UPDATES FROM THE SISTERS - November 2022

We thank Thee Lord, for happy hearts,
For rain and sunny weather.
We thank Thee, Lord, for this our food,
And that we are together.
 
Emilie Fendall Johnson in A Little Book of Prayers © 1941

(L to R) Sister linda Clare, staff member Donna McKenzie, Sister Eleanor Francis, Sister Pamela, and Sister Deborah Francis enjoying Thanksgiving dinner at the Convent. (CLICK ON ANY PHOTO TO ENLARGE)
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THANK YOU!

Jennie with Sister Linda Clare's altar decorations for Thanksgiving (photo by the Rev. Mary Julia Jett)

CSJB staff member RJ Lewis and Sister Pamela preparing Thanksgiving dinner.
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In this time of Thanksgiving, we Sisters give thanks for all our Oblates, Associates, and friends who support our ministries and our life of prayer.

We are thankful for all the people who contribute their time, their financial gifts, and their prayers to continue God’s work through our Community. We Sisters have seen our work expand in so many unexpected ways during the pandemic, and we never could have done it without all of you.

We give thanks for our weekly zoom centering prayer, our monthly intercessory prayer group, our Garden of Hope volunteers, our Good Shepherd Home supporters, our new Boy Scout troop, all the retreat groups who’ve visited St. Marguerite’s, and for so many of our other blessings.

​We thank our loving God for the joy of living the religious life in His service.
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MENDHAM FAITH LEADERS “BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING” TURKEY DRIVE

The Mendham Faith Leaders held its annual Blessed to Be a Blessing turkey drive on the first three Sundays of November, and we thank all the generous people who donated turkeys, chickens, and all the Thanksgiving fixings to needy families through the Morris County Interfaith Food Pantry Network. Organizer Russ Hall (Hilltop Presbyterian Church) says “We collected 949 pounds of food including 18 turkeys. That makes a three-week total of 1532 pounds of food including 33 turkeys. Thanks to all who made this happen!”

​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, and Mendham United Methodist Church. We will be hosting a Longest Night event together on Dec. 21, 7:00 PM at Grace Lutheran. Please email Sister Monica Clare at srmc@csjb.org for more information.

Sister Monica was there on Nov. 13 with fellow Mendham Faith Leader volunteers Gail Lingerman and Elaine Warren (Mendham United Methodist) to collect Thanksgiving food donations.

THE GOOD SHEPHERD HOME IN CAMEROON

Eric enjoys carrying water from the new system instead of from far away in the bush. Photos by Ndomenga Dickson

The Good Shepherd Home for Children continues to strive for self-sufficiency with its garden, chicken coop, and pig farm. All the sisters, staff, and children are especially enjoying their newly built water system because they no longer have to bring heavy water containers from a faraway source in the bush. The system was made possible by generous donors. 

The Good Shepherd Home never makes any of the children eligible for adoption. Instead, the children are raised in a loving  environment until age 18, helped with their post-secondary education, and provided with a Good Shepherd Home family for life. 

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

Older boys cleaning up the grounds around the Home

Children helping clean the grounds. All the children participate in collective work.
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ANNIVERSARY BLESSINGS FOR SISTER MARY LYNNE

Sister Mary Lynne with her anniversary cake November 1.

On November 1, All Saints Day, we celebrated the 40th Anniversary of Sister Mary Lynne’s profession of Life Vows. Sister entered the Convent as a postulant in 1977 and she has been a steady, prayerful presence ever since. We are so grateful and blessed for Sister’s decades of faithful service to God, for her hard work in helping to found and run the Good Shepherd Home for children in Cameroon, for her beautiful creations for the Nun Better Shop, and for her many ministries over the years.
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OUR KNITTING MINISTRY

Most of our Sisters love to knit, and this year we were blessed with many donations of yarn from Lion Brand, Knit Wits, and many other generous yarn companies and individuals. On November 7, we donated six bags of hand-knitted hats, scarves, and lap blankets to the Hope One Van which provides medical and social services to addicts and alcoholics who are experiencing homelessness. We are continuing to knit new items, and we welcome help from any of our friends. We can even supply the yarn! Just email Sister Monica Clare at srmc@csjb.org if you would like to help.

In addition to knitted items, we also donate bedding and clothing to Hope One.

Hope One van staffers loading up some of our knitted donations on Nov. 7

Some of our hand-knitted items for Hope One - including beautiful socks made by our friend LIz Adams!

OUR BOY SCOUT TROOP

CSJB chartered the brand-new Boy Scout troop 130 in Mendham earlier this year, and we have been very happy to provide a place for their Tuesday evening meetings, recruiting events, and campouts.

​The Scouts held their October Campout/Launch Party on Oct. 28-30 at the former hockey field on our school property and then another campout there on Nov. 18-20 which included a trip into NYC to hike the "Old New York" trail. 

Scouts and their parents at the campout on our school property in October.

Troop 130 Scouts around the campfire at the October campout

They will also be hosting a Webelos Woods recruiting event for cub scouts on Dec. 4 from noon to 3PM. Troop leader Lawrence Morris says: “Webelos Woods is the Troop's recruiting event to hopefully get local Cub Scouts to want to join Troop 130 once those Cub Scouts 'crossover' in the Spring…The Scouts will plan the agenda, but the goal will be to showcase skills and activities that Scouts can't do in Cub Scouts but can do in Scouts BSA.”

Troop 130’s next camping trip is Dec. 2-4 on our property. It will include a rock climb at Randolph Climbing Center. 
 
For more information, visit the Troop 130 website HERE and their Facebook page HERE.
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FOOTSTEPS IN THE HOLY LAND AND IN TIMES OF CONFLICT PRAYER
Stepping Out as Disciples and Making Connections Across the States
From CSJB Associate Julie Crawford

All Saints Cathedral Holy Land Pilgrimage Communion Service at Mount of Beatitudes

Sister Linda Clare, along with CSJB Associates Julie Crawford and Virginia Murphy (Church of Messiah) joined the All Saints Cathedral (Milwaukee) Holy Land Pilgrimage to explore and experience the Holy Sites around the Sea of Galilee and Jerusalem.  The Rt. Rev. Kevin Carroll of All Saints offered morning prayer and reflections related to the sites they visited.  Pilgrims were also blessed with the presence of Father Oswald Bwechwa from Christ Church Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, and Tanzania, and fellow pilgrims from Denville, Princeton, Morristown, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Wisconsin, Oregon, and Oklahoma.  

Sister Linda Clare (2nd from left) with the 2022  All Saints Cathedral Holy Land Group 

Sister Linda Clare renewing baptismal vows in the Jordan with The Very Rev. Carroll

The group members were able to renew their Baptismal Vows at the Jordan River which was a highlight for the Pilgrims, and they enjoyed a faith worship ride on the Sea of Galilee.

​The group also participated in an archeological dig, toured 3 of the 4 quarters of Old Jerusalem, and toured the Yad Vashem memorial to the Holocaust, the Israel Museum, Davidson Center, and The Shrine of the Book.  

CLICK HERE for a video of a worship song in Jerusalem

Sites visited included the following holy spaces:

• Mukhraka on Mount Carmel
• Nazareth – The childhood years of Jesus.
• Magdala ancient Synagogue
• Sea of Galilee
• Mount of Beatitudes
• Capernaum
• Tabgha - calling of the disciples
• Mount Arbel National Park
• Qasr al Yahud site of Jesus’ baptism by John
• Masada
• Mount of Olives
• Dominus Flevit Church  (Video of group prayer we experienced here) ​

• Church of All Nations
• Garden of Gethsemane
• St. Anne’s Church
• Pool of Bethesda
• Via Dolorosa
• Church of the Holy Sepulchre
• Bethlehem
• St Peter’s in Gallicantu
• Southern Steps
• Kotel (Western Wall)
• Kotel Tunnels
• Upper Room
• King David’s Tomb
• Garden Tomb​

The The Very Rev. Kevin Carroll (All Saints Cathedral Milwaukee) and
Reverend Father Oswald Bwechwa (Christ Church Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin)
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While the tour focused on reflective moments, the Pilgrims were reminded of the vulnerability of our world.  At the same time New Jersey experienced the most recent terrorist threat to Synagogues, the tour was to include the Dome of the Rock and Temple Mount.  As the group entered the Temple Mount they experienced a high-security evacuation due to a terrorist incident near the temple.  Its impact was experienced the next day when they had to backtrack in the tunnels of the Western Wall due to a blocked exit. 

​We offer this  Collect for Times of Conflict from the Book of Common Prayer as read by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry.
 

CONCERT AT THE CONVENT

On November 20, we joyfully welcomed members of the Adelphi Chamber Orchestra to the our CSJB Main Chapel for our first in-person Concert at the Convent since November 2019.  The Concerts at the Convent series is part of our Capital Campaign fundraising effort, and it was suspended during the pandemic except for one live-stream event in 2020.

​This time we were a little nervous because we weren’t sure if we’d even get an audience, but our friends (and even some new friends) showed up in extremely good numbers! We can’t possibly thank you all enough for coming to the concert and for donating so generously to the upkeep of our sacred space. This is our first big gathering at the Convent in over two years, and Jennie was so overjoyed she couldn’t sit still. She ran around and happily greeted our guests all evening. You may check our EVENTS page here on the website for more concert dates in the future. ​

Sister Pamela greeting guests at the concert Nov. 20. The program included Hayden: Quartet Op. 20 no 4 and Mendelsson:  no 1 Op. 12

A video clip of the concert (with Jennie at the end!)
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ST. MARGUERITE’S RETREAT HOUSE

This month, we welcomed several groups to St. Marguerite’s Retreat House, including St. Mark’s, Philadelphia 20s/30s Group, Grace Church Nutley, Formerly homeless women of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Retreat Program, and the Writer’s Circle.

​All our groups enjoyed restful and productive retreats even though the interior of one of our 114-year-old retreat house chimneys collapsed on November 16! Many thanks to Mel Lita and his team at Progressive Renovation for repairing the chimney within 48 hours and installing a protective liner to prevent future collapse.

Author Michelle Cameron helps the Writers' Circle participants "Get Cozy with their Characters" 

Writer's Circle retreatants at St. Marguerite's

Mel Lita’s team of repairmen from Progressive Renovation repairing the chimney at St. Marguerite's
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THE GARDEN OF HOPE
THE SHARING PROJECT CELEBRATES A MILESTONE
RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY AT MOUNT PLEASANT LOCATION
From CSJB Associate Julie Crawford

In Deuteronomy 11:14 we are reminded that the Creator provides as needed, so a rainy day was a perfect start for The Sharing Project ribbon cutting ceremony for their new fence installation Grand Opening Celebration.

He will give the rain for your land
in its season,
the early and late rain,
​that you may gather in your grain

On Sunday November 27, The Sharing Project, an active supporter of the CSJB Garden of Hope, celebrated a milestone with a ribbon cutting ceremony for the fence installation at the TSP Community Garden.  Dozens of volunteers and community members gathered for the event.  The Sharing Project has acquired a 10-year lease from Mendham Township to manage the new community garden at the Mount Pleasant Field in Mendham Township.  Sister Linda Clare, who actively supports TSP, attended the ceremony with TSP Board Member and CSJB Associate Julie Crawford.  

Over the past 30 months a group of students from the Mendham area have networked and fundraised in support of addressing food security throughout the region.  From plant sales to gift baskets and totes to T-shirts to grant acquisition to donations, they have embraced their commitment to help their neighbors in need by providing fresh produce as well as holiday gifts to a number of food pantries and organizations: Chester Mendham Food Pantry, Interfaith Food Pantry, Homeless Solutions, Mendham Area Senior Housing, and Chester Area Senior Housing. Sister Victoria Michelle, Sister Linda Clare, Sister Pamela, and Staff Member Donna MacKenzie assist with this endeavor by growing seedlings and volunteering to tend plants and harvest at some of the other gardens tied into this network.

The new fence has secured the large field where the charity installed eight test beds two years ago along with a donated storage shed.  Since then, two Eagle Scout projects have included the installation of  20 new raised beds, a demonstration compost area, picnic tables for their Little Gardener Club lesson area, a water collection system, and a new pad for water storage tanks.

THE SHARING PROJECT BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT THE GRAND OPENING RIBBON
L TO R:  Dr. Rekha Mandel , Emily Borinshteyn, Matthew Borinshteyn, Town Council Member Amalia Duarte, & CSJB Associate Julie Crawford

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Sister Linda Clare with The Sharing Project Founding Team honoring the Installation of their new fence at Mount Pleasant Field in Mendham Township. Sister Linda has actively supported TSP activities and networked with CoFounder Matthew Borinshteyn (right of Sr Linda). 
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Artwork by Callie Danysh, Founder of Flags of Gratitude

In the future the production area will increase in size, so on-going fundraising and events will be scheduled annually.  The charity has hosted two Earth Day events for families to learn about sustainability and offers a Little Gardeners Club program on weekends in the summer.  The goal of the Little Gardeners Club is to train students in leadership roles as the founders and current high school students move on.  To Learn More about TSP and How You Can Support
 
The students are commended for their efforts and have been honored with proclamations at the local and state level.

INTERWEAVE TELETHON

Interweave Executive Director Janet Maulbeck (L) with Sister Monica Clare on the livestream telethon

On November 12, Sister Monica Clare served as a guest speaker for Interweave’s Virtual Telethon, which was live-streamed on YouTube. Our Community has had a long and fruitful partnership with Interweave, which is an interfaith learning center focused on integrated spirituality for daily living. The CSJB Convent has served as one of Interweave’s campuses since 1985, and even though their in-person events have been switched to zoom for the pandemic, we Sisters still do whatever we can to support their work. You may CLICK HERE to learn more about Interweave and to check out their calendar of upcoming classes and events.
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GUEST CELEBRANTS AT CSJB

For many months during the pandemic, we were unable to welcome outside clergy to celebrate our daily Eucharist.

Now that we are gradually lifting our COVID restrictions, we have welcomed both our old friends and some new friends to celebrate mass in St. Michael’s Chapel. Many thanks to the Rev. Tim Mulder, the Rev. Victoria Geer McGrath, the Rev. Phil Carr-Jones, the Rev. Ellen Kohn-Perry, the Rev. Mary Julia Jett, the Rev. David Jones, Pastor Julie Haspel (Grace Lutheran), the Rev. Nathaniel Darville, the Rev. Paul Rajan, the Rev. Margaret Otterburn, the Rev. Deacon Barbara Jensen, and so many other clergy who give generously of their time to celebrate and preach for us.

​The sacrament of Holy Communion is at the center of our daily lives, and we are deeply grateful for the privilege of receiving the body and blood of our Lord as often as we possibly can.

The Rev. Mary Jett (R), from the diocese of New York with CSJB Associate Margaret Erath in our chapel. 

Grace Lutheran pastor Julie Haspel with Sister Pamela in the CSJB Chapel

HOMELESS SOLUTIONS INCORPORATED (HSI)
From CSJB Associate Julie Crawford
HSI Warming Center to Reopen in December:
A Success in the Making with 25% Transitioning Last Year

The Homeless solutions incorporated (HSI) Warming Center will be open from December 1st through the end of March and will provide overnight shelter during the cold winter months for street homeless individuals, who are a different population from HSI’s program-based shelter. ​Thanks to the HSI Next Level Project, overnight guests have access to restrooms, clothing, food, and cold-weather items. Dinner and breakfast are also provided.​ HSI is projecting to provide over 1,500 bed nights and over 3,000 meals this winter, which is an increase of 100 bed nights and 200 meals from our summer Overnight program. The summer program served 73 unduplicated individuals, with 25% moving into Homeless Solutions Programs.

​HSI Holiday Angels
CSJB is pleased to serve in this program by providing hats and mittens.  The holidays are a happy time for many of us, but for some, it can be a sad and depressing time, especially for those who do not have a place to call home.

Sister Victoria Michelle serves dinner at Homeless Solutions with volunteers and members from the Church of Messiah (L to R): Volunteers Catherine Segal and Madeline Rooney and Messiah Member Linda Ochs.  

Each year Homeless Solutions can brighten the holidays and provide over 750 gifts to shelter guests, Transitional and Outreach families, and the ladies in our Mt. Kemble home. HSI is only able to do this with help from generous neighbors and supporters. HSI is currently looking for Holiday Angels to make this year another special one. If you’re able to commit to at least 10 or more gifts for adults, please reach out to the volunteer director to see what is needed: tamalareynolds@hsinj.org or 973-993-0900 x 213.
 
HSI A Night in the Cold
HSI is hosting its 3rd annual A Night In the Cold event on Friday, Dec. 2! A Night in the Cold is an eye-opening and adventurous way to raise funds and awareness for unhoused individuals living in Morris County. If you're looking for a unique way to volunteer, please consider joining - it's not too late to sign up or you can simply donate. Please visit A Night in the Cold 2022 for more information, to register, or to donate.
 
The Community of St John Baptist actively supports Homeless Solutions through food donations and giving programs.  CLICK HERE To Learn More about Homeless Solutions Mission and Volunteer Opportunities

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FOR ADVENT – A PRAYER FOR THE HURRIED
BY WILFRED ARLEN PETERSON

Our Advent wreath, made by Sister Victoria Michelle from greens picked on the property.

“Lord, slow me down. Ease the pounding of my heart by quieting my mind. Steady my hurried pace. Give me, in the busyness of my day, the calmness of the everlasting hills. Break the tension of my nerves and muscles. Help me to know the magical, restoring power of your love. Teach me to take minute vacations by slowing down to look at a flower, or a cloud, to chat with a friend, to pat a dog, to read a few lines of a good book. Remind me that the race is not always to the swift, that there is more to life than multitasking. Let me look upward into the branches of the towering oak and know that it grew great and strong because it grew slowly and well. Lord, slow me down. Inspire me to send my roots deep into the soil of life's enduring values that I may grow toward the stars of my great destiny.”

​(Thank you to Sister Victoria Michelle for sending this prayer along for the newsletter.)
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THERE’S JUST NUN BETTER!

Have you stopped by our Nun Better shop on Etsy lately?

​We’re getting great 5-star reviews from people who have ordered beautiful hand-crafted jewelry made by the Sisters.

​To check out all the great items, CLICK HERE. We also have many handcrafted treasures in our Convent gift shop and at the St. Marguerite’s gift shop. If you’d like to visit our shops in person, just email Sister Monica Clare at srmc@csjb.org. 

​Sister Mary Lynne has made lots of beautiful new items for the holiday season.

​It's a nice spot for one-stop Christmas shopping!
​

Sr. Mary Lynne creates paper beads to make beautiful eco-friendly jewelry.

SERMONS BY THE SISTERS

Sister Monica Clare preaching at All Saints Millington November 27

Our Sisters preach regularly in our chapel here at CSJB and also in parishes. Here are some recent sermons:
 
Sister Eleanor Francis preached at the Convent on October 30. CLICK HERE to read her sermon.
 
Sister Monica Clare preached at All Saints Millington on November 27. CLICK HERE to read her sermon.
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CSJB ASSOCIATES AND OBLATES

CSJB Associate Bill Grier III is a part of our family. His father, Bill Grier II, was the estate manager here from 1945-1995, and Bill and his brothers grew up here. Bill recently gave us a wonderful presentation on his memories of growing up at the Convent. The Grier family first came to CSJB when Bill was only 5 years old, and Bill told us he always appreciated living in such a peaceful and beautiful place. He often worked with his dad, and he says one of his fondest memories is of hearing the Sisters singing Gregorian chant through the chapel windows as he worked outside while the Brothers from the Order of the Holy Cross were simultaneously singing at St. Marguerite’s during their annual retreat. There are many great memories of the Grier family in Valerie Bonham’s book The Second Spring: The Community of St. John Baptist in America from 1940-2020. The book is available for order from Sister Pamela at sr-pamela@csjb.org.

Bill's dad, William Grier II (R) with Shirley Grier and a friend at the Convent.
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Bill Grier sharing his stories of CSJB with the Sisters in the convent library

Bill's mom, Shirley (R) with Sister Waldine Lucia, BIll, (L)  and his brother Jack at the Convent, dressed up for Halloween in the 1950s.

ST. JOHN BAPTIST SCHOOL ALUMNAE

When Bill Grier III was sharing his memories of CSJB with us, he said he dated two girls from St. John Baptist School.

​One of those SJBS schoolgirls was Chrissie Burnett – half-sister of legendary comic actress Carol Burnett. Chrissie attended St. John Baptist School when her famous sister was starring in “Once Upon a Mattress” on Broadway in the early 1960s. Bill says that when he tried to take one of his dates on a walk to the pond, he heard a strange noise and looked up to see a CSJB Sister had climbed a tree to chaperone from above!

Actress Carol Burnett (L) and her half-sister Chrissie (center), talking to Sister Margaret Helena (R) and Sister Mary Barbara in 1961. At the time, Burnett was appearing regularly on the Garry Moore show and had recently finished her star-making turn on Broadway in "Once Upon a Mattress."
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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 sr-pamela@csjb.org to order. The cost is $25 + $5 Shipping and Handling.
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Click on the image above for a Pony book poster.

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. CLICK HERE for buying options

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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.

The first printing of our From Generation to Generation is entirely sold out.  We are waiting for a second printing. 

If anyone wants to order one, we will put your name on a waiting list. The cost is $15, plus shipping.
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If you would like to purchase a copy, please contact Sister Eleanor Francis at sref@csjb.org.

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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 sref@csjb.org if you are interested in joining.

A description of this silent contemplative practice can be found HERE.
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CLASS: THE JEWISHNESS OF JESUS
​Every Friday morning  - On Zoom
​Rabbi Deb Smith and Sister Eleanor Francis 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. Our topic is “The Sermon on the Mount” from both a Jewish and Christian standpoint.  We can take a few more members but expect homework! 

Please contact Sr. Eleanor Francis at
sref@csjb.org 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 all healthcare workers and other essential workers,
​
For our Searchers who are discerning a call to the Religious life, and

Cross-stitch card made by Sister Deborah Francis

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
​Ella
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
Jason
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
​Maria
​Marne
​Matthew

Maureen and Donald
McGrath family
Meg
Michael
Michelle
Mossman​, Jr.
Myles
Myram
Nicole
Nikki
Norman
Pat and Ellie
Patrick
Patty
​Peter
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
Tom
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

Sister Pamela and Sister Laura Katharine with Jennie in the chapel

All who have given so generously to our ministries.

All who have contributed to the children of the Good Shepherd Home,

Our many helpers, volunteers, and those who encourage us,

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

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

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.

​

The CSJB cloister

YOUR LEGACY FOR CSJB

Sister Victoria Michelle lighting candles on the CSJB altar

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.

Local metal detector enthusiast Brian Cox (L) and a friend search for artifacts on our school property. They recently found a 1773 King George halfpenny coin during a search here.