KEEPING A HOLY LENT We Sisters always enjoy following and sharing the daily Lenten meditations from one of our favorite organizations, Episcopal Relief & Development. This year, we are especially excited to share them because the meditations were written by our own Sister Monica Clare. Each meditation offers a brief reflection on the daily readings from Vespers, along with a question to carry into your personal prayer time. You may sign up on the Episcopal Relief & Development website to receive the meditations by daily email, or you may download a PDF version along with a helpful study guide. Walking the Way of the Cross, also known as walking the Stations of the Cross, is an ancient devotional practice which can deepen the experience of Lent and Holy Week. If you would like to walk our outdoor Stations in person with us, please join us on Good Friday, April 3, as we walk and pray in the natural surroundings of the CSJB Convent. Please email Sister Monica Clare at [email protected] if you would like to participate. If you are unable to walk in person, you may “virtually” walk our 14 Stations of the Cross in the Convent Main Chapel by CLICKING HERE for our Way of the Cross booklet.
The Mendham Faith Leaders include the Community of St. John Baptist, Brookside Community Church, Grace Lutheran Church, Hilltop Presbyterian Church, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Mendham United Methodist Church, and St. Joseph Catholic Church The Episcopal Church’s website also offers Lenten Resources for congregations and individuals: CLICK HERE to learn more. The Episcopal Women’s History Project has an online Lenten speaker series which honors women’s ministries in the Episcopal Church. CLICK HERE for more information. SISTER OLIVE FRANCIS’ WORK AT THE MORGAN LIBRARY  Joshua O'Driscoll (R) showing Sr. Pamela (L) and Sr. Monica Clare some of Sister Olive Francis' gold illuminations on purple-dyed parchment CSJB Associate Marianna Klaiman has been diligently preserving and cataloging our collection of ecclesiastical treasures, including the illuminations designed and painted by Sister Olive Francis Rhinelander in the early twentieth century. We are fortunate to hold many of Sister Olive Francis’s creations here in the Convent collection, and on December 12, Marianna arranged for us to view additional examples of her work in the collection of the Morgan Library & Museum in New York City. Joshua O’Driscoll, Assistant Curator, showed us many of Sister Olive Francis’s illuminations, including rare, purple-dyed parchment adorned with gold lettering. Following our time with Joshua, we explored the Library’s fascinating exhibition on the Psalms. We are grateful to Marianna and to all our friends, Associates, and Oblates who help us keep our vibrant history alive. Some of Marianna's preservation work can be seen at www.sacristiesofny.com. You may view some of Sr. Olive Francis' work at the Morgan Library in the slideshow here: RELIGIOUS LIFE SUNDAY In 2022, the General Convention of The Episcopal Church approved a resolution to add Religious Life Sunday to the church calendar on the 3rd Sunday after the Epiphany. This churchwide observance is the result of the efforts of the Conference of Religious Orders in the Americas and the National Association of Episcopal Christian Communities to raise awareness about the gifts of religious life. This year, Religious Life Sunday was on January 25, and our Novice, Sister Beatrice Evelyn, gave a sermon on her own vocational journey for St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Phillipsburg, NJ. You may click on the image below to watch a video of Sr. Beatrice Evelyn’s sermon. Religious Life Sunday falls on January 24 in 2026, and we invite you to learn more at religiouslifesunday.org SEAT BY SEAT, WE BUILD COMMUNITY
THE GOOD SHEPHERD HOME IN CAMEROON, WEST AFRICA Christmas at the Good Shepherd Home Many thanks to all our generous friends who made donations to ensure that the children of the Good Shepherd Home would have a wonderful Christmas. We also give special thanks to all who donated to the building of a security fence to protect the property and to the irrigation project to bring clean water to the Home. The Good Shepherd Home stands as a beacon of hope and love for some of Cameroon’s most vulnerable children. The Home and the Benedictine order of the Sisters of Bethany were founded by the late Sister Jane Mankaa, and the Sisters and staff offer every child a warm, family-like environment rather than placing them for adoption. All the siblings grow, learn, and thrive together as they embody the Home’s motto, “May We All Be One.”
To donate to the ongoing costs of the Home, email [email protected] or call 973-543-4641 ext. 0. To learn more, go to www.goodshepherdhome.org CLICK HERE to learn more about the ACT Foundation. To donate to ACT, email [email protected] or call 973-543-4641 ext. 0. CLICK HERE to learn more about the Mother Jane Legacy Foundation. To donate to MJLF, email [email protected] or call 973-543-4641 ext. 0. AN EXCITING RETREAT IN NOVEMBER Nov. 19, 3:00 PM to Nov. 21 1:00 PM at St. Marguerite's Leaders: Dr. Vladimir Miscovic, Ph.D. and The Rev. Canon Masud Ibn Syedullah, TSSF  This retreat integrates contemplative neuroscience, human psychology, and the ancient wisdom of the Christian tradition to explore the daily cultivation of "loving Presence". We will move beyond the perceived divide between science and spirituality by presenting scientifically informed models of the whole human being encompassing the traditional domains of body, soul, and Spirit. Through a mix of conceptual presentations and experiential practices—including contemplative sessions, small group work, and personal reflection—retreatants will discover how age-old meditative traditions and modern insights converge to bring life-giving energy and wisdom to their daily lives.  The Rev. Canon Masud Ibn Syedullah, TSSF (L) with Dr. Vladimir Miskovic, Ph.D. Retreat leaders: Dr. Vladimir Miskovic, Ph.D., is a neuroscientist, former professor of psychology, and former novice monk. He is the author of Dreaming Reality (Harvard University Press) and currently investigates the neurological and psychological effects of contemplative practice at the Non-Duality Institute in Woodstock, NY. Vladimir has offered guest lectures and presentations on the psychosomatic and psychospiritual models of contemplative practice at institutions including Brown University, The Catholic University of America, Trinity College at the University of Toronto, and Western Washington University, as well as various private organizations. Vladimir weaves together the latest findings in contemplative neuroscience and psychology with the centuries-old wisdom of the Christian tradition and other sacred paths. His work is dedicated to fostering a dynamic, non-reductive understanding of the whole human being, providing a grounded yet transformative vision for navigating the modern world. The Rev. Canon Masud Ibn Syedullah, TSSF is a priest of the Diocese of New York; Founder and Director of Roots & Branches: Programs for Spiritual Growth (www.roots-branches.org); has served as Interim Canon for Ministry, and continues to serve as a resource for ministry formation in the Diocese of New York; is President of the National Association of Episcopal Christian Communities; and is a professed member of the Third Order, Society of Saint Francis, a Christian Community in the Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion. For more than forty-five years, Masud has created and led programs of contemplative practice nationally and internationally. With a professional background in music, Masud weaves the elements of the arts through all of his work to address and integrate the various dimensions of our humanity. Furthermore, although Masud is firmly rooted in Christian faith and practice, he draws upon some of the resources of the Universal Wisdom and spiritual practices of the world’s religious traditions. Cost per retreatant: $450.00 (two nights), which includes the basic convent's request of $125.00 per night, plus compensation for the two presenters. Please email The Rev Canon Masud Ibn Syedullah, TSSF at [email protected] to register. OUR KNITTING MINISTRY
 The Hope One van always comes right to our doorstep to pick up our contributions.. OUR EPIPHANY PARTY  This was Peach the Convent puppy's first Epiphany party, and she thoroughly enjoyed it! We had a wonderful time at our annual Epiphany party on January 4. There was an excellent turnout for our hymn sing, featuring CSJB Associate Margaret Erath on piano, Sister Margo Elizabeth on flute, Sister Beatrice Evelyn on cello, and our new Associate, Loni Bach, also on cello. Several of our dear friends from the Sisters of Christian Charity joined us, along with many other friends, both new and longtime. Afterward, everyone enjoyed a wide assortment of delicious savory and sweet treats, as well as Sr. Suzanne Elizabeth’s festive holiday punch. Thank you to all who made this one of our best parties ever. ST. MARGUERITE’S RETREAT HOUSE  The Board of Trustees from the Church of St. Mary the Virgin in NYC at St. Marguerite's Our retreat ministry has grown considerably in the past few years, and we are grateful for all the blessings it brings. In December, we welcomed a group from Interweave, along with Maria Gillan’s weekend Poetry Intensive. The Hesed Women’s Group was here in January, as was St. James, Philadelphia, and St. Paul’s Brooklyn. Holy Trinity, Manasquan was here in February, as was the Vestry for St. Michael’s Church in NYC and the Trustees of the Church of St. Mary the Virgin in NYC. A large group from the American National Catholic Church was here, along with the Summit Interfaith Anti-Racism Committee, St. Luke’s Gladstone, and the Lay Retreat for the Diocese of Newark.  Our roof at St. Marguerite's has weathered many blizzards during its 117-year lifetime, including the ones this month All our guests appreciate the beauty and hospitality of St. Marguerites, so we are hoping to maintain our retreat ministry by replacing our 117-year-old roof, which has deteriorated significantly during its long life. We hope to raise $500,000 for this project, and so far, we have raised $65,569, mostly through the $50,000 pledged by Margaret Dohnalek. An anonymous donor has also offered a $17,500 matching gift for donations received between now and March 2026. Margaret Dohnalek has also announced that she is making an additional $20,000 donation to the roof in honor of Sr. Barbara Jean’s birthday on March 18. Your gift, no matter the size, brings us closer to protecting this sacred space for generations to come. If you’d like to help, please email our Business Manager at [email protected] for more information. PEACH AND CLARA  (L to R) Sister Laura Katharine, Peach, and Clara coexisting peacefully in the sitting room
QUIET DAYS AND RETREATS  Sister Monica Clare with quiet day attendees in St. Joseph's Chapel at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin. Some of our Sisters lived and worked at St. Mary's from 2007-2018. Sister Monica Clare led an Advent quiet day at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin in New York City on Saturday, December 15. The meditations for the day were centered on the O Antiphons, which are seven ancient Advent refrains, traditionally sung or said from December 17–23, that invoke Christ by biblical titles (such as Wisdom, Root of Jesse, and Emmanuel) and express the Church’s longing for his coming.  Sister Monica Clare (center) at lunch with some of the quiet day attendees at St. Andrew's On February 21, Sr. Monica Clare also gave a Lenten quiet day at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Mt. Holly. The focus of the day was on finding unique ways of praying that best suit each individual. In March, she will be leading a 3-day Lenten retreat for the Church of the Epiphany in Seattle. CSJB OBLATES AND ASSOCIATES  Some of the CSJB Oblates mingling with Sisters before the Noonday office on Jan. 10
ST. JOHN BAPTIST SCHOOL ALUMNAE
Please note that I do not make those arrangements. If you are interested in booking a stay, you may contact Brad at [email protected]. Email is the best way to reach him. If you would like to plan something on Friday before the main gathering on Saturday, please let me know. The past two years we met for dinner and had a great time, but I am always open to new ideas. Most importantly, this gathering is for everyone connected to SJBS—students, teachers, Sisters, friends, and family—whether you graduated from SJBS or attended for only one year, as a boarder or a day student. All are welcome. The gathering is also apolitical; it is simply a time for us to enjoy one another’s company and remember SJBS. Please let me know if you plan to attend. There is no sign-up sheet; this is just to help with an estimate. And if you decide on August 22 to drop in, you are most welcome!” If you’d like more information about the reunion, please contact Pam Nelon at [email protected] LOOKING AHEAD
CSJB BOOKS
PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR
The Rorbach Family Foundation The Ross Foundation 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. Elizabeth Ivell and the people of the Church of the Messiah The Rev. Victoria McGrath and the people of All Saints Millington We pray especially for the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO
The Northern Trust The Rorbach Family Foundation The Ross Foundation 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. Elizabeth Ivell and the people of the Church of the Messiah The Rev. Victoria McGrath and the people of All Saints Millington TO SUPPORT OUR GENERAL FUND
YOUR LEGACY FOR CSJB  Lenten stole embroidered by the Sisters of CSJB in the 19th century 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. 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.
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82 West Main Street Mendham, NJ 07945
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