UPDATES FROM THE SISTERS - JULY 2022

“Jesus is always victorious. We only have to get into the right relationship with Him and we will see His power being demonstrated in our hearts and lives and service.
And His victorious life will fill us and overflow through us to others. That is revival in its essence.”
Sister Victoria Michelle

Sunflowers in our Convent kitchen garden. Photo by Sister Pamela
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OUR MINISTRY OF HOSPITALITY

Ever since the Convent first closed to the public in March 2020, we have found new ways for our friends to be with us. Although we are unable to welcome overnight guests, groups, large events, or even guests at our meals right now, we do want to remind everyone that you can still come visit and enjoy our ministry of hospitality. St. Marguerite’s has been open to retreat groups since October 1, and we offer these other ways for people to share this sacred space with us:

Walking the labyrinth

CSJB Oblates meeting on the cloister. Our friends are always welcome to meet us at the Convent or take walks with us on our beautiful property.

• Our labyrinth – individuals and groups are welcome to engage in this ancient prayer practice.
• Meetings in the Convent - One or two vaccinated, masked guests can meet with Sisters in our parlor or sitting room.
• Meetings outdoors – Guests can take walks with Sisters or sit on our cloister and enjoy conversation with a great view.
• Outdoor worship – any congregation is welcome to gather for worship at our beautiful outdoor altar space next to St. Marguerite’s.
• Our Main Chapel – Individuals and groups of 3-4 people can pray in our main chapel (it’s even relatively cool in there in the summer heat!)
• Our Garden of Hope – we always welcome volunteers to help us grow food for local food pantries.
• Our cottage – Our guest cottage is available for individuals and groups of 2-3 people to stay for up to 2 weeks of rest and retreat. Just email Sister Pamela at sr-pamela@csjb.org to arrange a booking.

If you’re interested in visiting the Convent or walking the labyrinth, email Sister Monica Clare (srmc@csjb.org) and we’ll set a time and date.
​
The Sisters will resume our weekly Community discussions in September, during which we will continue to discuss plans to safely reopen the Convent to overnight visitors, groups, and events. 
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CSJB SEARCHER – NIAMBI MERCADO

L to R: Jennie, Sister Pamela, and Niambi taking a walk on the CSJB driveway.

​When Aspirants are interested in joining CSJB, we invite them to come for a 1-month official Vocational Visit. In some cases, it is not possible for the Aspirant to take an entire month’s vacation from work, so we break the Vocational Visit into 2-week segments. This month we welcomed Niambi Mercado for the first two weeks of her Vocational Visit. Niambi has visited us informally a couple of times, as we encourage all Aspirants to do, and in her previous visits she stayed at our guest cottage due to COVID precautions.

For her 2-week visit she quarantined in the cottage for 5 days and then joined us at the Convent for the Daily Office, meals, daily work, and recreation to get a sense of our life together.

 Niambi currently lives in Erie, PA, where she works for the Cathedral of St. Paul and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. CLICK HERE to learn more about Niambi on the St. Mark’s staff page. We all enjoyed having Niambi with us. She has great optimism and positive energy.

Three other Aspirants will be attending our summer Search Program is taking place August 15-20 on Zoom, and we ask your prayers for them, for Niambi, and for all the other searchers as they discern God’s call.

If you're like to learn more about religious life, or you'd like to register for our Zoom Search program, please contact Novice Director Sister Pamela at sr-pamela@csjb.org.

HOMELESS SOLUTIONS: A HandsUp Not a HandOut
Upcoming Women Helping Women Event
From CSJB Associate Julie Crawford

Sister Victoria Michelle serving meals at Homeless Solutions July 24

Sister Victoria Michelle continues her service at Homeless Solutions for dinner preparations in two capacities - serving monthly with The Church of Messiah Outreach team and as an emergency on-call volunteer in the event other volunteers can not serve.
 
One other way to support Homeless Solutions is to consider some of their annual fundraising programs.  After two years of virtual events, HSI will host their 15th Annual Women’s Day On Monday, October 24th at Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club in Bedminster.  

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

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

​For more information contact Event Manager Kathleen Humphrey KathleenHumphrey@hsinj.org.


​

L to R: Lisa Cash, Catherine Segal, Sister Victoria Michelle volunteering at HSI​

As a non-profit, ​Homeless Solutions, has many initiatives and projects.  Homeless Solutions partners with Family Promise of Morris County and other agencies to seek solutions for those in need.  Services include shelter living, transitional housing, job training, mentoring, moving services, and family support counseling.   Learn more about the HSI programs or How You Can Help as a volunteer or to donate goods, clothing, electronics, or funds.
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​

THE PONY BOOK IS GOING TO HAVE A WEBSITE!

The finishing touches are almost complete on the website for Sister Margo Elizabeth’s book Not Just an Ordinary Pony. We will send out an announcement as soon as the site is ready for viewing.

Not Just an Ordinary Pony is the extraordinary story of a "stray" pony who found a home with the Sisters of CSJB, He went on to live at the Convent for 27 years, and many visitors and retreatants found him to be a great source of spiritual strength and comfort.

A sneak peek at the website for Not Just an Ordinary Pony

If you have already purchased the book, we’d like to suggest it as a great gift item for your loved ones. All proceeds go directly to the many ministries of CSJB.

So many of you have told us you loved the book! Please get the word out.
You may purchase Not Just an Ordinary Pony at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, Walmart, and others.
​

THE GOOD SHEPHERD HOME FOR CHILDREN IN CAMEROON

Aben Cistus grew up at the Good Shepherd Home and graduated at the top of his classwith a degree in Petroleum Engineering. Now, he’d like to give back by establishing a foundation called ACT, to bring computer skills to impoverished children in Cameroon. CLICK HERE to read Cistus' description of the program. The ACT foundation also hopes to bring scholarship and grant opportunities to children in poor, rural communities. Cistus knows firsthand that education is the path to a better life, and he carries “Mama” Jane Mankaa’s values forward with him as he seeks to help others. He is currently seeking $5000 in donations to purchase equipment and fund the program. Please contact Cistus at abencistus@gmail.com if you’d like to help him with this important work. CLICK HERE for a video of Cistus speaking about his ACT foundation in Cameroon.

Aben Cistus with some of his brothers from the Good Shepherd Home. The orphans there become family for life.

Cistus is also hoping to pursue post-graduate studies in the U.S. and has been accepted at a college in Ohio for Fall 2022, but the American government requires him to accumulate enough funds to support him for one full year before he can be allowed to study here. He is looking for donations totaling $35,000 for his education fund. If you would like to donate, or if you might know of an educational fund to which he can apply, please contact him at abencistus@gmail.com. 

​If you are interested in becoming a Good Shepherd Home sponsor for as little as $40.00 a month, please email 
gsh@csjb.org for more information
​

​GARDEN OF HOPE SUPPORTS LOCAL FOOD PANTRIES AND CHESTER AREA SENIOR HOUSING
​From CSJB Associate Julie Crawford

Sister Victoria Michelle in the
​Garden of Hope.

Both Sister Linda Clare and Sister Victoria Michelle work in the garden alongside volunteers from such groups such as The Sharing Project and The Church of Messiah.  The Garden of Hope has networked with the gardeners from  Chester Community Garden as an additional pickup location. 

​Donations from Brookside Community Church  of Mendham include the propagation of a second year strawberry patch, and the donated raised beds from St Marks of Mendham are maintained by Sr Linda Clare as well as St Marguerite's Retreat House Chef RJ Reynolds.  Chef RJ has actively helped with garden bed prep, border mulch installation, and has helped to establish an herb garden plot and a potato and sweet potato area.  Thank you Chef RJ.

The Garden of Hope is abundantly producing pounds of fresh vegetables for local food pantries and has added a new weekly dropoff location at the Chester Area Senior Housing complex. 

​Sister Linda Clare’s turnips, which she grew using seeds from The Free Seed Project, are a popular pick.  Other vegetables include mixed lettuces, a variety of chards, radishes, beans, cucumbers, squash, herbs, and the first tomatoes and eggplants of the season.  

St. Marguerite's Banquet Chef R.J. Lewis helping out in the Garden of Hope.

Produce going to local food pantries

GARDEN OF HOPE HOSTS THE SHARING PROJECT
LITTLE GARDENERS CLUB
How Much Water Does a Garden Need? What are Some Sustainable Soils Practices?
​From CSJB Associate Julie Crawford

CSJB Associate Julie Crawford (L) with the Little Gardeners on the steps of St. Marguerite's, during their Garden of Hope meeting in July

The Sharing Project is a student-run non-profit organization that aims to fight hunger in sustainable ways by helping families in need to get their daily intake. Their mission statements include:
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• To help families in need to get fresh healthy food through a partnership of high schoolers with local gardening & farming communities
• To educate youth about gardening, healthy nutrition, sustainability, and social responsibility
  ​

​Over the past 2 years they have delivered over 1200 pounds to food pantries in the region and last season supported 60 families.  ​

Little Gardeners harvesting produce from our Garden of Hope for local food pantries.

This year their fundraising efforts to establish a permanent garden continue, and they are near their funding goals to construct a large community garden in Mendham Township.  Sister Suzanne Elizabeth’s irises continue to be a popular plant for The Sharing Project’s fundraising plant sales.   If you would like to learn more or support their efforts through direct donation or through on-line plant sales send an email to thesharingproject2020@gmail.com.

Little Gardeners learned the water needs calculation formula.

This month TSP Little Gardener’s club met at The Garden of Hope to learn about sustainable practices for water management and soil management, used the new greenhouse to pot up plants for home, harvested produce, potted irises for their plant sales, and weeded plots.
 
As part of their program the Little Gardeners also learned about how to calculate the water needs of a garden using a basic formula:  1 square foot of plot requires 0.62 gallons of water weekly (between rain and watering) to achieve the recommended 1 inch of water. 

They also learned about the benefits of cover crops, composting, and composting teas as sustainable practices. 

To learn more you can
View the Water Management Presentation (learn how much water your plants and garden needs)

​
View the Soils Management Presentation (learn about composting ratios /what materials to compost)

Hardworking Little Gardeners

OUR CHAMPION BLACK WALNUT TREE
The New Jersey Forest Service Certifies CSJB Black Walnut Tree as a Signature Tree
​​From CSJB Associate Julie Crawford

The New Jersey Forest Service (NJFS) has been overseeing the Big Tree Conservation Program and keeping a record of the largest trees in the state since the 1930s. As part of the program, the Forest Service maintains the Big Tree List, a compilation of the largest native and naturalized tree species in the state.  These trees have been nominated by NJ residents and have environmental and historical value and should be preserved for future generations. 

​One such tree, a Juglans nigra or Eastern Black Walnut, was nominated by Associate Julie Crawford for inspection. ​State Forester Joseph Bennett inspected the tree in June to verify the measurements made by Julie and Sister Linda Clare. 

(L to R): Mendham Township Council Member Amalia Duarte,,Sister Linda Clare, State Forester Joseph Bennett measuring our tree.

The forestry report says 
"This tree’s canopy is lush green and has perfect symmetry. ​

Using his field calculations, ​CSJB’s Black Walnut tree is now registered as a NJ Signature Tree and is estimated to be 198 years old. (~1824).  As a Signature Tree, the state will collect nuts to propagate new trees for distribution throughout the region.  The State also recommended registering the tree as a Heritage Tree due to its historical significance.
 
Classification of Champion and Signature Trees is based on a formula which uses the circumference at 4.5 above ground, the length of the average canopy, and the tree’s height.

CSJB’s Black Walnut, which is located to the left of the retreat house, ranks first in Morris County and 6th in the state.  Due to the height of the retreat house, this specimen has grown taller (standing at 114 feet) than most mature Black Walnut trees and ranks taller than both the NJ State Champion (110 feet) and the US National Champion (102 feet). The tree is also taller and older than the European Champion (110 feet) which is located in Belgium.

Bennet provided the following description in his report:
This tree is beautiful in every way and is of massive size and proportions. This tree’s canopy is lush green and has perfect symmetry. This tree is worthy to be included in the state of New Jersey registry of big trees. This tree is more than suitable for publications like postcards, brochures, calendars, etc. The registry has been kept since the 1930’s and helps document specific historic and noteworthy trees in the state as well as provides information regarding the change of the resource over almost a half century of time. I have entered the tree statistics, photographs, and the trees’ location into our records. Please keep us informed of any change to the status of the tree.
This tree has been classified as a Signature Tree. Trees of this caliber are rare and should be maintained and protected. Trees of this size are mega resources and perform 600 times the environmental benefits of typical trees. You or the new owner should consider regularly maintaining the tree and installing a lightning protection system. If you think your tree is a candidate to be classified as a Heritage, please submit your historic story and it will be reviewed on a later date.
​
Mendham Township Council Member, Amalia Duarte, also attended the inspection and is coordinating a video production for the Township which will feature the tree.

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PARISH WORK

Sister Victoria Michelle preached at the Church of the Messiah in Chester, NJ on July 24. Her sermon can be viewed by CLICKING HERE and going to the 19:42 mark on the video of Morning Prayer. She also leads the Bible Study group at Messiah.

Sister Eleanor Francis occasionally preaches and celebrates mass at St. Mark’s Church in Mendham, and she will also be helping out at the Church of the Messiah as the congregation begins its search for a new rector.

Sister Victoria Michelle preaching at the Church of the Messiah 

​Sister Monica Clare will be leading Morning Prayer and preaching at All Saints, Millington July 31. She has been participating in the All Saints choir and in worship completely by Zoom since March 2020, but she and Sister Deborah Francis will be returning to in-person worship there on July 31. They'll also be offering Prayers to Go at the All Saints Rummage Sale on September 24.
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​COMMUNITY OF ST JOHN BAPTIST CERTIFIED BY NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION
​​From CSJB Associate Julie Crawford

This month, CSJB completed our registration as a NWF Certified Natural Wildlife Habitat.

Institutions as well as homeowners can certify their properties or urban spaces as Wildlife Friendly by addressing the following categories:
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●       Food
●       Water
●       Cover
●       Places to Raise Young
●       Sustainable Practices

NWF provides a NWF Certification Checklist to assist with the process.

We received a very nice metal sign to post on our property to let visitors know we are a wildlife habitat. Now we just need to figure out where to post it!

​

Garden of Hope volunteer Nicholas Leo with our new WIldlife Habitat sign and some very cool shades. 
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ST. MARGUERITE'S RETREAT HOUSE

Lamp rehabilitation in St. Marguerite's solarium
​

St. Marguerite’s is always closed throughout the month of July, when our staff takes a much-needed rest between groups of retreatants. Our retreat house manager Brad Kalos, never one to sit idly by, is working on refurbishing and redecorating for guests in August. He has found a seamstress to make new cushions for the refectory chairs and for the wicker chairs in the solarium. We are funding this upholstery project through donations, so if you’d like to chip in, please contact Brad at guestministry@csjb.org. He has raised $550 of our $1200 goal.

We’d also like to ask that, if you have had a good experience at St. Marguerite’s, you could take the time to leave a review on our Facebook page, on Yelp, or on Google. Every little bit helps!

To book an overnight retreat group, day group, corporate retreat, or reception at St. Marguerite's, please contact Brad at:

973-543-4582​
guestministry@csjb.org
PO Box 240
Mendham, NJ 07945

One of two bolts of beautiful fabric that were donated for the upholstery project.

CREATION CARE: CONNECTIONS TO THE MARKS OF MISSION
NO MOW MAY, NATIONAL POLLINATOR WEEK, AND POLLINATOR GARDENS
​​From CSJB Associate Julie Crawford

The Five Marks of Mission, developed by the Anglican Consultative Council and adopted by the General Convention in 2009, are:

• To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom
• To teach, baptize and nurture new believers
• To respond to human need by loving service
• To seek to transform unjust structures of society
• To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth

Flowers in the pollinator bed in Chester

Flowers in the pollinator bed in Chester
​

Mark of Mission 5 focuses on sustainable habits and on love for the world as God created.
 
The Sisters now have a pollinator bed at the Chester Community Garden.  Not only does it serve as a source to attract and nurture pollinators, but the flowers can be used as altar flowers or decorations or are delivered to nursing homes or Senior Centers.  As the season progresses community gardeners can also donate their excess flowers for distribution. ​

​SERMONS

The CSJB Sisters take turns preaching at our daily Eucharist in St. Michael’s chapel. Sister Linda Clare preached a wonderful sermon on the feast of Mary Magdalene, July 22. 

​Her sermon can be read by CLICKING HERE.

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ASSOCIATES AND OBLATES - October Retreat

The Rev. James Warnke

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

Please email Sister Eleanor Francis at sref@csjb.org for more information.



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ST. JOHN BAPTIST SCHOOL ALUMNAE

The St. John Baptist School reunion will be held on August 20th from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Please contact alum Pam Nelon for more information at nelonpc@gmail.com.

Alums recently shared their memories of swimming in the pond at the school. The pond is fed by springs, and when the students were there, it was significantly bigger than it is now and there was a pump to keep the water fresh. The pump was turned off after the school closed in 1983, and the pond became much smaller. Here are some fun memories from some of the SJBS “girls.”
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“I remember swimming in the pond in the late spring, under Mrs. Bergman's supervision, so it must have been for gym class. And I definitely remember some girls skating on the pond in the winter.” - Celia Kaltenbach-Crotteau, Class of 1972
Loved swimming in the pond but it was never under supervision. we would ice skate after Mr. Craigy got the snow off. I remember going night skating a couple of times, but it was probably just because it was so dark out but still before the gong rang. you could always catch JP (Sister Jane Patricia) walking her dogs around there, too. Does anyone else remember bobbing apples at the Craigy's house for Halloween? BTW, Mrs. Bergman rocked as a PE teacher. Never met a better one before or since, and even after I got my AS in PE. Pam Nelon, Class of 1969
 
“I remember in the early spring, when we would walk to the convent’s main chapel for Sunday Mass…sometimes Sr JP would take us down the hill, by the pond and through the woods…and the budding trees would be encased in ice….with the sun ..sparkling…magical…a good memory.” Margie Watts Hopper Class of ‘67
​

The pond in the 1960s

The pond is smaller now, but it is home to a diverse array of wildlife.

BOOKS BY THE SISTERS

We are thrilled to announce that the latest book about the Community of St. John Baptist, The Second Spring, is now available to order as a printed book and e-book from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and many other booksellers.
 
Author Valerie Bonham says:
“This book The Second Spring is the sequel to Living Stones, which traced the history of CSJB from the arrival of the first three Sisters in New York in 1874, until 1939.

Valerie Bonham's five other books about the Community can be ordered From Amazon by CLICKING HERE.

​

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

So many of you have told us you loved the book! Please get the word out.

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

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

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

​

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. Guests can gather on Zoom. Please email Sister Eleanor Francis at sref@csjb.org if you are interested in joining.

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

JOIN US FOR PRAYER ON ZOOM
Friday August 12
​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:
mckenziepat@gmail.com

THE AUGUST SEARCH PROGRAM
August 15-20 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 Summer SEARCH program takes place in August every year. The program lasts for six days, but you may attend for a portion of it if your work schedule does not allow you to attend all six days.

Our Zoom Search program includes classes in prayer, our history and ministries, and discussions with Sisters.
​
Please call Sister Pamela at:
973-543-4641 ext. 9 or email
​sr-pamela@csjb.org for more information.

Class: The Jewishness of Jesus
​Every Friday morning
On Zoom
​Rabbi Deb Smith and Sister Eleanor Francis concluded this Friday morning class on the Jewishness of Jesus for the season on June 24.

We will take up the class again for the fall on September 9. The hours are 10:30 to 11:30. It is an interfaith study. All are welcome. In the fall our topic will be “The Sermon on the Mount” from both a Jewish and Christian standpoint.  We can take a few more members but expect homework! 

​If you think you may be interested, please contact Sr. Eleanor Francis at
sref@csjb.org
​or phone 973-543-4649 ex. 3. ​
​

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

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

"MEDITATIONS ON THE COMING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT - THEN AND NOW"
CSJB Associates Program on Zoom
Saturday, October 22
10am - 12noon
​Led by
Fr. Jim Warnke
TO REGISTER - Contact Associate Jan Paxton  jpaxton46@gmail.com
​Suggested donation: $50 (or whatever you can afford). Please send a check to Community of St. John Baptist, PO Box 240, Mendham, NJ 07945.  Attn:  Sr. Eleanor Francis - Email: sref@csjb.org
​

CELTIC JOURNEYS
Due to the pandemic, many of our Celtic Journeys were canceled, but please see our trips for 2023!
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: srmargo@gmail.com

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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 srmc@csjb.org

​

PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR

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

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

​For all victims of human trafficking.

All who are suffering from COVID, for all who have died from COVID, and for all who have lost loved ones to COVID.

For peace in the Middle East,

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

Sister Linda Clare with golden beets she planted in the Garden of Hope

Alison
​Andy
Annette
Anthony
Aurora
Autumn
Barbara
Bill and Carol
​Brian
Carolyn
Chase
Cheryl
Chris
The Clewer Initiative
Sam and her children
Claire
Daniel
Dean
Diane
​Donna
Doug
Ellen
​Elsie
Erin
The Flood family
Greg and Pat
Gretchen
Heather
Honor
Hugh
India
Ingrid
Jack Grier's family
James
Janet

J​arad and Monica
Maria
Marne
Matthew
Maureen and DonaldJason
Jay
Jean
Jeanette
Jeff and his children
Jennifer
Jess
Jessica and Brendan
Jim
Joanna
Joseph
John
John and Family
Jon
Joyce
Judith
Juli and family
Julian
Kamala
Kathleen
Karen
Lana
Larry and his daughter
​Leanne
Lee
Linda and Paul
Linda Lee
Lisa
Margaret
Margaret and family

Maureen
​McGrath family
Meg
Michael
Michelle
Myles
Myram
Nicole
Nikki
Norman
Pat and Ellie
Patrick
Patty
Phoebe
Rayvon and Beth
Rebecca and her family
River
Rob
Salma
Sarah
Shane
​Shaun and family
Sheila
Sister Barbara Jean
Stephanie
Sully
Susan and family
Suzanne
Tiffany
Tommy
The Trout Family
The Van Dine Family
Virginia
Warren

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

​OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO

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

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

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

Flowers from our garden in the Convent sitting room.

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

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

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

​TO SUPPORT OUR GENERAL FUND

Jennie on the Convent cloister.

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

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

​YOUR LEGACY FOR CSJB

The Convent from above. Drone photo by the Rev. Cynthia L. Black, DD

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.

If you’d like information on how to arrange a legacy gift, please email Sister Monica Clare at srmc@csjb.org or call 973-543-4641 ext. 2.