UPDATES FROM THE SISTERS - october 2022

Jennie walking along the CSJB driveway amid fall colors (click any photo to enlarge)

You wrap yourself with light 
as with a cloak 
and spread out the heavens 
like a curtain.
Psalm 104:2

BLESSING THE CSJB PETS

On October 4, as we do every year on the Feast of St. Francis, we made sure that all our convent pets were properly blessed.

​The Rev. Lorna Erixson, rector of St. Mark’s in Mendham, was our preacher and celebrant for the Eucharist and she blessed Jennie in our chapel.

​Clara and Kooky had to be blessed by Lorna via iPhone photos because they were just too overwhelmed and anxious about being put into their cat carriers and carted into the chapel. We also remembered Pony, who entered into eternity in 2019, in our hearts. 

The CSJB pets are doing well. Jennie is now 11 years old and in spite of her arthritis she is still frolicking around and trying to chase squirrels.

Jennie was so relaxed during her blessing, she yawned!

Kooky is now approximately 15 years old. She has kidney issues and arthritis in her hips but is still as sassy and energetic as ever.

​Clara Elizabeth is our little angel. She is approximately 4 years old and spends most of her time watching the bird feeder through the sitting room window. 

GOOD NEWS FOR CONVENT GUESTS

According to the COVID Act Now site, the risk level in New Jersey is now at Medium (yellow.) Because of this lowered risk, the prevalence of the vaccine, and the changes in CDC guidelines, we have decided to relax some of our COVID precautions and re-open the Convent.

​PLEASE NOTE: These rules are all subject to change if the COVID numbers rise into the high-risk category.

We are so happy to welcome our friends to the Convent once again!

The Sisters have agreed to the following re-opening protocols:
​

1. CONVENT DAY GROUPS – We are very happy to announce that we are once again welcoming groups to the Convent! Day retreats, vestry meetings, and all other groups are now welcome. We ask that groups be vaccinated and masked. Please contact Sister Suzanne Elizabeth at srse@csjb.org if you'd like to bring your group to the Convent.
   
   
2. GUESTS AT OUR WORSHIP – We now welcome 1-3 vaccinated, masked guests at our worship services in the chapel. Please email Sister Monica Clare at srmc@csjb.org if you’d like to attend.
   
   
3. GUESTS AT OUR MEALS - We now welcome 1-3 vaccinated guests at meals in the refectory. Please email Sister Monica Clare at srmc@csjb.org if you’d like to come to a Sunday dinner.
   
   
4. OVERNIGHT GUESTS AT THE CONVENT – We have agreed to drop the 5-day quarantine for overnight Convent guests. We now welcome 1-2 vaccinated guests in our convent guest wing. Please email Sister Suzanne Elizabeth at srse@csjb.org if you’d like to stay at the Convent.
   
   
5. CONCERTS and OTHER EVENTS - We will once again be holding concerts (the next is Nov. 20), the Epiphany Party, Commemoration Day, and other events in person. We ask that our guests be vaccinated and masked at these events. Please check our Events page for upcoming dates.

Throughout the pandemic, every guest at our Retreat House and Convent has been extremely understanding and gracious about our COVID protocols. We thank you all so much for being willing to protect our immuno-compromised Sisters and staff. 
​

THANK YOU, SEPTIC ANGELS!

When we Sisters first saw the estimate for the replacement of our 114-year-old septic system, we thought it would take nothing short of a miracle to raise the nearly half-million dollars for the project. Well, thanks to you, we have witnessed a miracle. 

Through the help of the Hyde and Watson Foundation, other foundation grants, and generous individual donors, we have successfully funded the entire project. R&R Construction finished their work this month, and we now have a modern, efficient, ecofriendly system that will serve the Sisters, staff, and guests for many decades to come. 

We want to especially thank CSJB Associate Margaret Dohnalek, who provided the funds for the final costs, but also everyone who contributed $15, $40, or even just their prayers. We would not have been able to do this without every single one of you. Thank you for serving our ministry of hospitality and continuing God’s work.

R&R Construction placed huge tanks and concrete ecopods underground at several locations around the Convent.

Jennie had to inspect every phase of the project thoroughly.

THE GOOD SHEPHERD HOME IN CAMEROON, WEST AFRICA

Aben Cistus, who grew up at the Good Shepherd Home and is now pursuing a career in petroleum engineering, has this report from the ACT Foundation which he founded to help poor and orphaned children learn computer skills:  “Saturday Oct 1st, 2022 marked a revolutionary journey for ACT Foundation as we kick-started our training program at a second orphanage in Douala, Cameroon . It gladdens my heart to have selfless and goal-oriented volunteers ready for impact.
We employ a two-edged approach whereby the volunteers empower the orphans with ICT skills and at the same time sharpen their own skills and broaden their networks.

The Good Shepherd Home houses an average of 100 children on a regular basis. The Home does not make the children available for adoption due to the risk of trafficking, but instead gives them a happy, loving family for the remainder of their lives. The Home finds funding for their elementary school and college educations and provides them with a solid spiritual foundation.

Learning computer skills in Douala

An ACTS team member teaches children how to use a sewing machine.

Children in Douala learning about computers from an ACTS volunteer.

The team of workers for the Mother Jane Legacy Foundation founded by Dr. Akwa Gilbert, who grew up at the Good Shepherd Home, have this report:
“As back-to-school preparations were made, Dr. Gilbert and some of his associates purchased the required school materials to send to poor and orphaned children. 896 books, school bags, pens, and pencils were bought to share among 54 children. These were the numbers of books needed as provided by our field agents. ​Some of these children’s tuition fees were also paid in their various community schools by Dr. Akwa Gilbert.

Delivering books by motorcycle

Dr. Gilbert reports "With the resources received so far, we have been able to provide and pay school fees for a few, but there are yet a good number of children (48) that are unable to afford education cost. With your help, we can be able to do more for these children. Yes! it is possible.”

MJLEGACYFOUNDATION is strongly active in ten different communities. As God pleases we will expand our boundaries in the future. We want the Love of God to reach far and wide - no boundaries. Together we want to restore hope to these children. Together we want to give every needy and vulnerable child an opportunity to dream and together we want to give every child a bright future. In that way we also preach the gospel of Christ to the people, we need the Anglican community and all people of goodwill to help us in this mission. Without them, the aspirations of these children will die. 

​At the current moment we need $2600 to permit the children to study like any child of God out there.”

If you are interested in helping the children of the Good Shepherd Home for as little as $40.00 a month, please email gsh@csjb.org for more information.

Children with their school books donated by MJL Foundation

The children are saying a big thanks to the Mother Jane Legacy Foundation and are so grateful for the help given to them by Dr. Waldman, Mrs. Waldman, Andrew Waldman, and Mr. Joseph Biondo and for helping them to go back to school. God bless them all. We look forward to having people of goodwill to assist us in this mission.

Children with schoolbooks from MJL Foundation

Packing books in plastic to protect them from the rain.

Delivering books by truck on dangerous roads.

OUR BOY SCOUT TROOP

The Sisters of CSJB recently agreed to charter a brand-new Boy Scout troop in Mendham. Troop 130 will now hold meetings, events, and campouts on our property. Here is a description of the new troop from leader Rob Eberhart: ​“In the fall of 2022, several families from within Mendham NJ and the surrounding towns came together to form a new BSA troop for boys. We have a simple but effective vision:
To develop leaders with an emphasis on integrity, with a strong mastery of outdoor skills, so they are Prepared. For life. ™

Troop 130's flag

Boy Scout Troop 130 at their opening ceremony at the Retreat House Oct. 25
​

Additionally, we believe all boys and volunteers are valued and welcomed. New ideas are appreciated and embraced, and new traditions will be created, all while adhering to the guidelines of the BSA.
We are chartered by The Community of St. John Baptist in Mendham NJ. This is a fine organization that has similar values to the BSA. Our chartered organization has its own rich and wonderful history. They are located on the west side of town with a large piece of property and several buildings for the troop to use."

Rob adds: "The troop meets every Tuesday evening starting at 7:30 pm when school is in session. Come join us.”
​
For more information, visit the Troop 130 website HERE. Their new Facebook page is HERE.

​

A CONCERT AT THE CONVENT

Our Concerts at the Convent series was suspended during the pandemic, but we are happy to announce that it will return on November 20 at 4 PM. Musicians from the Adelphi Chamber Orchestra will be performing Haydn’s Quartet Op. 20 no 4 and Mendelssohn’s Quartet  no 1 Op. 12 in the excellent acoustics of our Main Chapel.

This is a fundraiser for our Capital Campaign. You can email Sister Pamela at sr-pamela@csjb.org for information.
The concert is free with a voluntary donation. We ask that all audience members please wear masks while in the Main Chapel.

Adelphi Chamber Orchestra members in the Main Chapel in 2020

THE GARDEN OF HOPE

Garden of Hope Greenhouse Using Passive Solar Energy to Extend the Season and Installed New Composting Systems - from CSJB Associate Julie Crawford

Thanks to Eagle Scout Bret Kiefer the Community now has a way to extend its growing season.  Work was completed by winterizing the garden greenhouse house by using passive solar energy. The Sisters recycled their plastic jugs and then filled the jugs with water to heat in the water jugs passively during the daylight, and then at night the warm water keeps the greenhouse temperature up.

Pool noodles from the dollar store were used to plug a few gaps around the greenhouse doorways and windows and top vents.  The hooped ground mini greenhouse had fresh lettuce in March using a similar system last year. ​

Eagle Scout Bret Kiefer with the Garden of Hope greenhouse.

Bottles for warming the greenhouse

Special thanks to staff member Donna MacKenize for collecting seeds to overwinter from our new pollinator garden.  The borage is still blooming and a secondary crop of strawberries are coming in !  Anyone wanting to volunteer or contribute donations to this food security outreach ministry can contact Sister Linda Clare srlc@csjb.org

Bret also assembled and installed two aerator composting bins which are used to compost food scraps from the Convent and Retreat House.   The system requires monitoring to ensure a good balance of greens and carbon sources. 

​A simple way is to check for that earthy smell. Carbon sources include recycled cardboard as well as leaves and grass clippings.  Periodically a scoop of existing compost is added to the top to stimulate microbial and fungal decomposition.  ​

St Andrews and Holy Cross Reach Out to Network with Garden of Hope for a Good News Garden Project

Sister Linda Clare and Associate Julie Crawford were invited by the Vestry and Reverend Rose Cohen Hassen of  St Andrew and Holy Cross in South Orange to share about the Garden of Hope journey.  They did so on Youth Sunday this month.  Plans for a Youth Ministries Program are underway for the installation of a kitchen garden, berry garden, and a children’s garden as well as additional beds in the nearby South Orange Community Garden. Produce will be used to support The Holy Trinity Food Pantry   Any support (volunteer or donation)  for this new program is welcomed.
View Sermon by Associate Julie Crawford   
View Garden of Hope Presentation

Bounty from the Garden of Hope for food pantries and Chester Area Senior Housing 
​

ST. MARGUERITE’S RETREAT HOUSE

The Diaconate of the Diocese of New Jersey at St. Marguerite’s for a retreat titled, Nurturing the Deacon’s Soul. 

Sister Eleanor Francis with Aleph retreatants at Shabbat  in the Retreat House Chapel.
​

The retreat house was busy again this month as we welcomed groups every weekend.

​The Deacons of the Diocese of New Jersey were here Oct. 1-2, the women’s W66 group Oct. 7-9, Aleph Oct. 20-23, and the St. Martin Men’s Group is here Oct. 28-30.  

​Aleph is a Jewish Renewal group led by Rabbi Shefa Gold, who is a renowned composer of Hebrew Chant. Her retreat groups have been coming to St. Marguerite’s for many years, and this year’s retreat was for the alumni of her Kol Zimra Leadership Training program..

Have you "liked" our St. Marguerite's Retreat House Facebook page? If not, CLICK HERE and give us a like!

If you'd like to bring a retreat group, meeting, reception, or corporate retreat to CSJB, please contact Retreat House Manager Brad Kalos at guestministry@csjb.org.

​

A VISIT FROM SANDRA SQUIRES

On October 2-4, we had a special visit from our friend Sandra Squires.

​Sandra and her friend Ruth stayed in the CSJB guest cottage and came over to the Convent to meet the Sisters and the Rev. Valerie Bonham, who was with us for a month. Sandra is a member of the Board of the Episcopal Women’s History Project, which gave us a generous grant for the entire cost of printing of Valerie’s latest book, The Second Spring: the Community of St. John Baptist in America from 1940 to 2020. Her visit to the Convent was part of an extensive itinerary of places that highlight early women’s history in the United States.

Sandra is dedicated to preserving women's history.

It not only included visiting our Convent and meeting the Sisters and the author of our history books, but also places like Salem, MA (to learn about the witch trials) and the Women’s Rights National Historic Park/Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s home in Seneca Falls, NY.

​Before her retirement, Sandra served as faculty member, department chair, and Professor emeritus at University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO)
​

MENDHAM TOWNSHIP ARCHIVES

Speaking of history - the Mendham Township Historic Preservation Committee included CSJB in its October 2022 update.

​We got a very nice shout-out on page 8 in thanks for providing a space to house the archives while the Township facilities are being renovated. You can CLICK HERE to read the update. 

For a list of Mendham Township Historic Preservation Committee members, CLICK HERE.

Township archives moving into the Convent

REACHING OUT TO GOD’S PEOPLE

Keep an eye out for our “Reaching Out” annual appeal letter, which was recently mailed out to our list of supporters.

​The donations received from this year-end request have helped to sustain our ministries during the pandemic when we have experienced loss of revenue, rising operating costs, and unexpected emergency repairs.  We thank all who are willing to donate to continue God’s work through this Community, and for all those who have donated in the past. Thank you for believing in our mission.

​If you haven’t yet received your Reaching Out letter, you can view it by CLICKING HERE.
​

THERE’S JUST NUN BETTER!

Have you stopped by our Nun Better shop on Etsy lately? We’re getting great 5-star reviews from people who have ordered beautiful hand-crafted jewelry made by the Sisters.

Sister Mary Lynne is currently working on more beautiful Kumihimo necklaces and paper-bead necklaces to put into the shop. To check out all the great items, CLICK HERE. We also have many handcrafted treasures here in our Convent gift shop and at the St. Marguerite’s gift shop. If you’d like to visit and shop in person, just email Sister Monica Clare at srmc@csjb.org. 

​It’s a nice spot for one-stop Christmas shopping!

Sister Mary Lynne in her workshop. Photo by Sister Suzanne Elizabeth

Handmade Christmas items in the Retreat House Nun Better Shop

Handmade glass and semiprecious stone jewelry in the Retreat House Nun Better Shop.
​

ALZHEIMERS AWARENESS MONTH:
​FAITH COMMUNITIES FOR ACTION

From CSJB Associate Julie Crawford

Recently, Sr Linda and Sr Victoria joined Sr Barbara Jean at Holly Manor to participate in their weekly Friday walk for Alzheimer’s Awareness. The United Nations marks October 1st as International Older Persons Day,  and September 21st is the World Day for Alzheimer's Awareness.  During the months of October and November, Alzheimers and Dementia Awareness events highlight the impact and share educational resources for those whose lives and families are impacted by memory loss or “The Long Goodbye”. 

​If you would like to know more about how faith groups are joining to support this cause you can visit  FaithUnitedAgainstAlzheimer’s Coalition.  FUAAC is a diverse, interfaith national coalition of clergy, faith leaders, laity and faith-based organizations advocating for dementia friendly faith communities across the country and demanding action to stop Alzheimer's. ​

An estimated 6.5 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's dementia today. This number could grow to 13.8 million by 2060 barring the development of medical breakthroughs to prevent, slow or cure AD.
 
The Centers of Disease Control provides information about Alzheimer’s, other dementias, and subjective cognitive decline including warning signs and  how women and minorities are at greater risk.  The CDC also shares The Truth About Aging and Dementia including 7 ways to maintain your brain health and the interactions of drugs that mimic these diseases.

If your family is facing this challenge or you know of others, you can reach out to a supportive on-line group USAgainstAlzheimer Community.
 

SERMONS

Our Sisters preach regularly in our chapel here at CSJB and also in parishes. Here are some of the recent sermons:

Sister Linda Clare preached at the Convent on October 9. Her sermon can be read HERE.

Sister Monica Clare preached at St. Paul’s Carroll Street in Brooklyn on October 16. Her sermon can be read HERE.
​
Sister Deborah Francis preached at the Convent on October 23. Her sermon can be read HERE.

Sr. Monica Clare preaching at St. Paul's Carrol Street
​

ASSOCIATES AND OBLATES

The Associates Retreat was held on Zoom October 22 and was led by the Rev. James Warnke.

Please join us in praying for Associate Margaret Dohnalek and her family after the death of her sister-in-law, Marianne Dohnalek.
​
We also ask your prayers for Associate Robin Dexter-Meyer and her family after the death of her mother, Beverley.

Please contact Sister Eleanor Francis at sref@csjb.org if you are interested in becoming an Oblate or Associate. 

​

CSJB Associates Sue and Scott Bennett recently met Associate Margaret Johnson (not pictured) for dinner in Ithaca, NY. (Photo by Margaret Johnson)

ST. JOHN BAPTIST SCHOOL ALUMNAE

From Celia Kaltenbach Crotteau: “Members of the Class of 1972 gathered at Christine Brodeur-MacClellan's house to celebrate the 50th anniversary of our graduation.

​Here we are, left to right, Ann Schmitt Hinman, Celia Kaltenbach Crotteau, Stephanie Napoliello Hendry, and Chris. Pat MacWhorter Miglio, unable to come, phoned and we all chatted with her. Greetings to all our fellow alumnae!”

Class of 1972 alums at the home of Chris Brodeur (R)

​The Class of 1973 will be celebrating its 50th reunion in 2023. Please check the St. John Baptist School Facebook page HERE for updates.

Chris Chrystal (2nd from L) visiting with Sisters in the sitting room

St. John Baptist School alumna Chris Chrystal (SJBS 1960) visited the Sisters on October 18. We are always happy to see Chris at the Convent! Chris is a veteran journalist who worked for United Press International (UPI) as a bureau manager and correspondent. She also served as a TV newswoman in Las Vegas, wrote for the Las Vegas Review-Journal and was City Editor at the Las Vegas Sun – among many other career accomplishments. 

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 many booksellers online. The book tells the extraordinary story of Pony, who lived at the Convent for 27 years and gave spiritual comfort and strength to so many. If you have already purchased the book, we’d like to suggest it as a great gift item for your loved ones. All proceeds go directly to the many ministries of CSJB. 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.
​

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

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

​

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

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

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 all healthcare workers and other essential workers,
​
For our Searchers who are discerning a call to the Religious life, and

Sister Victoria Michelle (2nd from left) with fellow volunteers from the Church of the Messiah at Homeless Solutions on October 14, 2022.

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

Janet
J​arad and Monica
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 family
Julian
Kamala
Kathleen
Karen
Lana
Larry and his daughter
​Leanne
Lee
Linda and Paul
Linda Lee
Lisa
Margaret
Margaret and family
​Maria
​Marne
​Matthew

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

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

OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO

Sister Laura Katharine in the sacristy

All who have given so generously to our ministries.

All who have contributed to the children of the Good Shepherd Home,

All who have contributed time, talent, and donations to help reopen our retreat house.

Our many helpers, volunteers, and those who encourage us,

All who work for justice, freedom, and peace throughout the world.
​
The clergy who generously donate their time to celebrate mass in our chapel

Magdalena Aders
Peter J. Arney and George W. Jordan III
​Kathleen Shea Aregood
Donna Aubel
Barbara Barbeau
MaryJane Boland
Joe Boney
Christine Brodeur
Chris Chrystal and Myram Borders
Julie Crawford
Rosemary DaCuna
Hans Dekker and the Hyde and Watson Foundation
Rosina B. Dixon
Margaret Dohnalek
Mary Donovan
Gerrie Dressler
Lorraine Emanuel
Kay & Frank Failla
Joanne Foster
Susan Fuller and family
Mayor Christine Glassner
Bill and Gay Grier
The Rev. Deacon Cathy Brunson
In memorium, Elizabeth S. Halpin

Jane Hayden
​Margaret Johnson
Bradley Kalos
Judi Kerr
The Very Rev. H. Scott Kirby and family
Linda Lee Mundy
Janet Maulbeck and Interweave
Patrice and Doug McKenzie
Jane and Peter Mercer
Connie Moore
Mayor Sarah Neibart
Bart Oates
Jan Paxton
Judy Picciano
Susan and Joseph Pigott
J. Vincent Reppert
Jack and Penny Rohrbach
Michael Reiter
Ed Roworth
Anne Salvatore and family
Juli Towell
Myles Varley
​Nick Vytell
Alix Weisz
Joannah Wilmerding

The DCLM Fund
The S.A.D. Foundation
The Community of the Transfiguration
The Rt. Rev. Carlye J. Hughes
​The Rt. Rev. Allen K. Shin
The Rt. Rev. Mary Glasspool
The Rev. Kevin Coffey
The Rev. Cynthia L. Black, DD, and the people of the Church of the Redeemer
The Rev. John A. Rollins
The Rev. Lorna Erixson and the people of St. Mark's Mendham
The Rev. Margaret Otterburn and the people of the Church of the Messiah
The Rev. Victoria McGrath and the people of All Saints Millington
The Rev. Anne C. Thatcher and the people of St. Peters Morristown​
​

TO SUPPORT OUR GENERAL FUND

Fall colors next to the Main Chapel

​Because the pandemic suspended our ministry of hospitality for 19 months we, like many nonprofits, are having a very difficult time covering our monthly operating costs.
 
If you'd like to help us continue our ministries, please consider making a gift to our general fund through our online Paypal portal:
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/CommunityofStJohnBap

We thank all our generous friends, Associates, Oblates, and benefactors who generously give to CSJB to keep Mother Harriet Monsell's dreams alive.
​

YOUR LEGACY FOR CSJB

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 (L) with Jennie and Sister Pamela at the CSJB Lich Gate