UPDATES FROM THE SISTERS - december 2023

Jennie on the cloister

"I never have been in despair about the world. Enraged. I've been enraged by the world, but never despair. I cannot afford despair...you can't tell the children that there is no hope."
-James Baldwin

​SAINT ANDREW'S DAY

It was on November 30, St. Andrew’s Day, that our Mother Foundress Harriet Monsell knelt at the coffin of her beloved husband, the Rev. Charles Monsell, and dedicated her life to God.

​In her diary entry on the day of Charles’ death, Harriet wrote: “Wednesday, 29th, I was alone with God. When all that had been done that was needful, a bed was prepared for me in the room near him, and I was made to go and lie down. Soon after I went into the room and knelt beside him…And then I felt God’s call to work for him. Thursday morning, 30th. I went into the room. He was laid in his coffin, and kneeling there, the dedication of myself to God was made.” 

Harriet Monsell (1811-1883)

Her vow to continue the dreams that she and Charles had formed – to help the poorest of the poor and give them a better life – still continues 171 years later in the Community of St. John Baptist. We give thanks to Mother Harriet, to Charles, to T.T. Carter, and to Mariquita Tennant for their tireless dedication to God’s work. 

Men's ward at St. Andrew's Hospital, founded by CSJB Sisters in England

Chapel at St. Andrew's Hospital, 211-212 E. 17th St. New York City, circa 1919. Founded by American CSJB Sisters. The altar and reredos were later moved to the chapel in Mendham

​THANKSGIVING

When CSJB Sisters first enter as Postulants, we learn that on Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and St. John Baptist Day our primary commitment is to our Sisters. We spend all these holidays together, sharing special meals and worship and bonding as a family. Our vow of Holy Poverty does not allow for us to exchange gifts, (which is a good thing because we are quite a LARGE family!) but we do give handmade cards to each other which become treasured memories across the decades. 

Sister Pamela (L) does the cooking on holidays at the Convent

Sister Laura Katharine tucking into some home made pumpkin pie

In earlier times, Sisters would make beautiful, illuminated artworks on parchment for each other, and these have been lovingly preserved in our archives. When CSJB had branch houses, the Sisters had tea in the Library on holidays so that the branch house Sisters had a chance to socialize with those they had not seen in a while. 

​We give thanks for all of you who make our ministries possible. Our dedicated Oblates, Associates, staff, and friends provide volunteer hours, donations, and prayers which have kept this Community alive for 171 years. We could not do what we do, without YOU. Many, many thanks. 

A beautiful slide from the monthly zoom intercessory prayers, designed by Online Prayer Team member Pat McKenzie

CONCERT AT THE CONVENT

A small snippet of November 19th's concert in the CSJB Main Chapel

On November 19, we hosted a Concert at the Convent to benefit the CSJB Capital Campaign. Three members of the Adelphi Chamber Orchestra presented a piano trio featuring music from Schubert, Beethoven, Gershwin, and other composers. We are so grateful to all who came to our concert, enjoyed the superb music, and generously donated. Funds raised from the concert will go towards the Capital Campaign to repair and restore our buildings and grounds. 

If you'd like to learn more about our Capital Campaign, CLICK HERE.

​THE GOOD SHEPHERD HOME FOR CHILDREN IN CAMEROON

As the children of the Good Shepherd Home for Children prepare for Christmas, they thank all the donors and sponsors who have contributed towards their care. Ndomenga Dickson, who grew up at the Home and is now an accountant, has this report on the current needs of his little sisters and brothers at the Home: 

Good Shepherd children helping on the vegetable farm

“Just for this Christmas for the first time in a long time, the home doesn’t have chicken farm. In previous years, that farm was a source of internally generated income. Again, another proposed project will be the rehabilitation of a pig farm. All our pigs died sometime back in June when there was an outbreak of swine fever. This fever has no cure but for us to ensure this doesn’t happen again, we will preferably monitor, and we sell when it gets close to the period of this fever.”

If you would like to donate towards a chicken farm and piggery for the Home, please email Sister Monica Clare at [email protected]. If you are interested in becoming a Good Shepherd Home sponsor for as little at $40 a month, please email [email protected].

Akwa Gilberto, who also grew up at the Home and is now a doctor, sends us this report on his Mother Jane Legacy Foundation which brings medical care to the poorest of the poor:

Chun Tiran, who was freed with the assistance of MJLegacy Foundation

"Here is the story of Chun Tiran: In 2018, when the Anglophone crisis got worse, Chun Tiran Alang was in form 3 but had to stop school because of the crisis. One evening, there was a shooting in Wum where he comes from, unfortunately, State actors entered their quarter, and all the males were arrested and thrown into Prison. Given that he was a vulnerable child and a minor at the time his sentence was delayed. From what he was accused of as a non-state actor he was supposed to be sentenced to 25 years in prison. Two years ago we were informed of the case by the Reverend Monk brother Gabriel who pleaded with the Mother Jane Legacy to come to the aid of Tiran, we engaged two lawyers thanks to the Funds Dr. Waldman donated. 

MENDHAM FAITH LEADERS – LONGEST NIGHT SERVICE

December 21 at 7:00 PM – Hilltop Presbyterian Church,
20 Hilltop Rd, Mendham, NJ 07945 (973) 543-4012

On the longest night of the year, join the Mendham Faith Leaders in a service that recognizes the holidays are not 'holly and jolly' for everyone.

​This warm, cozy, and meditative service connects our experiences today with biblical stories of “long nights of the soul.” Together, we will acknowledge the complexities of the season while illuminating hope.

This service is sponsored by Brookside Church, UCC, Community of St. John Baptist, Grace Lutheran Church, Hilltop Presbyterian Church, Mendham United Methodist Church, and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.
 

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Click on the image to download a Longest Night poster 

​OUR KNITTING MINISTRY

Beautiful knitted items from Knitting Ministry volunteer Liz Adams

It’s getting cold out there, and Sisters and volunteers are knitting up hats, scarves, lap blankets, and other items for those experiencing homelessness so they can keep warm during the winter months. Our knitted creations are donated to the Hope One program, which provides help to people struggling with addiction through medical care, mental health care, and clothing. The Hope One van makes the rounds in Morris County four times a week and is part of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office outreach program.
 
If you’d like to help with our Knitting Ministry, please email Sister Monica at [email protected]. We can provide the yarn! 

YOU’RE INVITED!
THE CSJB EPIPHANY PARTY SUNDAY, JANUARY 7

The Sisters will be hosting our annual Epiphany party to say thanks to all our Oblates, Associates, and friends on Sunday, January 7.

​The event begins with Vespers and reception of new Associates in the chapel at 4PM, then food, socializing, and a really fun hymn sing afterwards in the parlor. 
​
This year we once again ask that our guests be masked for the party, as COVID numbers are on the rise, and we have a vulnerable population at the Convent.

The 2023 hymn sing!

Please RSVP to Sister Monica Clare if you’d like to attend: [email protected].
Please email Sister Pamela if you’d like to bring food: [email protected].
 
We hope to see you there!

REACHING OUT TO GOD’S PEOPLE

Many thanks to all who have donated to our 2023 Reaching Out campaign, and all who have contributed in the past to this annual appeal. Your generosity helps with our operating budget, which has been greatly impacted by the pandemic. It is not an exaggeration to say that CSJB is kept alive by individual donations. 

In 2018, when the government stopped giving grants to religious organizations, we lost nearly 80% of funding for the upkeep of our property. We now rely heavily on donations from individuals and every amount, no matter how small, makes a difference. Thank you for keeping our mission and ministry alive.
 
CLICK HERE to read this year’s Reaching Out letter.

CALLING ALL SNAILS!

Have you moved in the last 1-2 years? If so, we’d love to hear from you!
 
We are updating our CSJB database, and we’d like to make sure that everyone’s contact information is correct. Each year we have quite a few pieces of returned mail saying “No longer at this address” so we’d like to bring everything up to date and avoid lost connections with our friends.

If you’d like to update your contact information with us, please email our Business Manager Darren Somerville at [email protected] and we’ll make sure you stay connected. 

ST. MARGUERITE’S RETREAT HOUSE

American National Catholic Church vocations retreat at St. Marguerite's

This month at St. Marguerite’s, we welcomed the retreat for formerly homeless women sponsored by Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Nov. 4-6, then the “When Women Pray” group Nov. 10-12. The American National Catholic Church vocations retreat was held here Nov. 17-19, and Sister Monica Clare helped to lead their afternoon session on discernment stories. The hardworking retreat house staff had a much-needed weekend off for Thanksgiving and then they'll be back on the job in December.

Sr. Monica with the NACC vocations group

Many thanks to the generous donor who provided the funds for the re-landscaping of the front of the Retreat House!

THE PHILADELPHIA 11 FILM

Some of our Sisters recently attended a screening of The Philadelphia 11, a film by Margo Guernsey And Nikki Bramley which is is a stunningly crafted documentary about the 1974 ordination of the first 11 women priests in the Episcopal Church. It features interviews with key figures in the movement for women’s ordination and has been released to coincide with the 50th anniversary of this groundbreaking act of “civil disobedience” in 2024.

The filmmakers are raising money to cover production costs by allowing members of the public to host screenings for the cost of $500. If you’re interested in hosting a screening, CLICK HERE for more information.
 
CLICK HERE for an Episcopal News Service article on the film.

​NUN BETTER CHRISTMAS SHOPPING!

If you're looking to start your Christmas shopping early, Sister Margo Elizabeth's heartwarming book not just an ordinary pony…  and its companion coloring book are great gift ideas for kids and adults! not just an ordinary pony... tells the extraordinary story of Pony's 27-year ministry at the Convent and contains many beautiful illustrations and photos. It is available from most online booksellers but you may also purchase a copy directly from the Convent for the discounted price of $20 by emailing [email protected]. Check out the Not Just an Ordinary Pony website at www.mecolman.com
​
CLICK HERE to purchase the book on Amazon

One of Sister Mary Lynne's handmade necklaces
​

Also - please be sure to check out our Nun Better Etsy shop for handmade jewelry and gift items made by the CSJB Sisters!

Sister Mary Lynne, Sister Suzanne Elizabeth, and Sister Victoria Michelle make beautiful devotional items from the highest quality materials. The Nun Better Shop at the Convent and Retreat House have even more handmade items. The Sisters also provide repairs and take orders for custom pieces. Just email [email protected] to arrange an in-person visit to our shop.

​SERMONS BY THE SISTERS

The Sisters of CSJB often preach in the Convent chapel and at local parishes. Here are some of the recent sermons:

CLICK HERE to read Sister Eleanor Francis' sermon for Proper 27, Year A

CLICK HERE to read Sister Monica's Sermon at the Church of the Savior Nov. 12

CLICK HERE to read Sister Deborah Francis' sermon at CSJB on Nov. 26

ASSOCIATES AND OBLATES

We are sad to report the death of one of our beloved CSJB Associates, the Rev. Kathleen “Kay” Locke. Her memorial service was held November 18 at Calvary Episcopal Church, where she served as Assistant Rector. She was also a hospital chaplain at Overlook, Morristown Memorial, and VNA Hospice. You may read her full obituary by CLICKING HERE. 

Did you know that many our clergy Associates and Oblates celebrate mass here at the Convent on a regular basis? We are privileged to hear a wide array of excellent preaching and perspectives from these dedicated priests and deacons, and we give thanks for their invaluable service.

Remember to SAVE THE DATE for our 150th Anniversary Commemoration Day June 15, 2024.

The Rev. Kathleen Locke

ST. JOHN BAPTIST SCHOOL ALUMNAE

St. John Baptist schoolgirl Deborah Almy Ransom posted this great photo in the SJBS Facebook group of a Christmas performance group from 1967. Deb played the cello. 

​
​CSJB BOOKS

We are thrilled to announce that the latest book about the Community of St. John Baptist, The Second Spring, is now available to order.

Author Valerie Bonham says:
“This book The Second Spring is the sequel to Living Stones, which traced the history of CSJB from the arrival of the first three Sisters in New York in 1874, until 1939.
​Please contact Sister Pamela at [email protected] to order. The cost is $25 + $5 Shipping and Handling.
​

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

​

From Generation to Generation: Essays by Children of Holocaust Survivors, published by the Drew University Center for Holocaust/Genocide Study,is a compilation of eleven essays written by ten second-generation Holocaust survivors. 
Sr. Eleanor Francis, CSJB is one of the writers. 
The first printing of our From Generation to Generation is entirely sold out.  We are waiting for a second printing. 
If you'd like to order a copy, we can place you on the waiting list. The cost is $15, plus shipping. Please contact Sister Eleanor Francis at [email protected] to order.
​
The second printing of the book is now available. The Holocaust Center has also produced a free Online version, which is available on the Drew University Holocaust/Genocide Center website. ​

​LOOKING AHEAD

CENTERING PRAYER
​Every Thursday from 7:00 to 7:45
On Zoom
Our Centering Prayer group has been meeting for many years and it is one of our most popular ministries. Guests can gather on Zoom. Please email Sister 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
The Friday morning “Jewish Jesus” class, led by Rabbi Deb Smith and Sr. Eleanor Francis,  has begun a new book:  The Bible with and without Jesus by Amy Jill Levine.
 
There will be a program called "Eastern Spirituality for Western Seekers."  

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

PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR

The family of Valerie Kent
​All who have been affected by COVID
All who have suffered from gun violence.
All people affected by military conflict.
All victims of human trafficking.
All who are suffering grief and illness.
Peace in the Middle East, peace in Sudan, 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:

Searcher Diana Baudelaire (L) and CSJB Oblate the Rev. Deacon Susan Negrotto (R) in the CSJB chapel at communion.
​

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

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

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

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

​OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO

All who have given so generously to our ministries and all who pray for us,

All who have contributed to the children of the Good Shepherd Home,
​
Our many helpers, volunteers, and those who encourage us,

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

Our local Boy Scout troops and parents

The Mendham Faith Leaders

(L ro R) Sister Deborah Francis, Sister Laura Katharine, and Sister Monica Clare at the concert in the Main Chapel

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

Sister Victoria Michelle with fellow volunteers at Homeless Solutions

Because the pandemic suspended our ministry of hospitality for 19 months we, like many nonprofits, are still having a very difficult time covering our monthly operating costs.
 
If you'd like to help us continue our ministries, please consider making a gift to our general fund through our online Paypal portal:
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/CommunityofStJohnBap
​
We thank all our generous friends, Associates, Oblates, and benefactors who generously give to CSJB to keep Mother Harriet Monsell's dreams alive.

​YOUR LEGACY FOR CSJB

The majority of our buildings, chapel furnishings, Convent and Retreat House furnishings, and ongoing ministry funds were made possible through legacies.

​It is mainly through the kindness of legacy donors who believed in our mission that we have carried forward the plans of the Holy Spirit for our Community from 1852 to the present time. The restoration of the Convent in 1960 was made possible by a legacy gift. Before that gift, the Sisters lived at St. Marguerite's for ten years because the Convent repairs were too expensive to undertake.

Many thanks to all the kind people who have expressed interest in being CSJB Legacy donors. Our promise to you is that your legacy will continue God's work.

CLICK HERE for information about becoming a Legacy donor.