UPDATES FROM THE SISTERS - april 2023

A Christian is:
a mind through which Christ thinks;
a heart through which Christ loves;
a voice through which Christ speaks
a hand through which Christ helps.
--St. Augustine

Sunlight on the cross at the Main Chapel

​DISCERNING GOD'S CALL

Olivia Robinson with Sister Pamela

CSJB Searcher Olivia Robinson made her first in-person visit to the Convent April 6-16. Olivia found us through Instagram, attended our Feb. 2022 Search Program on Zoom, and decided to visit us in person after spending three months studying at Oxford University in England. She is currently a student at The Honors College at Eastern Michigan University and is discerning a call to religious life. We all really enjoyed having Olivia here, and she even crocheted a beautiful scarf for our knitting ministry! Please join us in praying for her discernment as she listens for God’s call.
​

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER AT CSJB

Holy Week and Easter were especially joyful this year at CSJB because after three years, we were finally able to welcome guests at our worship and welcome our clergy friends to celebrate and preach. Many thanks to all who participated in this meaningful and joyful time with us. Special thanks to the Rev. Phil Carr-Jones, the Rev. Deacon Barbara Jensen, the Rev. Dave Jones, the Rev. Canon Andrew Wright, the Rev. Sheelah Clarke, and the Rev. Lorna Erixson.

​Please click on the slideshow below for images from Holy Week and Easter.

THE GOOD SHEPHERD HOME IN CAMEROON

When the children, Sisters and staff celebrated Easter at the Good Shepherd Home in Cameroon this year they were joined by Dr. Akwa Gilberto Mua, who grew up there as a child and still remains a part of the large, loving GSH family. Gilberto is a physician now, and he brings medical care to poor Cameroonians through the Mother Jane Legacy Foundation.

​The late Mother Jane Mankaa, who founded the Good Shepherd Home, always provided the children in her care with a solid spiritual formation. Christian education and worship is still emphasized in the children's upbringing, and Sister Jane's spirit lives on in all the children she raised.

Aben Cistus and his beautiful bride Evelyn
​

Easter Vigil at the Good Shepherd Home

One of the Good Shepherd Home children who is now grown up - got married this month! Aben Cistus is a petroleum engineer, and he married beautiful Evelyn, a nurse who tends to the health of the children at the Home.

​Cistus and Evelyn were married on April 21, and we wish them all the happiness in the world. Cistus’ foundation, the ACTS program, brings technology training to the poor in Cameroon.

​​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
​

EASTER GIFTS SUPPORT LOCAL FOOD PANTRY

From CSJB Associate Julie Crawford

For a joint partnership, the Church of Messiah Chester  and St Marks Mendham  partnered with the Community to create Easter gift bags for fifty-four children for the Chester Mendham Food Pantry.  Sister Victoria Michelle and Associates Linda Ochs and Julie Crawford met at the Retreat House refectory to sort the baskets.  Sister Victoria Michelle read For the Care of Children (BPC Prayer 46) over the baskets in St Marguerite’s Chapel, and Reverend Dave Jones blessed the baskets at Messiah on Palm Sunday. With generous cash donations to supplement the giving tree, an excess of $270 was donated to help stock the pantry shelves.
 
Here is the prayer: Almighty God, heavenly Father, you have blessed us with the joy and care of children: Give us calm strength and patient wisdom as we bring them up, that we may teach them to love whatever is just and true and good, following the example of our Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen.
​

Sister Victoria read the prayer for children over the Easter gift bags in the chapel at St. Marguerite's

THE CONFERENCE OF ANGLICAN RELIGIOUS ORDERS IN THE AMERICAS

Superiors and Novice Directors from the Conference of Anglican Religious Orders in the Americas at Holy Cross Monastery

From April 24-28, Sister Monica Clare and Sister Pamela attended the Conference of Anglican Religious Orders in the Americas (CAROA) Leaders’ Meeting at Holy Cross Monastery in West Park, New York.

​The Leaders’ Meeting is an annual event in which the Superiors and Novice Directors of religious communities in Canada and the U.S. meet to discuss business, share ideas, and provide mutual support. This year’s meeting included election of CAROA officers, and Sister Monica Clare was elected to a second 3-year term as Treasurer. ​

Anglican religious orders' leadership at CAROA conference 

The 2023 CAROA conference is the first time the group has met in person since 2018. During the pandemic, annual business meetings have been held on Zoom along with monthly Superiors’ and Novice Directors’ Zoom support groups.

CAROA contains several committees, and Sister Monica Clare is part of the Communications committee which seeks to raise awareness of the existence of Episcopal religious orders. It was this committee that succeeded in adding Religious Life Sunday to the Episcopal Church calendar.
​

HISTORIAN VALERIE BONHAM IS VISITING

Valerie Bonham showing the Sisters the chasuble worn by T.T. Carter.

Valerie Bonham, who has written five books about CSJB, is currently visiting the Convent while she works on her new book about our co-founder Thomas Thelluson Carter. She last visited back in September 2022. 

​This time, she brought over some treasures from the CSJB Community in England – including the Victorian-era chasuble worn by Canon Carter. It is a gorgeous vestment, and we feel extremely blessed to have it in our antique ecclesiastical embroidery collection. 

Valerie also brought us Mother Harriet’s cross, a book of watercolors painted by Mother Harriet, photos of the former mother house in England, and several other items of historical importance. We are very grateful to Valerie and to our English Sisters for sharing these treasures with us. 

Canon Carter's chasuble, brought from England by the Rev. Valerie Bonham
Photo by the Rev. Victoria McGrath
​

COMMEMORATION DAY JUNE 24, 2023

Don’t forget to RSVP for Commemoration Day at the Convent on June 24, 2023. The celebration starts at 10:00 AM with a Eucharist in the Main Chapel, followed by luncheon on the cloister. Celebrant is The Rt. Rev. Mary Glasspool, Bishop Assistant in the Diocese of New York, and the preacher is The Rev. John Beddingfield, rector of the Church of the Holy Trinity in Manhattan. Please RSVP to Sister Monica Clare at srmc@csjb.org if you plan on attending, and please email Sister Pamela at sr-pamela@csjb.org if you’d like to volunteer as an usher or greeter.

​Also please stay tuned for an announcement about the date of our 150th Anniversary Commemoration Day celebration in 2024, as we just learned it will conflict with the dates for General Convention 2024.

​

Luncheon on the cloister at Commemoration Day 2018

EAGLE SCOUT COURT OF HONOR

NJ Assemblywoman Aura K. Dunn and Senator Anthony Bucco with the Eagle Scouts at the Court of Honor

Boy Scout Troop 1 held its Eagle Court of Honor in the CSJB Main Chapel on April 16.

Three Scouts were recognized for attaining Scouting’s highest rank of Eagle Scout: Chase Declan Gannon, Bret Michael Kiefer, and Brian Joseph Janacek.

​Bret first came to CSJB as a volunteer in our Garden of Hope, and he and his fellow Scouts have completely upgraded and transformed our garden to produce more produce than ever for local food pantries.

​We give thanks to Bret, his family, Troop 1, and our own Troop 130 for all their hard work at the Convent and in the surrounding community. 

​ST. MARK’S SPRING MARKETPLACE – MAY 6

The CSJB Sisters will be at the Spring Marketplace at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Mendham on May 6 from 10 AM to 3PM. We'll be there with our Nun Better handcrafted jewelry, Anglican rosaries, crafts, and books about the Community. Come on by and check out our booth! The Marketplace features crafts and products by many local vendors and it is a great place to see old friends and make new friends. Many thanks to CSJB Associate the Rev. Lorna Erixson, rector of St. Mark’s, and to event organizer Julie Mauer for including us in these fun gatherings every year. CLICK HERE for a flyer.

L to R: Sister Deborah Francis, Sister Victoria Michelle, and Sister Monica at last year's Spring Marketplace.

INTERWEAVE 

Searcher Olivia Robinson (L) looks on as Sister Pamela speaks to Interweave members and Sisters on the cloister.

On April 15, the Sisters welcomed Interweave to our campus again for the first time since March 2019. The pandemic had previously forced the move of Interweave meetings onto Zoom but finally, at long last, we were able to see them in person again. Interweave is an interfaith and interspiritual learning center focused on integrated spirituality for daily living. It began in 1980 under the leadership of the Rev. Robert Corin Morris and is currently led by CSJB Associate Janet Maulbeck. CSJB has served as one of the Interweave meeting places since 1985, so we certainly missed seeing the group here all these long pandemic months and we hope to see them again soon.  CLICK HERE to learn more about Interweave’s upcoming programs and events.

GOOD NEWS GARDENS

From CSJB Associate Julie Crawford

​In the fall of 2022, Sister Linda Clare and Associate Julie Crawford met to share the Goods News Garden program with The Church of St Andrews and Holy Communion in South Orange and the ministry is now underway.  In April the construction of a Good News Garden, an national Episcopal initiative, commenced thanks to Seton Hall University student volunteers.  The volunteers provided 40 service hours for SHU Love Thy Neighbor program which is coordinated by SHU Dove, or Division of Volunteer Efforts    As an urban church, an Eagle Scout will next design a rainwater collection system and partnerships have been established with the Maplewood garden club and a local scout troop.  The gardens will include native plants and produce will be grown to supplement SAHC donations to Holy Trinity Food Pantry.  For More Information to discuss this model or to donate to the cause contact the Rector, Reverend Rose Cohen Hassen at SAHC or Sister Linda Clare at the Convent.
​

Garden volunteers at the Church of St. Andrews and Holy Communion

HOMELESS SOLUTIONS

From CSJB Associate Julie Crawford

Sr Victoria at Homeless Solutions with Messiah Volunteers L to R:
Catherine Segal, Elizabeth Gererty,  Madeline Rooney, and Maritza Muniz 

Each month Sister Victoria works with volunteers from the Church of the Messiah to serve at the HSI shelter located in Morris Township to prepare a dinner. 
 
Homeless Solutions' philosophy is based on “A Hand Up, not a Handout.” As a private, nonprofit organization, Homeless Solutions has been helping the homeless and working poor in the Morris County community since 1983. Their goal is to give those they serve the tools and surroundings they need to rebuild their lives and become self-sufficient. 

What sets them apart from others is the Continuum of Housing options, including their Main Shelter, Transitional Housing Program (THP) for families, Mt. Kemble Home for senior women, Warming Center for street homeless in the winter and summer, Promising Solutions campus for single women in shared housing, and the 74 Affordable Rental Housing units they own and operate. They have a remarkable staff of over 50 individuals (full-time & part-time) and are governed by a Board of Trustees.
 
There are numerous ways you can assist in their mission as a volunteer or through donations.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN how you can help Homeless Solutions,
​

ST. MARGUERITE’S RETREAT HOUSE

This month we welcomed a retreat group from St. Luke in the Fields Church in Manhattan, the Hispanic Ministry of the Diocese of New Jersey, Interweave, and Maria Gillan/Kevin Carey’s Poetry Intensive to St. Marguerite’s

Here’s a wonderful testimonial our retreat house manager Brad Kalos received earlier this month:

“Dear Brad: I want to let you know just how special everyone’s experience was at the guesthouse at St. John Baptist over last weekend. Not only did they rave about their other gracious hosts (human and four-legged 😊), but also the food, the grounds, the efficacy with which one can commune with nature in and out of doors there, and, in particular, YOU. It was relayed to me with a soul-filled admiration that you have (almost) single-handedly transformed the guesthouse there to great success, laboring with the love and dedication that one puts into a mission and true calling. This was so greatly appreciated by our retreat-goers and I wanted to be sure you knew that. By all accounts, St. John Baptist is an extremely special spiritual place”

Maria Gillan/Kevin Carey's Poetry Intensive workshops have been coming to the retreat house for over 20 years.

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

MANSION IN MAY

MANSION IN MAY
Jennie the Convent dog has watched with great interest as the Mansion in May volunteers set up parking areas, tents, and signs on our school property over the past few weeks. CSJB is providing parking so that event attendees can take a shuttle to this year’s showcase mansion, Three Fields, in Mendham. Mansion in May is sponsored by the Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center and has raised $12 million since its inception in 1974. This year’s mansion, decorated by top interior designers, was built between 1928 and 1930 and sits on 36 acres. The 2023 Mansion in May runs from May 1-31 and it is the 20th annual fundraiser for the hospital, 

CLICK HERE for a full brochure on the Mansion in May event.

Jennie inspecting the parking setup at our school property for Mansion in May.

CSJB ASSOCIATES AND OBLATES

The Rev. Barbara Crafton

Our next Associates Retreat is May 6 from 10AM to 1PM on Zoom.
The Rev. Barbara Crafton, prolific writer (winner of many awards), spiritual director, retreat conductor, and amazing creative human being will return on Zoom so many of you will be able to participate in the program on Saturday, May 6, 2023, 10 am to 1 pm
To register, please send your name, email address and a check for $50 (or whatever you can afford) to: "Community of St. John Baptist.” On the memo line write “Associates Program.”
Mail to: Community of St. John Baptist c/o Sr. Eleanor Francis P.O. Box 240 Mendham, NJ 07945
Close to the date of the program our host, using your email address, will send you a link

Please remember the family of Associate Julie Crawford in your prayers, as they mourn the death of her brother Judson who died on April 6. Judson's obituary can be FOUND HERE
​
A REMINDER: Any CSJB Associate or Oblate is always welcome to submit articles, poems, reflections, photos, videos, or whatever you feel would be a great addition to our newsletter. Just email Sister Monica Clare at srmc@csjb.org if you'd like to contribute.​

If you'd like information on becoming a CSJB Associate, please email Sister Eleanor Francis at sref@csjb.org.
​

ST. JOHN BAPTIST SCHOOL ALUMNAE

St. John Baptist School Alumna Joyce McGirr has a gorgeous singing voice, and last month she performed in Ars Musica Chorale/Adelphi Orchestra’s Messiah at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ridgewood, NJ.

​You can CLICK HERE to watch the performance.

The Rev. Joyce McGirr  (L, 2nd row, choir) singing the Messiah with Ars Musica

From SJBS alumna Pam Nelon: “For your scheduling purposes: the next SJBS alumni/friends/family/ anyone who wants to come summer gathering is August 26th. As usual it will start before noon and ends whenever (usually 4ish), but feel free to come earlier and hang out. I will be there the day before and setting up that morning. Hope to see you there!”  Please contact Pam Nelon at mailto:nelonpc@gmail.com to RSVP for the reunion or go to the St. John Baptist School Facebook page.
​

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.
 
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

Clara Elizabeth helping Sister Deborah Francis make cards in the Church Workroom

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:

Alison
​Andy
Annette
​Anne and Stan
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
​Jimmy
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
​Nancy
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.

Our local Boy Scout troops and parents

The Mendham Faith Leaders

The paschal candle in our chapel

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

The DCLM Fund
​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. 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

Jennie in the Altar of Repose
​Photo by Sister Linda Clare
​

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.

YOUR LEGACY FOR CSJB

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.

The Convent in spring sunshine.
​Photo by Olivia Robinson

Sister Eleanor Francis attended the annual Clergy Renewal of Vows/Chrism Mass at Grace Church, Madison on April 4