UPDATES FROM THE SISTERS - JUNE 2023

COMMEMORATION DAY!

New Associates received on Commemoration Day, L to R: The Rev. Paul Rajan, Mary Ballard, Eloise Monzillo Hiris, Elizabeth Loree, David Johnston, Linda Cook, and Ray Sperber

The Rt. Reverend Mary Glasspool celebrating mass. Photo by Julie Crawford

On June 24, St. John Baptist Day, we Sisters welcomed our Associates, Oblates, and friends to the first in-person Commemoration Day at the Convent since 2019.

​During the pandemic, we moved the annual celebration online and while it provided an opportunity for out-of-town guests to attend, we really missed having a big crowd in our Main Chapel.
 
We are so grateful to all who could make it on Saturday. It was truly a joy to celebrate the Eucharist together in the Main Chapel, to sing together, and to enjoy lunch on the cloister. We were overwhelmed by all the love and support, and so happy to share many hugs with people we haven’t seen in a very long time. 

Special thanks to our Bishop Visitor the Rt. Reverend Mary Glasspool, who was our celebrant, and to our Community Pastor the Rev. John Beddingfield, who was the preacher. Thanks also to our Minister of Ceremonies the Rev. Vicki McGrath; our Gospeler and Deacon the Rev. Dn. Ken Boccino; our readers Bill Grier and Meghan Gibson; our LEMs the Rev. Dave Jones, the Rev. Diana Wilcox, and the Rev. Dn. John Van Dine; our organist Wayne Dietterick; our speaker the Rev. Ellen Kohn Perry; Oblations Bearers Paul and Phyllis Bartkus; ushers Scott Bennett and Joe Boney; greeters Vanessa Foster and Linda Ochs; and Boy Scout Troop 130 who helped with parking and handicapped guests. Very special thanks to the Rev. Diana Wilcox, who filled in at the last minute as thurifer and did a spectacular job!

The Rev. Diana Wilcox as thurifer

​Commemoration Day is a long-held tradition at CSJB which celebrates our Associates, Oblates, and friends who are so vital to our mission and ministry. It is our annual way of saying thanks to everyone who does so much for CSJB. To all who could make it, thank you so much for being here and to those who were absent, you are in our prayers, and we will see you soon!

Click on the small images below to see a slideshow of Commemoration Day photos:

​CSJB ANNOUNCEMENTS

Our monthly Zoom prayers, which have been held on the second Friday of the month, are moving to the first Friday of each month.

​After a break for the summer, we will gather together on September 1 at 10:15 for fellowship and then prayers at 10:30. Our Zoom prayer gatherings are a great way to catch up with old and new friends and to make intercession for the world and for our loved ones.

A slide from last month's Zoom intercessory prayers.

Many thanks to our hardworking online prayer team: Pat McKenzie, Janet Maulbeck, the Rev. Kevin Coffey, Doug McKenzie, Jan Paxton, and the Rev. John Rollins. If you’d like to join in the First Friday Zoom Prayers, please email CSJB Associate Pat McKenzie at [email protected]. 

ALSO - We will be taking a break from the newsletter in July, so look for the next edition at the end of August.​

​CSJB IS ON PRESERVATION NEW JERSEY’S LIST OF THE TOP 10 MOST ENDANGERED HISTORIC PLACES

Preservation New Jersey publishes an annual list of 10 “irreplaceable historic, architectural, cultural, and archaeological resources in New Jersey that are in imminent danger of being lost.”
​
​Mendham historian C.F. William Mauer recommended CSJB to the program, and this year we made the list.

We are so grateful to William and to the members of Preservation New Jersey who included us on this list to draw the attention of possible partners to preserve our historic property. 

Sister Linda Clare with Myles Varley at the Top 10 event in Sandy Hook

Myles Varley and Sister Linda Clare speaking at the Sandy Hook event.

Selections to the 10 Most Endangered list are based on three criteria: 

• historic significance and architectural integrity, 

• the critical nature of the threat identified, and 
• the likelihood that inclusion on the list will have a positive impact on efforts to protect the resource
  ​

Many thanks to the National Park Service, the Sandy Hook Foundation, and Monmouth University for sponsoring the June 4 event where the list was announced. CSJB Development Officer Myles Varley, Sister Linda Clare, and CSJB Associate Julie Crawford attended the event and enjoyed connecting with the staff and representatives of the other 9 endangered historic places. 

​CLICK HERE to read an article from the New Jersey Patch.
​

THE GOOD SHEPHERD HOME IN CAMEROON, WEST AFRICA

Sister Mary Lawrence, who has been part of the Sisters of Bethany at the Good Shepherd Home for many years, celebrated her birthday on June 26. We give thanks for her dedication to the orphans at the Home and the many sacrifices she has made to follow God’s call to help the poorest of the poor. Ndomenga Dickson, who grew up at the Home, celebrated his birthday on June 27. Happy Birthday to both!

The ACT Program is seeking funding to purchase more computers and equipment for training programs

If you are interested in becoming a Good Shepherd Home sponsor for as little as $40.00 a month, please email [email protected] for more information

Sister Mary Lawrence with volunteers from the ACT Foundation

Aben Cistus, who was among the first children received at the Home, is working through his ACT Foundation to teach computer and technical skills to orphans. They are seeking $7,303 in funding for their target projects, which include a diesel generator for training at orphanages with no electricity. Cistus is a petroleum engineer and is also seeking job opportunities and networking ideas so that he can generate a salary to help his ACT Foundation. You may learn more about ACTS and how to help by CLICKING HERE.

​

THE CSJB GARDEN OF HOPE
GOOD NEWS GARDENS: CELEBRATING POLLINATORS, GARDEN RULES, AND FOOD DISTRIBUTION

The Garden of Hope is thriving after all the heavy rains!

June marks Pollinator Week and the Community’s Garden of Hope as well as the Community’s plot at Chester Community Garden provide habitat to support them.  In addition to last year’s native plants, this year the Community planted fiddleneck.  Fiddleneck works well as a cover crop and as a green mulch in agriculture. It is also attractive to pollinators and hoverflies which eat damaging insects such as aphids. They are often planted alongside crops and vineyards to attract pollinators.  The Community is a member of the Episcopal Church Agrarian Ministries Good News Garden program. 
To view the bees in action
To view Agrarian Ministries Social Media 
Learn More about Good News Gardens and How You Can Help

Fiddleneck in the Garden of Hope serves as a cover crop as well as a control for aphids

The Sisters also have a plot at the local Chester Community Gardens and flowers can be collected to create bouquets to distribute to seniors in the area.
 
So far this season, The Garden of Hope along with the plots at Cross Roads Camp and Retreat Center have yielded over 150 pounds of produce which has been distributed to Market Street Mission, Chester Mendham Food Pantry, and  Chester Area Senior Housing. 

If you'd like to volunteer for the Garden of Hope or make a donation to continue our work to address food insecurity, please email Sister Linda Clare at [email protected]

​INTERWEAVE – SOWING SEEDS OF LOVE

 On June 11, Interweave hosted a Sowing Seeds of Love benefit and honored persons whom over the past 3 years reimagined and created solutions to the new pathways we all have had to navigate since the pandemic.  

​Sr. Monica Clare was honored for the creative ways she has used social media and collaborative efforts to break down barriers of isolation and connect with the public to address spiritual needs.  Associate Pat McKenzie was honored for her on-line program of prayer with the Sisters and others and for her behind the scenes support. 

Associate Julie Crawford was honored for her work at the Garden of Hope and other community gardens to address food security in the region and to address creation care for pollinators and wildlife.  Rev Robin Tanner was honored for her community collaboration to address undocumented members who were not eligible for COVID relief funds. All four are applauded for their efforts to create sacred spaces and avenues to offer hospitality which truly serves and loves thy neighbors. 

Janet Maulbeck, Executive Director of Interweave

Interweave is an interfaith and interspiritual learning center which sponsors classes, events, and programs for people of all faiths to deepen their spiritual journey. To learn more, go to www.interweave.org.
​

JUNETEENTH

Sister Linda Clare and CSJB oblate the Reverend Lorna Erixson of St Marks Episcopal Church in Mendham participated at the 2nd Annual Chester Juneteenth event which was held at the Gazebo in downtown Chester.  

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation day, is a Federal Holiday established in 2021. It is celebrated on June 19th throughout the United States and commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and marks the day when news of their freedom reached the state of Texas, the last Confederate state where slavery remained intact. 

​Juneteenth became a federal holiday just 2 years ago, 158 years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

Sister Linda Clare with the Rev. Lorna Erixson at Juneteenth

Speakers at the Juneteenth commemoration in Chester

Sr. Linda led the community in prayer during the hour long ceremony along with over 80 community members in the region.  The program included music, prayers, history including a reading of the Granger Proclamation with period costume, a Stand Up for the Other Pledge, and tributes by the Mayors of Chester and Chester Township, along with the Principal of Mendham High School and the Admissions Officer at Delbarton School.  
View the Event Video
View and Share the Program with Others ​

The event is coordinated as a collaboration partnership of the Social Justice Teams from The Church of Messiah and St Lawrence the Martyr  and The Community of St John Baptist.  In addition to participating, the Community provides the printing services for the program.  ​

Prayer from the Juneteenth Ceremony
Today, we commemorate the end of slavery in America.
This day partially reminds us of the progress made.
This day also partially reminds us of the progress we have not made.
We celebrate the freedom of black lives in our nation.
We grieve that we have not correctly reconciled racism in our nation.
You created each person in Your image.
The two greatest commandments call us to love You with all our heart, souls, and minds; Then, to love our neighbor as ourselves.
Your love for us motivates us to love each other.
If we do not love each other, then ultimately, we have not experienced Your love.
As much as we commemorate and celebrate Juneteenth, we grieve this day.
We mourn that our black brothers and sisters have not been loved as our neighbors.
We mourn that our black brothers and sisters have been treated less than created in Your image throughout history. So, Lord, we confess our sins and repent.
The healing and reconciliation we desire comes from the gospel.
On Juneteenth 2023, we ask You to guide our nation.
May the good news of the gospel motivate us to love each other.
May the ideals of our words match the practices of our lives.
May a fresh empowerment of Your Spirit unite us together.
Give us eyes to see and ears to hear Your will and leading.
Amen

FALL PROGRAM

Sr. Eleanor Francis will be leading a program entitled “Eastern Spirituality for Western Seekers.”  It will be a day-long program In person  on Saturday, October 14.
Please check for further details in the next newsletters.

ST. MARGUERITE'S RETREAT HOUSE

We have had a very busy year at our 27-bedroom retreat house and now we are taking our annual break from bookings before the house reopens in August.

We are currently seeking a cook for the retreat house. The position is full-time and includes benefits and housing. Please contact Retreat House Manager Brad Kalos for more info. at [email protected]
 
Please contact us for St. Marguerite's Retreat House booking information and with any questions you may have at 973-543-4582​ and at [email protected]

Retreat House Manager Brad Kalos' dog, Buddy, posing in front of the Retreat House

FROM SISTER ELEANOR FRANCIS

From May 10 to 21, I made  a trip to the Washington D.C. area to give three talks. Here I am with two Jewish friends I met at Rabbi Shefa Gold’s program at our retreat house last October.  The woman, Laurie Solnik, became a friend when we learned we are both second generation Holocaust survivors. She lives in the heart of Washington D.C. and has seen much action. The man,  Paul Zeitz, is a doctor who has spent his life working on issues of justice, getting medical treatment to the poor. Currently he is working with Congress on reparations for former slaves.  He wrote a book called  Waging Justice. We are in his living room in Silver Spring, MD, which used to be the chapel of a private girls’ school.  At an event there, I told the story of my spiritual journey to the all-Jewish group.

In Washington D.C. itself, I was thrilled to make a return trip to the U.S.  Holocaust Museum, where I had done research on my mother in 2020.  This time, the museum staff researched my grandfather, Jeno Neuwirth.  I had previously known nothing about him except his name and birthdate. Now I have many documents.  Most of them are in German, so our Associate Scott Bennett kindly helped with the translation.
--Sister Eleanor Francis
​

THE PILGRIM BOND - OUR FELLOWSHIP CONTINUES

L to R:  Catherine Segal, Sr Linda Clare, Madeline Rooney, Linda Lombardo (Church of Savior Denville), and Associates Virigina Murphy and Julie Crawford (Messiah Chester). 

In the fall of 2022, several members within our Diocesan region attended a Pilgrimage to Israel sponsorship by All Saints Cathedrall in Milwaukee under the leadership of the Dean and Rector The Very Reverend Keith Carroll.  The Pilgrims from 6 different states have continued their fellowship both on-line and in person when possible.  The New Jersey members meet monthly to reconnect and this month had the pleasure of meeting on the Cloister at CSJB on the Sisters’ Sabbath day.  The Pilgrims offered a luncheon for CSJB staff, Sisters, and CSJB Oblate  Reverend Lorna Ericxson of St Marks Mendham.  Sr Linda Clare provided a tour of the Convent.

SERMONS

The Sisters of CSJB often preach in the Convent chapel and at local parishes. Here are some of the recent sermons:

CLICK Here for Sister Deborah Francis' sermon from ​Proper 5  Year A

CLICK HERE for Sr. Deborah Francis' sermon for ​Proper 7  Year A

CLICK HERE for Sister Monica's sermon on Trinity Sunday

Statue of St. John the Baptist in the CSJB chapel

ASSOCIATES AND OBLATES

Catherine "Kit" King-Rockwell, 2nd from right, in a 1940 St. John Baptist School photo.
​

We were so saddened to hear of the death of Catherine “Kit” Rockwell, a beloved CSJB Oblate who has known the Sisters since she was a student at the St. John Baptist School in the 1940s.

​Catherine was always so kind and supportive, and while we are glad she lived to the ripe old age of 99, we will all miss her wonderful phone conversations and her unfailing encouragement. She was truly a treasure. Kit’s obituary can be read by CLICKING HERE.

ST. JOHN BAPTIST SCHOOL ALUMNAE

From SJBS Alum Pamela Nelon: ​
"Don't forget the gathering of alums, friends, and families is August 26th, 2023. For those that see that a lot of friends that can't make it not to worry. It is still going on.... happening.... be there or be square (not really) I will be there the day before and as always I will appreciate any company in the morning. Let's make this a great one no matter the numbers!!!!! See ya in August."

Please contact Pam Nelon at [email protected] to RSVP for the reunion or go to the St. John Baptist School Facebook page.

(PHOTO) page from a 1930 article on St. John Baptist School from The Witness magazine.

​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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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
[email protected] for more info.
​or call 973-543-4649 ex. 3. ​

PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR

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:

Peonies from the CSJB garden in the chapel

Alison
​Andy
​Anna
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
Marjory
​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
Rebecca and her family
​Richard and Ginger
River
Rob
Ronald
​Ryan
Salma
Sam and her children
Sarah
Shane
​Shaun and family
Sheila
Sister Barbara Jean
Stefani
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

Jennie keeping cool on the tile floor

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

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

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.

A rainbow over the St. John Baptist School building

​YOUR LEGACY FOR CSJB

Clara Elizabeth and Sister Deborah Francis having a meeting in the Church Workroom.

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.

Sister Suzanne Elizabeth on the Convent cloister