UPDATES FROM THE SISTERS - March 2022

​Our faith is harshly tested--trials without, far harsher trials within--till we have nearly sunk--till hope comes in to our aid and bids us look on, look above, try yet again, make progress.

--Mother Harriet

​Our Mother Foundress Harriet Monsell is remembered in the church calendar each year on March 26. Her dream to provide healing and hope to a troubled world still lives on in the Community of St. John Baptist as we continually find ways to, in her words, “meet the needs of the day.”

In this season of Lent, we are reminded of the exhortation of our patron Saint, John the Baptist, to repent. The earliest works of CSJB in England were part of the Anglican penitentiary movement which sought a new way of rehabilitating “penitents” instead of punishing them in prisons or workhouses. The word penitent had a different meaning in that context than we understand it today. It meant a transformation in the sense of metanoia - to turn one’s life around. 

​​Penitents came to CSJB's Houses of Mercy for education, job skills, and a solid spiritual foundation to turn their lives away from the cycle of poverty and towards a healthy, productive, and joyful life with God. CSJB’s works, both then and now, seek to direct people to Christ just as our Mother Foundress, our patron Saint, and all our Sisters have done before us.

​If you’d like to learn more about our Mother Foundress, you can read her biography online by CLICKING HERE. The appendix of the biography contains excellent suggestions for meditations, written by Mother Harriet.

A young lady with the resident cat at St. Michael's Home in Mamaroneck, NY where adolescent girls were taught embroidery, sewing, and other job skills while receiving an excellent education.

In addition to Houses of Mercy, the CSJB Sisters also ran schools, hospitals, and orphanages. Sister Emma (R) is pictured with staff and residents of  St. Augustine's Home for Boys in England.

Valerie Bonham is the author of three books on the history of CSJB in England:
A Joyous Service,
A Place in Life, and
Sisters of the Raj.

​Her latest book, Living Stones, tells the story of CSJB"s work in America from the 1870s to the 1940s.

She is currently writing a new book, The Second Spring, about our work from the 1940s till the present time. Please email Sister Pamela at [email protected] if you'd like to order any of these books.

SISTER BARBARA JEAN

On March 18, Sister Barbara Jean celebrated her 80th birthday at the Convent.
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​In non-COVID times we would have invited her many, many friends and colleagues to celebrate with us, but as our Convent is still closed to outside guests we had a small gathering with just the Sisters and Convent staff. Sister Pamela made a special orange Bundt cake (one of Sister BJ’s favorites) and there were balloons from St. Mark’s Mendham and a bouquet of flowers from the Sisters. 

L to R: Sister Laura Katharine, Sister Pamela, Sister Barbara Jean, and Sister Suzanne Elizabeth at Sister Barbara Jean's birthday celebration.

We also made cards for Sister – most notably a multi-page 8.5x11” booklet by Sister Margo Elizabeth on Sister Barbara Jean’s favorite show – Star Trek! Sister Barbara Jean thanks everyone who sent cards, flowers, and gifts to her for her birthday. She says it’s the best birthday she's ever had.
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GARDEN OF HOPE - A GOOD NEWS GARDEN

By CSJB Associate Julie Crawford. 
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3 Generations of Bret Kiefer's Family with Sister Linda planning the workday at the foundational frame for the new greenhouse L to R: Randy Rossilli Sr, Luke Kiefer, Bret Kiefer, Jack Kiefer, Sr. Linda Clare
Photos by Julie Crawford

​With the call of Spring, activities moved forward at our Garden of Hope. We are blessed with the presence of Mendham Boy Scout Troop 1. This month, Eagle Scout Candidate Bret Kiefer of Chester, mobilized three different work teams to make progress on a number of tasks: garden house foundation and framing, compost bin construction, hedge trimming, demolition of rotting boards, ground preparation for new beds, leaf blowing and black walnut nut collection around St Marguerite's Retreat House. The Scout participants ranged in age from 8-19 and their hours earned them community service credit for their advancement in scout levels. Kudos to Bret for his leadership skills.

​The Scouts will return in early April to install a different type of bed at the garden, one rooted in agrarian practices for over a century in England. The Troop will also complete the garden path mulching and fencing restoration.

Scouts working to level and construct foundation of new greenhouse L to R: Ryan Smith, Luke Kiefer, Jack Kiefer, Matthew Eberhart, Bill Gannon

Thank you BSA Troop 1

Greenhouse foundation and framework completed in one day!

Longtime employee Brandon McCurdy assists Life Scout soon to be Eagle Scout Bret Kiefer and Cub Scouts with brush removal

Photo: Teamwork break.  The scouts also did some leaf blowing and black walnut nut removal.  They also spent some time clearing the labyrinth of sticks and leaves.   In the foreground is the old patio in need of restoration.  As a Good News Garden, placement of spaces for contemplative gardening is a goal.  The Convent is in search of options for restoration of this Sacred Space.  Reverend Pamela Dolan recently presented for Good News Garden on Contemplative Gardening.  
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THE GOOD SHEPHERD HOME IN CAMEROON

We are very happy to report that two extremely generous donors - Margaret Dohnalek and Marty Jeiven - have provided the funds to replace the water system at the Good Shepherd Home for Children in Cameroon. The Sisters, staff, and children are all so grateful to Margaret and Marty for their kindness.
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Sister Jane Mankaa’s brother, Dr. Shu Walters, says:

​“Thank you so much for what you do for the orphanage and for having been able to come up with these funds for the water project. This will go a long way in helping the community. This will reduce the risk of the children going to the bush in search of water as well as it will reduce their chances of contracting some diseases.”

One of the sweet babies at the Good Shepherd Home.

Boys tending the farm at the Good Shepherd Home

April 1, 2022, will mark the first anniversary of the death of Sister Jane Mankaa, the foundress and guiding light of the Good Shepherd Home. Please join us in prayers of remembrance for this saint of Cameroon, and for God's continued blessings on the ministry she founded.

​If you are interested in being a Good Shepherd Home sponsor for $40.00 a month, please email [email protected] for more information. Our goal is to find 100 new sponsors, and so far we have found 10. 

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

CSJB SEARCHERS

Over the last two years, several Searchers have expressed interest in coming to CSJB for their Vocational Visit – the 1-month live-in with the Sisters during which women interested in being Sisters can worship, learn, and pray with us. After the 1-month visit, the Community and the Searcher can determine whether it feels right for the Searcher to become a Postulant. Because of COVID restrictions, we’ve been frustrated at not having a safe way for our Searchers to make their Vocational Visits but we’re very happy to say we’ve figured it out! 

L to R: Sr. Monica Clare, Diana Baudelaire, Sr. Pamela during Diana's first visit to CSJB in Feb. 2020.

Searcher Diana Baudelaire, from Washington State, will be visiting CSJB in June. She’ll quarantine at our cottage for five days, then test for COVID. If her test is negative, Diana will stay at the Convent for the remainder of her visit. ​

Mary Freiberger with Sister Suzanne Elizabeth

​This month we welcomed another Searcher, Mary Freiberger, who stayed at the cottage for a few days and met with Sister Suzanne Elizabeth for spiritual direction. Mary attends the Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, TX, and she is discerning God’s call. We hope she’ll visit us again.
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Please keep Mary, Diana, and all our CSJB Searchers in your prayers as they discern God’s will in their lives.

​

ST. MARGUERITE'S RETREAT HOUSE

The Ignatian Spirituality Project, women's team of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Ridgewood, NJ returned to St. Marguerite's this month for the second of their three retreats for 2022. ISP was founded in 1998 in Chicago, IL by Fr. Bill Creed, SJ, and Ed Shurna (formerly Executive Director of the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless). The Ignatian Spirituality Project (ISP) offers experiences of hope, healing, and belonging to men and women recovering from homelessness and addiction. Their men’s group also holds its retreats at St. Marguerite’s.

Ignation Spirituality Project, from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, in the Chapel at St. Marguerite's

(L to R) The Rt. Rev. Allen K. Shin, The Rt. Rev. Mary D. Glasspool, The Rt. Rev. R. William Franklin, The Rt. Rev. Andrew ML Dietsche, The Rt. Rev. Carlye J. Hughes, The Rt. Rev. DeDe Duncan-Probe, The Rt. Rev. Stephen Lane, and The Rt. Rev. Geralyn Wolf.

​This month we also welcomed the Bishops of Province II of the Episcopal Church for their annual retreat. We are happy to provide a place of retreat and refreshment for these faithful servants of God as they continue leading the church through the pandemic. 

​The Healing Light of Christ Chapter of the Order of St. Luke from St. Stephen’s in Waretown, NJ held their annual retreat at St. Marguerite’s this month. Under the leadership of their long-time convener, Corinne Cromwell, who is 95 years young, the group is “Fearless, Childlike, and Bold.”

We also welcomed the Vestry of St. Michael’s Church (Manhattan) and the Vestry of the Church of the Atonement, (Tenafly NJ) for overnight retreats. Christ Church, (Summit, NJ) held a women’s day retreat at St. Marguerite’s on March 16.
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Many thanks to Retreat House Manager Brad Kalos and Banquet Chef RJ Lewis for making all these groups feel so welcome.

If you'd like to book an overnight or day retreat for your group, please contact Brad Kalos at [email protected].
​

Healing LIght of Christ Chapter of the Order of St. Luke at St. Marguerite's

LENTEN RETREATS

The season of Lent is an excellent time for retreats and quiet days, and some of the CSJB Sisters had the privilege of leading Lenten quiet days and meditations this month.
Sister Victoria Michelle led a Lenten Labyrinth walk at the Convent on March 5. This walk was in partnership with the Mendham Faith Leaders group, which 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. Sister Victoria Michelle also led a Zoom retreat on the “Names of God” on March 12.

Sister Victoria Michelle with a group at the CSJB Labyrinth March 5.  She provided  handouts, , instructions and meditations, to all the walkers. If you'd like to schedule a labyrinth walk with Sister Victoria Michelle, email Sister Monica Clare at [email protected].

Sister Monica Clare presented an evening Zoom retreat for All Saints Millington on March 14 entitled “Creative Ways to Pray”. She led participants through prayer and meditation techniques that are different from the more traditional ideas of prayer. 

Sister Linda Clare and the Rev. Margaret Otterburn (3rd and 4th from R) with Zoom and in-person retreatants March 19

Sister Linda Clare led a quiet day at the Church of the Messiah in Chester on March 19 entitled “Stoking the Fire”. The theme of the retreat focused on Micah 6:8, and Parishioners participated both in-person and on Zoom.

Rabbi Deb Smith and Sister. Eleanor Francis will be giving a Zoom retreat for ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal on March 30 from 7:30 to 9:00 PM. The retreat will explore the parable of the Prodigal Son from both a Jewish and Christian perspective. There will be time for questions and discussion for all participants. 

To register for the March 30 retreat, please go to: https://aleph.org/virtualprograms/. If you need further information please contact Sr. Eleanor Francis at [email protected] or call
​ 973-543-4641 ex.3.
​

SERMONS

CSJB Sisters take turns preaching at the Eucharist in our chapel.
Sister Linda Clare’s sermon from March 20 can be READ HERE

Sister Deborah Francis’ sermon from March 13 can be READ HERE.

Sister Eleanor Francis' sermon from March 27 can be read HERE
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Sister Eleanor Francis and Sister Victoria Michelle preach regularly at St. Mark’s Mendham and the Church of the Messiah.  Sister Monica Clare sometimes preaches via Zoom at All Saints Millington.

Sister Eleanor Francis preaching at St. Mark's on March 27
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ASSOCIATES AND OBLATES

Our monthly Zoom prayers, organized by CSJB Associates and Oblates, are a source of comfort and strength in these trying times.

Many thanks to CSJB Associate Margaret Erath, who nominated us to be a recipient of donations through Thrivent Choice.

Thrivent is a nonprofit financial services company that originated in the Lutheran Church but is now open to investors from all branches of Christianity. Thrivent regularly donates up to 43 million dollars a year through its charitable outreach funds. 

Carol Ann Boccino, the mother of CSJB Associate Ken Boccino, died on March 19, 2022. Her funeral was held on March 24 in Freehold, NJ. Please join us in praying for Ken and his family at this difficult time. Carol’s obituary can be FOUND HERE.
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ST. JOHN BAPTIST SCHOOL ALUMNAE

NEWS FROM THE ALUMS:
Kate Symonds, class of 1971. I'm very proud of myself as I have retired from all forms of gainful employment. I worked for the Postal Service for 22 years; spent 4 and 1/2 years working at a local horse stable. 2 weeks after retiring from that, I adopted a horse. Life is good.
 
Sarah Benson says: We are leaving the Florida Keys after 45 years. We will be restoring a beautiful schoolhouse in Frost West Virginia. My husband loves construction.
 
Susan Gibbs - Class of 1959 always hoping to see news about our class. In touch with 4 of them. Life is good here in Austin Texas!
 
Deb (Blair) Kamins
Mitch and I have recently moved out of VA, and hope to settle soon in a new home near the beach in Delaware. Downsizing is not a job for the weak! 

If you're a St. John Baptist School alumna and you'd like to stay connected, join the Facebook Group for alums HERE.

1968:Debbie (Blair)Kamins, Carole Artebury, Carmen Bowser

1969: Clare(Samsonoff)Phillips, Roxie (Brissey) Gunter, Anne Welle
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BOOKS BY CSJB SISTERS

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.

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.

On April 6, Sister Eleanor Francis’ story of being a second-generation Holocaust survivor will be officially released as part of a new book called From Generation to Generation: Essays by Children of Holocaust Survivors. 

The book was edited by Dr. Robert Ready and Dr. Ann I. Saltzman as part of the Drew University Center for Holocaust/Genocide Study. We will provide a link to the book on our CSJB home page and our CSJB Facebook page when it is available for sale.

Please email Sister Eleanor Francis at [email protected] if you'd like more information.

LOOKING AHEAD

CENTERING PRAYER
​Every Thursday from 7:15 to 8:15
On Zoom
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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.

CLASS: THE JEWISHNESS OF JESUS
​Every Friday morning
​On Zoom
​
This class brings together participants from all faiths to discuss topics and materials related to Jesus' Jewish perspective. The current class reading is Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi
By: Amy-Jill Levine

If you'd like to participate, please email Sister Eleanor Francis at [email protected].

LENTEN RETREAT (ON ZOOM)
WEDNESDAY MARCH 30, 7:30-9:00 PM.
Rabbi Deb Smith and Sr. Eleanor Francis will explore the parable of the Prodigal Son from both a Jewish and Christian perspective. There will be time for all who wish to participate.  To register, please go to : https://aleph.org/virtualprograms/.
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If you need further information please contact Sr. Eleanor Francis at [email protected] or phone at 973-543-4641 ex.3.

JOIN US FOR PRAYER ON ZOOM
Friday April 8
​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.

CELTIC JOURNEYS
Due to the Corona Virus pandemic, many of our 2021 Celtic Journeys were canceled, but Please see our trips for 2022!
 
https://www.celticjourneys.org/copy-of-ireland 

​https://www.celticjourneys.org/cornwall
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For more information, contact Sister Margo Elizabeth:
Phone: 973 543 4641 ext 4                      
Email: [email protected]

LABYRINTH WALKS
Walk our labyrinth and learn about this ancient way of prayer.  

Our Labyrinth is  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 [email protected]

PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR

Spring crocus at CSJB.
​Photo by Sister Margo Elizabeth

The people of Ukraine and Russia, and all people affected by military conflict.

​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 all those affected by mass shootings,
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,       

Andy
Annette
Anthony
Aurora
Autumn
Barbara
Bill and Carol
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 Gil
Julian
Kamala
Kathleen
Kia
Lana
Larry and his daughter
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
Shane
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.
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OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO

All who have given so generously to our Reaching Out appeal for 2021.

All who sent donations, gifts, and cards to CSJB for Christmas.
​
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

Sister Laura Katharine lighting vigil candles in the CSJB chapel hallway

Magdalena Aders
Peter J. Arney and George W. Jordan III
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
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
​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

Vivid sunset behind St. Marguerite's

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

WOULD YOU LIKE TO INCLUDE CSJB IN YOUR ESTATE PLANNING?
If you’d like information on how to arrange a legacy gift, please email Sister Monica Clare at [email protected] or call 973-543-4641 ext. 2.
 
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.

Some of the CSJB Sisters walking the Stations of the Cross in the Main Chapel

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.