Updates from the Sisters June 2025

"Should I ever be anxious,
the root of it is forgetfulness
​in the infinite capacity of God."

• The Rev. Phil Carr Jones
  (from a sermon at CSJB)

(L to R) Sister Pamela, Sister Monica Clare, Presiding Bishop Sean W. Rowe, and Sister Beatrice Evelyn at the Newark Diocese 150th Anniversary Concert on  May 16th.  Photo by Erica Moffitt

​COMMEMORATION DAY JUNE 21, 2025

(L to R) ​The Rev. Beth Schiaino, Shay Miller, Sister Monica Clare, Katherine Newcomer, and the Rev. Kate Dunn

Commemoration Day 2025 was a joyful and spirit-filled celebration. We welcomed four new CSJB Associates into our community: The Rev. Beth Schiaino, Katherine Newcomer, Shay Miller, and the Rev. Kate Dunn. It is a true blessing to welcome them to our CSJB family, along with the Rev. Kent Walley, who was received as an Associate on St. John Baptist Day. 

Heartfelt thanks to all who braved the anticipated heat wave — which, thankfully, turned out to be quite manageable — and shared a lovely luncheon with us on the cloister after a festal Eucharist in the Main Chapel.

​Many thanks also to our hardworking volunteers and our staff members who made the day so special. 

​A special word of gratitude goes to the Rev. Canon Andrew Wright, whose powerful and thought-provoking sermon on John the Baptist left a lasting impression. We're all still talking about it!

Please enjoy our slideshow of photos from the Rev. Canon Andrew Wright, the Rev. Danielle Baker, the Rev. Vicki McGrath, and the Rev. Diana Wilcox.

The Rev. Canon Andrew Wright preaching on St. Commemoration Day

​SISTER BEATRICE EVELYN, CSJB NOVICE

On April 29, 2025, we welcomed Niambi Mercado into the Community of St. John Baptist as Sister Beatrice Evelyn. Niambi has known the Sisters for many years, and she visited us on several occasions before her application to CSJB.  Her positive, creative energy is a benefit to us all. ​

She is now taking formation classes, helping in the pantry, producing beautiful cards and chapel linens, and helping with administrative tasks. Sister Beatrice Evelyn brings a wealth of experience from her time with the Catholic Worker and serving as a parish administrator for the Cathedral of St. Paul in Erie, PA, among many other charitable and faith-based jobs..
 
Please join us in praying for our new Novice as she continues to follow God's call. Welcome, Sister Beatrice Evelyn!

Sister Beatrice Evel​yn (center) at her Novice Clothing in the Convent Chapel

Sister Beatrice Evelyn (L) with Sr. Pamela at her Novice Clothing April 29

The Novice cake was delicious!

Sister Beatrice Evelyn with friends at her Novice clothing.

REST IN PEACE, JENNIE

On April 25, our beloved Convent dog Jennie passed away from a sudden illness. She had surgery on a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) six weeks prior and was almost completely recovered, then suddenly collapsed with labored breathing on her way to the chapel for Terce. Sister Pamela and our staff member Brandon McCurdy rushed her to the emergency vet, but she could not be saved. She died within 2 hours of the onset of her illness.

We are still heartbroken at the loss of our wonderful companion of nearly 14 years, but we take comfort in knowing that she lived a long and happy life surrounded by love. Her ministry to the Sisters, staff, and guests enlightened the lives of so many people. We will all miss her until we see her again in Glory.

YOU MAY VIEW A SLIDESHOW OF OUR JENNIE BELOW:

THE MENDHAM FAITH LEADERS – Summer Worship

The Mendham Faith Leaders will hold community worship once a week in August. This ecumenical series gives churchgoers from different denominations the chance to experience each other's worship styles and to strengthen connections with our neighbors.

This summer's schedule is:
August 3 – St. Mark's Episcopal 9 E. Main St. Mendham 10:00 AM
August 10 – Grace Lutheran 65 E. Main St., Mendham 10:00 AM
August 17 – Mendham United Methodist Church, 10 E. Main St., Mendham, 10:00 AM
August 24 – Brookside UCC 8 E. Main St., Brookside 10:00 AM
August 31 - Community of St. John Baptist 82 W. Main St. Mendham – 10:00 AM

The August 31 worship here at the Convent will be held at the outdoor altar to the right of St. Marguerite's Retreat House, near the labyrinth. Please bring a blanket, sunscreen, and plenty of water to stay hydrated.
 
CLICK HERE FOR A SUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULE TO PRINT
 
The Mendham Faith Leaders group includes the Community of St. John Baptist, Brookside Community Church, Grace Lutheran Church, Hilltop Presbyterian Church, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Mendham United Methodist Church, and St. Joseph Catholic Church.

THE GOOD SHEPHERD HOME

Children learning computers from ACT Foundation volunteers at the Good Shepherd Home

The children at the Good Shepherd Home in Cameroon, West Africa, have completed another school year and are now enjoying a well-earned summer break. Several students recently sat for their public examinations, a key milestone that determines whether they will advance to the next academic level.

We’re also happy to report that the construction of the protective wall surrounding the Home is now finished, thanks to the generosity of our donors who made this vital safety project possible.
​
Looking ahead, the Home hopes to plant a row of fruit trees along the back of the property. This natural barrier will not only help define the property line—especially as nearby neighbors begin to encroach—but will also provide fresh fruit for the children. Planting trees is a more affordable alternative to extending the security fence, and it supports both nutrition and sustainability. The estimated cost of the project is $1,672.22 or 93,6000 Central African Francs. CLICK HERE to view the estimate for this planting project.

If you’d like to help with the fruit tree project, please email Sister Monica Clare at [email protected].

CLICK HERE to view the estimate for the tree planting project.

To learn more about the Good Shepherd Home, go to 
​www.goodshepherdhome.org. 

The security wall at the Home is now complete

Special thanks to Robert H. and Elizabeth Sawyer for their extremely generous legacy donations to the Good Shepherd Home.

The finished wall looks so great! Many thanks to the generous donors in the U.S. who provided the funds!
​

MOTHER JANE LEGACY FOUNDATION

The first child ever received at the Good Shepherd Home, Akwa Gilberto, is now a medical doctor who brings medical care and supplies to the poorest of the poor.

​Lidwine, a young pregnant homeless woman who received care and housing from MJLF, recently defended her thesis and received an excellence award in the field of Midwifery. Her graduation will take place in December.
 
Dr. Gilberto says, “I want to thank you, CSJ,B, and Mama Margaret. Dohnalek immensely. We want to do more, we believe in Education and the girl child is our priority.”

CLICK HERE to learn more about the Mother Jane Legacy Foundation.

Lidwine at her thesis defense. 

ACT FOUNDATION

Please enjoy the latest TikTok from the ACT FOUNDATION, founded by Aben Cistus, who grew up at the Good Shepherd Home. Cistus is now an engineer, and his Foundation teaches computer and technical skills at orphanages in Cameroon. The video is downloadable if you want to enlarge it.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the ACT Foundation

CELTIC JOURNEYS 
Journey to Ireland – May 14-24, 2025

The latest group of Celtic Journeys pilgrims departed from Newark Airport on the evening of May 14 and arrived in Dublin the next morning.

​After visiting St. Patrick’s Cathedral and seeing the famous Book of Kells at Trinity College, they had time to explore Dublin’s historic and cultural landmarks. Later, they left the city for the peaceful Wicklow Mountains and spent two nights in Glendalough, a sacred monastic site founded by St. Kevin.

From there, the group traveled across the Wicklow Gap to Kildare to honor St. Brigid, then onward to the ancient monastic ruins of Clonmacnoise.

Sister Margo with CSJB Associate the Rev. Kate Dunn in Ireland

They enjoyed the lakes and woods of the National Park, the stunning Dingle Peninsula, and the legendary Ring of Kerry. A visit to the Skelligs Experience deepened their appreciation of Ireland’s monastic heritage—and movie fans enjoyed its “Star Wars” connection.

In Westport, they explored the holy site of Croagh Patrick and visited Ballintubber Abbey. The journey continued through the wild beauty of Connemara to Kylemore Abbey, to the lively city of Galway, and into the stark, rocky landscape of the Burren.

​The travelers marveled at the Cliffs of Moher and crossed the River Shannon into Killarney, where they spent three nights. 

Sister Mary Kim from the Sisters of Christian Charity with Sister Margo in Ireland

On the final full day of the journey, the group explored Bunratty Castle and its folk village, a charming glimpse into 19th-century Irish life.

All the pilgrims departed on May 24 with grateful hearts, touched by the beauty, history, and spirit of the Emerald Isle.

Check out www.celticjourneys.org for upcoming trips to Lindesfarne, Ireland, and Scotland.

St, Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin

Please enjoy this slideshow of Sister Margo's images of Ireland 2025.

FROM SISTER BEATRICE EVELYN:
THE CELLO AS A FORM OF PRAYER

"Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth." Psalm 100:1
 
I like to think playing the cello is like getting to hug my instrument, and it's made out of trees, so I'm hugging a tree, which is my favorite way of imagining God. Cellos are made out of three types of trees, so the trinity is built in. I have always found music a gateway into prayer.

At the Community of St. John Baptist, I have been given the opportunity to learn how to play the cello, a gift that no words are adequate to describe the feelings I have about that. Loni Bach, a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Mendham, NJ, is teaching me how to play. Her joyful energy is contagious. I am not only learning how to play the cello but also how to practice through the lens of Joy and Love.

Art by Sister Beatrice Evelyn

I was invited to perform in the group numbers of Loni's cello students in Early June. It was a joyous occasion. Some of the sisters came to watch, which was very exciting and lovely. I am so grateful to be part of this community!
 
Loni has students from age 4 all the way to age 80. If you are looking for a new way to pray, I highly recommend learning the cello!
 
-Sr. B.E.

Sister Beatrice Evelyn (2nd row, far left) and students of Loni Bach at their cello concert on June 1 at Grace Lutheran Church in Mendham.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF
EPISCOPAL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES

Sister Monica Clare with representatives from NAECC in St. Louis

Sister Monica Clare traveled to the Pallottine Retreat Center in St. Louis to serve as keynote speaker for the annual conference of the National Association of Episcopal Christian Communities (NAECC) from May 19-22. The topic was "Evangelism through Social Media, and she gave three presentations on how to use social media to spread the Good News and raise awareness about the gifts of religious communities in the Episcopal Church. 

NAECC is comprised of 19 communities in which most members can have their own jobs, be married, have families, and live in their own homes while following a Rule of Life and gathering at regular intervals for prayer and fellowship. NAECC works closely with the Conference of Religious Orders in the Americas (CAROA) to share the gifts of monasticism with the church.
 
To learn more about NAECC, go to www.naecc.net.

ST. MARGUERITE'S RETREAT HOUSE

Interweave at St. Marguerite's  in May

In April, May, and June, our Retreat House welcomed many groups, including the St. Martin's Men's Group, the University of Montclair, the Order of the Ascension, the Oratory of the Good Shepherd, Maria Gillan's Poetry Intensive, Interweave, and Friendly Territory, among others. Boy Scout Troop 130, which was chartered by the Sisters in 2021, also holds its weekly meetings there.
 
If you'd like to bring a group to St. Marguerite's for an overnight or day retreat, please contact our Retreat House Manager Brad Kalos at [email protected]. 

The Oratory of the Good Shepherd at St. Marguerite's in May.

CSJB ASSOCIATES AND OBLATES

CSJB ASSOCIATE THE REV. KEVIN COFFEY – 1955-2025
​
The entire CSJB family is mourning the loss of our beloved friend and longtime Associate, the Rev. Kevin Coffey on May 22.  

​Fr. Kevin dedicated his life to making the world a better place, and his absence is felt profoundly.

​We invite you to read his obituary by CLICKING HERE. Please keep his wife, Kathy, along with their children and grandchildren, in your prayers during this difficult time.
​

The Rev. Kevin Coffey 

Introductory Centering Prayer Workshop
Led by CSJB Oblate Pat McKenzie
 
Join us for a peaceful morning of spiritual renewal on Saturday, July 12, from 9:15 AM to 12:00 PM at St. John's Church, Boonton.
 
This introductory workshop will explore the Christian contemplative practice of Centering Prayer—a method of silent meditation that helps deepen your relationship with God. Learn how cultivating inner stillness can open space for God's presence and offer a restful reprieve from the noise of daily life.

 There is no charge to attend, though free-will offerings are gratefully accepted to help cover our costs. Following the workshop, you're warmly invited to stay for our Saturday Social Luncheon, also offered at no cost.
 
Please RSVP to Pat McKenzie at [email protected].

ST. JOHN BAPTIST SCHOOL ALUMNAE

Alumnae at the 2024 SJBS reunion

The annual St. John Baptist reunion will be on Saturday, August 23, starting at 10:00 AM at St. Marguerite's Retreat House. Please email Retreat House Manager Brad Kalos at [email protected] if you would like to stay overnight. Also, email alumna Pam Nelon at [email protected] if you'd like to bring something to the potluck. There will be a book signing by Sr. Monica Clare on Saturday, so be sure to bring your copy of Change of Habit.

​R.I.P. Marjory Hopper, SJBS '67

We received the sad news from Jane Watts Hanson that St. John Baptist School alumna Marjory Hopper died on June 29.

​Both Marjory and her sister, Jane, attended St. John Baptist School. Prayers are requested for her loved ones as they mourn the passing of a truly wonderful lady. 

Marjory and her husband, John, in 2022

Baccalaureate ’67 (L to R)— Pam Herrmann O’Leary, Margie Watts Hopper, Mary Schmidt, Chris Truhan Huffman, Margo Dixon Burgess, Lorraine Mancinone Emmanuel, Barbara Dabanoff Jebijian

​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 Monica Clare at [email protected] if you are interested in joining.

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:

Sister Deborah Francis (3rd from R) with friends at Grace Lutheran Church for the Prayer Walk on June 14

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

• 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:

Sr. Laura Katharine (L) hugging the Rt. Rev. Mary Glasspool, Bishop Assistant of the Diocese of New York, at Bishop Glasspool's retirement celebration in the Cathedral of St. John the Divine on May 31.

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
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 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

Sister Victoria Michelle (R) with fellow volunteers at Homeless Solutions on May 17

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.

(L ro R) Sister Linda Clare, Sister Beatrice Evelyn, Sister Suzanne Elizabeth, and Sister Pamela in the sitting room at recreation.