Updates from the Sisters December 2025

Advent is a time
when we train ourselves
to hear the voice of hope
in the midst of the world’s noise.
It asks us to resist
​the temptation to despair
and to attend to the small signs of God’s coming.”
​
— Rowan Williams,
​    Tokens of Trust

Fabric Christmas tree, made by
Sister Mary Lynne

​WISHING YOU A BLESSED ADVENT SEASON

​In this season of anticipating the Nativity of Jesus—the first Advent—we are invited to make room for the coming of our Lord not only at Christmas, but also at the end of the age and in the ordinary rhythms of our daily lives. How do we make time for Christ when our world feels so full of noise, hurry, and distraction?

For us Sisters, this begins with keeping our regular prayer times in chapel five times a day, receiving daily Communion, and setting aside two hours each day for private prayer.

(L to R: Sr. Laura Katharine, Peach, and Sr. Pamela praying before Tuesday singing practice in the library. The Sisters devote nearly 3 hours a day to communal worship in chapel and 2 hours a day to private prayer and spiritual reading.

Not everyone can devote that much time, of course, but even one or two intentional periods of prayer can make a real difference. Time itself seems to expand when we give God a portion of it; our days become more spacious and centered when we remember to offer daily time to God in prayer. The hours of our days are a gift from God, and our prayers are in gratitude for that gift.

CLICK HERE for Advent and Christmas resources from the Episcopal Church

OUR EPIPHANY PARTY!

Hymn sing at the 2024 Epiphany party

Come one, come all to the CSJB Epiphany Party on Sunday, January 4, 2026! We will begin with Vespers in St. Michael’s Chapel at 4:00 PM, followed by a hymn sing in the parlor where guests may request their favorite Christmas hymns. Afterward, we will gather in the refectory for food and fellowship.

This celebration is one of the highlights of our year, offering us a wonderful opportunity to express our gratitude to our many friends and supporters.
 
Please RSVP to Sr. Monica Clare at [email protected].
 
If you’d like to bring a dish, please email Sr. Pamela at [email protected].

MENDHAM FAITH LEADERS –
SERVICE OF THE LONGEST NIGHT

This year's Service of the Longest Night will take place at St. Mark's Episcopal Church on December 21 at 7:00 PM. On the longest night of the year, this service recognizes that the holidays are not 'holly and jolly' for everyone. This warm and cozy gathering connects our experiences today with biblical stories of long nights of the soul. Together, we will acknowledge the complexities of the season while illuminating the hope that lies within it.

The Mendham Faith Leaders include: Hilltop Presbyterian Church, Brookside Church (UCC), Community of St. John Baptist, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Mendham United Methodist Church, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, and Grace Lutheran Church.

SISTER MONICA CLARE ORDAINED AS A DEACON

CSJB Sisters at the ordination of Sr. Monica Clare on N0vember 30.
​Photo by Nina Nicholson

Sister Monica Clare was ordained a deacon in the diocese of Newark on November 30, 2025, at All Saints Church in Millington. The Rt. Rev. Carlye J. Hughes, Bishop of Newark, was the celebrant, and the preacher was the Rev. Victoria McGrath, rector of All Saints.
 
Sister Monica received her seminary training at the School of Theology at the University of the South in Sewanee, TN. She also completed a 9-month extended hospital chaplaincy course at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in May 2025. Her 1-year internship was at St. Stephen's Church in Millburn, NJ.
 
Many thanks to our wonderfully supportive Bishop, to all our friends, to the people of All Saints, the people of St. Stephens, and to all who have supported Sister Monica Clare in her ordination journey. If God wills it, she will be ordained as a priest sometime in 2026. 

Please enjoy this slideshow of photos by Nina Nicholson and Sr Margo Elizabeth

​MENDHAM FAITH LEADERS
​THANKSGIVING TURKEY DRIVE

The annual Thanksgiving food collection to benefit the Interfaith Food Pantry Network was held on Saturday, November 8, at the Mendham United Methodist Church parking lot. Volunteers from several local faith communities helped unload cars, sort donations, and pack the food pantry van. As always, we are grateful to each congregation that sent helpers; most communities contributed two or three volunteers, and their presence made a tremendous difference.

Sister Linda Clare with fellow Mendham Faith Leaders at the Turkey Drive

Thanks to everyone’s efforts, we collected 9 turkeys, 3 turkey breasts, and 3 roasting chickens, totaling 150 pounds of fresh food. In addition, we received 494 pounds of nonperishable items and $20 in cash donations, bringing the grand total to an impressive 644 pounds of food for our neighbors in need.

A heartfelt thank-you to all the Faith Leaders, congregants, and community members who pitched in to load the van and support this important ministry. Job well done!

WILL YOU HELP US RAISE THE ROOF AT ST. MARGUERITE’S?

One of the most important projects on our Capital Campaign wish list is the replacement of the 117-year-old roof on St. Marguerite’s Retreat House. Yes, 117 years! Since 1908, this roof has faithfully sheltered people of all ages, backgrounds, and life journeys. After more than a century of service, it has more than earned its retirement.

​Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our friends, we have already raised $65,569 toward our $500,000 goal, just over 13% of the total needed. This milestone was made possible by many faithful anonymous donors, and especially by Margaret Dohnalek, whose latest $10,000 gift gave tremendous momentum to the campaign. Margaret has pledged $50,000 to this project, and we are all so grateful to her for believing in our ministry of hospitality.

St. Marguerite's girls playing basketball, circa 1910

Retreat group from the Church of the Ascension, Brooklyn, at St. Marguerite's

Our next milestone is to reach 20% of our goal: $100,000. Even more exciting, a generous donor has offered a $17,500 matching gift for donations received by March 2026. That means every dollar you give between now and then will be doubled, helping us move swiftly toward this important benchmark.
 
Your gift, no matter the size, brings us closer to protecting this sacred space for generations to come. Together, we truly can raise the roof on the future of St. Marguerite’s.
 
If you’d like info. on how to help, please email [email protected]. 
​

BREAKING BREAD WITH THE BISHOP

CSJB Sisters with the Rt. Rev. Carlye J. Hughes and Harriet Tubman Regional Network members at St. Marguerite's

On October 21, 2025, St. Marguerite’s Retreat House was honored to host Breaking Bread with the Bishop, a warm and welcoming gathering for members of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark, Harriet Tubman Regional Ministry Network.
 
Clergy and lay leaders from across the diocese joined the Rt. Rev. Carlye Hughes, 11th Bishop of the Diocese of Newark, for an evening of prayer, conversation, and shared hospitality. The simple meal and open dialogue created a meaningful space for connection, reflection, and mutual encouragement as we continue our life together in the diocese. We are grateful to all who attended and helped make this evening such a gracious and joyful occasion.

CAROA NEW MEMBERS’ CONFERENCE

New members and formators of religious communities in the Conference of Religious Orders in the Americas (CAROA) met for the third annual CAROA New Members Conference at St. Marguerite’s Retreat House from Oct. 13-17.
 
Postulants, Novices, and First Professed brothers and sisters and their formators heard presentations on Franciscans and Conflict (led by Br. Desmond Alban, SSF) Benedictine Balance (led by Sr. Hannah, CSM), and Spiritual Intimacy (lead by Br. Josép, OHC). They also enjoyed group discussion time, socializing, and participation in the Sisters’ worship at the CSJB chapel.
 
We are grateful for the blessing of new vocations in our CAROA communities.

Photos courtesy of Brother Josép R. Martinez-Cubero, OHC

CAROA new members and formators at St. Marguerite's

​THE GOOD SHEPHERD HOME
​IN CAMEROON, WEST AFRICA

All the children at the Home receive a new outfit and a joyful feast at Christmas each year.

We are deeply grateful to all our generous donors who give of their own resources to support the children of the Good Shepherd Home. At this time of year, we give special thanks to all those who donate to the Home to ensure that the children have a wonderful and festive Christmas. There are usually between 100-150 children at the Home, and the staff and Sisters work hard to provide a good education, a loving home, and a solid spiritual foundation. 

Mama and babies at the pig farm

The Home seeks to be self-sustaining with a farm, piggery, and poultry project. The poultry farm currently has 2,000 chickens expected to mature by December 25. Some of the chickens will be sold to the local community, while others will help provide meals for the children at the Home. The piggery now includes eight adult pigs and fourteen piglets, as efforts continue to rebuild the herd after a recent outbreak of pig disease caused significant losses. The caregivers send their heartfelt thanks for the continued care and support of the children and extend warm Christmas greetings and blessings to all.

The good works of those who grew up at the Home continue in ministries such as the ACT Foundation and the Mother Jane Legacy Foundation, which provide technology training and medical care to the poorest of the poor.

​The dreams of GSH foundress Mother Jane Mankaa, who died in 2021, have expanded far beyond anything she could have imagined, and for that we give thanks to God.

​CLICK HERE for Aben Cistus' latest update on the work of ACT Foundation.

​To donate to the ongoing costs of the Home, email [email protected] or call 973-543-4641 ext. 0. All donations go directly to the children’s needs. CJSB provides administrative and fundraising services free of charge to the Good Shepherd Home.
 
To learn more, go to
​www.goodshepherdhome.org.

ACT ​Training at St Glory Orphanage

CLICK HERE to learn more about the ACT Foundation.
To donate to ACT, email [email protected] or call 973-543-4641 ext. 0. ​

CLICK HERE to learn more about the Mother Jane Legacy Foundation.
To donate to MJLF, email [email protected] or call 973-543-4641 ext. 0. ​

CONCERT AT THE CONVENT

Many thanks to all who attended our Concert at the Convent on November 23 and enjoyed an outstanding performance by the Adelphi Chamber Ensemble. This was largest audience we have ever welcomed at one of our concerts, and we extend special thanks to Boy Scout Troop 130 for their help in publicizing the event beforehand. They also assisted with parking, which is never an easy task!

The Concert at the Convent is held annually on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, and the proceeds benefit our Capital Campaign to preserve our sacred space. This year we raised over $3,000 – our highest total ever.
 
If you’d like to learn more about our Capital Campaign, CLICK HERE.

Click on the arrow for a YouTube video of the performance.

FROM THE GARDEN OF HOPE: Creation Care in Action

By Associate Julie Crawford

As the Garden of Hope closes its 2025 season, the harvest on December 1 may surprise many. This extended growing season is a testament to the creative powers divinely planned by our Creator. Without the use of costly indirect energy, the Garden of Hope relies on what God has created to extend the season: thermal energy from decomposition and passive solar energy using water bottles saved by the Sisters.

The decomposition of logs buried deep within large, tall, raised beds built by Eagle Scout Bret Keifer helps keep the soil warm. Water bottles lining the ground greenhouses serve as a heat sink and, with passive solar energy, allow an extended season for lettuce and greens such as chard and spinach. The warmed water bottles provide enough heat during the night for cold-weather crops. ​

The Garden of Hope behind St. Marguerite's Retreat House

Bounty from the Garden of Hope

The December 1 harvest included three grocery-sized bags of radishes, lettuces, kale, arugula, and bok choy. Other fall activities included bed preparation, seed collection, and plantings. Beds are seeded with overwinter crops to enhance the soil for the next season. Milk cartons are used to grow perennials and pollinators from seeds or by dividing plants so they will be ready in one to two seasons for The Sharing Project’s seasonal plant sales. The small greenhouses are now set for winter crops.

​Overall, this year’s garden produced just under 1,000 pounds of fresh food, which was delivered to food pantries and senior housing, and used for dinner vegetables at Homeless Solutions.

The Garden of Hope is now mobility accessible, and next year, a seniors’ garden club will join other service volunteers. The garden is a sacred community space where anyone is welcome to come for reflection, fellowship, or to volunteer. Next year, the recently cleared sloped area will be extended with additional pollinators to create a natural buffer around the garden. On the Garden of Hope wish list is a “Free Little Library” where books on Creation Care and spiritual reflection can be shared with visitors. The Garden of Hope journey can be found here: Reimagining Gardens as Sacred Space – The Diocese of Newark.

In Jeremiah 29:5, the prophet reminds us of a simple command:
“Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce.”
Planting gardens becomes a symbol of investing in and nurturing one’s environment, fostering stability and productivity through trust in God’s plan, even in challenging circumstances.

Through today’s lens, this command also reminds us to support local agriculture—not only to enjoy fresh, nutritious food, but to reduce our carbon and ecological footprint.

Accessible walkway at the Garden of Hope

The Garden of Hope welcomes volunteers of all ages and could use additional service volunteers each year to help prepare beds, plant seeds in the greenhouse, close the garden, and adopt or sponsor a bed. It is an ideal service opportunity for confirmation classes, green teams, and vestries. Groups may also consider a work-and-worship day followed by participation in the Daily Office or a service.

To volunteer or to request a tour, please contact Associate Julie Crawford at [email protected] or Sister Linda Claire at [email protected].

ECW ALABAMA

Sr. Monica Clare and ECW Alabama members at historic Grace Church, Pike Road

Sister Monica traveled to Montgomery, Alabama, on October 17–18 to present a book talk on her memoir, A Change of Habit, and to offer a program on the history of Anglican religious orders for the 136th Annual Fall Conference of the Episcopal Church Women of Alabama.

​The weekend included an opening Eucharist at historic St. John’s Church, tours of two other historic churches, and a visit to the Legacy Museum. 

You may view the opening Eucharist for the ECW Conference by CLICKING HERE.

Sr. Monica Clare with the Rt. Rev. Glenda Curry, Bishop of Alabama

THE FESTIVAL OF TREES

L to R: Sister Linda Clare, Sr. Joanna Catherine of Anamchara, and
​Sr. Deborah Francis

Each year, the Community of St. John the Baptist proudly supports the Senior Resource Center of New Jersey’s (SRCNJ) annual Festival of Trees.

​This year, the Community’s themed tree, “Peace on Earth,” was sponsored in support of SRCNJ’s signature fundraising event. The Senior Resource Center operates at the Church of the Messiah in Chester, New Jersey and hosts this community-wide festival each December as its major fundraiser, attracting thousands of visitors from across the region.

During the festival, decorated trees are sponsored and then either sold to the public or donated to senior housing, transitional housing, nursing homes, and homeless shelters throughout the area. The event also features a popular holiday gift and items sale, along with a full week of special programs and activities. Attendees have the opportunity to vote for their favorite themed trees. The Festival of Trees Committee maintains a dedicated website with information about tree sponsorships and donations, decorating opportunities, advertisements, general contributions, and volunteering.

​This year’s schedule can be viewed on the SRCNJ Festival of Trees website.

The CSJB tree at the Festival of Trees

Founded 25 years ago, SRCNJ now serves more than 9,000 participants annually through its nine weekly classes, monthly Lunch-and-Learn programs, wellness days, coffee hours, weekly walking club, and other special events. The Center’s mission is summarized as follows:

“Bringing seniors, their families, and caregivers in our communities together for physical activity, mental stimulation, camaraderie, and fun, while providing timely and important information related to issues surrounding aging.”

Sister Victoria Michelle with the CSJB tree

Sister Linda Clare, Sister Deborah Francis, and visiting Sister Joanna Catherine of Anamchara attended the festival to show their support. Associates Bill and Gaye Grier were present on opening night as tree decorators and sponsors gathered to celebrate the event. This year’s tree was beautifully decorated by Associates Gaye Grier, Virginia Murphy, and Julie Crawford. Gaye Grier has attended SRC programs since 2005 and regularly enjoys the Balance and Bones classes and weekly line dancing. Associate Julie Crawford serves on the SRC Board and is also a substitute Healthy Bones instructor.
​
Additional information about SRC and its connection to the Diocese of Newark, along with personal testimonies from participants, is available through the related SRC and Church of the Messiah resources.

​PEACH AND CLARA ELIZABETH

Our new puppy, Peach, is still trying to make friends with our Convent cat, Clara Elizabeth. Negotiations are going slowly, though, because Peach has about 10,000 times more energy than Clara! Peach has tried wagging her tail, bringing her toys to Clara, and even trying to talk to her with woofs and squeals, but Clara is unconvinced. She does, however, exercise a lot of patience because she knows Peach is still a baby. We know that when Peach grows up a little bit, the two will eventually become best friends.
​
When Peach can’t find Clara, she drags Clara’s empty cat bed into chapel as if to say, “Where is the CAT?”
 
We found Peach through the Sato Project, which finds homes for some of the 650,000 stray dogs in Puerto Rico. Like all Sato dogs, she is highly intelligent, affectionate, and loyal. 

Click on the videos to see the progress of Clara and Peach's relationship.

THE CSJB KNITTING MINISTRY

Our knitting ministry is an easy way to help people experiencing homelessness. We knit hats, scarves, and lap blankets year-round to donate to the Hope One van which provides mobile services to unhoused addicts in Morris County, and we invite all our friends to help. We do not require any specific patterns, so feel free to be creative.
 
If you’d like to help with our Knitting Ministry, please email Sister Monica Clare at [email protected]. We can even provide yarn!

Knitted items from the Sisters and our friends.

CSJB ASSOCIATES AND OBLATES

Our Associates Retreat - ​by CSJB Associate Marianna Garthwaite Klaiman

Saturday, October 25, was a beautiful autumn day with the convent as a perfect setting for the annual Associates’ retreat. Participants gathered for a morning of fellowship, prayer, and storytelling. The theme, Finding our Way and Listening for God provided a framework for the retreat. After everyone introduced themselves, Sr. Deborah Francis began by telling the group of her journey growing up in a secular Jewish home, being called to search for God by joining various groups, including the Quakers, where she was baptized as a Christian, and then finally discerning her vocation as an Episcopal nun. The Rev. Ken Boccino shared his journey growing up in a mostly Roman Catholic tradition, being drawn to a religious faith at a very young age, finding a home as an Episcopalian and finally discerning a call to the Diaconate and serving in that capacity at the Church of the Saviour, Denville.

After a brief break, Mark Trautman, Director of Music at St. Peter’s Church, Essex Fells, led the group in song. He spoke of his career working with the community in choir settings and listening more like Mary rather than always doing like Martha. Scott Bennett, parishioner at Church of the Saviour in Denville, spoke about his commitment to listening and responding to God’s call by becoming involved to the best of his ability in the many aspects of parish life. Finally, the Rev. Ann Holt, retired priest and still serving as a supply priest at St. Thomas Church, Pittstown, spoke about her personal journey with her family. She told the group that what at first may appear as a lost opportunity can lead us, if we listen, to finding other fulfilling opportunities.

Following the presentations, there was time to ask questions and reflect on all that was discussed. The Sisters invited everyone to attend noon prayer, stay for dinner (lunch), and spend time with the Community.

Many thanks to everyone who helped organize the retreat, especially Jan Paxton. A few Associates mentioned the fact that they were not receiving email,s and it seems they may have inadvertently unsubscribed from the group list. If you believe that you are not receiving the Associate emails, please reach out to Jan directly at [email protected] so she can get you back on the list. 

​

R.I.P. CSJB Associate and former CSJB Community Pastor,
the Rt. Rev. Herbert A. Donovan, Jr. 

 The Sisters were all deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of the Rt. Rev. Herbert A. Donovan in November.

Herb has been a part of the CSJB family for many decades, and he served as our Community Pastor for much of that time. His humor and pastoral care were a tremendous gift to our community.  Please join us in prayer for his wife, Mary, and all who mourn Herb's passing. 

Bishop Donovan's obituary can be read by CLICKING HERE.

Bishop Donovan with his wife, Mary

​ST. JOHN BAPTIST SCHOOL ALUMNAE
​Highlight: SJBS Sports

Throughout the history of St. John Baptist School (1880-1983) the schoolgirls excelled at sports. Please enjoy these vintage photos of sports throughout history at the School.

SJBS Sports in the 1920s

If you are a SJBS alum and would like to stay connected to fellow alumnae, you can go to the SJBS Facebook page at:
​www.facebook.com/groups/334420496671

​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 Br. Philip Muniz, TSSF, at [email protected] if you are interested in joining, and make sure to put "CSJB Centering Prayer" in the "Subject" section of your email.

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

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 option
​

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.

PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR

• 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.
• For peace in the Middle East, peace in Sudan, and peace in Ukraine,
• For refugees throughout the world,
• For our Searchers who are discerning a call to the Religious life, and:

Sr. Egeria Mark from the Community of
St. Mary, Sewanee, preaching in the CSJB chapel

Alana
​Alison
​Andy, Gail, and Wendy
​Anna
Annette
​Anne and Stan
Anthony
Aurora
Autumn
Barbara
Bill and Carol
​Brian
Callie Jo
Carol
Carolyn
Chase
Cheryl
Chris and Don
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
Kay
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

Myles
​Myram
​Nancy
Nicole
Nikki
Noah
Norman
​Paige
Pat and Ellie
Patrick
Patty
​Peter
Phoebe
Rebecca and her family
​Richard and Ginger
River
Rob
Ron
Ronald
​Russ
​Ryan
Salma
Sam and her children
Sarah
Shane
Sheila
Sister Barbara Jean
The Somerville Family
Stefani
Stephanie
​Sue
Sully
Susan and family
Suzanne
Teddy
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

Sister Laura Katharine (L) with Sr. Pamela at Sr. LK's 90th birthday celebration in Oct.

• 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 generous donors who provided funding for our new septic system.
• 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
• All who contribute towards the preservation of our sacred space
• All who promote the religious life and educate the public about Anglican religious orders, and:

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
Christ Church, Short Hills
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
Helen Wall
Alix Weisz
Joannah Wilmerding

The Rorbach Family Foundation
​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. Elizabeth Ivell and the people of the Church of the Messiah
The Rev. Victoria McGrath and the people of All Saints Millington

TO SUPPORT OUR GENERAL FUND

​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.

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

Peach with the Christmas wreath at the front door of the Convent

​YOUR LEGACY FOR CSJB

Snow on the roses in the kitchen garden
at CSJB

Our friend, attorney Kristen Canty, is an attorney who assists in estate planning. 
CLICK HERE for info. on her services.

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.