UPDATES FROM THE SISTERS - JUNE 2021

Illustration of a clover wreath, drawn by our Mother Foundress Harriet Monsell for her devotional book Leaves. 
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"In our work for our Lord, we must endeavor to labor in the spirit of our Patron. In his long period of preparation in the desert, in his mission, in his converse with his disciples, at the court of Herod, he lives for one end - to prepare the way before his Lord. We too are sent to prepare the way for the same Lord, and in our smallest tasks we must bear this in mind. It need be no concern to us how, in a large work or a small, the greatness of our mission makes all our work great. Nothing can be small, done for the Great God. In this smallest of our tasks let us be "All for Jesus."
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--​Mother Harriet Monsell, Leaves

COMMEMORATION DAY 2021

​Many thanks to all our CSJB Oblates, Associates, and friends who joined us on Zoom June 19, 2021, for our first-ever online Commemoration Day! This annual event is an opportunity for the Sisters to thank all of our supporters who make our ministries possible. It is usually held in the Main Chapel in person, but in 2020 we had to completely cancel it due to COVID. This year we decided to gather on Zoom rather than miss the chance for worship and fellowship.

CSJB Sisters Zooming on Commemoration Day.

The Rt. Rev. Carlye J. Hughes, 11th Bishop of Newark, preached at our Zoom Commemoration Day this year.

This event could not have taken place without Associates Jan Paxton and John Rollins serving as our tech hosts. We cannot possibly thank these two enough for pulling off an event with many technical challenges. We also thank the Rt. Rev. Carlye J. Hughes, 11th Bishop of Newark, for taking time out of her busy schedule to deliver an energizing and inspirational sermon. CLICK HERE to watch the recording of our event on YouTube, and to hear inspirational speeches from our Oblates, Associates, and friends.

WELCOME OUR NEW CSJB ASSOCIATES

Julie Crawford, Joseph Boney, Virginia Murphy, and Yolanda Baker were received as our newest CSJB Associates on June 12, 2021 at an outdoor Eucharist on the cloister.

The Rev. Lorna Erixson, rector of St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Mendham and also a CSJB Associate, was preacher and celebrant.

​Please join us in welcoming these dedicated people of faith into our community of prayer and service.
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L to R: Julie Crawford, Joseph Boney, Virginia Murphy, Yolanda Baker

THE CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER
Outdoor Eucharist at CSJB

The Rev. Cynthia L. Black, DD, preaching to Church of the Redeemer parishioners at CSJB on June 13, 2021

​On June 13, 2021, we welcomed the first group at CSJB since March 13, 2020. The Rev. Cynthia Black and her congregation from the Church of the Redeemer in Morristown held their Sunday Eucharist at our outdoor altar outside St. Marguerite’s Retreat House.

​This gathering marked the first time in over a year that the Church of the Redeemer has met in person for worship. We Sisters were absolutely thrilled to share our outdoor space with this thriving church community .
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Throughout the pandemic we have welcomed many individual visitors and groups of just a few people, but this June 13 Eucharist is a new beginning for us as we gradually allow more activity at our sacred space. The easing of state regulations continues, and we are hopeful that we can open our Retreat House by our target date of October 1. After the state of New Jersey returns to “Green” risk level, we will also allow overnight visitors and groups in the Convent guest wing and Convent meeting rooms.

Church of the Redeemer worship at CSJB's outdoor altar

OUR NEW BISHOP VISITOR-ELECT

The Rt. Rev. Mary Glasspool, Assistant Bishop of New York

Since our Bishop Visitor, the Rt. Rev. Allen K. Shin (Bishop Suffragan of New York) has reached the end of his term, the Sisters have chosen his esteemed colleague the Rt. Rev. Mary Glasspool (Assistant Bishop of New York) as our new Bishop Visitor-elect. Bishop Glasspool was elected by the Community on June 8, and we are currently working to schedule her installation ceremony. We give thanks to Bishop Shin for his ministry to us, and we are very glad that he will remain a close friend of our Community. 

You can learn more about Bishop Glasspool by CLICKING HERE to read her bio on the Episcopal Diocese of New York’s website. Her election is especially momentous to us, as she is the first woman to be elected as CSJB’s Bishop Visitor in our entire 169-year history.

HAPPY SILVER JUBILEE TO SISTER MARGO ELIZABETH

On May 31, we celebrated the 25th Anniversary of profession of Sister Margo Elizabeth. In non-pandemic times we would have invited friends and family to our Eucharist and celebratory meal, but due to restrictions on indoor gatherings, the Sisters privately commemorated our Sister’s 25 years of Profession in Life Vows.
 
We thank all who sent their prayers, cards, and best wishes to the Community for this milestone. Sister Margo Elizabeth is continuing work on her book about Pony’s 27-year story at CSJB. It will be finished and available to the public soon!
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Sister Margo Elizabeth on her Silver Jubilee May 31., 2021.

THE GARDEN OF HOPE

Here's a reflection from volunteer Betsy Broome, intern at Brookside Community Church (UCC) , about their  congregation's Faith and Food Justice Ministry in the Garden:

A young Brookside  Church (UCC) volunteer
​in the Garden of Hope.

"Brookside Community Church’s faith and food justice ministry had its kick-off on May 19th on the beautiful grounds of the Community of St. John Baptist.  Our group, adults and children, met on the benches outside the garden and reflected on the second creation story in Genesis and how it helps us to understand our connection to God in nature.  We had fun getting to know each other and planning our garden bed.  We are grateful to the Sisters at the Community for providing us with a large, raised bed, an elevated bed, gardening tools, compost, and accessible water.  All the food we grow will be donated to a local food pantry.  

"At our meeting on May 26th, our group prepared the garden for our plants:  weeding, turning the soil, and adding compost.  We watched the sky and clouds as we planted, and were thrilled to get most of our vegetables in before the rain came!  We planted different varieties of tomatoes, cucumbers, broccoli, spinach, celery, and other vegetables.

​When we met the next week, we reflected on the story in Exodus of God appearing to Moses in a thorny bush and what this might tell us about the nature of God.  As the summer continues, we’ll explore the many ways in which the Bible helps us to understand God and Jesus through images of nature – in rocks, weeds, fig trees, seeds, water, vines…"

Brookside Community Church (UCC) volunteers in the CSJB Garden of Hope

Brookside Community Church (UCC) volunteers in the CSJB Garden of Hope

"We meet every Wednesday from 5:30 to 6:30, and we’re always excited to see each other and how our garden is growing!" 
--Betsy Broome

For more information on Brookside's  ministry, please contact Betsy Broome, Brookside’s pastoral intern, at [email protected].

For more information on the CSJB Garden of Hope, contact Sister Linda Clare at [email protected]

THE GOOD SHEPHERD HOME FOR CHILDREN
​IN CAMEROON

The work of rescuing orphaned children in Cameroon, West Africa continues in spite of the ongoing Civil War and the death of Mother Foundress Jane Mankaa on April 1, 2021. 

​There are currently 108 children in the Good Shepherd Home, and the daily operations are being managed by Sister Mary Lawrence and a team of dedicated staff.

The face of an angel at the Good Shepherd Home.

The GSH chicken farm when it was in full operation.

The Home hopes to resume its chicken farm in September to provide income, and hopes to raise funds for the repair of equipment in the bakery so that it too can resume production soon. All the children and staff express their sincere thanks to the generous donors who have reached deep into their resources in these troubled times to donate time and money to help these vulnerable and precious children of God.

The Good Shepherd Home never makes children available for adoption due to the risk of trafficking, but rather provides a lifelong family that nurtures them into adulthood. Two young men who grew up at the home, Dickson and Kevin, are now managing day-to-day operations there. Dickson will complete his master's degree in Accounting this year. Cistus will complete his master's degree in Petroleum Engineering in October, and he is currently looking for an internship at a U.S. petroleum company. Gilbert is in medical school and is an intern at General Hospital in Bamenda. The Good Shepherd Home has helped many other children realize their potential and grow into secure adults with a loving family of hundreds of siblings.

For more info. and to learn how you can help, CLICK HERE.
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Ndomenga Dickson, who grew up at the Good Shepherd Home.

​ST. JOHN BAPTIST SCHOOL

Susan Akers with Jennie and Sister Pamela

Two St. John Baptist schoolgirls and a former teacher dropped by to see us this month! SJBS alumna Susan Akers visited the former St. John Baptist School property on June 13 to see how it's changed and take a walk down to the pond, and she ran into Sister Pamela and Sister Monica while they were walking Jennie.  Susan has many fond memories of her time at the school, and she later chose the Flemish cross at the convent for the site of her wedding.

The next day, June 14, SJBS alumna Deborah Almy Ransom and her husband, the Rev. James Ransom, visited the Convent and brought an album of photos from their wedding at St. John Baptist School.

​Deb's mother taught at the school, and Deb's husband, Father Ransom, later became a SJBS church history teacher. Deb grew up in the Lodge, a house on our campus, that was later sold but still exists as a single-family home.

​Deb and James currently live in Vermont.

Deborah Almy Ransom and the Rev. James Ransom at CSJB on June 14.

Deb Almy Ransom and Sister Suzanne Elizabeth after Deb's wedding at the SJBS Chapel.

The Rev. James Ransom with Sister Margaret Helena and Sister Barbara Jean after Deb and James' wedding.

SERMONS FROM THE SISTERS

Here are some recent sermons from our Sisters:

TRINITY SUNDAY SERMON
by Sister Linda Clare
​CLICK HERE TO READ

CORPUS CHRISTI SERMON
by Sister Deborah Francis
​CLICK HERE TO READ

PROPER 5, YEAR B SERMON
by Sister Victoria Michelle
​CLICK HERE TO READ

PROPER 7, YEAR B SERMON
by Sister Eleanor Francis
​CLICK HERE TO READ

Statue of Mary in the CSJB Chapel, with flowers from the garden.

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.

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JOIN US FOR PRAYER ON ZOOM
Friday July 9 and Friday August 13
​10:15 AM - 11:00 AM Eastern time.
​ALL ARE WELCOME

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

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

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 THE NEW JIM CROW
Summer Book Study on Zoom
July 13 at 7:00 PM
July 27 at 7:00 PM
Aug. 10 at 7:00 PM

Join us for three Zoom meetings to discuss the book The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander. 

This event is presented by Faithfully Mendham, the interchurch committee of the Mendham which includes UCC, Methodist, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, and Lutheran faith communities. 

To register for this series, please email Pastor Nicolette Siragusa at [email protected]

To purchase the book on Amazon, CLICK HERE

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THE SEARCH PROGRAM
​AUGUST 16-21

THIS YEAR'S SEARCH PROGRAM WILL BE ON ZOOM DUE TO COVID RESTRICTIONS.
Our SEARCH program is not only for those feeling called to be Sisters, but for anyone who is hoping to determine God's call in their lives, whatever that call may be.

The Summer SEARCH program takes place in August every year. The dates for 2021 are August 16-21. The program lasts for six days, but you may attend for a portion of it if your work schedule does not allow you to attend all six days.

Our Zoom Search program includes classes in prayer, the enneagram, and discussions with Sisters.
​
Please call Sister Pamela at:
973-543-4641 ext. 9 or email
​[email protected] for more information.

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​Fall Interfaith Series

Facilitated by Rabbi Deb Smith, Sr. Eleanor Francis, and Dr. Shabiha Sheikh

Wednesday, October 13:  “Humility.”
Wednesday, October 27: “Forgiveness”
Wednesday, November 10: “Overcoming Evil.”

All programs run from 7:30- to 9:00 p.m.
Suggested minimum donation for each:  $18.

If you think you would be interested in this program, please contact Sr. Eleanor Francis at [email protected] or 973-543-4641 ex. 3. I will see that you get registered. 

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CELTIC JOURNEYS
Due to the Corona Virus pandemic, many of our 2021 Celtic Journeys were canceled, but Please see our trips for 2022!

CLICK HERE to go to the Celtic Journeys website.
​
For more information, contact Sister Margo Elizabeth:
Phone: 973 543 4641 ext 4                      
Email: [email protected]
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PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR

All who are suffering from COVID, for all who have died from COVID, and for all who have lost loved ones to COVID,
 
​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,
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Peonies from our garden in the chapel.

Amber
Andy
Annette
Anthony
Barbara
Bill and Carol
Brandon
Carolyn and Bruce
Chase
​Cheryl
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
Maxton
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.

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. If you have requested prayers and don't see the requested name on our list, we offer our apologies. Please email the Superior and we will add the name here.  
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OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO

Sister Mary Lynne in the library with one of her handmade quilted bags.

​All our generous donors who make our ministries possible
​
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 15 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
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St. Marguerite's Retreat House

WOULD YOU LIKE TO INCLUDE CSJB IN YOUR ESTATE PLANNING?

Staircase at the Convent

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.

Jennie, ready for noonday prayer in the chapel hallway