UPDATES FROM THE SISTERS - june 2022

Painting of St. John Baptist in the upper sacristy of CSJB's main chapel.

“There was no charm of eloquence,
no expression of man’s wisdom,
no outward aspect
of this world’s beauty,
but all Judea and Jerusalem
were moved, and arose,
and came forth,
to see, to hear,
​the Messenger of Christ.”

Meditation on St. John Baptist from Mother Harriet Monsell – The Leaves

​COMMEMORATION DAY 2022

Thank you to all who joined us on Zoom for Commemoration Day, June 25.  Our Bishop Visitor. the Rt. Rev. Mary Glasspool, Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of New York, delivered an inspirational sermon for these difficult times. We also heard from Oblate Vanessa Foster, our Community Pastor the Rev. John Beddingfield, and the Rev. Valerie Bonham. We were delighted that Ndomenga Dickson, Kevin, and the Children of the Good Shepherd Home could be on our Zoom too. The children even sang a song for us and one of them said a special prayer.

The Rt. Rev. Mary Glasspool preached from her office in New York City

The Children of the Good Shepherd Home sang us a song live from Cameroon and offered special prayers during our Zoom Commemoration Day.

​Many thanks to Jan Paxton and John Rollins for being our wonderful tech hosts. We Sisters are praying that we can all be together in person for next year’s Commemoration Day. All of us miss our friends so much.
A recording of the Zoom event can be viewed by CLICKING HERE, and the bulletin for the Service of the Word can be READ HERE.

CSJB ASPIRANT DIANA BAUDELAIRE

Diana Baudelaire from Snohomish, Washington, is currently staying with us for her official month-long Vocational Visit. She has been praying the Daily Office with us five times a day, attending mass and the Service of the Word, and helping with various work projects. After her visit, Diana will go back to her home in Washington as she and the Community discern whether to take the next step – the six-month Postulancy. We appreciate your prayers for Diana in her search and for our Aspirant Niambi Mercado who will make her Vocational Visit with us in July.

Aspirant Diana Baudelaire with Novice Director Sister Pamela in the CSJB Chapel

EFM GRADUATES
​

L to R: CSJB Associate Ginnie Murphy, the Rev. Margaret Otterburn, Sister Linda Clare, Helen Dieterly, and Sister Victoria Michelle at EFM graduation on Pentecost.

Sister Linda Clare and Sister Victoria graduated from the Education for Ministry (EFM) program on Pentecost - June 5.

​EFM is a 4-year certificate course that includes New Testament, Old Testament, church history, and modern theology studies. The program is part of the School of Theology at the University of the South (Sewanee) and provides excellent training for ministry in any Christian denomination. Our Sisters were part of the Church of the Messiah’s EFM group. They studied with mentor (and CSJB Associate) the Rev. Margaret Otterburn.
​

ST. MARGUERITE’S RETREAT HOUSE

From June 3-5, we welcomed “It Works, It Really Does” – a women’s recovery group – to St. Marguerite’s Retreat House.

​Church Women United New Jersey also gathered here for their retreat celebrating Womanhood June 14-15. Church Women United is a national ecumenical movement of Christian women who come together at St. Marguerite’s every year for a time of fellowship, study, encouragement, worship, and planning.

From June 24-26, the women’s group from Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church was here for their Summer Sabbath retreat.

Church Women United of NJ at St Marguerite's.

If you’d like to bring a retreat group to St. Marguerite’s, please contact our Retreat House Manager Brad Kalos at [email protected] or call 973-543-4582​. We also welcome day groups, business meetings, and corporate retreats.

​

The women's group from Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in NYC at St. Marguerite's.

Andrew Bryan, son of CSJB Associate Kathy Bryan, is on staff at St. Marguerite's for the summer.

JUNETEENTH!

Sister Victoria Michelle and Sister Linda Clare assisted with the Juneteenth Celebration sponsored by The Church of Messiah's Social Justice Team and held at the Borough of Chester Central Gazebo on June 17, 2022.  This interfaith celebration included several speakers, hymns accompanied by Messiah Music Director Laura Bassett, and prayer offerings. 

The celebration included a statement about the history of Juneteenth which finally became a federal holiday in 2021.  In addition, the Stand Up for the Other Pledge was read; this pledge was established by Rabbi Deb Smith, who participates with Sr. Eleanor Francis in CSJB’s monthly Interfaith series.  

The Opening Speaker Deacon Frank Owen of  St Lawrence the Martyr is a long-time resident of Chester.  At age 83 Deacon Owen noted his grandfather had been a slave. 

View the Full Program On-Line 
View the Ceremony On-Line

Sister Linda Clare with CSJB Associate the Rev. Margaret Otterburn, preparing for the Juneteenth celebration in Chester.

Deacon Frank Owen addressing the Juneteenth participants June 19, 2022

Juneteenth participants at the gazebo in Chester, 

To learn more about the history of Juneteenth, and find resources to attend or organize celebrations for 2023,
please go to:

https://www.juneteenth.com/

Stand Up for the Other Pledge
While interacting with members of my own faith, ethnic, or gender community, or with others, if I hear hateful comments from anyone about members of any other community, I pledge to stand up for the other and speak up to challenge bigotry in any form. *
 
* This pledge was initiated by Dr. Mohammad Ali Chaudry during the quarterly meeting of an Interfaith Advisory Council of the NJ Department of Homeland Security and Preparedness (OHSP) held at Drew University in March 2015.  The Stand Up Pledge is now part of the mission of the Muslim Jewish Solidarity Committee which was established in 2014 with the joint leadership of Walter Ruby of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, Dr. Ali Chaudry of the Islamic Society of Basking Ridge, and Rabbi Deb Smith of the Congregation Or Ha Lev Jewish Renewal Community of Morris County, New Jersey.
​

INTERFAITH MINISTRY
From Sister Eleanor Francis

Rabbi Debra Smith

Rabbi Deb Smith and I concluded our Friday morning class on the Jewishness of Jesus for the season on June 24.

We will take up the class again for the fall on September 9. The hours are 10:30 to 11:30. It is an interfaith study. All are welcome. In the fall our topic will be “The Sermon on the Mount” from both a Jewish and Christian standpoint.  We can take a few more members but expect homework! 

​If you think you may be interested, please contact Sr. Eleanor Francis at
[email protected]
​or phone 973-543-4649 ex. 3. 

GOOD NEWS GARDENS

Eagle Scout Candidate Bret Keifer completed the inside of the new greenhouse and backfilled our 3 new beds using an agrarian technique from England.  The bed walls are a composite of mulched cedar and Portland cement and drain and allow for exchange.  Bret also constructed the frame for a new gate entrance to the Garden of Hope.

​Eagle Scout Candidate David Braun met with Sister Linda Clare and local retired Engineer Thierry Montfort of Long Valley to discuss the planning of a new water collection and distribution for the Garden of Hope. Consideration has been given to rain barrels using the nearby roof as well as a large tank that would use gravity to distribute the water.  The goal is to cut the cost of water for the garden.  David has contacted the local fire department to consider the delivery of water during their training and maintenance practice runs.  David will be funding raising for the project.

The Sharing Project continues to support the Garden of Hope by maintaining two beds that were recently planted with their home seedlings of tomato, pepper, and eggplants.  CSJB supports TSP in many ways including providing free seeds and /or seedlings from The Feed Seed Project or this year also from a donation from Ferrymore.  TSP also monitors and waters the Garden of Hope as needed. 

One of the 3 new raised beds in the Garden of Hope

Sharing Project volunteers with the new greenhouse in the background.

The CrossRoads garden yielded some radishes and lettuces from the crops planted by Sr Victoria in April.  Produce goes to local or regional food banks.
​

If you would like to help in the
Garden of Hope, please
​contact Sister Linda Clare at:
[email protected]

CSJB Associate Julie Crawford (L) with Sister Victoria in the Garden of Hope. Julie organizes the many volunteers and projects here and at other community gardens in this region.

Eagle Scout Bret Kiefer (L) with his dad, framing a new gate entrance.

Sister Pamela learns from The Sharing Project Team and offers words of encouragement.   

Sister Pamela’s tomato plants, which she grew from the FerryMore donation, were distributed to a new school community garden at Halsted School in Newton.  Thanks to Eagle Scout Bret Keifer our greenhouse is completed.

SERMONS BY THE SISTERS

Sister Eleanor Francis preaching at St. Mark's, Mendham. The altar in the background was originally at St. John Baptist School.

Our Sisters take turns preaching and reading meditations in the CSJB Chapel, and we also preach in local parishes. 

Sister Victoria Michelle preached a lovely sermon on Father’s Day. It can be read HERE.

She also preached recently at the Church of the Messiah in Chester, and that sermon can be seen HERE.

Sister Deborah Francis' sermon from Ascension Day can be read HERE.

Recent sermons from Sister Eleanor Francis can be read HERE and HERE.

Sister Eleanor Francis' recent sermon at St. Mark’s, Mendham can be viewed by CLICKING HERE.

Sister Linda Clare’s sermon from St. John Baptist Day can be read HERE.

HOMELESS SOLUTIONS: A HandsUp Not a HandOut

​This month Sister Victoria Michelle joined members from The Church of the Messiah to serve at the Homeless Solutions shelter in Morris Township.   As a non-profit, Homeless Solutions has many initiatives and projects.  Homeless Solutions partners with Family Promise of Morris County and other agencies to seek solutions for those in need.  Services include shelter living, transitional housing, job training, mentoring, moving services, and family support counseling.   Learn more about the HSI programs or How You Can Help as a volunteer or donate goods, clothing, electronics, or funds.

Sister Victoria preparing meals at Homeless Solutions

The dining room at Homeless Solutions

With significant renovations in place, Homeless Solutions now has a new kitchen, warming station, and dining area.  In addition to serving their own residents at the Shelter, an additional service involves a Warming Center with meals and showers for people living on the streets throughout Morris County.

If you'd like to learn more about Homeless Solutions, go to: 
www.homelesssolutions.org

​or go to their contact page HERE.

CELEBRATING ANGELS ON EARTH:  CERTIFIED NURSES AIDE WEEK

The Week of June 13th marked the Celebration of Certified Nurses Aide Week. 
​
Sister Mary Lynne provided handmade Pocket Prayer Pouches for all the CNAs at Holly Manor where Sister Barbara Jean resides.  Sister Victoria Michelle helped to prepare the pouches with encouragement from Sister Barbara Jean.
​
Each CNA was provided a copy of the following reflection of gratitude:
"Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies." ~Mother Teresa

Prayers and prayer pouches made by Sister Mary Lynne for CNA week.

​You have many titles: nursing assistant, caregiver, listener, hospice aide, friend, family.
You do many things: serve and feed, clean and bathe, listen and love, take vital signs and touch hearts.
You are in many places: resident rooms, the bedside and bathroom, the kitchen, your office, your car.
No matter what you are called,
No matter what you do,
No matter where you are,
You are the eyes of love and care looking into the world and answering to a need: Here I am.
In celebration and with gratitude for your service.

A Prayer for CNAs
 
God of all Tenderness, with love and patience each day you keep the grass growing and the flowers blooming. Be with all nursing assistants as they tend to the daily needs of those entrusted to their care. When confronted with impatience, give them grace. When surrounded by too much to do, give them clarity. When doubtful of themselves and the gifts they bring, remind them of the power of love in small acts unseen. Amen.
​

SISTER SUZANNE ELIZABETH 

On May 23, Sister Suzanne Elizabeth underwent complex spinal fusion surgery to correct multiple issues with her vertebrae.

The surgery was extremely successful, and she endured the first weeks of difficult recovery with her typical optimism, strength, and determination.

​We are thrilled that she is now back at home with us, and we are so grateful for all the faithful prayers that brought her safely through this risky surgery. We appreciate your continued prayers as she navigates the next phases of her recovery period.

Only days before her surgery, Sister Suzanne Elizabeth led the Volunteer Fire Department on an inspection of the Convent and Retreat House.

SISTER MONICA AT SEWANEE

Sister Monica is participating in the Alternative Clergy Training at Sewanee (ACTS) program at the University of the South as part of the ordination process in the Diocese of Newark. The course consists of twice-yearly intensive sessions at Sewanee, with monthly Zoom classes in between. Sister Monica completed her first year of the course June 6-17th while staying at the beautiful convent of the Community of St. Mary, Southern Province (CSM).  The convent is only minutes away from the Sewanee campus and has breathtaking views of the Appalachians. The CSM Sisters have an active ministry to the college and provide many retreats and programs nationwide. Sister Monica Clare will finish the ACTS course in June of 2023 (with God’s help!)
​

SIster Monica Clare with Community of St. Mary Sisters, Advance Degree students, and seminarians from Sewanee outside the Community of St. Mary chapel 

ASSOCIATES AND OBLATES

The Rev. Margaret Otterburn with parishioners at her final Eucharist at the Church of the Messiah on June 19. Photo by the Rev. Canon Andrew Wright.

​On June 19, our dear friend and CSJB Associate the Rev. Margaret Otterburn officially retired from her position as priest-in-charge of the Church of the Messiah in Chester after 15 years in ministry there. She had been priest-in-charge since her official retirement as rector several years ago.

Margaret has often celebrated mass at the Convent and for the past 11 years, she has served as a mentor to Sister Victoria Michelle, who participates in many ministries at Messiah. You can read more about Margaret’s fruitful, spirit-filled career at Messiah in a Chester Patch article by clicking HERE, a recording of her final sermon at Messiah can be viewed HERE,  and her thoughts from the Messiah Newsletter can be read HERE.
​

CSJB Associate the Rev. Carol Horton’s mother Jean Steinberg passed away peacefully on May 31. The memorial was held on Saturday, June 25 at the First Congregational Church of Chester, NJ. Carol says of her mother “She loved life, loved beauty, and loved Jesus, and followed him as a faithful witness of that love, even in the most challenging of times. Thank you, Mom.”  Jean’s obituary can be read by CLICKING HERE.
​

​All CSJB Associates and Oblates are welcome to send prayers, photos, meditations, and news to Sister Monica Clare at [email protected] if you’d like them to be included in future newsletters.
 

ST. JOHN BAPTIST SCHOOL ALUMNAE

The St. John Baptist School reunion will be held on August 20th from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Please contact alum Pam Nelon for more information at [email protected].
 
Alumnae are welcome to send photos, reminiscences, and news to Sister Monica Clare at [email protected] if you’d like them to be included in future newsletters. 

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 as a printed book and e-book from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and many other booksellers.
 
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.

Valerie Bonham's five other books about the Community can be ordered From Amazon by CLICKING HERE.

Sister Margo Elizabeth’s book Not Just an Ordinary Pony is now available from many booksellers online. 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.

So many of you have told us you loved the book! Please get the word out.

You may purchase Not Just an Ordinary Pony at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, Walmart, and others.
​

From Generation to Generation: Essays by Children of Holocaust Survivors has been recently published by the Drew University Center for Holocaust/Genocide Study. It is a compilation of eleven essays written by ten second-generation Holocaust survivors. Sr. Eleanor Francis, CSJB is one of the writers.

​There are currently a limited number of books available. The cost is currently $15, plus shipping.
If you would like to purchase a copy, please contact Sister Eleanor Francis at [email protected].
​

​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 [email protected] if you are interested in joining.
​

JOIN US FOR PRAYER ON ZOOM
Friday July 8
​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]

​

THE AUGUST SEARCH PROGRAM
August 15-20 on Zoom

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 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, our history and ministries, and discussions with Sisters.
​
Please call Sister Pamela at:
973-543-4641 ext. 9 or email
​[email protected] for more information.

​

Class: The Jewishness of Jesus
​Every Friday morning
On Zoom
​Rabbi Deb Smith and Sister Eleanor Francis concluded this Friday morning class on the Jewishness of Jesus for the season on June 24.

We will take up the class again for the fall on September 9. The hours are 10:30 to 11:30. It is an interfaith study. All are welcome. In the fall our topic will be “The Sermon on the Mount” from both a Jewish and Christian standpoint.  We can take a few more members but expect homework! 

​If you think you may be interested, please contact Sr. Eleanor Francis at
[email protected]
​or phone 973-543-4649 ex. 3. ​

"MEDITATIONS ON THE COMING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT - THEN AND NOW"
CSJB Associates Program on Zoom
Saturday, October 22
10am - 12noon
​Led by
Fr. Jim Warnke

Please register to obtain Zoom invitation by sending a check for $50 (or whatever you can afford) to
Community of St. John Baptist
​Attn:  Sr. Eleanor Francis - Email: [email protected]

​

CELTIC JOURNEYS
Due to the pandemic, many of our 2021 Celtic Journeys were canceled, but please see our trips for 2022!
https://www.celticjourneys.org/copy-of-ireland
https://www.celticjourneys.org/cornwall
For more information, contact Sister Margo Elizabeth:
Phone:973 543 4641 ext 4                      
Email: [email protected]
​



​

LABYRINTH WALKS
Walk our labyrinth and learn about this ancient way of prayer.  

Our Labyrinth is still available for socially-distanced walks, with all participants wearing masks and keeping 6-foot distances between non-household/family members.

To schedule an individual or a group labyrinth walk, email Sister Monica Clare at [email protected]

PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR

All who have suffered from gun violence.
​
The people of Ukraine and Russia, and all people affected by military conflict.

For Sister Suzanne Elizabeth recovering from spinal surgery on May 23.

​For all victims of human trafficking.

All who are suffering from COVID, for all who have died from COVID, and for all who have lost loved ones to COVID.

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,     ​

The driveway to the Convent.
​Photo by Sister Margo Elizabeth

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

J​arad and Monica
Maria
Marne
Matthew
Maureen and DonaldJason
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
Kathleen
Karen
Lana
Larry and his daughter
Lee
Linda and Paul
Linda Lee
Lisa
Margaret
Margaret and family

Maureen
​McGrath family
Meg
Michael
Michelle
Myles
Myram
Nicole
Nikki
Norman
Pat and Ellie
Patrick
Patty
Phoebe
Rayvon and Beth
Rebecca and her family
River
Rob
Salma
Sarah
Shane
Sheila
Sister Barbara Jean
Stephanie
Sully
Susan and family
Suzanne
Tiffany
Tommy
The Trout Family
The Van Dine Family
Virginia
Warren

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

OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO

All who have given so generously to our ministries.

All who sent donations, gifts, and cards to CSJB for Christmas.
​
All who have contributed to the children of the Good Shepherd Home,

All who have contributed time, talent, and donations to help reopen our retreat house.
 
Our many helpers, volunteers, and those who encourage us,

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

Sisters with Jennie in the chapel hallway. before the Eucharist

Magdalena Aders
Peter J. Arney and George W. Jordan III
​Kathleen Shea Aregood
Donna Aubel
Barbara Barbeau
MaryJane Boland
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
In memorium, Elizabeth S. Halpin

Jane Hayden
​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
J. Vincent Reppert
Jack and Penny Rohrbach
Michael Reiter
Ed Roworth
Anne Salvatore and family
Juli Towell
Myles Varley
​Nick Vytell
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. 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

Candles in a bowl at a labyrinth walk here at CSJB, honoring the victims of the Uvalde shooting. The event was sponsored by Interweave.

Because the pandemic suspended our ministry of hospitality for 19 months we, like many nonprofits, are 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

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.

​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.
​​

Violets on the windowsill in the stairway at CSJB.