UPDATES FROM THE SISTERS - JULY 2021

Click on the image above for a short video of our Garden of Hope

"Faith is keeping your head up even when you’re standing in a valley. Faith is looking beyond the hills that try to intimidate you. Faith is the lens we look through to understand God’s text messages to us. Faith is knowing God is real, able, good and generous. Faith is how we walk out of the valleys we find ourselves in from time to time."
The Right Rev. Robert C. Wright - 10th bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta

Sister Laura Katharine in the Chapel at CSJB

Callie Danysh (center) with Sister Victoria Michelle (L) and Sister Linda Clare (R) at the presentation of her hand-drawn Flags of Gratitude at the retreat house July 8.

FLAGS OF GRATITUDE

On July 8, the volunteers for our Garden of Hope got a very special “thank-you” from Callie Danysh’s Flags of Gratitude. 11-year old Callie, who began drawing her Flags of Gratitude as a community service project for her cub scout troop, presented CSJB Sisters and volunteers with beautiful hand-drawn flags and mixtiles to say thanks for the ministry of the Garden of Hope. Callie has been lifting the spirits of many organizations in our local area throughout the pandemic by creating these flags just to say thanks. It has proven to be a much-needed service to charities and essential workers struggling through the ongoing COVID crisis. We absolutely love our flags and mixtiles from Callie, and we appreciate the reminder to always say thanks. Thank you, Callie! We love you!

The CSJB Garden of Hope has supplied fresh produce to local food pantries for over 15 years, and this year it has flourished tremendously under the loving care of volunteers from Brookside Community Church (UCC), St. Mark’s Church in Mendham, the Church of the Messiah in Chester, and the Sharing Project – among others. Please email Sister Linda Clare at [email protected] if you’d like to help with the Garden of Hope.
 
Callie’s website is www.flagsofgratitude.com and she’s also on Facebook at /www.facebook.com/flagsofgratitude.
​

Click the image above for a downloadable video of Callie's Flags of Gratitude for CSJB's Garden of Hope.

ST. MARGUERITE'S RETREAT HOUSE

Work has begun on several retreat house repair projects, including the replacement of screens on the 1st and 2nd floor windows.

Drone Photo of St. Marguerite's by the Rev. Cynthia Black, DD

Our target date for the reopening of St. Marguerite's Retreat House is still October 1, 2021. Thanks to a generous grant from an anonymous donor we will be able to hire a Retreat House cook and housekeeper,

​We also have several repair and renovation projects in progress so that when our guests return, they will enjoy newly painted guest rooms, updated bathrooms, brand-new screens on the windows, and other improvements.

We could not have possibly done these long-overdue projects without the generosity of donors and foundations who are willing to help keep our ministry of hospitality alive. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

If you'd like to help with the reopening of St. Marguerite's, we are currently seeking volunteers for the projects listed below.  Please contact the Superior at [email protected] if you'd like to pitch in:
​

1. Refinishing furniture
2. Cleaning rugs
3. Cleaning upholstered furniture

​

THE GOOD SHEPHERD HOME FOR CHILDREN IN CAMEROON

Children and staff of the Good Shepherd Home after Sister Jane Mankaa's funeral April 30, 2021

Ndomenga Dickson, who grew up at the Good Shepherd Home and is now working with staff and volunteers to manage the Home, says the children are still getting an education in spite of the ongoing Cameroonian Civil War. He reports:  “School is going well each year. Things are gradually getting back to normal even though some of the children have been unable to attend some days because of numerous shootings. All our children are able to go to school. We operate a homeschool with a pre nursery, nursery 1 and 2, class 1, 2,3,4,5 and 6 at home here. We employ teachers for those classes and they here to teach every day.”

Children of the Good Shepherd Home helping to prepare a meal.

Children at the Good Shepherd Home posing for Dickson's camera.

“For now," Dickson says, "I can’t think of any more pressing financial need other than the children’s education. September is fast approaching and the children will need to be going back to school which will entail acquisition of uniforms, books, shoes, fees etc.”

If you would like to help support the children of the Good Shepherd Home, please email [email protected] or go to www.goodshepherdhome.org
CSJB provides administrative services for the Home for free, so 100% of donations go to the Home.

It is through generous contributions from individuals that the Home has been able to continue providing a safe, loving upbringing for hundreds of children.

​​

A VISIT TO MALLINCKRODT CONVENT IN MENDHAM

Our dear friends, the Roman Catholic Sisters of Christian Charity, invited us to their Convent in Mendham on July 4 to share food and fellowship since we are all now officially vaccinated.

We spent the afternoon touring their beautiful convent and learning about the history of their order. The friendship between CSJB and SCC goes back to the early 1900s, and we always appreciate their kindness and hospitality.

Their website is: www.scceast.org

Sister Josita Marks, SCC, shows the CSJB Sisters around the heritage room at Mallinckrodt Convent on July 4.

OUR AUGUST SEARCH PROGRAM

Drone photo of the Convent by the Rev. Cynthia L. Black, DD

We are very happy to announce that five women will be attending our August 16-21 Search Program on Zoom. Please hold these women, as well as the other Searchers who have stayed in touch with us as they discern, in your prayers.

Our Search Programs, which are held in February and August of each year, are not only for those discerning a call to the religious life. They are for people who are feeling a call to any ministry in the church.

If you're interested in learning more about our Search Program,
​please email Sister Pamela at
[email protected].
​

CSJB OBLATE/ASSOCIATE NEWS
The Rev. Lorraine M. Dughy R.I.P. July 18, 2021

CSJB Oblate Lorriane Dughi died at her home in Hackettstown on July 18, 2021. Lorraine was 95 years old, and was a beloved member of the CSJB family.

Before COVID restrictions prevented us from having guests at the Convent, Lorraine regularly attended our Sunday worship in St. Michael's Chapel. She also celebrated mass and preached here, and her wise and good-humored presence was a gift to all who knew her. We will miss her so much. Prayers for her family and friends are very much appreciated.

CLICK HERE for Lorraine's full obituary

​

The Rev. Lorraine M. Dughy
October 2, 1925 - July 18, 2021​

CHRIS NEFF FROM THE NEW JERSEY AUDOBON SOCIETY

A frame from photographer Chris Neff's video footage of a hawk at CSJB

Chris Neff, a Local wildlife photographer and Director of Communications at the New Jersey Audobon Society, visited CSJB on July 22. Chris walked the property and photographed various bird species. We'll be seeing the images soon, but he gave us one sneak peek of a hawk he photographed near our CSJB cemetery.

Chris' Instagram account is:  www.instagram.com/neffisms/
​

ST. JOHN BAPTIST SCHOOL ALUMS

We thought it would be fun this month to show the St. John Baptist School alumnae a look back at "the good old days."

Here's a yearbook page showing photos from the 1920s. You may click on the image to enlarge it and read the text.

If you have trouble enlarging the image, though, the caption reads:

Top, left to right:
The school rose gardens, Front of school, back of school,  

Middle: 1927 basketball team , back of school

Bottom: back of school, the first school bus.

CSJB in ENGLAND

Sister Mary Britt, CSJB

Sister Mary Stephen, from the CSJB Community in England, recently contributed to a course dedicated to helping people learn about prayer from the wisdom of nuns and monks. Her work was part of the 14-Day Prayer Challenge for Peace, and the program attracted nearly 2,000 participants. You may go to www.discoveringprayer.com to learn about more of their courses in prayer.

The work of our English Community's anti-trafficking organization, the Clewer Initiative, continues to expand its reach in the UK and Europe. Go to www.theclewerinitiative.org to learn more.

​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.

​

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. You can join the discussion on any of the three nights. Attendance at all three is not mandatory.

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

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

JOIN US FOR PRAYER ON ZOOM
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]

​

CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER - Outdoor Worship
Sunday August 15 at CSJB

The Rev. Cynthia Black and her congregation from the Church of the Redeemer in Morristown will hold their Sunday Eucharist at our outdoor altar outside St. Marguerite’s Retreat House on August 15.

Please CLICK HERE to contact the Church of the Redeemer if you're interested in attending worship.

​

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.
​

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.
To register, please use this link:  https://www.aleph.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=400

If you have difficulty registering, please contact Sr. Eleanor Francis at [email protected] or 973-543-4641 ex. 3. I will see that you get registered. 
​

ANGLICAN PRAYER BEAD WORKSHOP
CSJB Retreat – Saturday October 23, 2021
10am-12noon
 
As the search to know about prayer continues, we find ways to meet the Divine and express our gratitude. Join us in making Anglican Prayer Beads to be used in your quiet time with God.
 
Retreat led by Sr. Victoria Michelle
Please send your full mailing address with a $25.00 fee to CSJB – P.O.Box 240 Mendham, NJ 07945. Payment may be made by check or PayPal.
All participants are asked to please bring a pair of pointed edged scissors and a sectioned plate to empty prayer beads out on.
 
To register, contact Jan Paxton at [email protected]
Please place the words “Anglican Prayer Bead Workshop” in the email subject line. Please note: The cutoff date for ordering beads is October 15

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]
​

​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,

Amber
Andy
Annette
Anthony
Barbara
Bill and Carol
Brandon
Carolyn and Bruce
Chase
​Cheryl
Chris
The Clewer Initiative
Sam and her children
Claire
​Dana
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
​Jeff and his children
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. 
​

OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO

Sister Pamela and Jennie on the cloister

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 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

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
​

Small statue of St. Francis on a windowsill at CSJB

WOULD YOU LIKE TO INCLUDE CSJB IN YOUR ESTATE PLANNING?

Jennie in the sunshine on the cloister

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.

Sister Pamela watering the Convent kitchen garden. The raised beds were donated by an Associate to keep Sisters with back problems from having to lean over.