreat House Banquet Chef R.J. Lewis for all their hard work in making everyone feel welcome at St. Marguerite’s.
 
CLICK HERE for a video of Ghostlight Chorus rehearsing “Coedmon’s Hymn” in our Main Chapel
 
If you’d like to learn more about our retreat ministry, please contact our
​Retreat House Manager Brad Kalos at:
​
​guestministry@csjb.org
Phone: 973-543-4582
 
CLICK HERE for our Retreat House page

SERMONS BY SISTERS

Sister Eleanor Francis preached at St. Mark's, Mendham on Feb. 25.
Her sermon can be read
​by CLICKING HERE.

Sister Monica Clare also preached at All Saints, Millington on Feb. 19. 
Her sermon can be read
​by CLICKING HERE.

Sr. Deborah Francis preaching

CSJB ASSOCIATES AND OBLATES

Elizabeth Van Dine

We were all deeply saddened to hear of the death of Elizabeth Van Dine, wife of CSJB Oblate John Van Dine, on January 10. Elizabeth was a lovely, sweet soul and a dear friend to CSJB for many years. She will be missed. CLICK HERE for Elizabeth’s obituary.

​Once again, we'd like to give thanks to our team of Associates and Oblates who faithfully organize our Zoom intercessory prayers on the second Friday morning of every month. Our next online prayer gathering is on March 10, 2023, at 10:15 AM. Please contact mckenziepat@gmail.com if you’d like to register. 

CSJB Associate Eileen Kennedy's paintings will be featured in a Williamsburg, Brooklyn art show Saturday March 11.  CLICK HERE for more info. and a listing of her upcoming shows.
​

ST. JOHN BAPTIST SCHOOL ALUMNAE

Charlyn and Bob Heidenreich in Duxbury

Charlyn Crandall Heidenreich (SJBS 52) recently sent us a great photo of her and her husband Bob. Charlyn and Bob live in Duxbury, MA, and sometimes visit the Society of St. Margaret Sisters there. 

​Elizabeth Gheno, (SJBS 68) asks our prayers for her family after the death of her niece Heather. Elizabeth says “She was very special to me-a devoted Dear sister, mom, and veteran. Say prayers for children, Gina &A.J. and her mom Mary Ann & brother Scott. Thank you”

Joyce McGirr (SJBS 1961) will be singing in a performance of Handel's Messiah, Parts Two and Three, on March 18 at 7:30 PM. The concert is part of the Ars Musica Chorale season. Please CLICK HERE for ticket purchase and details.

(L to R) Sister Beatrice Clare, Father Noble, and Charlyn Crandall-Heidenreich at the 100th Anniversary of CSJB in 1952
​

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

New Jersey Long Term Care Ombudsman Program and I Choose Home

Even to your old age I will be the same,
And even to your graying years I will bear you!
I have done it, and I will carry you;
​And I will bear you and I will deliver you. ~Isaiah 46:4

Nursing homes housed a relatively small number of people (1.1 million) aged 65 and older, but the percentage increases dramatically with age, ranging from 1% for those aged 65 to 74, 2% for those aged 75 to 84, and 7% for those aged 85 and up. While the majority of older adults (93.5 percent, or 33.4 million) live in the community, 4.5 percent live in nursing homes and 2 percent live in assisted living facilities. 

New Jersey provides training for volunteers to reach out to residents to help them navigate the system.  Through the NJ LTC Ombudsman Program, the Volunteer Advocates are an essential part of the LTCO team. The Volunteer Advocate’s role is to solve problems for the resident and to ensure that all residents are being treated with dignity and respect. Each Volunteer Advocate undergoes 36 hours of extensive and in-depth training and is required to pass a certification exam in order to participate in the program.  After field training with a mentor an advocate is assigned to one facility.   Learn How to Become a NJLTC Ombudsman 

New Jersey also provides the I Choose Home program which may be able to guide residents for options to return home to the community. If you or someone you know is living in a nursing home, has or will be there for 60 days or more, is eligible for Medicaid, and wants to move back to the community, The I Choose Home NJ Program may be able to help you move back into the community with low- or no-cost in-home services.
​

Offering Letters Call and Prayers for Bread forThe World Support for SNAP Benefits

Bread for the World’s motto is A Table for Everyone.  Their bowl and table logo represents what they do. This non-profit gathers people, at many tables, to provide Bread for the World. Community members are offered the opportunity to sit, together, at tables of power and influence with lawmakers to enact policies that help ensure everyone has access to nutritious food. 

​Bread for the World, an interfaith community which advocates to address food security, has embarked on its Letters of Offering. This letter writing campaign allows individuals and groups to work collaboratively to make systemic change to end hunger.

​Bread for the World provides a powerful web-based educational and assistance tool as well as resources to email your representatives directly or sample letters to share with your organization.   Bread for the World Letters of Offering Resources.
​

​“Open your mouth for those who cannot speak, and for the rights of those who are left without help.” ~Proverbs 31:8a 
​

In addition to the resources, you and members of your group can work collaboratively to email your representatives directly. Email Your Representatives Directly 

The 2023 Farm Bill is up for reauthorization and 75% of the bill’s budget addresses the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program  or SNAP benefits. 

Learn More About Bread for the World  including their Pledge to Prayer to End Hunger 

The Episcopal Church acknowledges Bread for the World in Resolution 2015-D015 

CSJB BOOKS

We are thrilled to announce that the latest book about the Community of St. John Baptist, The Second Spring, is now available to order.

Author Valerie Bonham says:
“This book The Second Spring is the sequel to Living Stones, which traced the history of CSJB from the arrival of the first three Sisters in New York in 1874, until 1939.

​Please contact Sister Pamela at sr-pamela@csjb.org to order. The cost is $25 + $5 Shipping and Handling.
​
​

Sister Margo Elizabeth’s book Not Just an Ordinary Pony is now available from most online booksellers. The book tells the extraordinary story of Pony, who lived at the Convent for 27 years and gave spiritual comfort and strength to so many. If you have already purchased the book, we’d like to suggest it as a great gift item for your loved ones. All proceeds go directly to the many ministries of CSJB. To learn more about the book, go to the Not Just an Ordinary Pony website at www.mecolman.com
So many of you have told us you loved the book! Please get the word out. CLICK HERE for buying options
​

​From Generation to Generation: Essays by Children of Holocaust Survivors, published by the Drew University Center for Holocaust/Genocide Study,is a compilation of eleven essays written by ten second-generation Holocaust survivors. Sr. Eleanor Francis, CSJB is one of the writers. 
The first printing of our From Generation to Generation is entirely sold out.  We are waiting for a second printing. 
If you'd like to order a copy, we can place you on the waiting list. The cost is $15, plus shipping. Please contact Sister Eleanor Francis at sref@csjb.org to order.
​
There will be a 30th anniversary celebration of the Drew Holocaust/Genocide Center in the fall. By that time, the second printing of the book will definitely be available.  In the meantime, the Holocaust Center has produced a free Online version, which is available on the Drew University Holocaust/Genocide Center website. 

​​

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. 

Guests can gather on Zoom. Please email Sister Eleanor Francis at sref@csjb.org if you are interested in joining.

A description of this silent contemplative practice can be found HERE.
​

CLASS: THE JEWISHNESS OF JESUS
​Every Friday morning  - On Zoom
The Friday morning “Jewish Jesus” class, led by Rabbi Deb Smith and Sr. Eleanor Francis,  has begun a new book:  The Bible with and without Jesus by Amy Jill Levine.
 
.See our Events Page for the upcoming March 15 Lenten program which will explore Christian and Jewish approaches to The Prodigal Son.  In the fall, (no date set yet), there will be a program called "Eastern Spirituality for Western Seekers."  

Please contact Sr. Eleanor Francis at
sref@csjb.org for more info.
​or call 973-543-4649 ex. 3. ​

PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR

All who have suffered from gun violence.

For all people affected by military conflict.

​For all victims of human trafficking.

All who are suffering grief, loss, and illness.

For peace in the Middle East and peace in Ukraine,

For refugees throughout the world

For all healthcare workers and other essential workers,
​
For our Searchers who are discerning a call to the Religious life, and

The Rev. John Beddingfield leading the Sisters' Long Retreat on St. John of the Cross while Jennie looks quizzically at his Bluetooth speaker.

Alison
​Andy
Annette
Anthony
Aurora
Autumn
Barbara
Bill and Carol
​Brian
Callie Jo
Carol
Carolyn
Chase
Cheryl
Chris
The Clewer Initiative
The Cronenberger Family
Claire
Daniel
Dean
Debbie
Diane
​Donna
Doug
​Ella
Ellen
​Elsie
Erin
​Evan
The Flood family
​Gene
Greg and Pat
Gretchen
Heather
Honor
Hugh
India
Ingrid
​Jack and Carol
Jack Grier's family
James
​Janet

J​arad 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 family
Julian
Kamala
​Kasenia
Kathleen
​Kathy
Karen
Lana
Larry and his daughter
​Leanne
Lee
Linda and Paul
Linda Lee
Lisa
​Liz
Luke
Margaret
Margaret and family
​Maria
​Marne
​Matthew
​Maureen and Donald
McGrath family
Meg
​Meyer

Michael
Michelle
Mossman​, Jr.
Myles
Myram
Nicole
Nikki
Noah
Norman
​Paige
Pat and Ellie
Patrick
Patty
​Peter
Phoebe
Rayvon and Beth
Rebecca and her family
​Richard and Ginger
River
Rob
​Ryan
Salma
Sam and her children
Sarah
Shane
​Shaun and family
Sheila
Sister Barbara Jean
Stephanie
Sully
Susan and family
Suzanne
Tiffany
Tom
Tommy
The Trout Family
The Van Dine Family
Virginia
Warren
​Will

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

OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO

All who have given so generously to our ministries and all who pray for us,

All who have contributed to the children of the Good Shepherd Home,

​Our generous donors who provided funding for our new septic system.

Our many helpers, volunteers, and those who encourage us,

All who work for justice, freedom, and peace throughout the world.

Sister Barbara Jean playing piano at Holly Manor. Photo by Julie Crawford

Magdalena Aders
​Carol Albert
Peter J. Arney and George W. Jordan III
​Kathleen Shea Aregood
Donna Aubel
Barbara Barbeau
Nancy Munch-Bilheimer
MaryJane Boland
Joe Boney
The Rev. Valerie Bonham
Carmen Bowser
Christine Brodeur
The Rev. Deacon Cathy Brunson
​The Rev. Deacon Johnine Byrer
Chris Chrystal and Myram Borders
Julie Crawford
Rosemary DaCuna
Hans Dekker and the Hyde and Watson Foundation
Rosina B. Dixon
Margaret Dohnalek
Mary and the Rt. Rev. HerberDonovan
Gerrie Dressler
Lorraine Emanuel
Kay & Frank Failla
Joanne Foster
​John Forney and family
Susan Fuller and family
Mayor Christine Glassner
Bill and Gay Grier
In memorium, Elizabeth S. Halpin
Harris Family

Jane Hayden
Sister Marcia Hobart
​Margaret Johnson
Bradley Kalos
Judi Kerr
The Very Rev. H. Scott Kirby and family
​Ken and Kathy Kopec
Joyce McGirr
​Holly Meeks
Janet Maulbeck and Interweave
Patrice and Doug McKenzie
​Anne Mell
Jane and Peter Mercer
Connie Moore
​Linda Lee Mundy
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
​The Rev. Dr. Ronnie T. Stout-Kopp
William and Madeleine Thompson
Juli Shea Towell
Myles Varley
​Nick Vytell
Alix Weisz
Joannah Wilmerding

TO SUPPORT OUR GENERAL FUND

Sunset behind St. Marguerite's Retreat House

​Because the pandemic suspended our ministry of hospitality for 19 months we, like many nonprofits, are still 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
We thank all our generous friends, Associates, Oblates, and benefactors who generously give to CSJB to keep Mother Harriet Monsell's dreams alive.

Sister Pamela (L) and Sister Mary Lynne before the Saturday Eucharist at the Newark Diocesan Convention