UPDATES FROM THE SISTERS - march 2023

Visions, which stimulate the renewed energies,
inspiring fresh thoughts of loving service,
fresh forms of self-devotion,
ever springing
​hope in trials,
ceaseless joy in greatest sacrifices.
--Mother Harriet
​

Daffodils in the refectory at CSJB

Felicidades, Ana Antunez

Ana Antunez, CSJB staff member

​This month we celebrate a new beginning with CSJB staff member Ana Antunez, who passed her U.S. citizenship test and took her Oath of Citizenship to officially become a U.S. citizen! Ana is originally from Tegucigalpa, Honduras, and first came to the U.S. on December 17, 1990. She has been an invaluable member of the CSJB housekeeping staff since 2007. We are all so happy for her and we are truly blessed to have her hardworking, unfailingly positive personality among us. Please join us in praying for Ana and her wonderful family as they rejoice in this good news.
​

CELTIC JOURNEYS IS BACK!

After three long years of being unable to travel during the pandemic, the Celtic Journeys ministry finally began again in February with Sister Margo Elizabeth leading a Spring Retreat on Lindesfarne (Holy Island) in England from Feb. 24 – March 4.
 
Participants arrived at Edinburgh International Airport and then traveled directly to Holy Island along a scenic coastal route above the North Sea. Each day provided plenty of space for prayer and meditation, as well as opportunities for Morning and evening prayer, an occasional Eucharist at the 15th c. Anglican Church of St Mary the Virgin, and other worship opportunities at the Aidan and Hilda Community’s chapel. 

​According to Sister Margo, “Lindisfarne is a causal island, accessible by car and coach at low tide. But when the tides come in, this tiny island is transformed, enfolded in stillness. Steeped in history going back as far as the Saxon period, many well-known saints were associated with Holy Island, the island almost taking on an aura of its own (Aidan, Cuthbert, King Oswald, the Lindisfarne Gospels!). Lindisfarne is famous internationally for its medieval religious heritage, its picturesque 16th century castle, and for its wildlife. But many are simply attracted to the peace and tranquility which pervades this very special island.”

Sister Margo Elizabeth (Top row, right) with Celtic Journeys retreatants on Holy Island

Ruins of Lindesfarne priory on Holy Island

For information on Sister Margo’s upcoming Celtic Journeys, go to www.celticjourneys.org.
​

THE GOOD SHEPHERD HOME IN CAMEROON

Akwa Gilberto, who was the first child received at the Good Shepherd Home and is now a doctor, gives this report from his Mother Jane Legacy Foundation: "We have many many kids who are out of school, those who have fulfilled our criteria and we managed to provide books, bags, and other materials have been sent out of school long ago because of lack of funds. We take the rights of every child seriously. We take the education of every child seriously. We believe that the future of any nation passes through education and training of our children. That is why we are at the service of all children, most importantly the the orphans and less privileged whose situation has been worsen by the war, in order to give them equal opportunities and a shot at a lifestyle they never dreamed to have. That is the mission and soul of the Mother Jane Legacy Foundation". If you'd like to help Dr. Gilberto with his Foundation, CLICK here for more information.

Dr. Gilberto with Lidwines, a 21-year old woman on whom he performed life-saving breast cancer surgery. His Foundation is now helping to support her education to become a midwife.

Good Shepherd Home children helping in the vegetable garden

The Good Shepherd Home currently houses over 100 orphaned children, and contributions from our generous donors provide their food, school fees, and medical care.

Sister Mary Lawrence, Sister Zilla, staff members, and older children keep the Home running smoothly.

​If you are interested in becoming a Good Shepherd Home sponsor for as little as $40.00 a month, please email 
[email protected] for more information

MENDHAM FAITH LEADERS LENTEN LUNCHEON SERIES

Sister Linda Clare preaching at Grace Lutheran on March 9

The Mendham Faith Leaders have concluded our annual Lenten Luncheon Series which took place on Wednesdays at noon throughout Lent. The Series was held at Grace Lutheran Church and included a meditative service followed by a simple meal of soup and bread. Sister Linda led the service on March 9. You may read her sermon HERE. She also put together a worship service bulletin which can be READ HERE. 

This year’s Lenten Luncheon series leaders were: Feb. 22 - Scot McCachren, Hilltop Presbyterian Church, March 1 - Nicolette Siragusa, Brookside Church (UCC), March 9 – Sister Linda Clare, Community of St. John Baptist, March 15 - Lorna Erixson, St. Mark's Episcopal Church, March 22 - Minho Cho, Mendham United Methodist Church, March 29 - The Rev. Lorna Erixson and Nicolette Siragusa.

We hope you will join us next year for prayer, hymns, meditation and excellent soup!

Sister Victoria Michelle chatting with our friends from the Sisters of Christian Charity before the service
​

Sister Victoria serving soup at the Lenten Luncheon

CSJB LENTEN RETREATS

​Two of our Sisters led Lenten retreats this year. Sister Victoria led a Zoom retreat on the Miracles of Jesus March 18, and Sister Monica led a quiet day on “Praying the Psalms in Lent” in-person at All Saints’ Millington on March 11. Sister Monica also led a quiet day at St. Marguerite’s Retreat House on March 25 entitled “Creative Forms of Prayer” for retreatants from the Church of St. Luke in the Fields in Manhattan. If you’d like information on having a Sister lead a retreat or quiet day for your group, please contact Sister Monica Clare at [email protected].

​

Sister Monica with retreatants at All Saints Millington on March 11

CSJB ASSISTS GROW IT GREEN
​AT THE SISTERS OF CHARITY GREENHOUSE

From CSJB Associate Julie Crawford

(L to R) St Marguerite’s Banquet Chef Ronald Lewis, CSJB Staff member Donna MacKenzie, and  Sr Linda Clare spent an afternoon planting seedlings for Grow It Green’s urban farms.  The greenhouse is on the campus of The Sisters of Charity in Convent Station, NJ.  More About Grow It Green

In preparation for the Spring season, members from the Community of St John Baptist met with Farmer Shaun Ananko of Grow It Green at their greenhouse located on the Convent Station campus of The Sisters of Charity.  Through its Farm-to-Pantry  program, Grow It Green donated over 16,000 pounds of produce to food pantries last year and now provides a voucher program for food shares in the region.  Throughout the year the organization also partners with other local vendors and promotes a Farmers Market extending its goal to bring freshly harvested food (with low transportation carbon emissions)  to community plates in New Jersey.  You can show support through donations or the upcoming Grow It Green Spring Into Action Gala.

LENTEN PROGRAM

On Wednesday March 15, Rabbi Deb Smith and Sr. Eleanor Francis presented a program on “The Prodigal Son”.

​They spoke from both a Christian and a Jewish point of view.  CSJB Associate George Witterschein showed and explained two paintings of the Prodigal Son—the famous Rembrandt and not as well- known Murillo. The program was well-attended by CSJB Associates, other Christians, and Jewish people.  

​Look for another interfaith program in the fall.

The Return of the Prodigal Son (c. 1667-1670) by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo

CSJB AND MANSION IN MAY

The Three Fields Mansion in Mendham

This year, the Sisters of CSJB are partnering with the Mansion in May event which is the signature fundraiser for Morristown Medical Center. The 2023 designer showcase mansion is Three Fields, located in Mendham, and we will be providing parking for the event on our school property. Visitors will park at CSJB, then travel by buses to the mansion to see rooms decorated by top interior designers. They’ll also be treated to a history presentation about our community as they wait for their buses. The event has been sponsored by the Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center (WAMMC) since 1974 and it has raised over $12 million to support the hospital. Mansion in May runs throughout the month of May, and you can CLICK HERE for tickets. 

KOOKY THE CONVENT CAT

On March 17, we said goodbye to our beloved Convent kitty, Kooky, who  passed away at age 17. Kooky had a long, interesting life that began as a stray kitten in New York City. She was adopted by musicians, then given to Sister Lura Grace’s son, Scott, when her musician owners moved abroad. Unfortunately Scott’s fiancée was so allergic to cats that he had to give Kooky to Sister Laura Katharine and Sister Deborah Francis, who were living and working at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin in NYC at the time. ​Kooky was the resident cat at St. Mary’s for eleven years.

Kooky was laid to rest under the magnolia tree in the courtyard.
​

Kooky was a beautiful tortoiseshell cat

She then moved to Mendham with Sister Laura Katharine and Sister Monica Clare in 2018 and lived out the rest of her days here at the Convent. Kooky was a tortoiseshell with “tortitude” but she also was very cuddly and affectionate. She "wrote" many hilarious articles for the CSJB newsletter, too. We will miss our beautiful little companion who gave us so much joy and laughter over the years. 

BANNER MADE BY CSJB SISTERS AND ST. ANNA’S GIRLS

The Community of St. John Baptist has had a strong connection to St. Luke in the Fields church in NYC for many decades. 
​
Fr. Paul Weed, Vicar of St. Luke's from 1949-1971, was Warden of CSJB for more than 30 years, and several CSJB Sisters lived and worked at St. Luke's for many years . While researching her book on ecclesiastical textiles, Associate Marianna Klaiman discovered an even deeper connection between the two.  In 1981 St. Luke suffered a devastating fire which gutted the interior of the church. Almost nothing survived, especially something as fragile as textiles. 

St. Ann and the Virgin Mary banner at St. Luke in the Fields (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

St. Ann and the Virgin Mary banner at CSJB

When sacristan Sean Scheller opened a custom-made acid-free box holding one of the precious objects to have survived the fire, a banner of St. Ann and the Virgin Mary, Marianna immediately recognized it as nearly identical to one hanging inside a cabinet in the church workroom in Mendham. 

​A miracle of survival now holds even more meaning with the discovery of its faithful connection to the Sisters of St. John Baptist and St. Luke in the Field.

HILLTOP PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

On March 18, we welcomed the First Presbyterian Session Retreat to our Main Chapel. A Session is an elected group of church leaders who guide the congregation in both practical and spiritual matters.

​Rev. Scot McCachren, who previously served at the Presbyterian Church in Morristown and First Presbyterian Church of East Hampton, has been Pastor at historic Hilltop Church in Mendham since June 2022. He is an active member of the Mendham Faith Leaders and we are so happy that he thought of our Main Chapel for his retreat group. We look forward to more collaboration with our friends at Hilltop.

Our Main Chapel is available for events, meetings, and small weddings. Please email [email protected] for information.

Pastor Scot McCachren (L) with participants in the Session Retreat in the Main Chapel

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR CSJB Associates, Oblates, and friends:
​ANTI-RACISM AND JUSTICE GROUP AT ST. PETERS, MORRISTOWN

 ​From Kathleen Carozza –

“St. Peter's Morristown has an Anti-racism and Justice Study Group that meets once a month on zoom. Each month we have an assignment, sometimes we read and discuss, sometimes we watch and come together for discussion.

We meet on the second Thursday of the month from 7:00 to 8:00.  If your church has a group and would like to do something together, or your group is looking to revitalize with a new direction, we too are looking at ways to expand this ministry. One thing we'd like to plan in the near future is a trip to the Stroutsburg Sourland African American Museum  in NJ.”
 
Please email Kathleen at [email protected] to register, or call her at 973-452-2094.

St. Peter's Church in Morristown
​

ST. MARGUERITE’S RETREAT HOUSE

Priests and seminarians of the American National Catholic Church in the chapel at St. Marguerite's

It’s been another busy month at the Retreat House. The vestry of St. George’s Church in Maplewood were here March 3-4, led by the Rev. Grant Mansfield. On March 10-11 we hosted priests and seminarians of the American National Catholic Church for their Lenten Day of Reflection. The Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Ignatian Retreat program brought the women’s group to St. Marguerite’s March 11-12, and the Order of St. Luke was here March 16-18. The women’s group from Christ Church, Summit was at the Retreat House March 18-19, the Church of St. Luke in the Fields Lenten Retreat was here March 24-16, and we will be welcoming the Diocese of New Jersey Hispanic Ministries group March 31-April 1.

If you’d like to bring your group for a retreat at St. Marguerite’s, please contact our Retreat House Manager Brad Kalos at [email protected] or call 973-543-4582. We welcome groups from all faith traditions as well as corporate retreats, receptions, and day meetings. CLICK HERE for more information.

St. George's, Maplewood Vestry at the Retreat House

Our Lady of Mount Carmel retreatants 

SERMONS

​Our Sisters preach regularly in the CSJB Chapel and at local parishes. Click on the links below to read some of our sermons from March:
 
CLICK HERE for a sermon by Sister Linda Clare
​
CLICK HERE for a sermon by
Sister Deborah Francis
​
CLICK HERE for a sermon by
Sister Eleanor Francis
​
CLICK HERE for a sermon by Sister Monica Clare

Sister Laura Katharine preaching on the Feast of the Assumption

 Sister Monica Clare also sings in the choir at All Saints Millington CLICK HERE for a video of the choir singing “Ave Verum Corpus” by Mozart at Sunday worship.

​

ASSOCIATES AND OBLATES

From Sister Eleanor Francis

The annual retreat for Oblates was held on March 10 and 11 on Zoom.  The leader was CSJB Associate The Rev. John Beddingfield. He is the rector of the Church of the Holy Trinity in Manhattan. His topic was “Poetry of St. John of the Cross.” The next program for Associates will also be on Zoom. It will be held on Saturday May 6 from 10:00 to 1:00. They will have the noted speaker The Rev. Barbara Crafton.  The subject will be “Canticle 12.”  

Please email [email protected] for registration info. Mail to: Community of St. John Baptist c/o Sr. Eleanor Francis P.O. Box 240 Mendham, NJ 07945. Close to the date of the program our host, using your email address, will send you a link
 
In-person programs for Associates and Oblates, but in small numbers, will also take place this spring.

Francisco de Zurbarán, “St. John of the Cross,” 1656

The next group of new Associates is preparing to be received on Commemoration Day - June 24, 2023.”
​

ST. JOHN BAPTIST SCHOOL ALUMNAE

The Rev. Joyce McGirr (SJBS 61) saw the photo of schoolgirls with the SJBS sign in the December newsletter and pointed out that what we posted was only half the photo. She told us there was actually a whole other part of the photo containing her and the rest of the class of 1961. Joyce sent us the full photo, and we’re happy to see it in its full glory.

Joyce also provided us with this very helpful caption:
Left Side Group- Left to Right:
 Back Row: Barbara Lane Daly-Schpok, Joyce Bearden McGirr, Tia Pustroem Aarissmaa, Sheelagh Aselford Lanterman, Katherine Minifie, Ann Ahlsen Small,
Front Row:  Garland Talmage Riggs, Susan Meyer, Sonja Persson
Sitting in Front:  Astrid Wieckmann Fedorow

​Right Side Group by St John Baptist Pole -Left to Right:
 
Back (leaning on pole) Mary (Molly) Breck Edwards
Back Row: Katherine (Katie) Mitchell Hough, Frances (Fran) Bramhall Wittgens, Rebecca (Lexy) Zabenko, Susanna Massey Walsh, Judith Hogan Baquerizo
Front Row sitting: Mary Ann Lewis Renn, Marian Shilstone,
Sitting in front on snow:  Ruth Robinson, Kathleen Wilkinson McCain

CSJB BOOKS

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

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

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

From Generation to Generation: Essays by Children of Holocaust Survivors, published by the Drew University Center for Holocaust/Genocide Study,is a compilation of eleven essays written by ten second-generation Holocaust survivors. Sr. Eleanor Francis, CSJB is one of the writers. 
The first printing of our From Generation to Generation is entirely sold out.  We are waiting for a second printing. 
If you'd like to order a copy, we can place you on the waiting list. The cost is $15, plus shipping. Please contact Sister Eleanor Francis at [email protected] to order.
​
There will be a 30th anniversary celebration of the Drew Holocaust/Genocide Center in the fall. By that time, the second printing of the book will definitely be available.  In the meantime, the Holocaust Center has produced a free Online version, which is available on the Drew University Holocaust/Genocide Center website. 

​

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. Please email Sister Eleanor Francis at [email protected] if you are interested in joining.

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

CLASS: THE JEWISHNESS OF JESUS
​Every Friday morning  - On Zoom
The Friday morning “Jewish Jesus” class, led by Rabbi Deb Smith and Sr. Eleanor Francis,  has begun a new book:  The Bible with and without Jesus by Amy Jill Levine.
 
.See our Events Page for the upcoming March 15 Lenten program which will explore Christian and Jewish approaches to The Prodigal Son.  In the fall, (no date set yet), there will be a program called "Eastern Spirituality for Western Seekers."  

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

PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR

All who have suffered from gun violence.

For all people affected by military conflict.

​For all victims of human trafficking.

All who are suffering grief, loss, and illness.

For peace in the Middle East and peace in Ukraine,

For refugees throughout the world

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

Sister Suzanne Elizabeth with Clara the Convent kitty

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

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

Michael
Michelle
Mossman​, Jr.
Myles
Myram
​Nancy
Nicole
Nikki
Noah
Norman
​Paige
Pat and Ellie
Patrick
Patty
​Peter
Phoebe
Rayvon and Beth
Rebecca and her family
​Richard and Ginger
River
Rob
​Ryan
Salma
Sam and her children
Sarah
Shane
​Shaun and family
Sheila
Sister Barbara Jean
Stephanie
Sully
Susan and family
Suzanne
Tiffany
Tom
Tommy
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 Pamela, Sister Mary Lynne, Jennie  and Brad Kalos greeting guests in the Convent chapel
​

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

Magdalena Aders
​Carol Albert
Peter J. Arney and George W. Jordan III
​Kathleen Shea Aregood
Donna Aubel
Barbara Barbeau
Nancy Munch-Bilheimer
MaryJane Boland
Joe Boney
The Rev. Valerie Bonham
Carmen Bowser
Christine Brodeur
The Rev. Deacon Cathy Brunson
​The Rev. Deacon Johnine Byrer
Chris Chrystal and Myram Borders
Julie Crawford
Rosemary DaCuna
Hans Dekker and the Hyde and Watson Foundation
Rosina B. Dixon
Margaret Dohnalek
Mary and the Rt. Rev. HerberDonovan
Gerrie Dressler
Lorraine Emanuel
Kay & Frank Failla
Joanne Foster
​John Forney and family
Susan Fuller and family
Mayor Christine Glassner
Bill and Gay Grier
In memorium, Elizabeth S. Halpin
Harris Family

Jane Hayden
Sister Marcia Hobart
​Margaret Johnson
Bradley Kalos
Judi Kerr
The Very Rev. H. Scott Kirby and family
​Ken and Kathy Kopec
Joyce McGirr
​Holly Meeks
Janet Maulbeck and Interweave
Patrice and Doug McKenzie
​Anne Mell
Jane and Peter Mercer
Connie Moore
​Linda Lee Mundy
Mayor Sarah Neibart
Bart Oates
Jan Paxton
Judy Picciano
Susan and Joseph Pigott
J. Vincent Reppert
Jack and Penny Rohrbach
Michael Reiter
Ed Roworth
Anne Salvatore and family
​The Rev. Dr. Ronnie T. Stout-Kopp
William and Madeleine Thompson
Juli Shea Towell
Myles Varley
​Nick Vytell
Alix Weisz
Joannah Wilmerding

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

TO SUPPORT OUR GENERAL FUND

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

The Retreat House in snow in early March

YOUR LEGACY FOR CSJB

A window reflected as a cross on the stairwell at 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.
​

Jennie and Sister Pamela meditating before noonday prayer in the Convent chapel