UPDATES FROM THE SISTERS - AUGUST 2023

FROM SISTER VICTORIA MICHELLE

Love changes everything
It's about being who God created us to be. Learning to listen to God and answer his call, walking in his love.

​May we be guided by what we hear when we press our ear to the heart of Jesus.

​Let us set our hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. It is a privilege and an honor to worship God and be called into his presence as his own.

​God loves you so much.

Bees in the Garden of Hope. Photo by Sister Linda Clare

ICE CREAM SOCIAL!

Regional Ministry Network Guests enjoying ice cream at the retreat house

Evening prayer at our outdoor altar

On August 22, we welcomed members of the Harriet Tubman Regional Ministry Network of the Diocese of Newark for an ice cream social at the Convent. Guests gathered at our outdoor altar for a Creation Care Evening Prayer, then enjoyed ice cream with all the toppings in the refectory at St. Marguerite’s. 

​We Sisters are so happy to fully reopen our sacred ministry of hospitality and share our beautiful buildings and grounds after the long months of shutdown during the pandemic. We have re-opened tentatively, in stages this year and the ice cream social really felt like a full return to our sacred mission. 
​
We hope that all who enjoyed the evening with us can return to visit soon. Many thanks to all who organized this event, and to our Retreat House Manager Brad Kalos for his ministry of hospitality.

CLICK HERE FOR THE EVENING PRAYER PROGRAM

​ARE YOU READY FOR 150?

Next year – 2024 - will mark 150 years since the founding of the Community of St. John Baptist in America in 1874. Our American Community was founded in New York City by Sisters from CSJB in England, which had been founded by Mother Harriet Monsell and Canon T.T. Carter in 1852. The original mission in America was to help poor immigrants on the Lower East Side of Manhattan by providing education, job skills, and a solid spiritual foundation. Out of that original work grew many decades of widely varied ministry that continues to this day. Next year, we are planning several events to celebrate the anniversary of our founding. Be sure to Save the Date in your calendars for our Commemoration Day 2024 on June 15 at which former Presiding Bishop the Rt. Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori will be celebrant and preacher. 

We will announce other 150th Anniversary year events as we set those dates, and we will be calling for volunteers for various events soon. Thank you to all who help us to faithfully continue CSJB’s 150 years of mission and ministry. ​

The chapel of the original CSJB Mother House on Stuyvesant Square in the 1880s

THE GOOD SHEPHERD HOME IN CAMEROON, WEST AFRICA

Sister Mary Lawrence (L), Sister Zilla (R), and Father Yuh  (center) with staff and children on baptism day at the Good Shepherd Home

Ndomenga Dickson, who grew up at the Good Shepherd Home and is now an accountant, says: "With this being a period of the holy baptism, the Good Shepherd Home is not left out as some 26 children of the home received their Holy Baptism.  All of this was possible thanks to the efforts of the Sisters of our Chaplain the Rev. Yuh Emmanuel who has for the past month been overseeing the teaching of Christian doctrine to the children." All the children are Dickson's little brothers and sisters, as they grow up all their lives at the home, are not offered for adoption,  and remain a loving family for life. 

Dr. Akwa Gilberto with his Mother Jane Legacy team at  one of their mobile clinics for the poorest of the poor in Cameroon

Akwa Gilberto, who also grew up at the Home and is now a doctor, continues his work with the Mother Jane Legacy Foundation to bring medical care to the poor.
 
Aben Cistus, another child of the Home, is now a petroleum engineer and his ACT Foundation is teaching technical and computer skills to children in various orphanages. Both Cistus and Gilbert are seeking funding for their programs. If you’d like to help, please contact Sister Monica Clare at srmc@csjb.org.
​

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.
​

FIRST FRIDAY PRAYERS ONLINE

Heads up! Don't forget that our monthly online prayers have been moved from the second Friday of the month to the first Friday. Our next Zoom intercessory prayers will be on September 1 at 10:15 AM and all are welcome. The online prayers are a time for Associates, friends, and Oblates to gather for fellowship at 10:15, then intercessory prayers at 10:30 for loved ones and for the concerns of the world. 

Slide from our online prayers, created by CSJB Oblate Pat McKenzie

Many thanks to our hardworking online prayer team: Pat McKenzie, Janet Maulbeck, the Rev. Kevin Coffey, Doug McKenzie, Jan Paxton, and the Rev. John Rollins. If you’d like to join in the First Friday Zoom Prayers, please email CSJB Oblate Pat McKenzie at mckenziepat@gmail.com. 
​

ST. JOHN BAPTIST SCHOOL REUNION

St. John Baptist School Alumnae at the reunion

The all-class reunion of St. John Baptist School was held at St. Marguerite’s retreat house on August 26, and as always, the turnout was great and the conversation was even better. Alums wore purple SJBS t-shirts and caps designed by Karen Augustine Miller (‘65) with their class year proudly displayed. Pam Nelon (‘69) says: “A great day. Good food and great friends. Just an FYI: Next year is CSJB’s 150-year commemoration so we thought we'd celebrate that with a bigger and better summer gathering.

SJBS alums enjoying fun and fellowship at St. Marguerite's

It will be the last weekend in August on a Saturday. Remember, you too can come and wear name tags, purple or white tees (although not mandatory), and neat hats supporting your old team and reconnecting with schoolmates, chums, and pals of our high school days and meet new friends from other graduating classes. So fill in your calenders...last weekend in August.” Please check the St. John Baptist School Facebook page for updates.

The St. John Baptist School was run by CSJB Sisters from 1880 to 1983.
​

BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS

This month the Sisters partnered with the Church of the Messiah and St. Mark’s Mendham to offer 36 backpacks for schoolchildren ages 6-11.  The backpacks were distributed at three locations:  Chester Mendham Food Pantry,  Long Valley Community Assistance Program, and Faith Kitchen in Dover.

​The Church of the Messiah is grateful for the use of the parlor in the Convent and for the assistance in assembling the backpacks offered by Sr Linda Clare, Sr Victoria Michelle, Sr Deborah Francis, CSJB Staff Member Donna MacKenzie, and CSJB Associate Virginia Murphy.  CSJB Oblate the Rev. Lorna Erixson of St Mark’s provided the Blessing of the Backpacks. View the Blessing

Faith Kitchen operates in Trinity Lutheran Church which offers a lunch program 6 days a week and is supported by 21 congregations.  LVCAP partners with nine churches in the region.  Recently LVCAP shared that since last year at this time, they have seen a 20% increase in the number of clients they serve through their pantry doors.

CLICK HERE for Back to School Prayers

Sisters and Associates assembling the backpacks

The Rev. Lorna Erixson (R) blessing the backpacks

​ANTI-TRAFFICKING EVENT OCTOBER 22 AT 1:00 PM

On October 22 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM, CSJB will be partnering with St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Essex Fells to host a program on human trafficking. The New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking will be doing a presentation for the public on the realities of human trafficking, how to spot it, and where to report it. 

This work is central to the mission of CSJB, as our Mother Foundress Harriet Monsell first founded our Community to rescue “fallen women” from crime, poverty, and trafficking. Our Sisters in England established the Clewer Initiative in 2017 to fight trafficking worldwide, and it has grown tremendously to become the primary initiative in the Church of England. We Sisters hope to grow our own efforts to combat this issue, which has become all too prevalent in modern society.

All are welcome. 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.
​

A LEGACY GIFT GIVES US A NEW HOOD

When guests come onto 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. 

This summer, a legacy gift that was designated for our kitchens made it possible to replace the old, outdated hood over our Convent stove. It may seem like a humble object, but the new hood will safeguard our Sisters and staff and it will ensure that our ministry of hospitality is uninterrupted.

Many thanks to Donald Devine and his staff at First Call Fire Protection for doing such a great job installing the new system.

​We also thank all the supporters who have designated CSJB as a beneficiary in their wills, and 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.

The old hood in the CSJB kitchen

The new hood

Shout out to First Call Fire Protection for all their great work!

​ANOTHER CHAMPION TREE AT CSJB
New Jersey Forest Service Certifies CSJB Eastern White Pine as NJ Co-Champion

The New Jersey Forest Service (NJFS) has been overseeing the Big Tree Conservation Program and keeping a record of the largest trees in the state since the 1930s. As part of the program, the Forest Service maintains the Big Tree List, a compilation of the largest native and naturalized tree species in the state.  These trees have been nominated by NJ residents and have environmental and historical value and should be preserved for future generations. 

One such tree, a Pinus stobus or Eastern White Pine, was nominated by Associate Julie Crawford for inspection.  State Forester Joseph Bennett inspected the tree in August to verify the measurements made by Julie and Sister Linda Clare. Using his field calculations, CSJB’s Eastern White Pine is now registered as the NJ CoChampion.  The state will collect cones to propagate new trees for distribution throughout the region.  The State also recommended registering the tree as a Heritage Tree due to its historical significance.

Our champion pine was brought by a Sister from Oregon as a potted plant and is visible as a tiny tree in the center of this photograph from 1919

CLICK HERE FOR PRAYERS AND MEDITATIONS

Our champion pine tree outside the Main Chapel

 Classification of Champion and Signature Trees is based on a formula that uses the circumference at 4.5 above ground, the length of the average canopy, and the tree's height.
 
Bennet provided the following description in his report:
This tree has been classified as a Co-Champion Tree and is the 2nd largest of its
species in the state of New Jersey. Trees of this caliber are rare and should be
maintained and protected as often as needed. Trees of this size are mega
resources and perform 600 times the environmental benefits of typical trees. You
or the new owner should consider installing a lightning protection system as
lightning can kill big trees. If you think your tree is a candidate to be classified as a Heritage, please submit your historical story and it will be reviewed at a later date.
 
Our Black Walnut tree at St. Marguerite’s Retreat House is also listed as a champion on the Big Tree List.  It ranks first in Morris County and 6th in the state. It also ranks taller than both the NJ State Champion (110 feet) and the US National Champion (102 feet). The tree is also taller and older than the European Champion (110 feet) which is located in Belgium.
 ​

THE CSJB GARDEN OF HOPE

The Garden of Hope, a Good News Garden (GNG), frequently posts on  The Episcopal Church Agrarian Ministries Facebook page.  This network of GNG devotees find support, share advice, and acknowledge the glorious mysteries of our Creator.

A tiny bunny in the Garden of  Hope, looking for beet tops!

Despite the challenging weather this summer, The Garden of Hope’s harvest program has been bountiful. It continues to provide plenty of fresh produce to the Chester Mendham Food Pantry, Chester Area Senior Housing, Homeless Solution dinners, and Roxbury Social Service food pantry.  So far this season over 600 pounds have been delivered.

Two new volunteers Emily Byrne and Chase Amaral joined The Sharing Project to maintain the Garden of Hope plots by weeding, tending, watering, harvesting, and delivering produce.
 
​

 If you'd like to volunteer for the Garden of Hope or make a donation to continue our work to address food insecurity, please email Sister Linda Clare at srlc@csjb.org
​

​OUR BOY SCOUT TROOP 130 HAS ITS FIRST EAGLE SCOUT
From Scout Leader Lawrence Morris: 

“On behalf of Troop 130, it is my pleasure to announce that David Braun earned the rank of Eagle Scout! David started his Scouting career in the Fall of 2012 when he joined Pack 133 as a Tiger Scout. As a Cub, he worked his way through the ranks of Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos before earning Arrow of Light, Cub Scouting's highest award, with Pack 150 in March 2017; he crossed over to Tr. 150 in Bernardsville. When his family moved to Basel, Switzerland, he remained a Boy Scout with the Transatlantic Council. Upon returning to Mendham, he joined Tr 1 instead of Tr 150 to be with his classmates but ultimately left to become a Founding member of our troop.

Please join me in congratulating David on his significant achievement! His Court of Honor will be held this Fall -- details to come." ​

Troop Leader Lawrence Morris with Eagle Scout David Braun

CSJB is the official charter organization for Troop 130. The Troop holds meetings, campouts, and other activities on our property and we are always so proud of these outstanding young men.

KEEPING HISTORY ALIVE IN CAPE MAY

Did you know that the Living History Museum of Cold Spring Village in Cape May was founded by relatives of our own Sister Margo Elizabeth? The village was founded in 1973 by Sister Margo’s sister Anne and Anne’s husband, Joseph Salvatore and it is the largest living history museum in New Jersey. The Salvatores serve as faithful stewards of this collection of 27 historical buildings, which was designated as a non-profit in 1993. CLICK HERE to read a recent article on Cold Spring Village’s 50th anniversary.

Sister Margo Elizabeth's sister, Anne (R) and her husband Joe Salvatore in the early days of Cold Spring Village

PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY COLLABORATORY

Sister Monica Clare with Elizabeth Girady at St. Marguerite's. Congratulations, Elizabeth!

The CSJB ​Sisters will be providing prayers and spiritual guidance for Elizabeth Girady, a young parishioner at The Church of Messiah.  Elizabeth recently partnered with Sister Monica Clare and applied to a 10-week training program at The Princeton Theological Seminary Collaboratory.

When the Episcopal Church Good News Garden’s Agrarian Ministries promoted a new program at Princeton Theological Seminary, Good News Gardener Julie Crawford, a member of the Church of Messiah and a CSJB Associate, felt a nudge to explore.  During the same period of time at a Vestry meeting, she listened to stories of young vestry members looking for programs and seeking a venue and space for those of GenZ.  ​

Here lies the perfect answer to prayer: The Collaboratory. Crawford encouraged Elizabeth Girady to team up with Sr Monica Clare at The Community of St John Baptist as her spiritual leader for The Princeton Theological Seminary Collaboratory application.  The Messiah Vestry was on board to form a team of 4-6 to assist Girady if she was chosen for the 10-week training program.

​In September, Elizabeth and a team from Messiah will attend a 3-day workshop in Princeton with teams from around the country to explore ways to engage young adults (ages 23-29) with spiritual opportunities and fellowship.  In addition to the workshop, Elizabeth will receive 2 hours of online training weekly for 10 weeks and a $500 stipend to develop a pop-up event for the targeted audience.
 
The Ministry Collaboratory @ Princeton (the Collaboratory) disseminates findings and creates resources emerging from Princeton Theological Seminary’s recently completed young adult innovation hub, The Zoe Project (2017-2021).  This four-year initiative is funded by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.'s Young Adult Initiative.
 
Research gleaned from the Zoe Project will be shared to identify ways in which congregations and young adults effectively work together to bless their communities. The Collaboratory will identify the strategies and forms of support that seem most helpful to congregations and most empowering to young adults in forming relationships as they find creative ways to work together toward a goal both parties can point to as meaningful and perhaps even “sacred.”

OUR INTERFAITH MINISTRY

Rabbi Deb Smith and Sister Eleanor Francis will begin the Jewishness of Jesus class on September 9 on Zoom and continue every Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The class will focus on the book The Bible with and without Jesus from both a Jewish and Christian standpoint.  

Sr. Eleanor Francis will also be leading a program entitled “Eastern Spirituality for Western Seekers.” in person on Saturday, October 14, beginning with registration at 9:30 am, and concluding at 3:00 pm. The suggested donation for the day is $30. As always, give only what you can afford. Donations will be received at the door, but you must pre-register to attend.
Please register by email at sref@csjb.org or call Sr Eleanor Francis at 973-543-4641 ex. 3

The next Interfaith program open to all is The Environment from the Standpoint of the
Abrahamic Religions It will be December 6 from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.
The presenters will be Rabbi Deb Smith, Shabiha Sheikh, and me. Please save the date.
​

HOMELESS SOLUTIONS
Summertime Harvest for Homeless Solutions

Sister Victoria with fellow volunteers at Homeless Solutions

Sister Victoria Michelle routinely serves alongside Church of Messiah Outreach team members to prepare dinner for the clients of Homeless Solutions in Morristown. 

​Recently she served with Associate Linda Ochs, Christopher Ochs, Debbie Burnet, and Leslie Montfort.  Thierry Montfort, a retired engineer, is a friend of the Community who offers handyman services at the Garden of Hope.

Homeless Solutions Annual Fundraiser: Providing a Hand UP, Not a HandOUT
Homeless Solutions offers shelter, services, and supportive housing to the homeless and working poor in Morris County, New Jersey.  Each year they host a fundraiser event focused on women.  This year marks the 16th Annual Women’s Day which will be hosted at Canoe Brook Country Club in Summit.  Woman's Day Annual Event Info and Registration

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 Deborah Francis’ sermon for Proper 12  Year A
CLICK HERE for Sister Deborah Francis’ sermon for Proper 5  Year A
CLICK HERE for Sister Deborah Francis’ sermon for Proper 7  Year A
CLICK HERE for Sister Linda Clare’s sermon for Proper 6 Year A
CLICK HERE for Sister Linda Clare’s sermon for Proper 9 Year A
CLICK HERE for Sister Monica Clare’s sermon on Matthew 13
CLICK HERE for Sister Monica Clare’s sermon on Matthew 15

​ASSOCIATES AND OBLATES

CSJB Oblate Cathy Brunson preaching in the CSJB chapel on July 16

Calling all CSJB Associates and Oblates: If you’d like to contribute a photo, prayer, or any other items to our monthly newsletter, please email Sister Monica Clare at srmc@csjb.org. We would love to hear from you!
 
Here’s an inspirational quote from Richard Rohr, sent by Oblate Pat McKenzie: “Over a lifetime of practice, contemplation gradually helps us detach from who we think we are and rest in our authentic identity as Love. At first this may feel like an “identity transplant” until we learn how to permanently rest in God.”
 
Our Oblate meetings for the coming program year will be September 9, November 11, January 13, March 8 and 9 (Oblate retreat), and April 27.
 
If you are interested in information about how to become a CSJB Associate or Oblate, please contact Sister Eleanor Francis at sref@csjb.org. 
​

​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.
​
There will be a 30th anniversary celebration of the Drew Holocaust/Genocide Center in the fall. By that time, the second printing of the book will definitely be available.  In the meantime, the Holocaust Center has 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

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, loss, 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:

Flowers in our Convent kitchen garden

Alison
​Andy
​Anna
Annette
​Anne and Stan
Anthony
Aurora
Autumn
Barbara
Bill and Carol
​Brian
Callie Jo
Carol
Carolyn
Chase
Cheryl
Chris
​Cynthia
The Clewer Initiative
The Cronenberger Family
Claire
Daniel
Dean
Debbie
Diane
​Donna
Doug
​Ella
Ellen
​Elsie
Erin
​Evan
The Flood family
​Gene
​Gertrude
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
​Phyllis and Richard
Rebecca and her family
​Richard and Ginger
River
Rob
Ronald
​Ryan
Salma
Sam and her children
Sandra
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

Sisters with Clara Elizabeth in the sitting room

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

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.

Sr. Pamela and Sr. Suzanne Elizabeth walking by the cloister

​YOUR LEGACY FOR CSJB

Sr. Deborah Francis and Sr. Pamela heading to St. Marguerite's

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.
​

BELOW: A slideshow of all the beautiful things growing around the Convent gardens this summer: