UPDATES FROM THE SISTERS - EASTERTIDE 2024

​I adore Thee, the EVERLASTING GOD!
Love is as strong
as Death,
and Death
could not hold Thee,
and Thou hast
​won the Victory!

• Mother Harriet

Sunset on Maundy Thursday.
​Photo by Sister Suzanne Elizabeth

​HOLY WEEK AND EASTER

Click on the small images to see a Holy Week slideshow.

This time of renewal and rebirth reminds us of how far we, and the world, have come since the beginning of the pandemic in early 2020. As new leaves and blossoms shoot forth and the world around us changes from the death of winter to the life of spring, Jesus’ joyful resurrection shows us that as our liturgy says - life has changed, not ended. New ministries, new life, and renewed hope have sprung up from the grief and fear of those early pandemic years, and we rejoice in God’s miracles that have brought us to this new and glorious time. 

Many thanks to all our Oblates, Associates, and friends who support our ministries, and to the clergy who celebrate daily mass in our chapel for us. Special thanks to the Rev. Lorna Erixson, the Rev. Vicki McGrath, The Rev. Timothy Mulder, the Rev. Phil Carr Jones, the Rev. Canon Margo Peckham Clark, and the Rev. David Jones for celebrating our Holy Week masses this year.
​

MOTHER HARRIET MONSELL, FOUNDER OF CSJB

The feast day for Mother Harriet Monsell, our Mother Foundress, is on March 26 in the calendar of saints. Harriet was born Harriet O’Brien in 1811 to an aristocratic family at Dromoland Castle in Ireland and married an English clergyman named Charles Monsell in 1839. 

After Charles died in 1850, Mother Harriet dedicated herself to God, and in 1852 she and Canon T.T. Carter established the Community of St. John Baptist in Windsor, England. She worked tirelessly to establish many works of spiritual and corporal mercy, and by the time of her death, she had built one of the largest religious orders in the Anglican Communion.  Mother Harriet died March 25 - Easter Sunday - in 1883, but she is commemorated on March 26 to allow for the feast of the Annunciation on March 25.  

Mother Harriet Monsell 1811-1883

Mother Harriet’s indomitable spirit lives on in our Community’s works of spiritual and corporal mercy, and we give thanks for her shining example of selfless sacrifice in service to the Kingdom of God.

CLICK HERE to read T. T. Carter’s biography of Mother Harriet online at Anglican History.org. 
​

PHOTO: An Irish flag flying outside the Convent window in honor of St. Patrick's Day on March 17 and for our Irish Mother Foundress' feast day on March 26. 

​THE GOOD SHEPHERD HOME IN CAMEROON, WEST AFRICA

During Holy Week, we pause to remember Sister Jane Mankaa, the mother foundress of the Good Shepherd Home, who died on Maundy Thursday 2021.

​“Mama Jane” founded the Home and the Sisters of Bethany in 2003 and dedicated her life to providing a loving sanctuary for orphans in her home country.

Since her passing, the Home has continued Sister Jane’s mission under the guidance of the Sisters, staff, and volunteers and currently houses over 100 children. The Children are grateful for all the generous donors who have provided funds for a bakery, chicken farm, pig farm, and clean running water at the Home. 

We are looking for sponsors! Please consider sponsoring the Good Shepherd Home for as little as $40 a month. Your generosity will provide school costs, food, clothing, medical care, and a bright future for the children.

Email [email protected] to learn more.
CLICK HERE to learn more about specific needs at the Home right now.

Children at the Good Shepherd Home. Photo by Ndomenga Dickson

OUR 150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: HAVE YOU RSVP’D?

Don’t forget to RSVP to our special 150th Anniversary Commemoration Day celebration on June 15, 2024, at 10:30 AM. 

The Rt. Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, former Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, will be celebrant and preacher. Solemn Eucharist followed by luncheon on the cloister. Please email Sister Pamela at [email protected] if you’d like to attend, if you’d like to volunteer to help at the event, if you’d like to buy an ad in our commemorative booklet, or if you’d like to help sell ads for the booklet. All proceeds benefit our Capital Campaign to preserve our sacred space.  

We are also looking for volunteers to help lead tours of the Convent and Retreat House for our Monastery in Mendham event on September 28. Please email Sister Monica Clare at [email protected] if you’d like to help.
​

CELTIC JOURNEYS
​The Holy Island of Lindisfarne
Feb 23-March 3, 2024

Lindisfarne in February? Well, yes… on this very special island, Spring has already arrived… the lawns are an iridescent green, the birds chattering, and flowers blooming everywhere (snowdrops, daffodils, crocuses). Some flowerboxes on the fronts of the old stone houses in the village may be already filled with jonquils and primroses. 

Holy Island is a causal island, accessible by car and coach at low tide. But when the tides come in, this tiny island is transformed, enfolded in stillness. Steeped in history going back as far as the Saxon period, many well-known saints were associated with Holy Island, the island almost taking on an aura of its own (Aidan, Cuthbert, King Oswald, the Lindisfarne Gospels!).  Lindisfarne is famous internationally for its medieval religious heritage, its picturesque 16th century castle, and for its wildlife. But many are simply attracted to the peace and tranquility which pervades this very special island.

The week was not highly structured. One was free to wander, to explore, to pray… if rest was needed, each was encouraged to give themselves permission to take naps. Maybe they would like to sketch, take photographs, write poetry... or do some handwork like knitting or needlepoint. Some kept a journal. The week provided an opportunity for renewal, for refreshment, and perhaps healing. They were told that God would provide whatever it was they needed for this retreat, and to be open to however the Holy Spirit was leading them.

Holy Communion is at 10:45am on Sunday mornings at the 15th c. Anglican Church of St Mary the Virgin. Morning prayer and evening prayer are offered Monday-Friday at 8am and 5pm respectively. Noonday prayers and 9pm Night Prayers are held with the Aidan and Hilda Community at the Meeting Place (next to the Gospel Garden on Marygate.)  

A Celtic blessing at the end of the Eucharistic liturgy in the Church of St. Mary the Virgin (Anglican), just before leaving Lindisfarne:

​To the prayers of our Island Saints we commend you.
May God’s angels watch around you to protect you.
May the Holy Spirit guide and strengthen you for all that lies ahead.
May Christ Jesus befriend you with his compassion and peace.
Lord,
​
Be a bright flame before us.
Be a guiding star above us.
Be a smooth path beneath us.
Be a kindly shepherd behind us.
 
 
† And the blessing of God
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
Be with you always.
Go in the peace of Christ.
Thanks be to God.

HOMELESS SOLUTIONS

Victoria Michelle serves monthly at Homeless Solutions in Morristown NJ, as part of a team of volunteers who provide dinner to upwards of 72 shelter residents and 19 warming table clients who are offered a bed, shower, and laundry services for the evening.

This month they hosted a St Patrick's Day meal. L to R: Associate Virginia Murphy of Messiah, Senior Resource Board Member Catherine Segal, Associate Julie Crawford of Messiah, Madeleine Rooney of Redeemer, and Sister Victoria Michelle.

EASTER BASKETS FOR LOCAL FOOD PANTRIES

The Parishes of The Church of the Messiah, St Marks Mendham, and the congregation of Brookside Community Church (UCC) assembled Easter Bags for the Chester Mendham Food Pantry during the past month.  Special thanks to Sister Linda Clare who helped to sort and tag the baskets.

CSJB Oblate Reverend Lorna Erixson, rector of St. Marks, read the Prayer for Young Persons, from the Book of Common Prayer, p. 826, and then offered a blessing in St Marguerite’s Retreat House.

For Young Persons
God our Father, you see your children growing up in an unsteady and confusing world: Show them that your ways give more life than the ways of the world and that following you is better than chasing after selfish goals. Help them to take failure, not as a measure of their worth, but as a chance for a new start. Give them strength to hold their faith in you, and to keep alive their joy in your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
​

The Rev. Lorna Erixson, rector of St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Mendham, blessing the Easter baskets at St. Marguerite's.

COMMUNITY AT THE CROSSING

On March 23, Sister Monica Clare visited the Community at the Crossing at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City. She gave a presentation on the importance of friendship, connection, and community and led a discussion on ways of improving connection and communal living in modern life. 

The Community at the Crossing is an ecumenical program for spiritual formation in the heart of New York City. It is for any Christian between 21-33 years old, from all church backgrounds, and anywhere in the US. Members spend a year in prayer and discernment, biblical and theological formation, intentional community, service, and mission, and choose as their sisters and brothers people who are radically different from themselves.

To learn more about the Community at the Crossing, CLICK HERE.

OUR GARDEN OF HOPE

Spring has sprung, and the Garden of Hope at the Community of St. John Baptist is seeking volunteers.  This outreach Good News Garden provides over 1,000 pounds of fresh produce to local food banks and senior housing every year.  

Greenhouse planting, mulch distribution, and bed preparation are needed at this time. Groups are welcome to sponsor a plot if interested.
If your group is interested in a volunteer workday, please contact Sr Linda Clare at [email protected]. 
​

Young volunteers in the Garden of Hope
​

SISTER WALDINE LUCIA’S FAMILY

On March 3, we got a special treat when members of Sister Waldine Lucia’s family dropped by to see us. Patricia Ann “Pat” Scratchley-Roth, whose father was Sister Waldine Lucia’s cousin, brought her daughter Libby to see the place where Pat was baptized and confirmed, and where she spent many happy times with her cousin Waldine in her youth. 

Sister Waldine Lucia (1880-1975) was a cousin of Sister Julia Francis and was professed in 1909. She worked at St. Helen’s Hall, a girls’ school which the Sisters ran in Oregon, from 1911 to 1943 then returned to Mendham to serve as Mother Superior from 1943-1949. Some of our Sisters still remember Sister Waldine Lucia, who had a sweet smile and a wonderful sense of humor, and who dedicated her life to the ministries of CSJB.  

Sister Waldine Lucia (1880-1975)
​CSJB Mother Superior (1943-1949)

Pat Scratchley (L) and her daughter Libby in the Convent sitting room

Pat Scratchley (front) at her confirmation at CSJB with her aunt, uncle, and Sister Margaret Helena

Pat Scratchley and her daughter Libby with Clara in the Convent workroom.

LENTEN QUIET DAYS

During Lent, Sister Monica Clare led two quiet days. The first was at the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin in New York City on February 24, and the second was at All Saints Millington on March 16. 

The Sisters of CSJB are available to lead retreats and quiet days during Lent and Advent each year – even on Zoom! Please email Sister Monica Clare at [email protected] if you are in search of a retreat/quiet day leader, or if you’d like us to do a presentation on the history of our Community for your parish. 

(PHOTO: Sister Monica Clare leading a quiet day in St. Joseph's Chapel at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin)

GLORIOUS MUSIC IN THE MAIN CHAPEL

On March 9, TENET Vocal Artists performed a stunning program of Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater and Sonatas by Isabella Leonarda in the Main Chapel at the Convent. The concert was well attended and included a string quartet and antique organ. We are grateful to the Boy Scout Troop 130 dads who helped transport the organ into the chapel before the concert!

On April 12 at 7PM and on April 14 at 2:30PM, Opera Magnifico presents Suor Angelica, Puccini’s tragic tale of a woman who bears a child out of wedlock and is sent to a convent to repent for her sins. The performance will be an immersive experience that includes a history of the CSJB Convent during intermission.

The Artistic Director of Opera Magnifico is Stephen Walley, the son of the Rev. Kent Walley who is the rector at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Gladstone.

The program time is 120 minutes. CLICK HERE for tickets and information.
​

​
​THE CHURCH OF SAINT MARY THE VIRGIN

Click the image above to view  a video of Sister Monica Clare's sermon at the March 17 solemn mass at St. Mary the Virgin
​

Sister Monica Clare preached at the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin on March 17. CSJB had a branch house from 2007 to 2018 where Sister Laura Katharine, Sister Deborah Francis, and Sister Monica Clare lived and worked, and we consider the "St. Marians" to be a part of our family.

During their time there, our Sisters worked in the sacristy and local food pantries, and also started a ministry to the unhoused and poor people of Times Square which continues to this day as “Neighbors in Need.”  You can learn more about the history of religious orders at Saint Mary’s by CLICKING HERE.
​

ASSOCIATES AND OBLATES

The Rev. Danielle Baker (center) with the Sisters March 5

We were very happy to receive the Rev. Danielle Baker as our newest CSJB Associate on March 5 in St. Michael’s Chapel. Danielle is Priest-in-Charge at St. Paul’s, Morris Plains and she has also graciously agreed to serve on the CSJB Foundation Board. We are so blessed to know you, Danielle!

The CSJB Oblates held their annual retreat at St. Marguerite’s Retreat House on March 8-10. They also came over to the Convent and mingled with the Sisters in the parlor before joining us for noonday prayer.

If you are interested in becoming a CSJB Associate or Oblate, please contact Sister Monica Clare at [email protected].  
​

CSJB Oblates at the Convent March 9
​

ST. JOHN BAPTIST SCHOOL ALUMNAE

From St. John Baptist School alumna Pam Nelon regarding the yearly class reunion:
"and so it begins...it is the 150th commemoration of the convent. We have our August date set up. I am asking for any ideas to help make this the BEST summer gathering to celebrate it.

Let's all put our heads together and see what creative ways we can do this. I'm going to need to know who is coming. Remember all are welcome, grads, anyone who ever went to the school even for a short time, family members, friends, anyone's Uncle Harry.” Please contact Pam at [email protected] if you’d like to attend the reunion, or go to the St. John Baptist School alumnae page by CLICKING HERE. 
​

SJBS Alums at the 2023 reunion at St. Marguerite's 
​

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.
​
The second printing of the book is now available. The Holocaust Center has also produced a free Online version, which is available on the Drew University Holocaust/Genocide Center website. 
​​

LOOKING AHEAD

CENTERING PRAYER
Every Thursday from 7:00 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.
​

CLASS: WHEN BAD THINGS HAPPEN
​TO GOOD PEOPLE
​Every Friday morning  - On Zoom
The Friday morning “Jewish Jesus” class is now reading  When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Harold Kushner. The class continues to include 50% Christian and 50% Jewish participants. 50% are men and 50% are women. We have an interesting mix! 

If anyone is interested in learning more about the class, please contact Sr. Eleanor Francis at [email protected].

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

Mary in the chapel at CSJB
​

Alison
​Andy
​Anna
Annette
​Anne and Stan
Anthony
Aurora
Autumn
Barbara
Bill and Carol
​Brian
Callie Jo
Carol
Carolyn
Chase
Cheryl
Chris
The Clewer Initiative
The Cronenberger Family
Claire
Daniel
Dean
Debbie
Diane
​Donna
Doug
​Ella
Ellen
​Elsie
Erin
​Evan
The Flood family
​Gene
Greg and Pat
Gretchen
Heather
Honor
Hugh
India
Ingrid
​Jack and Carol
Jack Grier's family
James
​Janet

J​arad and Monica
​Jason
Jay
Jean
Jeanette
Jeff and his children
Jennifer
Jess
Jessica and Brendan
Jim
​Jimmy
Joanna
Joseph
John
John and Family
Jon
Joyce
Judith
Juli and family
Julian
Kamala
​Kasenia
Kathleen
​Kathy
Karen
Lana
Larry and his daughter
​Leanne
Lee
Linda and Paul
Linda Lee
Lisa
​Liz
Luke
Margaret
Margaret and family
​Maria
Marjory
​Marne
​Matthew
​Maureen and Donald
McGrath family
Meg
Meyer

Michael
​Michelle
Mossman​, Jr.
Myles
Myram
​Nancy
Nicole
Nikki
Noah
Norman
​Paige
Pat and Ellie
Patrick
Patty
​Peter
Phoebe
Rebecca and her family
​Richard and Ginger
River
Rob
Ronald
​Ryan
Salma
Sam and her children
Sarah
Shane
Sheila
Sister Barbara Jean
The Somerville Family
Stefani
Stephanie
​Sue
Sully
Susan and family
Suzanne
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

Sister Mary Lynne showing her latest beaded creations for the Nun Better Shop

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 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
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

Lights along the path during the February concert at the Convent
​

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

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) and Sister Victoria Michelle in the Convent library, making handmade cinctures.