UPDATES FROM THE SISTERS - DECEMBER 2022

Of the Father sole begotten,
Ere the worlds began to be,
He the Alpha and Omega,
He the source, the ending He,
Of the things that are, that have been,
And that future years shall see,
Evermore and evermore
​
Evening Hymn from the Nativity till Epiphany - Translation by John Mason Neale

Creche on the cloister of the Convent

BLESSED CHRISTMASTIDE AND
​HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM ALL OF US AT CSJB

Photo by the Rt. Rev. Mary Glasspool

The Sisters and staff of the Community of St. John Baptist wish you all a blessed Christmastide and we keep you in our prayers as we all look forward to a blessed new year. Our Mother foundress, Harriet Monsell, had this Christmas message to the Sisters in the late 19th century:

"God bless you, and give you a ray of the Heavenly gladness that thrilled through the angelic host as they worshipped and adored the Infant Jesus; and may the coming year be a season of union with an Incarnate God, so close, so intimate, so enduring, that the power of the Divine Indwelling may move your whole life into oneness with Him, and perfect you for the work for which He calls you, that you may bring many to Jesus, and be in your vocation a blessed manifestation of the life of Jesus in the soul that He has formed for His own indwelling." - Mother Harriet
​

A CONFIRMATION AT HOLLY MANOR

Sister Barbara Jean is a resident at Holly Manor Center in Mendham and, as to be expected, she is doing a tremendous amount of ministry there. On December 8, our Bishop Visitor the Rt. Rev. Mary D. Glasspool, Bishop Assistant of the Diocese of New York, joined Sister Barbara Jean, Sister Linda Clare, and Sister Eleanor Francis to receive Sister Barbara Jean’s roommate, Anne Schoener, into the Episcopal Church.  Anne’s journey to confirmation began when some of our Sisters were visiting at Thanksgiving, and Anne asked about becoming an Episcopalian because she had been learning about our denomination from Sister Barbara Jean. The Sisters agreed to make the arrangements for confirmation, and Anne prepared by studying the Catechism from the Book of Common Prayer.  

L to R: Bishop Mary Glasspool, Sister Eleanor Francis, and Anne Schoener

The confirmation took place in Sister Barbara Jean and Anne’s room. Sister Barbara Jean read the Gospel and Sister Linda Clare and Sister Eleanor Francis served as witnesses.  We ask your prayers for blessings for Anne on her confirmation.

(PHOTO: L to R: Anne Shoener, Sister Linda Clare, Bishop Mary Glasspool, Sister Barbara Jean, and Sister Eleanor Francis at Holly Manor for Anne's confirmation. Click on any photo to enlarge.

​THE EPIPHANY PARTY January 8, 2023, at 4:00 PM

The Epiphany Party January 2020

If you’d like to attend the Epiphany party, please email your RSVP to Sister Monica Clare at [email protected]. 

We are overjoyed that for the first time since January 2020, we will be holding our annual Epiphany party in person at the Convent. The party is a longtime tradition, and it’s our way of thanking our Oblates, Associates, and friends who contribute so much to our ministries. It’s also one of the joyful times of year when we receive new Associates. This year we’ll be welcoming the Rev. David Jones, the Rev. Nathaniel Darville, Pastor Julie Haspel, and Church of the Messiah parishioner Linda Ochs. We look forward to enjoying a hymn sing, holiday food, and fellowship with all of you. 
​

THE GOOD SHEPHERD HOME IN CAMEROON

Sisters, staff, and children of the Good Shepherd Home on Christmas Day.
​Photo by Ndomenga Dickson

Thanks to our generous sponsors and donors, the children of the Good Shepherd Home had a wonderful Christmas, and they continue to attend school in spite of the ongoing Cameroonian Civil War. Ndomenga Dickson, who grew up at the Home, says “We had a colorful Christmas here with lots of activities from the children and plenty of families came to share their love with us on Christmas.”

​Dr. Akwa Gilberto Mua, who grew up at the Good Shepherd Home, is now a medical doctor and he runs the Mother Jane Legacy Foundation. He sends us this report:

“Yesterday was a remarkable day for me and everyone at the Good Shepherd Home Abangoh on the occasion of my swearing of the Hippocratic oath. At the same time, I was awarded the prize of best Community Medical Doctor in the presence of the Minister of higher education, the archbishop of Bamenda and other Dignitaries, it was so symbolic to me as I least expected. I celebrated the Day with the Sisters, the children and in the presence of friends and family. Sister Mary-Lawrence represented Mama Jane so well. ​I am so grateful to the community of CSJB for giving me this opportunity, I will be a nobody without you all Sisters. I tell everyone I AM A HELPED MAN! Reason why I do what I do. "

Children with Santa at the Good Shepherd Home

Sister Mary Lawrence with older boys at the Good Shepherd Home on Christmas

Dr. Akwa Gilberto at the Good Shepherd Home

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

OUR BOY SCOUT TROOP

CSJB Sisters with members of Troop 130

Boy Scout Troop 130, which is chartered by CSJB, is always willing to help the Sisters. Scout Leaders Rob Eberhart and Lawrence Morris, along with their sons Matthew Eberhart and Will Morris, braved the single-digit temperatures and high winds to help us Sisters decorate the Convent for Christmas on December 23. We always wait until just before Christmas Eve to bring out the decorations in order to fully observe the Advent season, and the Scouts and their dads were a huge help to us in making the Convent merry and bright. We look forward to hosting more campouts, recruitment days, and meetings for Troop 130 here on the CSJB property.
​
For more information, visit the Troop 130 website HERE and their Facebook page HERE.
​

THE SERVICE OF THE LONGEST NIGHT

ON THE EVENING OF DECEMBER 21, the Mendham faith communities joined together for a service to honor the experiences of those for whom the holidays are not always 'holly and jolly.’

​The service connected modern struggles with biblical stories and the prayers, musical meditations, and reflections were all aimed at providing healing and strength for all who find the holidays difficult.

​A recording can be viewed on Youtube at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgzJXDdZTdY
​

Rev. Nicolette Siragusa of Brookside Community Church (UCC)

Reverend Scot McCachren of Hilltop Presbyterian Church, lighting candles at the Longest Night service Dec. 21

Click the image above to view the YouTube video of the Longest Night service.

The Longest Night Service is sponsored annually on December 21 by the Mendham Faith Leaders, which includes CSJB, Brookside UCC Church, Grace Lutheran Church, Mendham United Methodist Church, St. Mark's Episcopal Church, and Hilltop Presbyterian Church. All who are experiencing sadness, grief, financial difficulty, or any other tough situation are always welcome to gather for these annual services of mutual support.

THE FESTIVAL OF TREES

Many thanks to CSJB Associate Julie Crawford, who sponsored a Christmas tree on behalf of the CSJB Sisters for the 20th annual Festival of Trees in Chester. The Festival is the principal fundraiser the Senior Resource Center and always includes a winter wonderland of dozens of decorated Christmas trees to be auctioned off for charity.
​
The CSJB tree this year was called “Joyful Jubilee” and was decorated by Julie Crawford and CSJB staff member Donna McKenzie. The Festival of Trees was held Dec. 3-10 at the Barn at Highlands Ridge Park, 100 North Road, Chester NJ. The Senior Resource Center serves Chester, Long, Valley, and the surrounding communities and provides over 15,000 hours of services each year  to over 300 local Seniors and their caregivers. For more info. go to www.srcnj.org or email [email protected]

CSJB Joyful Jubilee Tree at this year's Festival of Trees in Chester, NJ

JOIN US IN CELEBRATING THE FIRST ANNUAL
​RELIGIOUS LIFE SUNDAY - JANUARY 22, 2022

Over the past few years, Sister Monica Clare has served on a committee of fellow sisters and brothers from the Conference of Anglican Religious Communities in the Americas (CAROA) to bring more awareness of religious life to the general public and the church. This past summer, one of the long-term goals of the committee came to fruition when the 80th General Convention of the Episcopal Church voted to officially recognize the Third Sunday of Epiphany as Religious Life Sunday on the church calendar. 

​Religious Life Sunday encourages all Episcopal and Anglican churches to share printed and video resources with their parishes to make people aware of the many gifts religious communities offer the church and the world. To download free resources to share with your parish, go to www.religiouslifesunday.org To read the official resolution, CLICK HERE.

ST. MARK’S WINTER MARKET

Sister Monica Clare, Sister Mary Lynne, and Sister Deborah Francis were at the St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Winter Market in Mendham on December 3 alongside many other vendors offering handmade crafts to the public. The Sisters were there with Nun Better jewelry, crafts, cards, and other items to sell, but they were also there to enjoy fellowship with local artisans and residents. 

​We met inspirational people like Joy W., whose organization Be the Difference spreads positivity and empowerment through clothing, speaking engagements, and workshops. You can learn more about Joy’s important work by CLICKING HERE.
​
During the long months of the pandemic, any chance to see old friends and make new friends has been most welcome. We give thanks to the Rev. Lorna Erixson, to Julie Maurer, and to all who invited us to be a part of this wonderful annual event. Our Sisters will manning the Nun Better booth at upcoming Newark Diocesan Convention. We hope to see you there.
​

Joy W. With her Be the Difference fashions at the St. Mark's Winter Market

THE GARDEN OF HOPE

​THE SHARING PROJECT WILL PREP NEW BEDS THIS WINTER
The Sharing Project received 15 cubic yards of compost donated by the Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority so that over the holiday break the teen volunteers can start filling the 20 beds. The beds were built by Life Scout TJ Shaw, a member of Medham BSA Troop 1,  as an Eagle Scout project.  TSP has been given a 10-year lease from the Township to manage the brand new garden which the kids have built as a community wide effort.  75% of the beds will be used to support local food pantries in the region.

Compost ready for the 20 Sharing Project beds in their new garden to support local food pantries

The Sharing Project. who volunteers at the Community's Garden of Hope, shared some holiday spirit by providing holiday stockings for the Mendham Chester Food pantry.
​

OUR KNITTING MINISTRY

Our friend Helen Wall has been spreading the word about our knitting ministry, so this month we received donations of hand-knitted hats, scarves, mittens from local residents. We will be donating these items, along with the Sisters' creations, to the Hope One van which provides services to our neighbors who are experiencing homelessness while struggling with addiction. We also donate to local shelters, and to the outreach ministry at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin in New York City. If you’d like to knit hats, scarves, or any other warm items for people in need, just contact Sister Monica Clare at [email protected]. Many thanks to Helen, Liz Adams, Meri Barer, Wendy Clearly, Amy Johanson, Annie Tune and all our wonderful knitting angels! 

Knitted Goods from Helen Wall and friends!
Photo by Helen Wall

The Community provides knitted winter items to supplement the Angel Giving Gifts for client families at Homeless Solutions.  Items received blessings at the Retreat House altar and the Church of Messiah Altar.

(PHOTO: Items ready to be blessed at the altar of the Church of the Messiah in Chester, NJ.

HOMELESS SOLUTIONS

HOMELESS SOLUTIONS
​A NIGHT IN THE COLD A SUCCESS
Homeless Solutions held its 3rd Annual A Night in the Cold in early December.  The event serves as a major fundraiser.  CLICK HERE To Learn More about the Event and Meet Some Staff  

​Homeless Solutions has been helping the homeless and working poor in the Morris County community since 1983.

Homeless Solutions philosophy is based on “A Hand Up, not a Handout.” Their goal is to give individuals and families the tools and surroundings they need to rebuild their lives and become self-sufficient.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN How you can help Homeless Solutions or you can try out the QR code here to help complete their kitchen essentials.

Sr Victoria Michelle at Homeless Solutions with Volunteers L to R: CSJB Associate Julie Crawford, Catherine Segal, Anita Holloway, Debbie Burnet (Warden Messiah), Madeline Rooney

​CHRISTMAS CAROLING SING-A-LONG

Earlier this month, Sister Linda Clare and CSJB Staff Member Donna McKenzie joined members from the Church of the Messiah at the Chester Area Senior Housing complex for gift giving and a Holiday Sing-A-Long.  Residents received hand knitted winter wear made by the Sisters and a gift bag of holiday bells, treats, and practical staples.

Donna McKenzie (R) with carolers from the Church of the Messiah at CASH
​

Caroling at CASH

To Learn more about the Chester Area Senior Housing go to:

www.chesterareaseniorhousing.org

or visit them on Facebook at:
www.facebook.com/ChesterAreaSeniorHousing/

NETWORKING PILGRIMS GATHER FOR FESTIVE DAY OF REFLECTION

As follow-up to the Pilgrimage to Israel last month, Sister Linda Clare attended a holiday brunch offered by Linda Lombardo of Church of the Savior Denville.  Sister Linda is shown (L) with fellow Pilgrims (L to R) Associate Julie Crawford, Catherine Segal, Associate Virginia Murphy, and Linda Lombardo.  Hostess Linda was able to share all the wonderful programs offered by Church of the Savior including the reverse Advent boxes promoted throughout the Diocese.

​

​Photo by fellow pilgrim Madeline Rooney.

GREAT CYCLE CHALLENGE UPDATE AND HOLIDAY GREETING

Each year the Sisters pray for the Great Cycle Challenge which raises funds for clinical trials for childhood cancer.  In 2021 the program raised over 14 million for this cause and in 2022 with the economic downswing raised just over 10 million.  Our Associate Julie Crawford, who cycles around our property in preparation, is one of the over 43,000 riders who participate each fall.  Learn More About The Great Cycle Challenge and How You Can Help
​

Vintage Bike from 1996 

Times Square Billboard

SERMONS

CSJB Sisters take turns preaching in the chapel here at the Convent, and they also preach in local parishes. Here are some of the sermons preached by Sisters this month:

Sister Linda Clare's sermon from Christmas Eve can be read by CLICKING HERE.

Sister Monica Clare's sermon for All Saints Millington can be read by CLICKING HERE.

Sister Deborah Francis' sermon from Dec. 18 at the Convent can be read by CLIICKING HERE.

Sister Deborah Francis' sermon from December 29 is still being typed and will be posted here soon!

Click the image above for a video of Sr. Monica Clare's sermon Dec. 18

​ASSOCIATES AND OBLATES

CSJB Associate Marianna Klaiman is an expert on costume and textile preservation, and over the past two decades she has done an invaluable service to CSJB by helping to catalogue and preserve our sizable collection of antique vestments. Marianna is writing a book entitled Sacristies of New York: Textile Treasures of the Episcopal Church and she recently visited the Convent to document more items in our archives. ​ We are so excited about Marianna’s book and we are honored that the treasures in our collection will be a part of it. 

Marianna Klaiman in the Church Workroom at CSJB

Photo tribute to Margaret Lorenzen

​CSJB Associate Margaret Erath’s mother, Margaret Lorenzen, died on December 9, 2022. Margaret was a lovely person and a dear friend to the Convent, and we ask your prayers for all who mourn her.

​You may read Margaret’s obituary BY CLICKING HERE.

ST. JOHN BAPTIST SCHOOL

We thought it would be fun this month to post some vintage SJBS photos of schoolgirls enjoying the snow!

​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.
​
There will be a 30th anniversary celebration of the Drew Holocaust/Genocide Center in the fall. By that time, the second printing of the book will definitely be available.  In the meantime, the Holocaust Center has produced a free Online version, which is available on the Drew University Holocaust/Genocide Center website. 

LOOKING AHEAD

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

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

A description of this silent contemplative practice can be found HERE.
​

CLASS: THE JEWISHNESS OF JESUS
​Every Friday morning  - On Zoom
​Rabbi Deb Smith and Sister Eleanor Francis 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. Our topic is “The Sermon on the Mount” from both a Jewish and Christian standpoint.  We can take a few more members but expect homework! 

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

PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR

All who have suffered from gun violence.

For all people affected by military conflict.

​For all victims of human trafficking.

All who are suffering grief, loss, and illness.

For peace in the Middle East and peace in Ukraine,

For refugees throughout the world

For all healthcare workers and other essential workers,
​
For our Searchers who are discerning a call to the Religious life, and

Christmas cactus in the CSJB Chapel. Photo by Sister Linda Clare

Alison
​Andy
Annette
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
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
​Marne
​Matthew
​Maureen and Donald
McGrath family
​

Meg
Meyer
Michael
Michelle
Mossman​, Jr.
Myles
Myram
Nicole
Nikki
Noah
Norman
​Paige
Pat and Ellie
Patrick
Patty
​Peter
Phoebe
Rayvon and Beth
Rebecca and her family
​Richard and Ginger
River
Rob
​Ryan
Salma
Sam and her children
Sarah
Shane
​Shaun and family
Sheila
Sister Barbara Jean
Stephanie
Sully
Susan and family
Suzanne
Tiffany
Tom
Tommy
The Trout Family
The Van Dine Family
Virginia
Warren
​Will

We pray especially for the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed.

OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO

All who have given so generously to our ministries.

All who have contributed to the children of the Good Shepherd Home,

Our many helpers, volunteers, and those who encourage us,

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

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church – Manasquan, Women’s Retreat at St. Marguerite's

Magdalena Aders
​Carol Albert
Peter J. Arney and George W. Jordan III
​Kathleen Shea Aregood
Donna Aubel
Barbara Barbeau
Nancy Munch-Bilheimer
MaryJane Boland
Joe Boney
The Rev. Valerie Bonham
Carmen Bowser
Christine Brodeur
The Rev. Deacon Cathy Brunson
​The Rev. Deacon Johnine Byrer
Chris Chrystal and Myram Borders
Julie Crawford
Rosemary DaCuna
Hans Dekker and the Hyde and Watson Foundation
Rosina B. Dixon
Margaret Dohnalek
Mary and the Rt. Rev. HerberDonovan
Gerrie Dressler
Lorraine Emanuel
Kay & Frank Failla
Joanne Foster
​John Forney and family
Susan Fuller and family
Mayor Christine Glassner
Bill and Gay Grier
In memorium, Elizabeth S. Halpin
Harris Family
​​

Jane Hayden
Sister Marcia Hobart
​Margaret Johnson
Bradley Kalos
Judi Kerr
The Very Rev. H. Scott Kirby and family
​Ken and Kathy Kopec
Joyce McGirr
​Holly Meeks
Janet Maulbeck and Interweave
Patrice and Doug McKenzie
​Anne Mell
Jane and Peter Mercer
Connie Moore
​Linda Lee Mundy
Mayor Sarah Neibart
Bart Oates
Jan Paxton
Judy Picciano
Susan and Joseph Pigott
J. Vincent Reppert
Jack and Penny Rohrbach
Michael Reiter
Ed Roworth
Anne Salvatore and family
​The Rev. Dr. Ronnie T. Stout-Kopp
William and Madeleine Thompson
Juli Shea Towell
Myles Varley
​Nick Vytell
Alix Weisz
Joannah Wilmerding

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

TO SUPPORT OUR GENERAL FUND

​Because the pandemic suspended our ministry of hospitality for 19 months we, like many nonprofits, are 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 Laura Katharine with Oblates Doug and Pat McKenzie

YOUR LEGACY FOR CSJB

The Lady Chapel at CSJB
Photo by Marianna Klaiman

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.

The CSJB Chapel on Christmas Eve