UPDATES FROM THE SISTERS - april 2022

L to R: Sister Victoria Michelle, Sister Margo Elizabeth, Sister Suzanne Elizabeth, Sister LInda Clare, and Sister Mary Lynne at the Easter Vigil in the Convent chapel.

EASTERTIDE GREETINGS FROM THE SISTERS

Every spring, we are reminded that the cycle of life and death is eternal. The trees and flowers seem to die away in winter, but that is never the end of the story. Buds appear, grass begins to grow, and the eternal cycle repeats. The story always continues.

​Jesus has died on the cross and is resurrected. We die to sin in the waters of baptism, and we are reborn into a new life with Jesus. There is always comfort and hope in this endless cycle of death and rebirth.

An illumination made by a CJSB Sister in the late 1800s

​We Sisters are beginning to hold discussions on whether to reopen the Convent to guests. Our talks are tentative, and we are taking into account the compromised immune systems of some of our Sisters and staff as we consider. We hope to gradually reopen soon, and we will keep everyone informed of our timeline when we agree on a plan. We miss you all!

THE GOOD SHEPHERD HOME IN CAMEROON

Joy was overflowing at the Good Shepherd Home as 41 children were baptized by the Rev. Father Yuh Emmanual Chenyi on Easter Day.

Ndomenga Dickson, who grew up at the Home and now helps with administration, says “It is a precious gift from God that I wished Mama Jane was here to see. We thank God for she is watching from heaven with lots of smiles.”

Children ready to be baptized at the Good Shepherd Home

If you are interested in becoming a Good Shepherd Home sponsor for $40.00 a month, please email [email protected] for more information or go to 
www.goodshepherdhome.org
​​

Father Yuh baptizing one of the children at the Good Shepherd Home on Easter day.

Aben Cistus, who also grew up at the Home, is starting a program called ACT Foundation to empower underprivileged children in Cameroon with computer skills.

​The program seeks to establish computer labs in orphanages and foster homes. If you’d like to help with ACT, contact Cistus on WhatsApp at 2348 1887 2119 4.

We remembered Sister Jane on the anniversary of her death April 1, and we know she would be so happy to see her ministry to the orphans of Cameroon continuing under the direction of her Sisters and the “babies” she raised who are now amazing adults.

​

COMMEMORATION DAY

Save the date! On June 25 at 10:30 AM we will once again be celebrating Commemoration Day on Zoom.

​Our preacher will be CSJB Bishop Visitor the Rt. Rev. Mary Glasspool, Bishop Assistant of the Diocese of New York. Many thanks to CSJB Associates John Rollins and Jan Paxton for agreeing to host our event and juggle the many technical challenges. We will set aside time after our celebration for guests to mingle in the Zoom room.

​Please email Jan Paxton at [email protected] if you’d like to register for our event. We look forward to seeing you there!

Photo by Ricardo Gomez

GROW IT GREEN AND SISTERS OF CHARITY GREENHOUSE ASSISTANCE
By CSJB Associate Julie Crawford

L to R: Farmer Shaun Ananko, Sister Pamela, and Messiah parishioner Dani Pietrowski at the Grow it Green greenhouse

On April 4, The Community of St John Baptist and Church of Messiah joined Farmer Shaun Ananko of Grow It Green at the Sisters of Charity greenhouse at St Elizabeth University in Madison, NJ. Grow It Green, which partners with the Morris School District, has the largest school farm program in New Jersey. 

Grow It Green maintains two urban farms in Morristown and was founded in 2009 with the mission to create sustainable farms and gardens and to educate communities on healthy eating and environmental stewardship with a focus on equity. 

CLICK HERE to learn More About Grow It Green and its mission and partners.

ST. MARGUERITE'S RETREAT HOUSE

This month we welcomed the men's group from the Ignatian Spirituality Project - Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Ridgewood, NJ. The project was founded in Chicago in 1998, and offers experiences of hope, healing, and belonging to men and women recovering from homelessness and addiction. We welcome both the men's and woman's groups to St. Marguerite's several times a year for their retreats, and we are always glad to see these deeply prayerful people enjoying the beauty of our sacred space.

We also welcomed the St. Martin's Men's Group back to St. Marguerite's after they had spent the last couple of years meeting online due to the pandemic. They were amazed at the renovations and redecorating, and all of them enjoyed R.J. Lewis' wonderful cuisine. St. Martins, and many other retreat groups, have been coming to the Retreat House for nearly 30 years.

If you're interested in bringing a retreat group to St. Marguerite's, please contact Retreat House Manager Brad Kalos at [email protected]

Sister Pamela talking to St. Marguerite's Banquet Chef R.J. Lewis 

Spring blooms outside St. Marguerite's

WHERE HAVE YOU SEEN GOD TODAY?
FOOD PANTRY AT MARKET STREET MISSION
By CSJB Associate Julie Crawford

Sister Linda Clare and Associate Julie Crawford served at the  Market Street Mission Food Pantry in Morristown on April 7, sorting canned goods and dry goods. On their mid-morning break, they were given the opportunity to interact with clients and to contribute to the “Where Do You See God?” poster. 

​​Market Street Mission provides a variety of services and is a resource center for immediate needs and long-term needs for a stable, independent future.  MSM provides immediate services daily serving about 250 meals and 75 shelter stays, long-term addiction recovery programs leading to work-study, community counseling services for reconciliation with loved ones to strengthen family relationships, and daily and weekly Chapel services. 

​There are lots of ways to volunteer at MSM.  If you are interested in volunteering individually or with the sisters visit  Volunteer at MSM or contact Sister Linda Clare at [email protected].

​Both Sr Linda Clare and Sr Victoria Michelle have attended the Market Street Mission volunteer training program. Sister Victoria Michelle is looking forward to beginning her volunteer service there in May.

Sister Linda Clare (R) helping at the Market Street Mission

Sister Linda Clare writing on the "Where Do You See God?" poster at the Market Street Mission.

PRAYER MINISTRY AT CASH AND HOLLY MANOR – APRIL 8 PALM SUNDAY
SEASONAL GIFT BOXES OFFER PRAYERS AND POCKET PRAYER POUCHES
By CSJB Associate Julie Crawford

Sister Linda Clare speaking to residents at CASH on Palm Sunday

​Through a collaborative effort, CSJB and members of The Church of Messiah created Passover / Easter gift bags for residents of  Chester Area Senior Housing (CASH) as well as residents at Holly Manor. 

​The bags contained seasonal prayers, as well as pocket prayer pouches which were created by Sister Mary Lynne.  We are grateful for the altar blessing of these gifts offered by St Mark’s Rector Lorna Erixson. 

​Sister Barbara Jean, who resides at Holly Manor, says she can use the materials for ministry.

Sr Linda Clare presented the Passover / Easter Bags to residents of Chester Area Senior Housing (CASH).  The bags contained seasonal prayer cards, a pocket prayer quilt pouch with a Cross, a Star of David, cookies, and a bookmark.

The Community of St John Baptist also now has a prayer box for residents in the CASH front lobby where residents can drop off prayer requests for the Sisters of CSJB. The Prayer Box was donated by St Elsie’s Thrift Shop at The Church of Messiah.

Items from the Palm Sunday Passover/Easter bags

DREW UNIVERSITY HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS
​BOOK SIGNING AND INTERFAITH MINISTRY
By CSJB Associate Julie Crawford

Sister Eleanor Francis met with fellow writers at Drew University in Madison on April 6 to celebrate the publication of a collection of essays written from their perspective as second-generation Holocaust survivors.

The collection of essays is called From Generation to Generation:  Essays by Children of Holocaust Survivors, and is the second in a series of Drew University books on the subject of "2G" survivors. ​The celebration was held in the Founders' Room at Mead Hall.  ​

Sister Eleanor Francis with her fellow writers at Drew University. Photo by Eva Vogel.

If you'd like to order From Generation to Generation, contact Sr. Eleanor Francis at [email protected]

The class in which these essays were composed is sponsored by  Drew University’s Center for Holocaust/Genocide Study. The Center’s moral imperative to action is inspired by John Donne: “Any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee.” The Center’s mission includes those genocides that foreshadowed the Holocaust, those that followed it, and those that continue to erupt. 

Sr Eleanor Francis adds.  "Attending the workshop at Drew for second-generation Holocaust survivors and writing the essay was a profound experience.  I had to learn to express my Judaism while continuing to live my life as a Christian. I have enjoyed speaking to a number of groups, both Christian and Jewish, and am always happy to speak to other groups.” 

Sister Eleanor Francis continues to coordinate an Interfaith ministry program that offers workshops and classes each month.  The class is currently reading  Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi.
​​

NEW YORK SERVICE & JUSTICE COLLABORATIVE

Sister Monica Clare will serve as a panelist at 6:00 PM on May 19, 2022 for “A Balm for Our Time: In Search of Healing from Current Crises” - a benefit for the New York Service & Justice Collaborative.  The event is open to the public and will take place at the Church of the Heavenly Rest,1085 5th Avenue, NYC.

Other panelists are The Rev. Dr. Michael Battle, The Rev. Anne Marie Witchger, and The Rev. Matthew Hoxsie Mead, NYS&JC Fellow Angie Langdon and NYS&JC Fellow Emma Coles.
 
The panel discussion will also be livestreamed beginning at 6:30 PM.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS.



​

UPDATES ON THE GARDEN OF HOPE AND GOOD NEWS GARDENS
By CSJB Associate Julie Crawford

The Community expresses gratitude to the Ferrymore Seed Company and The Free Seed Project for their generous donations of seeds for the Garden of Hope.  Sister Pamela sorted the bounty this month.  The seeds are extended to other gardens in the regions as seedlings grown by the Sisters.

The Community awaits the completion of the work efforts of Eagle Scout candidate Bret Keifer who has been recently featured in articles with Sister Linda Clare in the Diocese Newsletter and the Province II Newsletter
​

Sister Pamela in her gardening togs, sorting out donated seeds

​A new addition to our Good News Gardens program is a pollinator garden at the Chester Community Garden.  The Community has been granted a well-maintained perennial garden plot where we can cut flowers for services and offerings as well as for residents at CASH and local nursing homes.  Local members of the Chester Community Garden can also donate their excess flowers in vases placed in the garden.

​

As we move into the season we look forward to volunteer work by numerous groups including members of The Sharing Project of Mendham, The Church of Messiah of Chester, Holy Trinity of West Orange, and  St George’s of Maplewood.

The Chester Community Garden

CSJB GOES GREENER

We have taken many steps over the years to reduce CSJB's footprint and become better stewards of God's creation. We drive hybrid cars to save fuel and reduce pollution, we faithfully recycle, and we try to use products that won't create excessive waste. We recently received a donation from Earth Breeze, a company which provides eco-responsible laundry detergent. Earth Breeze gave us enough packs of laundry sheets to wash 3,000 full loads of laundry and prevent plastic bottles from going into landfills. If we had purchased the packets it would have cost over $1,000. The packaging is also biodegradable.

The donation was made possible by their program which donates 10 loads of laundry to nonprofits for every purchase. Thank you, Earth Breeze! 

​

THE PONY BOOK

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.

So many of you have told us you loved the book! Please get the word out.

CLICK HERE to see all the places you can buy Not Just an Ordinary Pony.

​

OUR SISTERS IN ENGLAND - THE CLEWER INITIATIVE

The Clewer Initiative was founded in 2016 by our CJSB Sisters in England and the Rt. Rev. Alastair Redfern to fight human trafficking. It is the national work of the Church of England to combat modern slavery, and it continues to roll out new programs on a regular basis. The latest series of offerings includes a toolkit to help protect Ukranian refugees from becoming lured into modern slavery.

To learn more about the Clewer Initiative, go to www.theclewerinitiative.org

​

ASSOCIATES AND OBLATES

S. Gilmer “Gil” Towell
1928 - 2022

Any CSJB Associate or Oblate is welcome to submit stories, photos, inspirational tidbits, or whatever you like to our monthly Blog. Just email Sister Monica Clare at [email protected] if you’d like to contribute.
 
We ask your prayers for CSJB Oblate Juli Towell and her family as they mourn the loss of Juli’s husband Gil on March 30, 2022. Gil’s obituary can be found HERE.

We want to once again thank our faithful Associates and Oblates who continue to devote their time and talents to making our online ministries possible: Janet Maulbeck, Pat & Doug McKenzie, Yolanda Baker, Philip Muniz, Jan Paxton, John Rollins, and the Rev. Kevin Coffey, If we've left anyone out, please let us know. We want to make sure to thank everyone!
​​

​ST. JOHN BAPTIST SCHOOL ALUMNAE
From SJBS Alum Joyce McGirr:

“Mini Reunion in Siesta Key, Florida! Here we are at a book talk given by Dick Carter, Jane’s husband on their Memories of Russia which they visited many times. The home here is where the Carter’s cousin lives in Nakomis, Florida.
 
We all attended St Boniface at Easter and had Easter dinner together at Joyce’s condo where she stayed for the month of April.”

In the photo, from L to R: Jane Bramhall Carter from Seattle, Washington, Joyce Bearden McGirr from Westwood, NJ, Jane’s  sister,  Fran Bramhall Wittgens from Nova Scotia, Canada,  Marian Shilstone from New London,  Connecticut and Delray Beach, Florida. Ruth Robinson Ertel from Bradenton, Florida.  ​

​

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 [email protected] if you are interested in joining.

​

CLASS: THE JEWISHNESS OF JESUS
​Every Friday morning
​On Zoom
​
This class brings together participants from all faiths to discuss topics and materials related to Jesus' Jewish perspective. The current class reading is Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi
By: Amy-Jill Levine

If you'd like to participate, please email Sister Eleanor Francis at [email protected].

​

JOIN US FOR PRAYER ON ZOOM
Friday May 13
​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.
​

NEW YORK SERVICE & JUSTICE COLLABORATIVE
​
Sister Monica Clare will serve as a panelist at 6:00 PM on May 19, 2022 for “A Balm for Our Time: In Search of Healing from Current Crises” - a benefit for the New York Service & Justice Collaborative.  The event is open to the public and will take place at the Church of the Heavenly Rest,1085 5th Avenue, NYC.
 
The panel discussion will also be livestreamed beginning at 6:30 PM.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS.

​

EXPLORING THE PARABLES OF JESUS
SPRING RETREAT - ON ZOOM
Wednesday, May 25 - 7:30-9:00 ET
​
Rabbi Deb Smith and Sr. Eleanor Francis will explore the parable of the Vineyard Owner and His Workers from both a Jewish and Christian perspective. There will be time for all who wish to participate. To register, please go to : https://aleph.org/virtualprograms/
​
If you need further information please contact Sr. Eleanor Francis at [email protected] or phone at 973-543-4641 ex.3.

​

ONLINE COMMEMORATION DAY
Saturday, June 25 at 10:00 AM ON ZOOM
 Save the date! This year we're going to have the CSJB Commemoration Day online. We've set the date for June 25, 2021, at 10:00 AM. 

Our preacher will be the Rt. Rev. Mary D. Glasspool, Bishop Assistant in the Diocese of New York. This will be a Service of the Word with several speakers, followed by a time for socializing on Zoom.

Many thanks to Jan Paxton and John Rollins for being our tech hosts for the event!

To register, email Sister Monica Clare at [email protected]
​

​CELTIC JOURNEYS
Due to the Corona Virus pandemic, many of our 2021 Celtic Journeys were canceled, 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]
​

LABYRINTH WALKS
Walk our labyrinth and learn about this ancient way of prayer.  

Our Labyrinth is  available for socially-distanced walks, with all participants wearing masks and keeping 6-foot distances between non-household/family members.

To schedule an individual or a group labyrinth walk, email Sister Monica Clare at [email protected]
​

PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR

The people of Ukraine and Russia, and all people affected by military conflict.

​For all victims of human trafficking

All who are suffering from COVID, for all who have died from COVID, and for all who have lost loved ones to COVID,

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,       ​

The paschal candle in our chapel

Andy
Annette
Anthony
Aurora
Autumn
Barbara
Bill and Carol
Carolyn
Chase
Cheryl
Chris
The Clewer Initiative
Sam and her children
Claire
Daniel
Dean
Diane
​Donna
Doug
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
Maria
Marne
Matthew
Maureen and DonaldJason
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
Kia
Lana
Larry and his daughter
Lee
Linda and Paul
Linda Lee
Lisa
Margaret
Margaret and family

Maureen
​McGrath family
Meg
Michael
Michelle
Myles
Myram
Nicole
Nikki
Norman
Pat and Ellie
Patrick
Patty
Phoebe
Rayvon and Beth
Rebecca and her family
River
Rob
Salma
Sarah
Shane
Sheila
Sister Barbara Jean
Stephanie
Sully
Susan and family
Suzanne
Tiffany
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

The CSJB altar on Maundy Thursday. Photo by Sister Margo Elizabeth

All who have given so generously to our ministries.

All who sent donations, gifts, and cards to CSJB for Christmas.
​
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
​

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
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
​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

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.
​

Sister Mary Lynne knitting socks for the homeless on a loom that was recently donated to us.
​

YOUR LEGACY FOR CSJB

Baptismal bowl with statue of St. John the Baptist in our chapel on Easter morning.

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.
Some of the CSJB Sisters walking the Stations of the Cross in the Main Chapel
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.
​
​

SLIDESHOW: A WALK THROUGH HOLY WEEK WITH CSJB