UPDATES FROM THE SISTERS - September 2023

We say
"what shall we do for God?"
The soul is restless.
– Mother Harriet Monsell, founder of CSJB

Rainbow over the Convent. Photo by Sharon Nachman
​(Click on any photo to enlarge)

​THE NATIONAL ALTAR GUILD AT ST. MARGUERITE’S

Sister Suzanne Elizabeth (center) showing CSJB treasures to NAGA members in the Church Workroom at the Convent.

This month we welcomed members of the Episcopal Church’s National Altar Guild Association (NAGA) to St. Marguerite’s for their annual meeting. The Guild has been meeting online during the pandemic, and it was truly a joy to see them in person again. Sister Suzanne Elizabeth led an ecclesiastical embroidery tour for the members, who were amazed at the Convent’s collection of richly embroidered 19th and 20th century samples and vestments. 

National Altar Guild members at St. Marguerite's

CSJB was renowned for its embroidery in England and in America, and many of the treasures made by our Sisters are still in use in many parishes. Sister Suzanne Elizabeth is a member Emeritus of NAGA after many decades of faithful service in which she traveled the country leading workshops, educating local altar guilds, and serving at diocesan and General Conventions. 

CELTIC JOURNEYS
From Sister Margo Elizabeth

Greetings dear friends!
Well, our visit to Cornwall and the Southwest of England seemed to be a great success. The weather was hard to believe for the UK. Sunny every day with occasional clouds, but no rain. Quite hot the first few days, and of course, no AC! But as we approached Cornwall and closer to the sea, it became cooler.
 
It was a high energy group, totaling 16 including yours truly. With the attentive and knowledgeable Andrew Langdon as our guide for 3 days while in Cornwall, they were taken to places never imagined (Merry Maidens stone circle, Roche Rock, Lanyon Quoit, Madron Holy Well…) and a few churches with 15th c. stained glass windows still intact (Lanteglos church outside Camelford, St Petroc’s church in Bodmin with its well-known reliquary.)
 
Andrew skillfully led them like a shepherd and his flock… along the cliffs of the Botallack mines (where Poldark was filmed).

---

Up St. Michael’s Mount, offering assistance when needed; down to the charming fishing village of Port Isaac (Port Wenn to Doc Martin Fans.) 

The trip lasted 9 days, and as promised, Stonehenge was a highlight for many. And then there were the cathedrals. Oh my, were there the cathedrals! Bath Abbey, Wells, Exeter, Salisbury, Glastonbury Abbey, Winchester… 

Each cathedral had its own personality, and just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, we visited yet another setting, majestic and truly awesome. It was like going from the sacred to the sublime!

And on the last evening the “piece de resistance…” choral Evensong at St George’s Chapel on the grounds of Windsor Castle. Truly transporting… 

On a more personal note, when we returned, I hit the ground running! The itinerary for Wales and Northumbria for September 2024 had to be put in place. The arrangements always need to be made well in advance as some of the locations don’t have many choices for hotels. So, deposits for a coach company, airline and accommodations all have to be factored in a year ahead. So please if you are considering going with us in 2024 to Ireland or Wales, kindly send in your deposits and registrations.
​

Our trip to the Emerald Isle in May has already been online for a few months… mystical, magical Ireland.
 
May 14-24, 2024
$2875 including airfare

https://www.celticjourneys.org/copy-of-ireland

​Wales and Northumbria is now up on the web:
 
September 3-12, 2024
$2975 including air.

​https://www.celticjourneys.org/wales2024

It is always a privilege and an honor to design and lead these trips year after year. The first Celtic Journeys was to Ireland in 1999, and people began to ask, “why not Scotland? Cornwall? Wales?” Hence, this is how it all evolved…
 
If you haven’t experienced one of our “adventures of the spirit” or perhaps you might like to return to a favorite place, we hope you can join us. You won’t regret it.

THE GOOD SHEPHERD HOME IN CAMEROON

Children in chapel at the Good Shepherd Home

It’s September, and that means the children of the Good Shepherd Home in West Africa are back in school. Sister Jane Mankaa, the late founder of the Home, always stressed education as a way to empower the children in her care. Ndomenga Dickson, who grew up at the Home and is now an accountant, says: “We for this last academic year had a 100% in the public exams written by the children of the Home. We have 8 of the children going to secondary school, 5 going to the high school, and 2 going to the University. We look forward to having a successful academic year in 2023/2024.” If you are interested in becoming a Good Shepherd Home sponsor for as little as $40.00 a month, please email gsh@csjb.org for more information.
​

Aben Cistus, who grew at the Good Shepherd Home, is continuing to teach technical and computer skills to orphans in Cameroon. He is currently seeking $7,302.31 in donations to fund his ACT Foundation’s programs for the coming year. You can view his proposal by CLICKING HERE. If you’d like to help, please contact Sister Monica Clare at srmc@csjb.org.
 

Cistus teaching computer skills to young people

Gilberto, Carine, and Godgift

Akwa Gilberto, who also grew up at the Home and is now a doctor, founded the Mother Jane Legacy Foundation to bring medical care to the poor. His Foundation recently helped an 18-year old pregnant woman named Carine who could not afford to go to a hospital for a C-section. Carine was homeless and had no prenatal care. Since no hospital would take her, Dr. Gilberto delivered the child himself and the Foundation is providing aftercare, food, medicine, and clothing. The beautiful newborn is named Godgift and is now suffering from a nosocomial infection. Gilbert’s dream is to found a hospital to help poor people like Carine. If you’d like to donate to the Mother Jane Legacy Foundation, please contact Sister Monica Clare at srmc@csjb.org. 

​CONCERT AT THE CONVENT

​Sunday November 19
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Eastern time.
Admission: Free with donation

Please join us in the excellent acoustics of our Main Chapel for a concert by musicians from the Adelphi Chamber Orchestra.

Elizabeth Martyn, piano
Laura Hamilton, violin
Lanny Paykin, cello
 
The program will include works by Franz Schubert, Jean-Marie Leclair, Felix Mendelssohn, George Gershwin, and Ludwig van Beethoven.

This is a fundraiser for our Capital Campaign. Please email sr-pamela@csjb.org for information.

CLICK HERE for a flyer to hang in your church or business.

Laura Hamilton, Elizabeth Martyn, Lanny Paykin of the Adelphi Chamber Orchestra

HOMELESS SOLUTIONS: A HAND UP, NOT A HANDOUT

Each month Sr Victoria Michelle joins members of The Church of Messiah at Homeless Solutions  in Morris Township to prepare a dinner.  

Sr Victoria Michele with Church of Messiah Outreach Team:  CSJB Associate Linda Ochs, Pat Kerrigan, Terry Lopasky, and Chris Ochs.  CSJB food ministry network assists Messiah in this Outreach through the Good News Garden ‘Garden of Hope’ and other collaborative efforts with Messiah’s Good News Garden and CrossRoads Camp Good News Garden as well as donations from Alstede Farms in Chester.

In September HSI hosted their annual Women's Day event and raised over $31,000.  Consider pampering yourself in the future next year with this networking opportunity.

In December HSI will host their annual A Night in the Cold. This fundraising event can be done off-site or with HSI staff to raise awareness. On Friday, December 1, 2023 participants will brave the elements by sleeping outside for one night. Where and how you sleep is up to you! You can sleep in places like a tent, sleeping bag, or your car, some of the ways our street homeless do when they are without shelter. Others may opt for their porch, garage floor, or church/school parking lot. You can participate alone or in groups. It’s open to everyone of all ages - families, individuals, faith and school groups, sports teams, the scouts, and businesses!​ THE CAUSE:  100% of the proceeds will go towards HSI shelter programs and provide a warm and safe place for homeless families to rebuild their lives this winter.

​
OUR COMMUNITY PASTOR

The Rev. John Beddingfield, rector of the Church of the Holy Trinity in Manhattan, has agreed to serve a second five-year term as CSJB’s Community Pastor. The Community Pastor is called to be a spiritual companion and inspiration to the whole Community, and is available to all the Sisters whenever advice, support, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation are needed. The Rev. Beddingfield visits CSJB twice a year and meets with each Sister individually. He also celebrates mass and sometimes leads our annual Long Retreat.

​His latest visitation was September 19-21, during which he celebrated his 20th Anniversary of ordination to the priesthood. We are so grateful to Father Beddingfield for his ministry to us, and we look forward  to another wonderful five years together. 

Father Beddingfield (L) trying on his new cincture, hand made by Sister Victoria Michelle (R)

LEGACY SPOTLIGHT – TREE REMOVAL

When guests come to our beautiful CSJB property, they are often unaware that most of the buildings, chapel furnishings, and ongoing maintenance funds were made possible by legacy giving. Since the very beginning of our Community, generous friends, Associates, and Oblates have remembered us in their wills to ensure that CSJB’s ministries of outreach, spiritual nurturing, and hospitality can continue. 

In recent months we have been blessed by a Legacy gift from the estate of the Rev. Geoffrey Collis. His kindness allowed us to remove the dozens of ash trees that were killed by Emerald Ash Borers. The loss of these trees in New Jersey has been devastating, and it is especially sad for us to lose our tall, majestic trees that are over 100 years old. Unfortunately, though, these trees pose a great danger to our staff, Sisters, guests, buildings, and vehicles when they fall because of their enormous size. The issue has been urgent for many years, but CSJB could not address it because of the prohibitive cost. Thanks to our late friend Father Collis’ generosity, we are finally able to breathe a sigh of relief. 

Tree removal along the driveway at CSJB

Many thanks to Monster Tree Service and to all the supporters who have designated CSJB as a beneficiary in their wills. We welcome inquiries from any who might be interested in helping in this way.

​Please contact Sister Monica Clare at srmc@csjb.org or speak with your personal attorney or accountant to explore this giving opportunity.
 

ST. MARGUERITE’S RETREAT HOUSE

IAPC Workshop at St. Marguerite's Retreat House

Our new season at St. Marguerite’s Retreat House has begun, and the groups that have stayed with us in the past months gives a great indication of the wide variety of people who benefit from our sacred space. In August, we welcomed the Institute for the Advancement of Philosophy for Children, a group of teachers from all over the world who have been meeting annually here for many years. The group is affiliated with Montclair State University and seeks to train teachers to educate schoolchildren in ethics and philosophy. 

Another longtime group that visited St. Marguerite’s in mid-September is Yoga 4 Sobriety, which helps participants through their 12-step journey with yoga and meditation. The vestry from Trinity Episcopal Church, Cranford also held its retreat at St. Marguerite’s in August, and a group from Philadelphia FIGHT visited us in September. FIGHT is an organization that advocates for people living with HIV/AIDS and those at high risk. Over 2,000 people per year visit the Convent and St. Marguerite’s, and we are always glad to see our guests benefiting from the beauty and prayerfulness that surround this place.

​We are still looking for a cook for the retreat house. If you have any suggestions, or if you’re interested in booking a retreat, please contact Retreat House Manager Brad Kalos at guestministry@csjb.org.

Anita Holloway and Madeleine Rooney were married at St. Marguerite's on Sept. 8. CSJB Oblate Lorna Erixson performed the ceremony

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE EVENT: PRAYERS FOR PEACE
SEPTEMBER 21, 2023, CHESTER, NEW JERSEY

The Church of the Messiah Social Justice Team partnered with St Marks Mendham and The Community of St John Baptist to offer a regional interfaith Peace Day Ceremony on September 21, the United Nations International Day of Peace. 

​Speakers shared history based on personal experiences and religious traditions and offered prayers of hope for the future.  Musicians performed 3 peace songs:  Let There Be Peace on Earth, From a Distance, and The Peace Choir Song. The Event Program includes numerous Peace Day Resources offered by the United Nations. View the full Event Video.  View the Event Program.

Photo by Linda Ochs

The Rev. Lorna Erixson

Janet Maulbeck

Deacon Frank Owens, St Lawrence the Martyr of Chester, provided the opening remarks and offered this opening reflection:
 
Peace in my heart is my gift to the world. Today I envision a peaceful world.  I imagine harmony and cooperation in the minds and hearts of all the people.  Like a lake that has been momentarily impacted by movement. I see fear and anger with dissipating ripples fading to the distant edges, and the water becomes still - calm bestills calm and peace flows.  Compassion fills every heart. I begin this form of work by searching within myself. Assembling resentments and judgements and unkindness. With compassion I forgive myself so as to soften the hardened portions of my heart. From this place I do not wish for peace as I am praying peace.  As each heart opens to include others, peace will blanket the Earth.
 
Dear God, We thank you for this day. We thank you for this encounter - this encounter with you among each other.  We thank you for this moment to come forward and send me and for all eyes as we invite others O Lord as we invite ourselves to join them not in judgment. We thank you for this moment. We continue to ask you to open up our hearts for change and become vulnerable to each other - where we find God. Amen

Church of the Messiah Social Justice Team member Dave Sullivan shared the History of the UN International Day of Peace and presented the prayer Messiah offered this month during worship services. Each September 21 at noon the United Nations rings a bell created from coins donated by children from around the world:
 
We ask your prayers for our nation and all nations, for refugees fleeing climate change and war, for resources and land in conflict, for lawmakers, peacemakers, and informed citizens.  We pray for redistribution of wealth for the poor and marginalized. Amen

Deacon Ray Chimileski, St. Luke Catholic Church, Long Valley spoke of his 23-year outreach program serving homeless Veterans where he and others have stepped out to meet ‘The Other.’  He offered this prayer:
 
Let us go out and welcome the stranger. Let us clothe the naked. Let us feed the hungry and quench their thirst. Let us heal the sick.  Let us visit the lonely.  Let us shelter the homeless. God bless you.
​Amen

​Janet Maulbeck, Interweave Executive Director reflected on the excerpts of JFK’s Peace Speech shared by Messiah member John Pietrowski and reminded participants about the call for civic service and the call to action with analoges to meeting with the other by  jumping into the river together.  She offered this prayerful reflection about peacemakers:
 
Peacemakers know to jump in for action into the rivers of life and the tributaries of our world and live in it for change.
​Amen 

Dr. Ali Chaudry, Islamic Society of Basking Ridge provided insight on how common themes of peace serve as a thread in all religious and cultural traditions, presented the Stand Up for the Other Pledge  and offered this prayer:
 
O our God, Our Creator, Our Sustainer, who possesses love, compassion, forgiveness, bring peace to all of your people by showing us to love each other with a burden greater than our capacity to bear. Open our hearts and minds, so that all of humanity strives to develop your attributes of love. That you engrain in us that you made us.  Teach us to care for each other in times of pain, suffering, and illness. Give us courage to embrace all our brothers and sisters and help us to reconcile with peoples of all colors, race,  and religious identities. Let patience, perseverance, and prayer be our means to reach your highest ideals. Create in us bonds of genuine friendship where we can hold up each others’ rights and stand up for justice. Even if it brings witnesses against ourselves, against our children, and against our parents. Let not the nationalism of one nation be the cause of injustice to any other nation. Give us the courage to stand up for righteousness and help us to engage with people who are rich and powerful and who with compassionate hearts work for the stranger and less fortunate, the poor, the destitute, the hungry, and the homeless, of not only this country but all over the entire globe. Remind in us the highest values and a sense of responsibility to fight crime, drug abuse, and gun violence that are harming our youth and neighborhoods. O compassionate God grant spiritual guidance and blessing to all who have gathered here this evening to seek your love. Bless this country and people who live as Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Bhuddists, and people of other faiths and no faith.  O Lord show us how to work for the common good for all humanity and give us the wisdom to maintain peace and tranquility for the people of this great nation, The United States of America and for the entire world. 
 
The Reverend Lorna Erixson, St Marks, shared about her experiences during The Troubles in Belfast and offered a closing prayer from The Glencree Centre for Peace & Reconciliation   The Glencree Centre for Peace & Reconciliation works to prevent and transform political and inter-communal conflict and build peaceful, inclusive societies. The Center brings individuals and groups from around the world impacted by conflict together and helps them find pathways to reconciliation and sustained peace through facilitated dialogue, relationship-building, public discourse and shared learning.  The Glentee Centre offers this Prayer of Peace in Our Times. ​

OUR BOY SCOUT TROOP

Mendham Boy Scout Troop 130, which was chartered by the Sisters of CSJB, marched in the Labor Day parade in Mendham on September 4. Scouts, leaders, and parents marched alongside their new trailer while throwing out mini-beach balls. Troop leader Lawrence Morris said a good time was had by all, but they hope there won’t be a thunderstorm again next year!
 
To learn more about Troop 130, CLICK HERE.
To go to the Troop 130 Facebook page, CLICK HERE.

Troop 130 Scouts with their trailer before the Labor Day parade.

THE CLEWER INITIATIVE – FIGHTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING

The Clewer Initiative, which was founded by our CSJB Sisters in England and the Rt. Rev. Alastair Redfern, is preparing for its Anti-Slavery Day campaign and national online service.

​Anti-Slavery Day is October 15, 2023, and this year it includes the “Do One Thing” campaign to help regular citizens learn what they can do to combat modern slavery. The campaign includes free resources, videos, and an online church service from Canterbury Cathedral October 15 led by the Rt. Rev. Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of Dover.

Please join the CSJB USA Sisters on October 22 at 1:00 PM at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Essex Fells for a program on fighting modern slavery. The program will be presented by the New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking and is open to the public.
Please email spm.stpeters@gmail.com to register.
Many thanks to our CSJB Associates the Rev. Nate Darville and Eloise Hiris for making this event possible. CLICK HERE for a flyer to hang in your church or other public space.

CLICK HERE to sign up for the Clewer Initiative newsletter to learn more.

​
​THE COLLABORATORY AT PRINCETON: 
Giving Young Adults Voice by Meeting Them Where They Journey
By Julie Crawford & Elizabeth Girady, Church of Messiah

The Church of Messiah was one of 19 churches chosen nationwide to participate in the first cohort group at Princeton Theological Seminary this month for a new program at The Collaboratory. ​Messiah Outreach & Social Justice Leaders Elizabeth Girady and Julie Crawford, a Community of St John Baptist Associate, attended a 3-day workshop to pilot this new initiative and Elizabeth will engage in 10-weeks of training.  They are partnered with CJSB Mother Superior Sister Monica Clare in this venture.

​The purpose of the program is to engage young adults ages 23-30 in a setting where they are already present so that they have an avenue to imagine for the future.  The program is a design process with a PopUp Event within the local or regional community as the culminating event.

Elizabeth receives a blessing from the Sisters in the CSJB chapel

The design team will map out Community resources and follow a set of scripted design steps including 4 different envisioning games produced by Ministries Innovations.  Guidance will be provided on 4 core values (Become, Share, Nourish, Heal) and 12 domains (Health and Wellness, Embodiment, Media & Storytelling, Technology and Hacking, Gaming and World Building, Climate and Eco-Justice, Social Justice and Activism, Art and Maker Movements, Neighboring and Placemaking, Food and Farming, Adventure and Experimentation). 
 ​

The purpose of the program is to provide compass points toward the spiritual quests of young adults

• quest for identity
• quest for purpose
• quest for community
• quest for meaning (a story that matters, meaningful work, trusted friends)

In the quest for meaning, purpose, and belonging, the goal is to design ways for young adults to find communal actions for youth through practices. Those actions include Practices of Discovery (creativity/innovation, spiritual seeking, meaning-making, exploration & risk-taking, Re-storying of Self & Others), Practices of Belonging (friendship, volunteering & service, working & credentials, ritual & rhythm-making, renegotiating relationships with parents) and Practices of Resistance (playfulness, Sabbath & Rest, Justice & Mercy, Cultural Sensitivity, and World-Care)

The program is well vetted by a 4-year study called The Zoe Project funded by Eli Lilly and Princeton Theological Seminary with the goal of meeting the next generation where they are and to foster future church and community leaders.   The Collobaratory is hosting 2 more cohorts in the winter and spring and then will develop an on-line platform to rollout nationwide.  If your church is interested in applying feel free to reach out to The Church of Messiah.  Elizabeth and Julie can assist with background information and with your application.  In some of the more urban areas, The Collaboratory chose a cluster of interfaith churches, who can work together, so when applying, encourage other nearby faith communities to join in the application process.  The Collaboratory Cohort Training Application
 
Part of the training program centered on Restorative Creation Justice and the group spent several hours at The Farminary in Princeton. 

In addition, participants engaged in a variety of games to foster conversation, story-telling, and envisioning the future: Brunch, Hatch Innovations, The Ripple Effect, and Whoopsie.  Brunch presented statements of many world leaders and then focused on the meaning of manna and meals as spiritual food. This game fostered storytelling as the group got to know each other. 

Hatch Innovations provided examples of PopUp events and activities that have been tried and tested in different settings around the nation.   The Ripple Effect fosters ways to engage and then release random acts of kindness to address challenges in one’s life or from within the community.  Whoopsie, whose targeted audience is age 3+, focuses on the group identifying an issue from within their community that they felt needed to be addressed.  Through a series of guided questions the group then creates a web that at the end identifies alternative solutions. ​

In terms of issues impacting the 19 young adults who attended the program, in the Whoopie game they chose to brainstorm about the following challenges:  isolation, loneliness, high cost of living, student loan debt, and gun violence.
 
The Church of Messiah is grateful for the spiritual guidance and support of Sr Monica Clare and all the Sisters of The Community of St John Baptist on this envisioning journey.  If you have any interest in the program feel free to reach out to Sr Monic

​SERMONS BY THE SISTERS

​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 Linda Clare's sermon for Proper 16 Year A

CLICK HERE for Sister Deborah Francis' sermon for Proper 17 Year A

CLICK HERE for Sister Eleanor Francis' sermon for Proper 19 Year A

ASSOCIATES AND OBLATES

Calling all volunteers! We are looking for Oblates and Associates to help us at our Monastery in Mendham event on September 28, 2024. This day is part of our year-long series of events to commemorate 150 years of the Community of St. John Baptist in the U.S. Volunteers would help with greeting guests, leading groups through the Convent, and helping them with any questions. Please email Sister Monica Clare at srmc@csjb.org if you are interested. The event will be co-sponsored by our friends at the Mendham Township Historic Preservation Committee. ​

ST. JOHN BAPTIST SCHOOL – FLASHBACK! 

From Celia Kaltenbach-Crotteau, Class of 1972: “I wanted to send you this photo of me and my Latin III teacher, Mrs. Almy, taken during my senior year, so - 1971-72. Mrs. Almy was a delightful person and an excellent teacher, and I had her all to myself that year, being the only student in that class. She also, of course, was the mother of two SJBS grads, one of whom, Lucinda, was in my class. In a strange twist, Mrs. Almy's older son, John, graduated from the US Naval Academy the same year as my husband Robert did (1968). They were acquaintances but not close friends, I gather. Still - what a small world!”

Celia Kaltenbach-Crotteau and Mrs. Almy at St. John Baptist School in the early 70's

Please mark your calendars. The 2024 St. John Baptist School reunion will be August 24! Please contact Pam Nelon at nelonpc@gmail.com to RSVP for the reunion or go to the St. John Baptist School Facebook page.
 

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 sr-pamela@csjb.org 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 sref@csjb.org to order.
​
The second printing of the book is now available. The Holocaust Center has also 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 sref@csjb.org 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
sref@csjb.org for more info.
​or call 973-543-4649 ex. 3. ​

PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR

The Rev. John Mennell and his family
All who have been affected by COVID
All who have suffered from gun violence.
All people affected by military conflict.
All victims of human trafficking.
All who are suffering grief and illness.
Peace in the Middle East, peace in Sudan, 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:

Mother and baby deer at the Convent

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

Sister Laura Katharine and Jennie

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

Sister Deborah Francis showing her card art to visitors Sr. Elizabeth (L) and Brother John-Aelred (R) from the Community of Initia Nova, OSB in the Church Workroom

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.