UPDATES FROM THE SISTERS - May 2021

Weeping may spend the night,
but joy comes in the morning.
Psalm 30:5

Sister Mary Lynne found a newborn deer on our property! The mama deer soon came to retrieve it.
​ (CLICK ANY PHOTO TO ENLARGE)

HOPE FOR OUR MINISTRY OF HOSPITALITY!

The whole state of New Jersey is now yellow - Medium risk.

We Sisters have been rejoicing as we've watched the COVID numbers decrease significantly in New Jersey. Last fall we never could have imagined that nearly our whole state would be marked as yellow for medium COVID risk, but now it is. New Jersey spent so many months as a high-risk state, marked red and deep red, that it looked like we might be a high-risk state for a long time. Now, things look so optimistic that we can make plans to gradually reopen to the public.

In our weekly discussions about the future of our ministry of hospitality we have made these mutual decisions, among others:

1. When the risk level in our state reaches the "low" risk level or green, we will once again allow overnight visitors, in-person meetings, and groups inside the Convent. Visitors must be fully vaccinated and must be coming from an area that is also low risk.
   
   
2. We have tentatively decided on October 1 as a reopening date for St. Marguerite’s Retreat House. Thanks to a generous grant from an anonymous donor, we will be able to hire staff and purchase safety equipment for the reopening. We are working through a long list of repairs and refurbishment for the Retreat House as well.

St. Marguerite's Retreat House

A curious robin at the Convent

The Convent in the spring sunshine

​We are working on more decisions for the future of the Convent and the Retreat House. We look forward to seeing you all again soon!


CLICK HERE to check the risk level for the State of New Jersey

​

​HAVE YOU REGISTERED FOR COMMEMORATION DAY ON ZOOM?

The Rt. Rev. Carlye J. Hughes, Bishop of Newark, has graciously agreed to preach at our Zoom Commemoration Day on June 19, 2021, at 10:00 AM.

​Bishop Hughes is an amazing preacher and a powerful motivator in the church. We are so grateful to her for taking time out of her busy schedule to preach for us, and we can’t wait to hear what she has to say.

Our 2021 Commemoration Day will be a Service of the Word with several guest speakers, then a time for socializing on Zoom afterward. Many thanks to Jan Paxton and John Rollins for volunteering to be our tech hosts. 
​

​To register for Commemoration Day,
​ CLICK HERE and you’ll receive a link to the Zoom event.
 
If you'd like to make a Commemoration Day donation, you may donate online
by CLICKING HERE. We thank you for your generosity.

​THINGS ARE HAPPENING IN THE GARDEN OF HOPE!

Sister Linda Clare with Matthew Borinshteyn at the  Sharing Project Annual Plant Sale May 4

This year we have an abundance of volunteers who have blessed us with their great ideas and hard work. Because of helpers like Julie Crawford, Matthew Borinshteyn's team from the Sharing Project, parishioners from Brookside Church, and many others we got an earlier start on planting than we did last year. Because of these efforts, the number of vegetables we will produce for local food pantries will be significantly more than in past years.

​Generous donors have also enabled us to purchase lumber to replace a large number of wooden beds, and our Estate Manager Ken McCurdy’s son Brandon put in many volunteer hours to construct them.

​Thank you to all who have been preparing the soil, weeding, putting up frames, and giving our Garden of Hope the attention it needs. We couldn’t do this without you!

Sister Victoria teamed up with Julie Crawford and others to help out at the Crossroads Camp garden  plots.

In the photo at left, volunteers from Brookside Community Church pause for prayerful reflection before starting work in the Garden of Hope behind St. Marguerite's. 

If you'd like to find out more about the Garden of Hope, please email Sister Linda Clare at [email protected]

​
​PARISH WORK

Our Sisters who work in parishes have finally begun to get out and attend worship in person again. On Pentecost Sunday, Sister Deborah Francis and Sister Monica attended the outdoor service at All Saints Millington. They were particularly happy to be there, as this was the first time they’ve been able to attend in-person worship in over 14 months. Sister Victoria Michelle also attended the  Pentecost service at the Church of the Messiah in Chester and Sister Eleanor Francis attended the outdoor Pentecost service at St. Mark’s Mendham. It was truly a joy to be with our fellow worshippers on such a holy day.

Sister Monica Clare and Sister Victoria Michelle sold handmade items from the Nun Better Gift Shop at the St. Mark's Mother's Day Boutique on May 1 

Click the image above for a video of the Pentecost service at All Saints Church.

Various CSJB Sisters have been regularly preaching, teaching, and singing in the virtual choir at local parishes throughout the pandemic, but they all look forward to serving their parishes in person more often as the COVID restrictions ease.

FROM THE GOOD SHEPHERD HOME IN CAMEROON

The funeral for Sister Jane Mankaa was held at the Good Shepherd Home on April 30, 2021, and live-streamed on Facebook.
If you would like to see the two videos of the funeral on the Good Shepherd Home’s Facebook page, CLICK HERE

​One of the speakers at the funeral was a young man from the Good Shepherd Home who gave a moving tribute to Sister Jane. As part of his speech he said:

Children of the Good Shepherd Home at Sister Jane's funeral on April 30

"To the world, she was one person, but to us, she was the world. She meant a lot to us as children of the Good Shepherd Home. She didn't have much, but we've always had everything. She didn't leave millions in her bank account, but she left a legacy worth much more. Her selfless acts of kindness, her intuitive advice, her love for family. What a loving being she was. Her arms are always open to everyone. She was a precious gift from God, so much grace, love, and patience she possessed.

​She touched our hearts in so many ways, her strength, her love, and smile even on the sick bed made us realize we had an angel beside us all this while.”

​To view the funeral booklet and read all the speeches from the service, CLICK HERE. 
​
For color photos from the funeral booklet, CLICK HERE.

To view the cover of the funeral booklet, CLICK HERE.

A young man from the Good Shepherd Home speaking at Sister Jane's funeral,

The Presbyterian Sisters of Emmanuel, Sr. Jane's first Community, walk behind Sister Jane's casket. Even after Sr. Jane converted to the Anglican Church, she kept her vows to Emmanuel and stayed very close to the Sisters there.

To learn more about the Good Shepherd Home, go to: ​
www.goodshepherdhome.org

​JACK GRIER 1947-2021

Jack Grier (center) with his parents Shirley and Bill Grier

Jack (2nd from R) with his family, Sister Eleanor Francis, and the Rev. Lorna Erixson at his granddaughter Lily's (center, front) baptism at CSJB on October 3, 2020.
​(CLICK ANY PHOTO TO ENLARGE)

On May 14, we received the news that John Lawrence “Jack” Grier had died on May 13, 2021. Jack was a member of the CSJB family all his life, as his father Bill Grier was the Estate Manager here for over 50 years. 

​​Jack was the same age as Sister Suzanne Elizabeth’s younger brother, so she says she always thought of Jack as her kid brother, too. She says:
​
 “Jack and his brothers grew up here and Jack seemed to be a happy kid. He was friendly and seemed to enjoy the Sisters. He often came to the kitchen door offering to help out around the place.”

​​Jack and his family chose CSJB for his granddaughter Lily Morozov’s baptism on October 3, 2020. We are so grateful for Jack and his wonderful family, and we ask your prayers for God’s comfort and strength to his lovely wife Valerie, his children, and his grandchildren.

Jack’s obituary may be viewed by CLICKING HERE.

INTERFAITH MINISTRY

We are very pleased to announce that Sister Eleanor Francis has been signed as a regular speaker for the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center. Her first presentation will be on May 26 on Zoom at 7:00 PM. To register for this event, CLICK HERE. To look for her future speaking engagements,  check the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center Events page by CLICKING HERE.

​​Sister Eleanor Francis will also serve as a panelist on June 2 to discuss “The Problem of Evil” as part of the ongoing Yad b’Yad Abrahamic Faiths Dialogue Series. To register for the event, CLICK HERE.

OBLATE AND ASSOCIATE NEWS

​Four new CSJB Associates will be received in a private outdoor ceremony here at the Convent on June 12. We will record the Associate reception so that it can be viewed by all during our Zoom Commemoration Day event. We ask your prayers for those about to be received.

Also - our Zoom prayers for Associates and for the public will be paused in the months of July and August. Our final Zoom prayer session for the season will be June 11. Check our Events page for announcements for future online prayer gatherings after August.

ST. JOHN BAPTIST SCHOOL

Belinda Brusch sent us this great photo of her in 1978, during her time as a student at St. John Baptist School. Her aunt Beryl Brusch, who graduated from SJBS in the 1940s, is with her in the picture. 
​
ALUMS, SISTER BARBARA JEAN WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU
Sister Barbara Jean is doing very well at Holly Manor center. She always loves to hear from SJBS alumnae. Please feel free to call her at 973-543-8712. 

​

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

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

​​

SR. ELEANOR FRANCIS – THE SEARCH FOR MY JEWISH IDENTITY
​MAY 26 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
This is a Zoom event, free and open to the public, sponsored by the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center. 
 
Sr. Eleanor Francis is a second-generation Holocaust survivor who comes from a family in which the Holocaust was rarely mentioned. Even as an adult, when she learned that her Hungarian mother and grandmother had survived Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen, she couldn't understand why they were interred in those camps. Were they Jewish? Not that she knew. She has devoted the last seven years to learn who they were and who she is.
 
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS ZOOM EVENT
​

CSJB ASSOCIATE PRAYERS ​ON ZOOM
MAY 28 10:15 AM- 11:00 AM
If you’re a CSJB Associate or Oblate and you’d like to join us on the 4th Friday of each month for Lectio Divina and discussion on Zoom, email Pat McKenzie at [email protected]

If you would like to learn more about becoming an Associate, we’d love to hear from you! Just email Sister Monica Clare at [email protected]
​

​

"THE PROBLEM OF EVIL"
Facilitated by Rabbi Deb Smith, Sr. Eleanor Francis,
and Dr. Shabiha Sheikh. 
Wednesday, June 2, 7:30-8:45 pm. 
​​Suggested Donation: $36 or pay what you can.
Why would God permit evil to exist? What do our holy books and traditions teach about evil? What should we do to combat evil? We will delve into a three faiths understanding of the concepts of good and evil.

If you think you would be interested in this program, please contact Sr Eleanor Francis at [email protected] or 973-543-4641 ex3. I will see that you get registered.

​

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

Join us on the 2nd Friday of each month for 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]

Let’s join together to pray for ourselves, our neighbors, our church, and the world.​

ONLINE COMMEMORATION DAY
Saturday, June 19 at 10:00 AM
ON ZOOM
Save the date! This year we're going to have the CSJB Commemoration Day online. We've set the date for June 19, 2021, at 10:00 AM. At this point, we're still figuring out what our event is going to look like, but we will provide updates here on our website on the EVENTS page, and also on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/csjb.nj)

​​We also would welcome any tech help and suggestions from those of you who are skilled at tech-hosting, coordinating, and presenting online events. Please email Sister Monica Clare at [email protected] if you’d like to help

​TO REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT, CLICK HERE:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEld-CprjooGdeqrTDLh_BTDWPPTX-vJ7z4
​

CELTIC JOURNEYS: 
Due to the Corona Virus pandemic, many of our Celtic Journeys were canceled, but please see our upcoming trips here:
www.celticjourneys.org

For more information, contact Sister Margo Elizabeth:
Phone:973 543 4641 ext 4                      
Email: [email protected]
​

​PROGRAMS AND RETREATS

Our Sisters are always happy to provide preaching, retreats, and programs for your parish or group. Many of us can provide these things via Zoom, and when COVID restrictions ease we’ll be able to come by in person. Please email Sister Monica Clare at [email protected] if you’re interested. Some of the program topics include:

• The Good Shepherd Home, Cameroon
• Advent and Lenten Retreats
• The history of Anglican Religious Orders
• How to make Anglican Prayer Beads
• Praying with icons
• Labyrinth prayer
• Sister Eleanor Francis’ perspectives on being a 2nd generation Holocaust survivor.
• How John the Baptist, our patron Saint, inspired the work of CSJB and still influences our work today.

A slide from our Powerpoint presentation on Mother Harriet and St. John the Baptist 

​Those are just a few of the topics our Sisters can present. We can also, of course, put together a custom topic with any parish or group.

Sisters are happy to preach in parishes when needed. Sister Deborah Francis preached a particularly good sermon for us on Ascension Day.  CLICK HERE to read her sermon.

PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR

Illumination of "In Heaven, rest" made by CSJB SIsters in the late 1800s.

All who are suffering from COVID, for all who have died from COVID, and for all who have lost loved ones to COVID,
 
​All those affected by mass shootings,
 
For peace in the Middle East,
 
For all healthcare workers and other essential workers,
 
For our Searchers who are discerning a call to the Religious life,

Amber
Andy
Annette
Anthony
Barbara
Bill and Carol
Brandon
Carolyn and Bruce
Chase
Chris
The Clewer Initiative
Sam and her children
Claire
Daniel,
Dean
Diane
Doug
​Ellen
Erin
Geri and family
Greg and Pat,
Heather
Honor
Hugh
India
Ingrid
Jack Grier’s family
James
Janet
​Jarad and Monica

​Jason
Jay
Jean
Jeanette
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
Maureen
Margaret and family
​Maria

Matthew
Maureen and Donald
McGrath family
Michael
Michelle,
Myles
Myram,
Nicole
Norman
Patrick
Patty
Phoebe
Rebecca and her family
Shane
Sheila
The Singh family
Sister Barbara Jean
​Stephanie
Sully
Suzanne
The family of Mary Flood
Tiffany
Tommy
Virginia
Warren
William Benefield, Sr.

and 
Our CSJB Sisters in England.

We pray especially for the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed.
 
We would be honored to pray for you. Please email [email protected] with any prayer requests
​

OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO

Sister Mary Lynne and Jennie

All who have responded so generously to our Reaching Out appeal letter
​
All who have responded so generously to our appeal for the Good Shepherd Home.
 
Our many helpers, volunteers, and those who encourage us
 
All our CSJB Oblates, Associates, Alumnae, and friends, and:

Magdalena Aders
Peter J. Arney and George W. Jordan III
Donna Aubel
Barbara Barbeau
Joe Boney
Christine Brodeur
Chris Chrystal and Myram Borders
Julie Crawford
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
Father Joe Hennen
Margaret Johnson
Bradley Kalos
Judi Kerr
The Very Rev. H. Scott Kirby and family
Linda Lee Mundy
Janet Maulbeck and Interweave
Patrice and Doug McKenzie
Jane and Peter Mercer
Connie Moore
Mayor Sarah Neibart
Bart Oates
Jan Paxton
Judy Picciano
Susan and Joseph Pigott
Jack and Penny Rohrbach
Ed Roworth
Juli Towell
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. 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 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

We Sisters of CSJB look forward to the day when we can reopen our ministry of hospitality and welcome hundreds of people per year to our Retreat House and the Convent as we have always done in the past. Until then, like many nonprofits, we are having a very difficult time covering our monthly operating costs after nearly 11 months with no income.
 
If you'd like to help us continue our ministries, please consider making a gift to our general fund through our new online Paypal portal:
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/CommunityofStJohnBap
​

Sister Linda Clare, studying on the cloister for her Education for Ministry class.

You can support CSJB with your purchases on Amazon.com by choosing us on Amazon Smile. CLICK HERE to learn more.

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.