UPDATES FROM THE SISTERS - August 2022

Sister Victoria Michelle helped Julie Crawford prepare Vacation Bible School items for the Church of the Messiah earlier this month.

FROM SISTER
​VICTORIA MICHELLE

We think it is important to let our readers know that CSJB is committed. Our prayer life is a major priority. In order to do our ministry, we must stay constant in connection with our Lord. All our life is led by the Holy Spirit.

​God communicates. We must just be obedient to His call. God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances, and the Church. The more we learn about who God is, the more our lives will be on course. We are always here to pray for you and your families. We appreciate and hold dear that you are a part of our lives.

SEPTIC PROGRESS!

Click the video above to see construction on our new septic system

Now that our generous donors have contributed enough funds to get us started, the official process of replacing our 114-year-old septic system has begun! The construction crew has worked quickly over the last month, establishing a leach field and placing three new tanks underground between the cemetery and the main chapel. Workers are now in the process of burying ecopods at various locations on the property. The work will also involve demolition of the current cesspool and tanks, as well as electrical work and an extensive PVC pipe system. ​

Eco-pods outside the Convent, ready to be placed around the property. To learn more about what eco-pods do, CLICK HERE.

New septic tanks to replace our 114-year-old terra cotta septic/cesspool system

Our new septic network will serve all the buildings on our property, including St. Marguerite’s Retreat House and our guest cottage.  Ferriero Engineering did the planning and permits for the project, and the installation/demolition is being done by R&R Construction Company in Chester, NJ. We give thanks to all our Oblates, Associates, and friends who have made this important upgrade possible. Your kindness will ensure that our hospitality and retreat ministries can continue well into the future.

ST. JOHN BAPTIST SCHOOL REUNION

​On August 20, we welcomed our “schoolgirls” – the Alums from St. John Baptist School – for their all-class reunion at St. Marguerite’s Retreat House. The alums spent the whole day catching up and sharing memories of their time at the school, and Sister Monica Clare led a group through the school buildings in the afternoon.  Some of our Sisters, and of course Jennie, dropped by to say hello. It is always a joy to have the alumnae here at CSJB. They tell us they are grateful for the spiritual foundation that St. John Baptist School provided, and we hope we can continue to help with their faith journeys

St. John Baptist School alums at the retreat house August 20

Deb Blair Kamins (L) with Pam Nelon outside Deb's former dorm room at SJBS

L to R: Deb Blair Kamins, Ann Mentis, Kyle Butler, and Marin Martin at the SJBS reunion.

BACKPACK DRIVE FOR CHESTER MENDHAM FOOD PANTRY

From CSJB Associate Julie Crawford

Thank you to members of The Church of Messiah and the Senior Resource Center for your contribution to the Chester Mendham Food Pantry collection of 30 backpacks for school children.

​CSJB also contributed school supplies, and on August 6 we hosted the backpack assembly and blessing at St. Marguerite's Retreat House. The backpacks were assembled by members of the Church of Messiah including Warden Dani Pietrowski,  CSJB Associates Julie Crawford and Virginia Murphy, and CSJB Associate/CSJB Alumni Christine Brodeur along with Sr. Victoria, Sr Linda, staff member Donna McKenzie, and Retreat House Manager Brad Kalos.  Sr Eleanor Francis performed the Blessing of the Backpacks in the St. Marguerite’s Chapel.

L to R: CSJB staff member Donna McKenzie, Chris Brodeur, Virginia Murphy, Brad Kalos, Sr. Victoria Michelle, Dani Pietrowski, Sr. Linda Clare

Sr. Linda  Clare (L) and Sr. Eleanor Francis at the blessing of the backpacks at CSJB

CSJB staff member Donna McKenzie (L) with Associate Chris Brodeur, assembling backpacks for the food pantry.

THE GOOD SHEPHERD HOME IN CAMEROON, WEST AFRICA

From Good Shepherd Home staff member Ndomenda Dickson, who grew up a the Home

August 1, 2022 - Today we are filled with happiness and joy as we celebrate with two of the young men from the Good Shepherd Home.

​Akwa Gilbert and Ateh Cavour are now Doctors as they have graduated from the Catholic University of Cameroon. Congratulations Dr. Akwa and Dr. Ateh.

I would also like to say thank you to Dr. Waldman, his wife Joan and their family and friends who started the Medical School Scholarship and made it possible for the children of the Good Shepherd Home to go to medical school. Thank you to all the Sponsors for their continued support.

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

Akwa Gilbert (L) and Ateh Cavour (R) with their professor at graduation from medical school.

GOOD NEWS GARDENS

From CSJB Associate Julie Crawford

Members of The Sharing Project, Sister Linda Clare, and Sister Victoria Michelle collected bounties of harvest from the Community of St John Baptist Garden of Hope, the Good News Garden at CrossRoads, and the Chester Community Garden this month.  The produce is delivered weekly to the Chester Mendham Food Pantry as well as the Chester Area Senior Housing complex.  Despite the drought, produce yields have been good, and both the pollinators and gardeners are thriving.

Sharing Project members provide produce to the Chester Mendham Food Pantry.

Sister Victoria tours the flower garden plots at Chester Community Garden. The Sisters now have pollinator garden plots at the Chester Community Garden and at The Garden of Hope.

Sister Linda Clare with garden bounty

Chester Area Senior Housing residents choosing  Good News Gardens produce.

PONY HAS A WEBSITE!

Sister Margo Elizabeth’s book Not Just an Ordinary Pony now has a fun, lovely, and enchanting website! CLICK HERE to view it and find out more about the book. The site works best on a PC but it also looks great on a smartphone.

Not Just an Ordinary Pony is the extraordinary story of a "stray" pony who found a home with the Sisters of CSJB, He went on to live at the Convent for 27 years, and many visitors and retreatants found him to be a great source of spiritual strength and comfort.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.
​
You may purchase Not Just an Ordinary Pony at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, Walmart, and others.

​EAGLE SCOUT COMPLETES GARDEN OF HOPE RESTORATION

From CSJB Associate Julie Crawford

Eagle Scout Bret Keifer in the Garden of Hope at CSJB

The Community of St John Baptist extends its gratitude to Eagle Scout candidate Bret Kiefer for completion of his project at the Garden of Hope.  His project included the construction of 3 large raised beds, a greenhouse, compost units, and pathway restoration.  In addition, Bret went beyond the scope of the project and relocated the back gate to make the garden area more functional.   His project also included long work days where he coordinated the work of dozens of scouts ages 8-20 who provided landscaping services about the property. We look forward to Bret’s Eagle Scout ceremony this fall. Bret says "It was a pleasure to work with the Sisters. I wish them a bountiful harvest in the years to come!"

HOMELESS SOLUTIONS: A HandsUp Not a HandOut
Upcoming Women Helping Women Event

From CSJB Associate Julie Crawford

As a non-profit, Homeless Solutions has many initiatives and projects.  Homeless Solutions partners with Family Promise of Morris County and other agencies to seek solutions for those in need.  Services include shelter living, transitional housing, job training, mentoring, moving services, and family support counseling.   Learn more about the HSI programs or How You Can Help as a volunteer or to donate goods, clothing, electronics, or funds. After two years of virtual events, HSI will host their 15th Annual Women’s Day On Monday, October 24th  at Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club in Bedminster. ​

Sister Victoria Michelle volunteers regularly at Homeless Solutions

Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club will be a new venue and includes two racquet sports on Fiddler’s award-winning courts as an option! In addition to Paddle and Pickleball, the other activities to choose from include: 9 holes of Golf, a Power Walk, Yoga or The Bar Method, followed by a Mimosa Hour, Gourmet Luncheon and Ticket Auction.  

The ongoing commitment from HSI supporters has grown Women’s Day into one of the premier charitable events for women in Morris County, while helping our community’s most vulnerable residents. We invite you to take the opportunity to recharge and connect with friends, while raising funds to help provide childcare scholarships for the children and working mothers in our programs. Women giving women a Hand Up to rebuild their lives and care for their children – what could be better? For more information contact Event Manager Kathleen Humphrey [email protected].
 

EAGLE SCOUT CANDIDATE INVESTIGATES WATER SOLUTIONS FOR GARDEN OF HOPE

From CSJB Associate Julie Crawford

L to R: Thierry Montfort, Jeffrey Betz,  Sr. Linda Clare, David Seth Braun

​

The Community of St John Baptist is graced by the work of another Eagle Scout candidate David Seth Braun.  David has met with Sister Linda Clare and has networked with local retired engineer and gardener Thierry Montfort of Long Valley to develop an irrigation system for the Garden of Hope.  While the engineering design is underway, David invited Ralston Fire Department 1st Assistant Chief Jeffrey Betz for a site inspection.  The design will include the installation of a large tank and feeder lines into the garden with irrigation hoses and spigots.   The fire department will fill the gravity fed tank during routine practice runs.

OUR KNITTING MINISTRY

Fall is coming, and we Sisters have knitted up plenty of hats, lap blankets and scarves to donate to the Hope One van, which provides mobile medical and social services to addicts experiencing homelessness.

​Our friend Liz Adams in Plainsboro, NJ, has knitted more beautiful socks for us to donate as well.  If you’d like to help out with knitting hats, scarves, and socks for the homeless, please email Sister Monica Clare at [email protected]. We can provide you with plenty of yarn!

Some of Liz Adams' sock creations!

Sister Laura Katharine knits many lap blankets for the Hope One van.

If you need yarn for your own knitting ministry, please email Sister Monica Clare at [email protected]. We are happy to help.

If you'd like to request the Hope One van for your event, CLICK HERE


​

DUKE FARMS OFFERS POLLINATOR TIPS FOR YOUR YARD
AND NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS

With the new pollinator bed installed at the Garden of Hope, Sr Linda Clare recently attended the pollinator class at Duke Farms  in Somerset, New Jersey to learn more. Duke Farms offers a variety of classes on Sustainable practices and is a lovely resource to visit for hikes, bicycling, and cross country skiing.  Hiking is available year round and there is an educational center and large orchid house.  Classes address topics on gardening, trees, birding, meditation, and forest bathing with many seasonal events and topics.  You can check out. Duke Events Here
 

Sister Linda Clare at Duke Farms Pollinator Class and Tour.

For those of you interested in Sustainable practices, we recommend the book Nature's Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation that Starts in Your Yard by Douglas W. Tallamy. 

The book can be purchased on Amazon
HERE

​If you'd like to join our Good News Gardens team of volunteers, please email Sister LInda Clare at [email protected].

Sister Linda Clare says "Visiting the Duke pollinator garden was a wonderful educational experience. It was exciting to see the variety of available pollinator plants besides the varieties which are more commonly known. This summer our Garden of Hope included a small pollinator garden but our plans for next year include extending our plantings to other areas of the property to encourage more bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. We have recently become a member of the National Wildlife Federation and part of their goals include providing adequate plantings for pollinators."

SERMONS

Jennie napping in front of the altar in our chapel while Sister Laura Katharine lights the  candles for mass.

Our Sisters take turns preaching in the CSJB chapel, and also preach at local parishes. 

• A sermon by Sister Eleanor Francis was read aloud by a parishioner at the Church of the Messiah on August 7. Her sermon begins at 21 minutes and 34 second of the Facebook video HERE.
  
  
• Another of Sister Eleanor Francis' sermons can be read HERE
  
  
• Sister Linda Clare's sermon for Proper 14 can be read  HERE.
  
  
• Sister Victoria Michelle's sermon for Proper 17 can be read HERE.
  
  
• Sister Deborah Francis' sermon for Proper 16 can be read HERE.
  
  
• Sister Monica Clare preached at All Saints Millington on July 31
  Her sermon can be read HERE.

CSJB ASSOCIATES AND OBLATES

The Rev. James Warnke

CSJB Associates will meet on Zoom Saturday, October 22 from 10 AM to noon for "Meditations on the Coming of the Holy Spirit - Then and Now," led by the Rev. James Warnke. You may register by sending a check for $50 (or whatever you can afford) to Sister Eleanor Francis at PO Box 240 with the check made to: Community of St. John Baptist. A zoom link will be sent to you upon receipt of the registration fee.

Please email Sister Eleanor Francis at [email protected] for more information.

If you’re interested in becoming an Associate, please contact [email protected]

​
​

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 as a printed book and e-book from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and many other booksellers.
 
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.
Valerie Bonham's five other books about the Community can be ordered From Amazon by CLICKING HERE.

Sister Margo Elizabeth’s book Not Just an Ordinary Pony is now available from many booksellers online. The book tells the extraordinary story of Pony, who lived at the Convent for 27 years and gave spiritual comfort and strength to so many. If you have already purchased the book, we’d like to suggest it as a great gift item for your loved ones. All proceeds go directly to the many ministries of CSJB. To learn more about the book, go to the Not Just an Ordinary Pony website at www.mecolman.com
So many of you have told us you loved the book! Please get the word out.

You may purchase Not Just an Ordinary Pony at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, Walmart, and others.

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

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

LOOKING AHEAD

JOIN US FOR PRAYER ON ZOOM
Friday September 9
​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]
​

CLASS: THE JEWISHNESS OF JESUS
​Sept. 9 - then every Friday morning 10:30 to 11:30
On Zoom
​Sister Eleanor Francis and Rabbi Deb Smith will take up the class again for the fall on September 9. The hours are 10:30 to 11:30. It is an interfaith study. All are welcome. In the fall our topic will be “The Sermon on the Mount” from both a Jewish and Christian standpoint.  We can take a few more members but expect homework! 

For more info. please contact Sr. Eleanor Francis at
[email protected]
​or call 973-543-4649 ex. 3. ​
​

DANCES OF UNIVERSAL PEACE
September 11 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Rejuvenate your spirit and open your heart with sacred circle dancing and joyous group singing honoring the world's mystical traditions. No musical or dance experience of any kind required. Enjoy the peace and renewal of the Dances safely on the beautiful grounds of the convent. André Bernard is a certified leader of Dances of Universal Peace.

This event is a fair weather only event.     

To learn more about the Dances of Universal Peace, CLICK HERE
​or www.dancesofuniversalpeace.org

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
Wed Sep 21st 6:00pm - 7:00 pm
PLEASE NOTE: EVENT START TIME HAS CHANGED FROM 6:30pm to 6:00pm
Chester Gazebo, 175 Main St, Chester, NJ 07930, USA

Faith leaders in Chester, Mendham and Long Valley will hold a vigil at the Chester Gazebo to mark the International Day of Peace on Sep. 21. The service will be held from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Gazebo on Main St. at Collis Lane in downtown Chester. The interfaith vigil will include prayers, a moment of silence, music and remarks by faith leaders.

CLICK HERE for a flyer about the event.

ANGELS IN THE BIBLE
A CSJB Retreat – 
Saturday morning September 24, 2022 from 10am-12noon
You are invited to come and join us as we study about the encounters with Angels throughout the Bible. We will learn more about God and these supernatural beings.
Retreat led by Sr. Victoria Michelle
All participants are asked to please bring a Bible and pen and paper to the retreat.

Suggested Donation: $25.00 sent to: 
CSJB P.O.Box 240
Mendham, NJ 07945
​
Payment may be made by check or through Paypal
To register, contact Associate Philip Muniz at: [email protected]
Please place the words “Angels Retreat” in the email subject line

RUMMAGE SALE AT ALL SAINTS MILLINGTON
All Saints Episcopal Church, 15 Basking Ridge Road, Millington, NJ 07946 ​

The world famous Rummage Sale at All Saints Millington is coming soon! Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 24.
Sister Monica Clare and Sister Deborah Francis will be there to offer "Prayers to Go" for anyone who needs them.
​
All Saints volunteers have started collecting in the Parish House. For items they can and can not accept as well as the August schedule, click here. All Saints accepts clean, usable items. Please check the Facebook Rummage Shoppe for more details!

CSJB Associates Program on Zoom
Saturday, October 22
10am - 12noon
​Led by
Fr. Jim Warnke

Please register to obtain Zoom invitation by sending a check for $50 (or whatever you can afford) to
Community of St. John Baptist
​Attn:  Sr. Eleanor Francis - Email: [email protected]
​
​
​

PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR
​

All who have suffered from gun violence.
​
For all people affected by military conflict.

For Sister Suzanne Elizabeth recovering from spinal surgery on May 23.

​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 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, and    ​

Sister Laura Katharine (L) and Sister Mary Lynne in the sitting room

Alison
​Andy
Annette
Anthony
Aurora
Autumn
Barbara
Bill and Carol
​Brian
Carolyn
Chase
Cheryl
Chris
The Clewer Initiative
Sam and her children
Claire
Daniel
Dean
Diane
​Donna
Doug
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
Karen
Lana
Larry and his daughter
​Leanne
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
​Shaun and family
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

All who have given so generously to our ministries.
​
All who have contributed to the children of the Good Shepherd Home,

All who have contributed time, talent, and donations to help reopen our retreat house.
 
Our many helpers, volunteers, and those who encourage us,

All who work for justice, freedom, and peace throughout the world.

Jennie, Sister Pamela, and Retreat House banquet chef RJ Lewis chatting on the driveway.

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

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

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

​TO SUPPORT OUR GENERAL FUND

Sister Deborah Francis, birdwatching from the chapel window before noonday prayer

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

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

YOUR LEGACY FOR CSJB

The Convent cemetery. Photo by Julie Crawford

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.