UPDATES FROM THE SISTERS - December 2021

O thou joyful,
​O thou wonderful
Peace revealing Christmas-tide!
Darkness disappeareth,
God’s own light now neareth;
Peace and joy to all betide.

​--Johannes D. Falk

The crèche in our Chapel, flanked by poinsettias from a generous friend

Nine of the eleven CSJB Sisters with Bishop Mary Glasspool and Bishop Allen K. Shin (and Jennie) in the CSJB Chapel Dec. 7, 2021

All of us at the Community of St. John Baptist wish you and your loved ones a blessed Christmastide and a happy and peaceful New Year. This year's holiday celebrations were somewhat curtailed by the sudden rise in COVID infections, but we are grateful to see that the vaccine is  protecting so many from severe illness, hospitalization, or death. We pray every day for healthcare workers and all who are affected by the pandemic.

​There is  still so much to look forward to in the new year, and we have faith that better times are coming soon.
​

OUR NEW BISHOP VISITOR

The Rt. Reverend Mary Glasspool, Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of New York, was first elected by the Sisters on June 8, 2021 but had to wait many months for the installation due to uncertainty around COVID in New Jersey and New York. We finally felt it was safe in early December, after all participants had been vaccinated and received a booster, to at long last hold the service in our chapel.

Our outgoing Bishop Visitor, the Rt. Reverend Allen K. Shin, installed Bishop Glasspool as his successor. His sermon for the event can be read by CLICKING HERE.
Bishop Shin  has been a true gift to our Community. We thank him for his five years of faithful pastoral service, and we are pleased to begin a new chapter with Bishop Glasspool.
​

Sister Mary Lynne (L) and Sister Laura Katharine bring symbolic gifts of bread and wine to Bishop Glasspool during the Installation Dec. 7, 2021

Bishop Glasspool's sermons from her Visitation with us Dec. 7-9 can be viewed by CLICKING HERE and CLICKING HERE.

CLICK HERE to read her bio on the Diocese of New York's website.
​

SINGING A JOYFUL SONG

Sister Linda Clare joined CSJB Associate Julie Crawford and a group of Joyful Singers from the Church of the Church of the Messiah in Chester to go caroling for local Seniors on December 19.

The group met after church and carpooled to Little Brook Nursing Home in Califon, then went to Chester Area Senior Housing.

Joyful Singers with Sister Linda Clare (R) and Donna Mackenzie (back row, hidden) singing Christmas carols for Seniors on Dec. 19

CSJB Staffer Donna McKenzie (L) and Sister Linda Clare at St. Marguerite's, helping Julie Crawford prepare gift bags for Seniors.
​

Since COVID safety restrictions have been recently tightened, all the caroling was done from the parking lot outdoors while the residents looked out their windows.

The Joyful Singers provided 80 gift bags to the residents. The gift bags contained jingle bells, a bookmark, and printed music. Julie Crawford coordinated the gift bags, and Sister Linda Clare and CSJB staff member/Associate Donna Mackenzie helped to fill them in the St. Marguerite's refectory.

​If you're interested in  caroling next year, please email Sister Monica Clare at [email protected] to connect with the Church of the Messiah volunteers.

THE GOOD SHEPHERD HOME

This month we have more good news from the Good Shepherd Home. Ndomenga Dickson, who grew up at the Home, graduated from the University of Bemenda in mid-December with an MSc in Accounting. 

Dickson wrote this touching tribute to his "mama" Sister Jane Mankaa, the founder of the Good Shepherd Home, who died in April 2021:

"Dear mama Jane Mankaa, thank you for your unconditional selflessness, your unwavering support, your countless sacrifices that have opened many doors for me to grow and succeed and all the big and little things you taught me along the way. Thank you for instilling me with the strong passion for learning and for doing everything possible to put me on the path to greatness. Despite the tight budget, you never complained about the cost of my education. I know how much you sacrificed for me. This achievement would not be possible without your support both spiritually and financially. All through, you have been the force that pushed me towards studying. Thank you for believing in me. You are the best mother in the world and I owe my success to you. I will never forget the important values you have passed down to me. 
​
I hope and pray I make you proud as you make me while watching from heaven.
You are not with us, but your legacy moves on.
​
A big congratulation to us."

Dickson lives at the Good Shepherd Home and helps manage the day-to-day operations 

Dickson with some of his brothers and sisters at the Good Shepherd Home.

The children want to thank all who contributed to make their Christmas special this year, and all those who sponsor and support the Home.

If you'd like to become a GSH sponsor, or would like to sponsor a child’s college education, please email [email protected] or go to www.goodshepherdhome.org

​

SERVICE OF THE LONGEST NIGHT

Sister Monica Clare sings and plays a Taizé chant on piano for the Dec. 21 Longest Night service.

One of Pastor Nicolette Siragusa's beautiful slides from the Longest Night service she designed.

The Reverend Dr. Merideth Mueller-Bolton, Transitional Pastor at Hilltop Presbyterian Church, reading at the Dec. 21 Longest Night service 

​

On December 21, the Mendham Faith Leaders presented a Service of the Longest Night  on Zoom.  The winter solstice of December 21 is the longest night and the shortest day of the year, and it's a date on which many faith communities hold annual prayer services to support and comfort people who struggle during the holidays.

The Mendham Faith Leaders' service included scripture readings, hymns, and prayers compiled by by Brookside UCC pastor Nicolette Siragusa, Sister Linda Clare and Sister Monica Clare participated as readers, as did CSJB Oblate and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Rector Lorna Erixson.  Faith leaders from Grace Lutheran Church, Hilltop Presbyterian Church, and Mendham United Methodist Church also led the service.

​We look forward to providing many more Mendham Faith Leaders events in the coming months.

​

FROM SISTER ELEANOR FRANCIS

"In December, I went on a trip to Georgia and Alabama.  In Atlanta, GA, I was the guest speaker at the Vedanta Society of Atlanta. My topic was 'St. Teresa of Avila.' I spoke about her life as well as her writings.

For about the last five months, my friend and colleague Rabbi Debra Smith and I have been leading an Online class on the Jewishness of Jesus. Every Friday morning, we meet with a combination of Christians and Jews to discuss both Christian and Jewish views on many theological subjects. Our current reading is Jesus: First Century Rabbi  by Rabbi David Zaslow.  If this is a class you would be interested in joining, please let me know.  

--Sr. Eleanor Francis - [email protected]

​

AN ADVENT QUIET DAY

Sister Monica Clare leading an Advent quiet day on December 11 at the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin, where CSJB had a Branch House from 2007-2018.
​

On Saturday, December 11, Sister Monica Clare led an Advent Quiet Day at the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin in New York City. The theme of the day was hope, and Sister Monica Clare explored the meaning of hope in scripture, history, and literature. Participants were invited to spend time in silent meditation between the day's three addresses, and were given suggestions for cultivating hope in their daily lives. 

CSJB Sisters are always happy to lead retreats and quiet days for parishes and groups. We do most of this work on Zoom, but certain locations are safe for an in-person program with social distancing. If you're interested in having a CSJB Sister lead a retreat or program for your group, please contact Sister Monica Clare at [email protected].

ST. MARGUERITE'S RETREAT HOUSE

We welcomed two groups to St. Marguerite's in December: Yoga 4 Sobriety from Dec. 3-5 and the Poetry Intensive Weekend from Dec. 10-12. Both groups have been coming to our Retreat House for many years, and we are very glad they have returned after 19 months of the House being closed due to COVID restrictions.

​The Poetry Intensive Weekend is hosted every year by Maria Mazziotti Gillan, a renowned poet and artist who has been a friend of CSJB for decades. Yoga 4 Sobriety, founded in 2013, is a New Jersey program that supports a 12-step path of recovery through yoga.

​All guests and staff at St. Marguerite's are required to be fully vaccinated.

​

Maria Gillan (L) in the solarium at St. Marguerite's with poet Kevin Carey, who co-hosted this year's Poetry Intensive Weekend.

If you would like to volunteer at St. Marguerite's, please contact Retreat House Manager Brad Kalos at [email protected].

THE FESTIVAL OF TREES

Our CSJB tree, pictured here, didn't sell this year but we thought it was pretty cute!  We hope to try again next year.

The 19th Annual  Festival of Trees fundraiser was held December 4-11 at the Barn at Highlands Ridge Park in Chester. This year's theme was "A Holly Jolly Christmas." 

​Our CSJB Associates sponsored a tree for us this year so some of the Sisters, CSJB Associate Julie Crawford, and CSJB staff member/Associate Donna Mackenzie decorated it with our Nun Better handmade ornaments. Our tree was one of dozens of trees decorated by local companies, groups, and families to be sold by silent auction as a fundraiser for the Senior Resource Center.

Sister Victoria Michelle and CSJB Associate the Rev. Margaret Otterburn are both involved with the Festival every year.

​If you'd like to help out with next year's Festival of Trees, CLICK HERE for more information. 

Click through the slideshow here for more Festival of Trees images.

OUR KNITTING MINISTRY

We were extremely fortunate to receive multiple donations of yarn from individuals, families, and even the Lion Brand yarn company this year.  This means we can knit more items than ever for Morris County's Hope One van, which serves people experiencing homelessness and struggling with addiction issues. 

If you're interested in helping us with this ministry, please contact Sister Monica Clare at [email protected] for more information. We do not have set patterns for our items. We just knit as many hats, scarves, blankets and other items as we can. We can even provide yarn for  volunteers. A lot of sock yarn was donated to us this year, and only 1 person in the Convent can knit socks, so we could use help with that!

Julie Crawford sent us this photo of our knitted items combined with donations from others at the Church of the Messiah, ready to go to Homeless Solutions.

CSJB ASSOCIATES AND OBLATES

CSJB Oblate Pat McKenzie prepares a beautiful Powerpoint presentation for our online prayers each month.

CSJB Associate Julie Crawford found these antique sleds in our garage and decorated them for us for Christmas!
​

We would once again like to offer thanks for the CSJB Online Prayer Team which is made up of CSJB Oblates and Associates including Janet Maulbeck, Patrice McKenzie, Doug McKenzie, Brad Kalos, Jan Paxton, and the Rev. Kevin Coffey.

This group has faithfully coordinated online Zoom prayers throughout the pandemic, and it has been a lifeline of connection and support to so many.  Our Zoom prayers have also allowed us to reconnect with friends who moved away from New Jersey over the years. 

Our Zoom prayers are held on the second Friday of each month. Our next gathering is Jan. 14 at 10:15. If you'd like to pray with us, please email Oblate Pat McKenzie for the Zoom info. at:
[email protected]
​

ST. JOHN BAPTIST SCHOOL ALUMNAE

Here are some great photos sent to us by SJBS Alums this month:

SJBS Alums (L to R) Fran Wittgens, Marian Shilstone and the Rev. Joyce McGirr at St Thomas Church, NYC in the Fourth Sunday of Advent , 2021.

Elizabeth C. Gheno, class of 68, sent this snapshot from the SJBS 1968 prom. Pictured are (L to R) Robin Bland, Ann Mentis, Mimi Brown

Elizabeth Gheno (SJBS 68) writes: "Graduation from SJBS, - St .Peter's church,1968, ​Me, my dad on right, Mr. Cumming, Donnie on my left, fellow in suit with red tie, my husband Kenneth and other friends."
​

A CHRISTMAS SERMON

The CJSB Sisters take turns preaching at our daily Eucharist. This year, Sister Linda Clare preached on Christmas Day. You can read her sermon by CLICKING HERE.

Several Sisters serve at local parishes and preach at the Sunday Eucharist. Sister Victoria Michelle preaches monthly at the Church of the Messiah, Sister Eleanor Francis preaches occasionally at St. Mark's in Mendham, and Sister Monica Clare sometimes preaches via Zoom at All Saints' Church in Millington. In non-COVID times Sister Deborah Francis preaches monthly at All Saints' Millington.

Sister Pamela always makes a proper English Christmas cake from scratch for us.
​

GIFT IDEAS

If you're still looking for last-minute gifts during Christmastide, we have many beautiful handmade items for sale at our Nun Better Gift Shop on Etsy. 

Sister Margo's book "Not Just an Ordinary Pony" about our Pony's 27-year ministry at CJSB makes a great gift for all ages. It contains many beautiful photos and illustrations, and lots of heartfelt reminiscences from Pony's friends. CLICK HERE to purchase the book.

CSJB jewelry .on Etsy.

LOOKING AHEAD

CENTERING PRAYER
​Every Thursday from 7:15 to 8:15
On Zoom
​
Our Centering Prayer group has been meeting for many years and it is one of our most popular ministries. 

Guests can gather on Zoom. Please email Sister Monica at [email protected] if you are interested in joining.

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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 Jesus: First Century Rabbi  by Rabbi David Zaslow. 

If you'd like to participate, please contact Sr. Eleanor Francis at [email protected] or 973-543-4641 ex. 3. ​

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JOIN US FOR PRAYER ON ZOOM
Friday January 14
​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]
​

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WINTER INTERFAITH SERIES
FEB. 16 AT 7:30 PM ON ZOOM
The Good Samaritan: Jesus’ parable from a Jewish and Christian perspective
​
Facilitated by Rabbi Deb Smith and Sr. Eleanor Francis, 

All programs run from 7:30- to 9:00 p.m.
Suggested minimum donation for each:  $18.

If you think you would be interested in this program, please contact Sr. Eleanor Francis at [email protected] or 973-543-4641 ex. 3. 
​

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THE SEARCH PROGRAM
FRIDAY, FEB. 18 - MONDAY, FEB. 21, 2022
On Zoom

​Our SEARCH program is not only for those feeling called to be Sisters, but for anyone who is hoping to determine God's call in their lives, whatever that call may be.

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

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

CLICK HERE for our page about the Search Program.​
​

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CELTIC JOURNEYS

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

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LABYRINTH WALKS

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

Our Labyrinth is still 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]

​

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PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR

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

For all those affected by mass shootings,

For peace in the Middle East,

For all healthcare workers and other essential workers,

​For our Searchers who are discerning a call to the Religious life,

A prayer card from a Sister's collection

Amber
​Andy
Annette
Anthony
Barbara
Bill and Carol
Brandon
Carolyn and Bruce
Chase
​Cheryl
Chris
The Clewer Initiative
Sam and her children
Claire
​Dana
Daniel,
Dean
Diane
Doug
​Ellen
Erin
Geri and family
Greg and Pat,
​Gretchen
Heather
Honor
Hugh
India
Ingrid
Jack Grier’s family
James
​Janet
​Jarad and Monica

Jason
Jay
Jean
Jeanette
​Jeff and his children
Jennifer
Jess
Jessica and Brendan
Jim
Joanna
Joseph
John
John and Family
Jon
Joyce
Judith
Juli and Gil
Julian
Kamala
Kathleen
Kia
Lana
Larry and his daughter
Lee
Linda and Paul
Linda Lee
​Margaret
Margaret and family
Maureen
Maria
​Matthew
​Maxton
Maureen and Donald

McGrath family
Meg
Michael
Michelle
Myles
Myram,
Nicole
​Nikki
Norman
​Pat and Ellie
Patrick
Patty
Phoebe
Rebecca and her family
​River
Shane
Sheila
The Singh family
Sister Barbara Jean
​Stephanie
Sully
​Susan and family
Suzanne
The family of Mary Flood
Tiffany
Tommy
Virginia
Warren
William Benefield, Sr.

We pray especially for the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed.
 
We would be honored to pray for you. Please email [email protected] with any prayer requests. If you have requested prayers and don't see the requested name on our list, we offer our apologies. Please email the Superior and we will add the name here.
​

OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO

(L to R) Sister Linda Clare, Sister Suzanne Elizabeth, and Sister Mary Lynne knitting items for the homeless during daily recreation.

all who have given so generously to our Reaching Out appeal for 2021.

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
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 enjoyed Christmas Dinner in the refectory, with Sister Barbara Jean joining us for the day from Holly Manor.

YOUR LEGACY FOR CSJB

Drone photo of the CSJB property by the Rev. Cynthia L. Black, DD (Click to enlarge)

​WOULD YOU LIKE TO INCLUDE CSJB IN YOUR ESTATE PLANNING?
If you’d like information on how to arrange a legacy gift, please email Sister Monica Clare at [email protected] or call 973-543-4641 ext. 2.
 
The majority of our buildings, chapel furnishings, Convent and Retreat House furnishings, and ongoing ministry funds were made possible through legacies. It is mainly through the kindness of legacy donors who believed in our mission that we have carried forward the plans of the Holy Spirit for our Community from 1852 to the present time.
 
The restoration of the Convent in 1960 was made possible by a legacy gift. Before that gift, the Sisters lived at St. Marguerite's for ten years because the Convent repairs were too expensive to undertake.

Your planned giving would help to ensure that the dreams of our Mother Foundress, to continually address "the needs of the day," will live on into the future.

​We welcome gifts for specific purposes and ministries, for our Capital Campaign to restore and repair our sacred space, or for the general operating fund of the Convent and Retreat House where we welcome an average of 2,000 visitors per year.

A video slideshow of some Christmas moments at CSJB this year.