Updates from the Sisters september 2024

Double rainbow over the Convent. Photo by the Rev. Kate Dunn

"I think of you, dear child, as like my white hen and all her chickens.. May He give you largely the gift of wisdom, of love, and of patience. I will only send you this wee line of love. You will feel the Hermitage very close to New York, just over the sea, and the waves bringing loving thoughts between us at all hours day and night.
​
Ever your very loving Mother,
HARRIET, C. S. J. B."
​
(Letter from Mother Harriet Monsell, founder of CSJB, to the Superior of the Community in America in the 1870s)

Angel in the upper sacristy at CSJB

​OUR PROGRAM YEAR HAS BEGUN!

In the early days of the pandemic, Sister Victoria Michelle offered her Anglican Rosary workshops on Zoom

September is a time of beginnings here at the Convent. As fall begins, we start up our annual program of retreats and events that will continue until the end of June 2025.

​One of the exciting upcoming programs is Sister Victoria Michelle’s Anglican Rosary workshop on Saturday, October 19 from 10 AM to noon. Sister will be teaching participants how to make their own Anglican Rosaries and will offer scripture and prayer for inspiration. Suggested donation is $25. Please contact Sister Victoria Michelle at [email protected] for more information. 

We have also begun our First Friday prayers on Zoom with Sisters, Associates, Oblates, and friends after a summer break. The monthly prayer sessions start at 10:15 AM the first Friday of every month and go till 11:00 AM. We give thanks to the CSJB Online Prayer team for keeping this ministry going. Please contact [email protected] if you’d like to join us.

​CONCERT AT THE CONVENT

On November 24, the Adelphi Chamber Ensemble will present a concert in the outstanding acoustics of the Convent main chapel. The program begins at 4 PM and includes Mendelssohn's String Quartet No. 2 in A Minor, Op. 13, and Schumann's Quintet for Piano and Strings in E flat major, Op. 44.

The concert is part of our Concert at the Convent series, for which all proceeds benefit the CSJB Capital Campaign to preserve our historically landmarked buildings and grounds.
 
Donations in any amount are appreciated. Checks can be written to the St. John the Baptist Foundation.
 
Please contact Sister Pamela at [email protected] for more info. 

CLICK HERE to download a flyer to hang in your church or other public space.
​

CELTIC JOURNEYS
Wales and Northumbria
Sept 3-12, 2024

On September 3rd, an adventurous group of us took a flight out of Newark Airport to Edinburgh International Airport, arriving early the following day. It was a lovely cool morning, the air fresh and clean. After going through customs and collecting our luggage, we were greeted by our coach driver and headed directly for Holy Island, driving along a scenic coastal route, eventually rising above the North Sea. We spent two nights on this special island, giving everyone a respite from the flight.

Lindisfarne, or Holy Island, is a tidal island, accessible by car and coach at low tide. But when the tides come in, this tiny island is transformed, enfolded in stillness. Lindisfarne is internationally famous both for its medieval religious heritage and also its picturesque 16th century castle. Many visitors are attracted by the peace and tranquility which pervades this very special island. It is often described as "a truly magical place."      

Having the tides with us, we had to leave this storybook island behind us. Back on the mainland, we then headed toward Durham Cathedral, for some ‘one of the great architectural experiences of Europe.” We could not miss the charming medieval city of York with its magnificent 13th-century Gothic cathedral York Minster and its medieval stained-glass windows.  We attended choral evensong as a lovely finish to the day, staying one night in a heritage site called Bar Convent.

Once on the road the following morning, we stopped in Chester, another medieval walled city that is a unique blend of the ancient and the traditional. Chester Cathedral has a rich and fascinating history so some of us spent some reflective time there while others were free to wander around. 

Then on to the town of Holywell and St. Winifred’s sacred shrine and holy well, an important center of medieval pilgrimage still venerated today. And finally, we reached the mountains of Snowdonia, called Eryri (the place of eagles) in Welsh. It has been said that Snowdonia is the soul of Wales… We spent two nights in a lovely town called Betws y Coed. 

The following day we took a moderate drive to the Isle of Anglesey, an island steeped in history from Neolithic times to the present day. We spent some time in the medieval walled town of Conwy, arriving fairly early on a Sunday morning. Some in the group wanted to see the interior of massive Conwy Castle, and others wandered around. We all attended a choral Eucharist in a small 12th c. church where we were welcomed warmly. 

Then afterward, we visited Beaumaris Castle, begun in 1295 by King Edward I, Beaumaris is possibly the most sophisticated example of medieval architecture in Britain, and for some, it is the most beautiful castle in all of Wales.

A short drive brought us to a very tranquil spot on the eastern tip of Anglesey. Penmon’s Priory is the site of a monastery dating back to St Seiriol (6th c). A holy well on the grounds is believed to have its origins in this period. 

​After an early departure in the morning, we made our way through beautiful Snowdonia National Park. The scenery was beautiful, as the mountainous terrain opened up to a coastal route. We then headed toward Nevern, a tiny village tucked away in the valley of the River Nyfer. Although remote and often bypassed, it is known for St Brynach’s Church and its 13 foot high elaborately designed Great Celtic cross, perhaps the finest in Wales. The site of this sweet church is one of the earliest Christian places of worship and pilgrimage in the country, founded by St Brynach in the 6th century. It is also known for its ancient bleeding yew, still remaining a mystery to scientists. ​

And in the wooded area nearby, hidden from the passerby, are the haunting memories from times before, the soft footprints in the stones of the thousands of pilgrims walking from St Winifred’s Shrine to St Davids. ​

But before we left this magical area toward St David’s, we couldn’t miss visiting the Pentre Ifan Dolmen, one of the most impressive Neolithic cromlechs in the United Kingdom.     

The medieval Kingdom of Dyfed is just another name for St Davids Peninsula. We had an entire day to linger in and Davids. St Davids Cathedral has been the dominant presence in this area since the 12th century. St Davids was a popular pilgrimage destination throughout the Middle Ages and indeed remains so to this day, attracting thousands of visitors.

Just above the town (within walking distance) we visited St Non’s Holy Well and St. Non’s Chapel, a tiny jewel of a church overlooking St Bride’s Bay. 

Later in the afternoon we had the opportunity to be  present at Choral Evensong in the cathedral. Truly  transporting.      

Having left St. David's behind, this being our last morning we headed for the country’s capital. Cardiff has blossomed into one of the most inviting cities of Britain and known as one of the major scenic spots of South Wales. This lovely city can boast of its charming arcades, castle, and of course its architecturally beautiful National Museum.          
                      

​And although we had a long journey back toward Heathrow Airport, we took the time to visit the well-known Llandaff Cathedral, the seat of the Bishop of Llandaff, standing on one of the oldest Christian sites in Britain.
                                                                          All in all, it was a great trip.

We hope you can join us on another of our Celtic Journeys.
https://www.celticjourneys.org/ 

​FELICIDADES A LEO Y DUNIA!

Many congratulations to our Convent cook Leo Zelaya and his beautiful wife Dunia, who were granted U.S. Citizenship on September 6.
 
Leo has worked at CSJB for nearly twenty years, and Dunia works for our Roman Catholic friends, the Sisters of Christian Charity, at Mallinckrodt Convent in Mendham. Leo and Dunia  are originally from Honduras.

​We are so happy for these two. They have worked hard in this country for over twenty years and studied hard for their citizenship test.
 
Felicidades Americanos!

THE GOOD SHEPHERD HOME IN CAMEROON, WEST AFRICA

Over the last few months, our generous donors have really stepped up to help the Good Shepherd Home for children. Funding from our U.S. donors  made it possible for the Home to pay the children’s school fees and has also built a much-needed security wall around the Home to ensure safety for the children, Sisters, and staff. We cannot possibly thank you enough for helping these vulnerable children and giving them a future.
​

Building of the security wall has begun

God-Gift as a newborn

God-gift at age 1.

The first child ever received at the Home, Akwa Gilberto, is now a doctor who brings medical care to the poorest of the poor. He gives this report on God-gift, the baby that he and his Mother Jane Legacy Foundation helped last year.

“The 12th of September made God-gift one year. The little man is so big now when I think about the circumstances surrounding his birth and how we rescued him it brings me so much joy.”

​Dr. Gilberto and his team delivered baby God-gift when no hospital would admit his malnourished, homeless mother. They also raised funds from our generous donors in the U.S. to provide care for him and his mother.  Now, his mother is training to be a midwife with the help of the Foundation.

​Aben Cistus, who also grew up at the Home, is continuing to bring technology training to orphanages in Cameroon. His ACT Foundation’s most recent outreach was Sept. 14, 15, and 21 at the Dorcas Foundation Orphanage in Baffousam where they taught computer skills and personal hygiene. On Sept. 13 the team visited the Grace Tait Shelter Orphanage and Cistus says “The kids had a blast playing games with our amazing ACT Foundation volunteers. Aside from our ICT training, we make time to play and bond with the children—because their happiness is as important as their learning.”

You can find the ACT Foundation at the ACT Foundation page on Facebook. Please consider following their account on TikTok by clicking HERE.

You can also sponsor the Good Shepherd Home for as little as $40 a month. Please email [email protected] if you’d like to find out more.

ACT Team teaching computer skills to young people in Cameroon

MONASTERY IN MENDHAM

On September 28, we welcomed members of the public to tour our historically landmarked Convent. Volunteers and Sisters led groups through the parlor, sitting room, refectory, chapel, church workroom, library, chapter room, and main chapel and shared the rich history of this place. Guests were also treated to an exhibit of our extensive collection of historical vestments and embroidered treasures. After the tour, guests were invited to bring a small item to an appraiser in our retreat house. 

Many thanks to all our hardworking volunteers, to Acorn Hall museum in Morristown, to the Mendham Township Historic Preservation Committee, the Church of the Messiah, Sally Lund's, Linda Biscotti, Riamede Farms, and all those who came to learn about the history of this beautiful sacred space. ​

Our youngest tour guest picked up a copy of the Pony coloring book while he was on the convent tour.

Click on the image below for a slideshow of the Convent tour

ST. MARGUERITE’S RETREAT HOUSE

Brad Kalos, our wonderful Retreat House Manager, has announced that he will be retiring from the job after five years of service. We are very sad to see him go, but glad that he will have a much-needed rest when he moves to Miami in November. Over the last five years, Brad has transformed our retreat house into a beautiful, well-managed place for spiritual seekers. When he was first interviewed for the job, Sister Monica asked him “Brad, you’re an attorney. Why do you want to manage a retreat house?” and he answered: "Because I believe that the ministry of hospitality is important and that I am being called to that ministry." Thank you, Brad, for putting your heart and soul into this ministry. 

Brad Kalos, retreat house manager

Our new cook, Roger Vreeland

If you're interested in bringing a group to our retreat house, please contact retreat house manager Brad Kalos at [email protected]

​We would also like to extend a warm welcome to our new retreat house cook, Roger Vreeland. Roger has many years of experience as a cook, and his food is already eliciting rave reviews. He and his girlfriend, Kelly, are enjoying life in the cook’s cottage and they recently got a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy named Tucker. The Sisters are especially delighted about that!

Our new friend, Tucker!

CAROA CONFERENCE AT ST. MARGUERITE’S

Superiors from most of the Episcopal/Anglican religious orders in the Americas at St. Marguerite's with the Rt. Rev. Douglas Sparks, Bishop of the diocese of Northern Indiana (4th from right)

The Conference of Anglican Religious Orders in the Americas (CAROA) held its annual Leaders’ Conference at St. Marguerite’s Retreat House from September 16-21.

​Superiors from 11 of the 17 religious orders in the U.S. and Canada held four days of business meetings, sharing, and strategic planning. Superiors from all 17 CAROA communities also meet monthly on Zoom, but the annual in-person meeting is essential for team-building and mutual support. 

L to R: Sister Greta, CDL, Sister Miriam Elizabeth, OSH, Mother Hilary, OJN, and Sister Monica.

CAROA leaders in a planning meeting at St. Marguerite's

Next week, the Novice Directors from CAROA Communities will meet at St. Marguerite's with postulants and novices from each community. We give thanks to the new generation of young aspirants who have followed God's call to religious life.
 
CLICK HERE for the CAROA website.

ST. LUKE’S METUCHEN

Sister Linda Clare gave a presentation on religious life in the Episcopal Church to the adult forum class at St. Luke’s, Metuchen on September 15. 
​
The adult forum at St. Luke’s is led by the Rev. Barbara Crafton, who is a longtime friend of CSJB and a well-known retreat leader and author. Barbara serves as honorary associate rector at St. Luke's. 

 CLICK HERE for information on Barbara’s writing at Church Publishing.
 
CLICK HERE for Barbara’s website, the Geranium Farm.

Sister Linda Clare giving her presentation at St. Luke's Metuchen

CSJB IN THE LIVING CHURCH

Our friend, Richard Mammana is a church historian and author who wrote a wonderful article on CSJB for The Living Church.

​The article is in celebration of our 150 years of ministry in the United States, and it includes a wonderfully faithful history of our order. We give thanks to The Living Church and to Richard for working so tirelessly to preserve church history. 

CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE

THE GARDEN OF HOPE

Thanks to a generous donor, our Garden of Hope now has an accessible walkway and a new patio where groups can gather for prayer before or after they volunteer in the Garden. The Rev. Canon Andrew Wright, ThD, blessed the new additions during an evening prayer service with the Harriet Tubman Regional Network. The service was followed by an ice cream social in the dining room at St. Marguerite’s. Many thanks to all who organized the regional gathering, and to all who tend the Garden of Hope. This year we are once again on track to produce up to 1,000 pounds of fresh vegetables for local food pantries and senior housing.

Blessing of the new patio and walkway at St. Marguerite's. Associate Julie Crawford donated funds and she worked with Sister Linda Clare to find grants for the new patio and walkway in the Garden of Hope.

Our Garden of Hope was recently featured in the Diocese of Newark’s online news:
Reimagining gardens as sacred space | The Episcopal Diocese of Newark

Recent harvest from the Garden of Hope

One of the many abundant beds in the Garden of Hope

Tree, one of our new volunteers, in the Garden of Hope. Tree is a member of St Lawrence and a Korean Catholic Church in Bergen County. 

THE NORTH AMERICAN MARITIME MINISTRY ASSOCIATION

On September 24, Sister Monica Clare was a keynote speaker at the annual gathering of the North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA) in Newark.

Her presentation was about the discernment of her own call to be a Sister, and how elements of her story can help future volunteers discern their own call to ministry.

Sister Monica with pastor Marsh Drege, Executive Director of Seafarer's International House

NAMMA is an ecumenical network of chaplains and volunteers working with the men and women who work on cargo and cruise ships. Their local missions are known as Seaman’s Church.
 
CLICK HERE to learn more about NAMMA
and CLICK HERE for a Facebook video about their annual convention.

Maritime ministers in the convention hall

​ASSOCIATES AND OBLATES

L to R: Oblate Pat McKenzie, Sr. Victoria, Sr. Mary Lynne and Oblate Doug McKenzie at the Oblate/Sisters meet and greet Sept. 14.

The CSJB Oblates met at the Convent on September 14, and Sister Monica Clare gave a brief presentation on making time in our busy schedules for prayer. The meeting included a meet-and-greet with all the CSJB Sisters before Noonday prayer.

CSJB Associates will have a Visioning Meeting from 10 AM till noon on October 12 at the Convent. Associate Jan Paxton and Sister Victoria Michelle will host. Associates may also gather with the Sisters for noonday prayer after the meeting. Please RSVP to convener Jan Paxton at [email protected]

This year’s Oblate and Associate theme is “Strengthening Our Community.” If you’d like to learn more about the Associate and Oblate programs, please contact Sister Monica Clare at [email protected]. 

ST. JOHN BAPTIST SCHOOL ALUMNAE

​The St. John Baptist School alumnae gathered at St. Marguerite’s Retreat House on August 24 for a special reunion celebrating the 150th year of CSJB ministry in America. We Sisters were so happy to see so many alums, and we were extremely touched by the generous SJBS donation the “schoolgirls” gathered in honor of our 150th.  Many thanks to Pam Nelon, Carmen Bowser, and all the others who organized the reunion.

T-Shirts for the reunion said on the front "I survived SJBS..." (T-shirt modeled by alumna Pam Nelon)

St. John Baptist School alumnae with Sister Laura Katharine at Sr. Marguerite's

T-Shirts for the reunion said on the back: "And all I got was: an excellent education, a passing knowledge of church history, lifelong friends, and this t-shirt!"

See the slideshow below for more images from the St. John Baptist School 2024 reunion.

​We are sad to report the passing of SJBS alumna Kyle Rothstein Butler in July 2024. Kyle’s fellow schoolgirls will miss her greatly and we surround her family in prayer.

Photo: Kyle Rothstein Butler (seated) with fellow alumnae at the 2023 St. John Baptist School reunion.

​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.

​LOOKING AHEAD

CENTERING PRAYER
Every Thursday from 7:00 to 7:45
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 Clare at [email protected] if you are interested in joining.

A description of this silent contemplative practice can be found HERE.

PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR

• 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.
• For peace in the Middle East, peace in Sudan, and peace in Ukraine,
• For refugees throughout the world,
• For our Searchers who are discerning a call to the Religious life, and

Sister Linda Clare with Oblates and Associates at the International Day of Peace prayer service in Chester on World Peace Day September 21

Alison
​Andy, Gail, and Wendy
​Anna
Annette
​Anne and Stan
Anthony
Aurora
Autumn
Barbara
Bill and Carol
​Brian
Callie Jo
Carol
Carolyn
Chase
Cheryl
Chris and Don
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
Kay
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
Ron
Ronald
​Russ
​Ryan
Salma
Sam and her children
Sarah
Shane
Sheila
Sister Barbara Jean
The Somerville Family
Stefani
Stephanie
​Sue
Sully
Susan and family
Suzanne
Teddy
Tiffany
Tom
Tommy
​Trinity
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

• 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
• All who contribute towards the preservation of our sacred space
• All who promote the religious life and educate the public about Anglican religious orders, and:

Sister Victoria with parishioners at the Church of the Messiah/St. Mary's barbecue

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 Famil

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
Helen Wall
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. Elizabeth Ivell 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

A Wood Thrush, photographed by NJ Audubon Society photographer Chris Neff along the Convent driveway. Wood Thrushes are a species at risk in New Jersey.

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

​YOUR LEGACY FOR CSJB

Sisters praying in chapel. Photo by Sister Greta Ronninger, Community of Divine Love

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.