UPDATES FROM THE SISTERS - november 2021

“We live in hope, nor do we fail in present tribulation, because we expect unfailing joys.”

Mother Harriet Monsell, Foundress of CSJB

The Advent wreath in St. Michael's Chapel at CSJB - made by Sister Victoria Michelle.

THANK YOU!

Sister Pamela cooked a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner for us this year, and Sister Barbara Jean joined us for the day from Holly Manor.

The Sisters of CSJB have so much to be thankful for – especially in these difficult times. We give thanks for our Oblates, Associates, friends, and supporters for generously sustaining us through the pandemic. We give thanks to the anonymous donor who gave us a grant to reopen St. Marguerite’s Retreat House against impossible odds. We give thanks for the people at Twelve Baskets Food Pantry at All Saints, Millington. We give thanks for the many volunteers who have worked in the Garden of Hope and the Convent garden to produce fresh vegetables for food pantries and for our Convent table. We would not have made it without all of you, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you for believing in our ministries and for keeping Mother Harriet’s dreams alive after 169 years. 

OUR NEWEST CSJB OBLATE

It is always a joyous occasion to welcome new CSJB Associates and Oblates. On November 13, we received the Rev. Lorna Erixson as an Oblate on the Convent cloister - right before the weather became too windy and cold for outdoor services!

​After the reception we enjoyed fellowship and good food at the parish hall at St. Mark’s Mendham, where Lorna is rector. We thank the CSJB Associates who are St. Mark’s parishioners for preparing such wonderful food for our gathering. What a blessing it was to be with you all.

CSJB Oblates (L to R) Alina Gonzales, John van Dine, Vanessa Foster, Barbara Harriman, Carol Albert, and the Rev. Lorna Erixson

MENDHAM FAITH LEADERS - 2nd ANNUAL THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE

L TO R: Sister Linda Clare, Betsy Broome (Brookside), Mark Brumbaugh (Brookside), Elaine Warren (UMC), Sister Deborah Francis, Gail Lingerman (UMC), and Russ Hall (Hilltop) with donated food ready for delivery to the Interfaith Food Pantry Network on Nov. 14.

Sister Linda Clare and Sister Deborah Francis braved the frosty temperatures on Nov. 14 to help collect turkeys and other items as part of the Mendham Faith Leaders’ 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive.The drive took place on Nov. 7, 14, and 21 at Hilltop House, and organizer Russ Hall says: “Totals for the drive were 34 turkeys, 1526 pounds of food and $100.” This annual drive benefits the Morris County Interfaith Food Pantry Network, which distributes approximately 1.5 million pounds of food per year.

The Mendham Faith Leaders group includes the Community of St. John Baptist, Brookside Community Church, Grace Lutheran Church, Hilltop Presbyterian Church, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, and Mendham United Methodist Church

KNITTING FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS

​During our 30-45 minute daily Recreation, which is required by our Rule of Life, most of the Sisters knit. All year long we knit scarves, hats and lap blankets to donate to various homeless ministries.

This year we were very happy to give three bags of knitted goods and some warm blankets donated by an Associate to the Hope One van, which brings medical services and necessary items to unhoused people struggling with addiction.

​We are also hoping to knit up a good number of items so that volunteers at the Church of the Messiah in Chester can deliver them to Homeless Solutions in December. 

Hats made by Sisters for the knitting ministry.

THE 19TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF TREES

Young attendees enjoying the Festival of Trees in 2019.

A flyer for this year's Festival of Trees
​(Click to enlarge.)

We Sisters always love attending the Festival of Trees in Chester, which raises funds for the Senior Resource Center. The event is held at the Barn at Highlands Ridge Park, and it features around 70 large trees and 40 smaller trees for sale by silent auction. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and children. CSJB Associate the Rev. Margaret Otterburn is on the Board of Trustees for the Senior Resource Center, and she is a member of the Festival of Trees Committee.

This year the Sisters, through a generous sponsorship from the CSJB Associates, will be decorating and contributing a 4’6” tree. The theme of our tree is prayer, and it will feature handmade ornaments and quilted prayer pockets made by Sister Mary Lynne.
​
The trees can be viewed between 12 noon and 6PM daily between December 4-11 this year. They are all decorated by families, businesses, and civic organizations. The Festival also includes holiday refreshments and music from local soloists and choirs. Sister Victoria Michelle will be volunteering alongside the Rev. Margaret Otterburn at this year's event.

​CLICK HERE if you’d like more information. We hope to see you there! 

THE GOOD SHEPHERD HOME

The children of the Good Shepherd Home in Cameroon, West Africa are looking forward to Christmas. Our fundraising team hopes to find sponsors to provide $30 for a child’s shoes, food, and clothing for this year's Christmas celebrations at the Home.  If you’d like to contribute, please email [email protected] or call 973-543-4641 ext. 0.

There are currently over 100 children at the Home. All are receiving an education and all work together with the Sisters of Bethany and staff to manage the daily operations. Times are difficult due to the ongoing Cameroonian Civil War, but the Home continues to run a farm, fish hatchery, and pig farm to raise money and feed the children. They hope to raise enough support to reopen the chicken farm and bakery – both of which need repair and hard-to-find supplies.

We also seeking 100 sponsors to provide $40 a month towards the operating expenses of the Home, and we thank the hardworking members of our fundraising team who are putting out the word at their churches and on social media. So far we have gained 20 new sponsors. Only 80 more to go!
​

Children of the Good Shepherd Home enjoying Christmas dinner,.

Girls at the Good Shepherd Home modeling their new dresses on Christmas Day.

If you’re interested in becoming a GSH sponsor, or in sponsoring a child’s college education, please email [email protected] or go to www.goodshepherdhome.org
​

OUR INTERFAITH MINISTRY

Cover art for the upcoming book which includes Sister Eleanor Francis'  story.

On November 7, Sister Eleanor Francis presented her story of being a second-generation Holocaust survivor to the congregation at the Church of the Redeemer in Morristown. In the coming months, her story will be available as part of a new book called From Generation to Generation: Essays by Children of Holocaust Survivors. The book was edited by Dr. Robert Ready and Dr. Ann I. Saltzman as part of the Drew University Center for Holocaust/Genocide Study. We will make an announcement when the book becomes available for order.
​
Sister Eleanor Francis is also a registered speaker with the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center and she is a panelist for the ongoing Yad b’Yad Abrahamic Faiths Dialogue Series. 

​

THE GARDEN OF HOPE

From CSJB Associate and Garden of Hope Volunteer Julie Crawford:

As harvest time ends, the Garden of Hope extends its gratitude to the volunteers who helped throughout the growing season, and The Community looks forward to new changes planned next year.   The Garden of Hope provides fresh produce to local and regional food pantries. Through the generosity of time and resources the following groups served this season and brought with them a sense of community and commitment to serve:
 
The Free Seed Project
St Mark’s Episcopal Church
Brookside Community Church
Church of the Messiah
Chester Community Gardeners
Cross Roads Camp and Retreat Center
The Sharing Project
Flags of Gratitude
Friends of Hope Garden
Eagle Scout Bret Kiefer
 
Currently the kitchen tregs continue to provide fresh greens and a region at the main garden has been set up to experiment with passive solar heating in an effort to extend the growing season.  Beds have been seeded in winter cover crops.  Elevated tregs have been constructed to allow older members more access.  Special thanks to two new members of Friends of Hope Garden: Liane and Ben Moschella of Chester.  The Moscellas helped to remove trellises, cages, poles, and tools for winter storage and worked on bed prep.
 
Eagle Scout Bret Kiefer has completed his work plan and budget for more upgrades.  In the Spring he will coordinate the installation of 3 raised beds, new compost areas, and a greenhouse with a foundation.

This year's final harvest from the Garden of Hope.

Laminated signs to mark each volunteer group's designated bed (s), ready to be stored in the Convent garage for winter.

Some of the last vegetables of the season in one of our Convent kitchen garden's elevated tregs.

THANK YOU FOR ENJOYING THE PONY BOOK!

Pony (RIP 2019) had a special ministry of presence at CSJB for 27 years and we miss him terribly.

To those who have already read our pony’s story and ordered the book, we are most grateful. For those who perhaps would like to order more copies (great Christmas gifts!) here is the link again for the distributor:
​https://store.bookbaby.com/book/not-just-an-ordinary-pony

We encourage readers to buy directly from the publisher, but if you’d like to purchase a book and/or the supplemental coloring book directly from us Sisters at the Convent, that’s ok too! Just email [email protected] for more information.
 
All books/coloring books bought in-person from the Convent need to be purchased by check, with the check made out to The Community of St. John Baptist and “Pony Book” or “Pony Coloring Book” on the ledger line. All proceeds from both books support the ministries of the Community.

ST. MARGUERITE'S RETREAT HOUSE

Our Retreat House reopened on October 1, 2021, and we are so happy to see retreat groups enjoying the peace and quiet of our sacred space again. Guests are enjoying the renovations and redecoration, and they are commenting on the excellent food that Retreat House Manager Brad Kalos has been preparing. 
​
This month we welcomed the Newark Diocescan Pre-Ordination retreat group,  Our Lady of Mount Carmel’s Ignatian Spirituality Project (Ridgewood NJ), the Oratory of the Good Shepherd, and the American National Catholic Church (ANCC). The ANCC group also held an ordination of two deacons in our main chapel .

If you’d like information about booking a retreat group at St. Marguerite’s. please email Brad Kalos at [email protected]. All guests must be fully vaccinated and observe safety measures during their stay.

Retreat participants, preparing for ordination in the Diocese of Newark (Photo by the Rev. Canon Andrew Wright.)

Retreat participants worshipping in our chapel at St. Marguerite's during their pre-ordination retreat. (Photo by the Rev. Canon Andrew Wright)

SERMONS

Pears from our pear tree, which Associate Julie Crawford later made into pear chutney for us.

Sister Linda Clare preached in our chapel on the First Sunday of Advent. To read her sermon, CLICK HERE.

Sister Monica Clare preached at All Saints Millington via Zoom on the First Sunday of Advent. To read her sermon, CLICK HERE.

CSJB ASSOCIATES AND OBLATES

Oblate Doug McKenzie recently finished a 3-year project, building a 1:48 scale model of the brigantine Leon. Leon was a cargo ship built in Norway in the 1880s by shipbuilder Colin Archer.  A museum in Larvik, Norway is going to display this model, since Larvik was Colin Archer's home. Doug and Pat brought the model to Baltimore earlier in November where a crate was built around it; the model is being shipped to Norway this week. You can see a series of short 1-minute videos that Doug and Pat developed, showing the model and giving more details on the project.  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrvbpb4NUFvcML_ufEV3rWg

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The Rev. John Beddingfield, Rector of the Church of the Holy Trinity in New York City, will be leading an Advent Retreat for CSJB Associates on Saturday, December 4 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM on Zoom. The retreat is entitled “Catching our Breath” and will be held on Zoom. Father Beddingfield is the Community Pastor for CSJB, and he is a popular retreat leader. ​Please email Sister Eleanor Francis at [email protected] to register for the retreat.

A prayer written by CSJB Oblate Alina Gonzalez:

​Eternal and merciful God, source of Wisdom,
we praise you and we thank you for the time we have spent together.
 
God-Love, we praise you and
we thank you for your infinite love.
 
Protect us from judging each other.
We praise you and we thank you.
 
Grant us to welcome each other as you welcome us, as we are.
We praise and we thank you.
 
Be with us on the journey you have foreseen for each one of us.
We praise you and we thank you.
 
Bless our days.
We praise you and we thank you.
 
That we may meet again in the fullness of your love.
We praise you and we thank you.
 

Sunlight in the shape of a heart on the CSJB Convent stairs.

ST. JOHN BAPTIST SCHOOL ALUMNAE

A reflection from SJBS Alumna
Monica (Hyde) Giordano, SJBS '68:
​
Remembering CSJB warms my heart.  As a schoolgirl, there wasn’t a moment when I felt unloved or abandoned.  Remember the one-on-one spiritual guidance each student had?  This meeting was at first intimidating and frightening to me.  Until I met Sr. Elizabeth Marion. 

She liked to sit in one of the classroom chairs by the back window.  Always glad to see me, she patted the seat where she gently invited me to settle near her.
That was her magic.  Her gentleness.  Just remembering how she sweetly gained my trust brings fond memories to me.   How she drew my feelings from me and honored our bond by listening to me, all the while gently nodding her head while occasionally patting my knee.  No judgment.  Ever.

Sister Elizabeth Marion quietly spoke to me of God’s invitation to hold Him close every moment of every day.  She introduced me to myself and helped me know I had a place in this world and there was a reason for my being.
​
When someone truly understands what unconditional Love is, life blooms.  Sister Elizabeth Marion helped my life bloom.  How I miss her wise, welcoming Presence.
Renewing my connection with the beautiful, loving Sisters of CSJB allows me to thank the Community in the small way that I can.  Their needs are great and their Graciousness is greater.  Perhaps you, too, can help the Community in any way you can.  When you do, you will be instantly warmed in your heart.  I promise.

Sister Elizabeth Marion in a St. John Baptist School yearbook faculty photo. (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Monica (Hyde) Giordano (L) with classmate Puck Wullenweber at St. John Baptist School. in the 1960's.

Monica (Hyde) Giordano and classmates at St. John Baptist School around 1968.

Norma Tucker

SJBS Alumna Chris (Tucker) Roberts recently wrote to the Sisters that that her mother, Norma Tucker, died on Monday November 1st. Norma’s memorial service and burial took place on Saturday Nov 20th, 10:30am at St Francis Episcopal Church Dunellen, NJ.

​Chris says, “She always loved going to the convent. Thank you for all you have done for our family over the years.” Chris and her sisters attended St. John Baptist School.

​Norma’s obituary can be found HERE.

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.

CATCHING OUR BREATH:
An Advent Retreat for CSJB Associates
Saturday, December 4, 2021
10:00 AM to 11:30 AM (on Zoom)
Leader: The Rev. John Beddingfield, Associate, CSJB

What sustains us when we are running low? How do we reconnect with God when we need a second spiritual wind? Join us for an online retreat with the Rev. John F. Beddingfield as he leads us in an exploration of biblical and theological images around breath. We will be invited to practice several ways of noticing our breath in prayer and opening ourselves more deeply to God’s Spirit.
 
Suggested Donation: (Pay what you can): $50.
Check or Paypal: Make out to Community of St. John Baptist, Attn: Sr. Eleanor Francis
After we have received your donation, we will send you a link.

JOIN US FOR PRAYER ON ZOOM
Friday December 10
​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]
 
Suggested Donation: (Pay what you can): $50.
Check or Paypal: Make out to Community of St. John Baptist, Attn: Sr. Eleanor Francis
After we have received your donation, we will send you a link.

ADVENT RETREAT
DECEMBER 11 from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
At the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin
145 West 46th St. New York, NY 10036

Sister Monica is leading a quiet day at the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin in New York City December 11 on the subject of "Hope: What is it, and how can we get more of it?" 

Please email the Rev. James Ross Smith at Saint Mary's for more information at [email protected]

SERVICE OF THE LONGEST NIGHT
DECEMBER 21 at 7:00 PM
On Zoom

On the longest night of the year, join the Mendham faith communities in a service that recognizes the holidays are not 'holly and jolly' for everyone. This warm and cozy service connects our experiences today with biblical stories of 'long nights of the soul.' Together, we will acknowledge the complexities of the season while illuminating hope.

Please email Sister Monica Clare at [email protected] to register for this free event.

THE SEARCH PROGRAM 
FRIDAY, FEB. 18 - MONDAY, FEB. 21, 2022
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 Winter SEARCH program takes place over President's Day weekend every year. The dates for 2022 are Friday, Feb. 18-Monday, Feb. 21. 

Our program includes classes in prayer and discernment, time for discussions with individual Sisters, and opportunities for questions from our Searchers.

Please call Sister Pamela at 973-543-4641 ext. 9 or  email [email protected] for more information.

CLICK HERE for our page about the Search Program.​

Please email Sister Monica Clare at [email protected] to register for this free event.

CELTIC JOURNEYS
Due to the Corona Virus pandemic, many of our 2021 Celtic Journeys were cancelled, but please see our trips for 2022!
https://www.celticjourneys.org/copy-of-ireland
https://www.celticjourneys.org/cornwall
For more information, contact Sister Margo Elizabeth:
Phone:973 543 4641 ext 4                      
Email: [email protected]

PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR

(L to R) Sister Linda Clare, Sister Eleanor Francis, and Sister Deborah Francis preparing for Noonday prayer.

All who are suffering from COVID, for all who have died from COVID, and for all who have lost loved ones to COVID,
 
For the civilians and military personnel in Afghanistan and all regions affected by war.
For 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,
​Gretchen
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
Margaret and family
Maureen

Maria
​Matthew
Maxton
Maureen and Donald
McGrath family
Michael
Michelle
Myles
Myram,
Nicole
​Nikki
Norman
​Pat and Ellie
Patrick
Patty
Phoebe
Rebecca and her family
​River
Shane
Sheila
The Singh family
Sister Barbara Jean
​Stephanie
Sully
​Susan and family
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

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 our CSJB Oblates, Associates, Alumnae, and friends, and:

Jennie with Thanksgiving decorations in the chapel. Photo and decorations by Sister Linda Clare.

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
J. Vincent Reppert
Jack and Penny Rohrbach
Michael Reiter
Ed Roworth
Juli Towell
​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. 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 by 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
​

WOULD YOU LIKE TO INCLUDE CSJB IN YOUR ESTATE PLANNING?

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.

The lich gate at the CSJB cemetery - built in 1917

Bright leaves along the CSJB driveway.

Jennie enjoying the fall weather.