Community of St John Baptist
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Service Schedule
    • Events and Programs
    • Our Work/Outreach
    • History of CSJB
    • Sermons
    • Becoming a Sister
    • The Search Program
    • Celtic Journeys
    • Our Sisters in England
  • Spiritual Direction
  • Newsletter
  • Retreats/Guests
    • St. Marguerite's Retreat House
    • Individual Guests
    • Day Groups
  • Donate
    • Supporting CSJB
    • Our Capital Campaign
    • The Nun Better Cookbook
    • Legacy Program
  • Get Involved
    • Associates/Oblates
    • Volunteering
  • Contact
    • Contact CSJB
    • Links
  • DIRECTIONS
    • Driving Directions by Car
    • Public Transportation to the Convent

UPDATES FROM THE SISTERS - OCTOBER 2023

10/26/2023

0 Comments

 


​"A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows."
--St. Francis of Assisi


​
Picture
Fall colors along the Convent driveway

​BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
Picture
Jennie getting ready for the pet blessing with the Sisters
The Sisters of CSJB held our annual Pet Blessing outdoors on October 4, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis is the patron saint of animals and creation, and he was the first to celebrate Christmas by setting up a nativity scene (crèche) with live animals around the year 1220. Our Community loves animals so much that some of us joke that we are more Franciscan than Augustinian. 

Our pet blessing this year included the Convent pets, staff pets, and CSJB Associate Julie Crawford’s adorable little dog, Abby.

Most of the animals involved were relieved that Sister Eleanor Francis chose not to sprinkle them with holy water this year, as some of them equate being asperged with getting a bath!
Picture
Staff member Ryan McCurdy's dog, Ava, receiving a blessing from Sr. Eleanor Francis
Picture
CSJB Associate Julie Crawford's dog, Abby receiving her blessing.
Picture
Retreat House Manager Brad Kalos' dog, Riley, receiving a blessing.
We CSJB Sisters have always really loved our pets. Please enjoy this slideshow of beloved past pets from our long history in the U.S. and England. Click the arrows to look through the photos.

​
CONCERT AT THE CONVENT
Mark your calendars for a Concert at the Convent on Sunday, November 19 from 4PM to 5PM.

The musicians of the Adelphi Chamber Orchestra will be performing works by Franz Schubert, Jean-Marie Leclair, Felix Mendelssohn, George Gershwin, and Ludwig van Beethoven in the outstanding acoustics of our Main Chapel.

​Please email [email protected] for information. We request that audience members please wear masks for the event to prevent the spread of COVID.
Picture
This concert benefits our Capital Campaign and is free with a voluntary donation of any amount. Our Capital Campaign raises funds to repair and preserve our landmarked historic buildings. This current phase hopes to raise enough to replace the 115-year-old roof on our retreat house, repair the stucco on the convent, and rescue the CSJB cemetery which is heavily damaged by weather and age.
 
CLICK HERE for more details about Phase 2 of our Capital Campaign.
​
THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE
Picture
​The CSJB Sisters are once again honored to be a co-sponsor of the Mendham Faith Leaders' "Blessed to be a Blessing" 4th Annual Community Thanksgiving Food Drive. This annual drive benefits the Morris County Interfaith Food Pantry Network, which distributes approximately 1.5 million pounds of food per year. It will be held on Sunday, November 12 from 9 AM to 12:30 PM at Hilltop House, 14 Hilltop Rd. Mendham, NJ 07945:
 
You can donate fresh or frozen and shelf stable items to volunteers in the parking lot.
FRESH OR FROZEN: Turkey & turkey breast, large chicken, ham, potatoes, yams, squash, onions, carrots, apples, oranges, lemons, butter
​
SHELF STABLE: Milk, soy milk, stuffing mix, instant potatoes, canned gravy, muffin/roll mix, salad dressing, canned pumpkin, canned corn, hearty soup (low salt), tea, coffee, 100% fruit juice, canned fruit, applesauce, Jell-O and pudding mix, brownie/cake mix, salt, pepper, seasoning.
 
This annual food drive is sponsored by the Mendham Faith Leaders: Brookside Community Church UCC, Community of St. John Baptist, Grace Lutheran Church, Hilltop Presbyterian Church, Mendham United Methodist Church, St. Mark's Episcopal Church. Last year we collected a total of 1532 pounds of food including 33 turkeys for families in need.

NUN BETTER CHRISTMAS SHOPPING!
If you're looking to start your Christmas shopping early, Sister Margo Elizabeth's heartwarming book not just an ordinary pony…  and its companion coloring book are great gift ideas for kids and adults! not just an ordinary pony... tells the extraordinary story of Pony's 27-year ministry at the Convent and contains many beautiful illustrations and photos. It is available from most online booksellers but you may also purchase a copy directly from the Convent for the discounted price of $20 by emailing [email protected]. Check out the Not Just an Ordinary Pony website at www.mecolman.com
​

CLICK HERE to purchase the book on Amazon
Picture
Click on the poster image above to enlarge for printing.
Also - please be sure to check out our Nun Better Etsy shop for handmade jewelry and gift items made by the CSJB Sisters!

Sister Mary Lynne, Sister Suzanne Elizabeth, and Sister Victoria Michelle make beautiful devotional items from the highest quality materials. The Nun Better Shop at the Convent and Retreat House have even more handmade items. The Sisters also provide repairs and take orders for custom pieces. Just email [email protected] to arrange an in-person visit to our shop.

Here's a review from one of our Etsy customers:
Picture

​THE GOOD SHEPHERD HOME IN CAMEROON
Picture
Aben Cistus (center), who grew up at GSH provides computer and technical training for orphans with his ACT Foundation, and serves healthy fruit after each workshop.
The Good Shepherd Home for children in Cameroon, West Africa was founded by Sister Jane Mankaa (1960-2021) of the Benedictine Sisters of Bethany (EBSB) in 2003, and it carries on her legacy of providing education, healthcare, and a loving home to over 100 orphans. Even in spite of the Cameroonian Civil war which began in 2014, the Home has continued its mission to give the poorest and least of Cameroon's children a future.  The Home has a clinic, retreat center, vegetable farm, pig farm, and chicken farm to remain self-sufficient. The Good Shepherd Academy, founded in 2016, is a co-ed secondary school for 350 students in Bafut. Children at the Good Shepherd Home are never available for adoption, but stay in the Home until age 18 and then remain part of their loving GSH family for life.
Picture
Children at the Good Shepherd Home in Bamenda
 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.
PictureGodgift and his mother
Dr. Akwa Gilberto, who grew up at the home, founded the Mother Jane Legacy Foundation to provide medical care to orphans and the poor. Here is his latest report:
​

"Dear Mother Superior,

It is always a great honor writing to you and CSJB. Thank you for the great work of God you do.

A sincere thank you to our American friends and partners. At the Mother Jane Legacy foundation our mission is simple yet powerful: "A world where the rights and dignity of the underprivileged children are met. 

The medical condition of Godgift whose life we rescued is deteriorating as he suffers from Malnutrition as the mother is unable to feed well, This is unacceptable. The MJLF is pleading to it friends and partners to come to the rescue of Godgift and the mother! At 18 years old, she master the art of hair plaiting, we hope to raise funds to develop her skills and so leave the streets.

Dear Mother Superior, one of the reasons I face enormous difficulties is due to the fact that I have to pay for the rent where our office is Located, a monthly fee for the website to be active and a monthly Motivation to our field agents Mr. David and Madam Jackline which has been suspended till further notice.

Lastly, it is good you know, I have stopped the education for 63 vulnerable children this academic year and allow only 5 of them this include: Lidwine doing Midwifery in university, Christian, Syndy, Ransome and Nene Faith, since we didn't receive help not even a single penny. It was painful doing so but the weight was enormous on Dr. Gilberto.

Last year, upon graduation 🎓, Dr. Waldman and Wife supported me greatly making it easy at the time. Next month I am supposed to submit my annual report to the Cameroon government for evaluation as recommended. Thank you dear mother Superior! 

Blessings!

Dr. Gilberto.​" 

If you’d like to donate to the Mother Jane Legacy Foundation, please contact Sister Monica Clare at [email protected]. ​

Aben Cistus, another one of "Mama Jane's" children, gives this report on his ACT Foundation which teaches computer and technical skills to the poor:

"As of now, ACT FOUNDATION has successfully impacted over 500 underprivileged children especially orphans in Cameroon with essential 21st-century ICT skills. Our aim to empower these children is progressing, and we are excited to share that we are currently planning significant outreaches in December 2023 at orphanages located in Douala(02), Bamenda(03 orphanages), and Baffoussam (01). Please visit our Facebook page https://bit.ly/ACTFOUNDATIONCMR to discover our journey of impact so far..

To make these outreaches successful and provide these children with the skills and tools they need, we are seeking funding. Specifically, we require funding for the following:
Picture
Cistus leading an ACT workshop
Picture
ACT team members with fresh fruit for workshop participants
  1. Computer Systems: We need to purchase at least 10 computer systems for each of the targeted orphanages to ensure that every child has access to ICT education. We are aiming for more  but we believe God is going to provide for us. 
  2. Transportation: We are mobilizing 20 dedicated volunteers to support our cause. Funding is needed to cover their transportation costs to and from the orphanages.
  3. Projector: A projector is essential for tutoring and enhancing the learning experience of the children.
  4. HD Camera: We plan to document our activities and capture the progress made by the children, making a camera an invaluable tool.
  5. Banners and Printers: These are required for promoting our programs and providing learning materials for the children.
  6. Website : We need to set up a comprehensive website for our activities
  7. An office space
  8. Fruits and Prizes: We always end our outreaches with a fruit party and prizes for all our participants.
I want to take a moment to share with you the incredible impact your contributions have had through ACT FOUNDATION. It's a story of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of education, and it's all thanks to your compassion and belief in our cause. 
Imagine, for a moment, the faces of the children we have the privilege of working with. They come from some of the most underprivileged backgrounds, facing challenges that can seem insurmountable. Many of them had never seen a computer, much less had the opportunity to learn how to use one. Their dreams were obscured by the harsh reality of their circumstances.
But then, through the grace of your generosity, we stepped into their lives. With your support, we've empowered over 500 children with the gift of 21st-century ICT skills. The transformation in these young minds is nothing short of remarkable.

You've given them more than just technical skills. You've given them the keys to unlock their dreams. You've shown them that, despite their circumstances, they have the potential to achieve great things. Your contributions have ignited hope in their hearts, and for that, we are eternally grateful.
 
Your continued support in funding for these initiatives is instrumental to our mission. We believe that these 21st-century ICT skills can provide these underprivileged children with opportunities for a brighter future.
​

We extend our deepest gratitude for your support, love, and prayers. We look forward to further collaboration in the coming months to make a positive impact on the lives of these children."

If you’d like to help the ACT Foundation, please contact Sister Monica Clare at 
[email protected].


THE SOCIETY OF CATHOLIC PRIESTS
Picture

Sr. Monica giving a presentation to SCP in Kansas City
Sister Monica Clare was one of three keynote speakers at the Society of Catholic Priests’ (SCP) annual conference in Kansas City, Missouri Oct. 3-6.

​SCP is a growing society of women and men serving as priests, deacons, and consecrated religious throughout the Anglican Communion. The Society aims to promote priestly spirituality and catholic evangelism. 
Picture
The conference was held at the beautiful St. Mary's Church in downtown Kansas City, MO. 
Sister Monica Clare did a presentation on the history of Anglican religious communities with a Q & A session afterwards, then served as a panelist for the following day’s discussion. This year’s conference was entitled “For the Means of Grace and the Hope of Glory” and included workshops on chant, Anglo Catholic piety, clergy wellness, and congregational development, among others. The Reverend Father Clive Wylie, SCP and The Reverend Father Matthew Johnson were also keynote speakers.
​

KNOWING WHO YOU ARE IN CHRIST
Picture
Sister Victoria Michelle led one of her popular retreats on Oct. 28 on Zoom entitled “Knowing Who You Are in Christ.” Participants learned about the depth of Christ’s love for them through scripture and prayer.
 
If you’d like to learn about Sister Victoria’s upcoming retreats, please contact her at [email protected]


EASTERN SPIRITUALITY FOR WESTERN SEEKERS
Picture
Workshop participants gathered in the Main Chapel in the morning
Sister Eleanor Francis hosted a day-long workshop at the Convent on “Eastern Spirituality for Western Seekers.” The workshop included lectures, question and answer sessions, and breakout groups and included ways for participants to incorporate Eastern prayer practices into their spiritual lives.
 
For information on upcoming programs with Sister Eleanor Francis, you may contact her at  [email protected] or 973-543-4641 x3. 

​
ANTI TRAFFICKING WORKSHOP
Sister Pamela and Sister Monica Clare participated in an anti-trafficking workshop on October 22 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Essex Fells. The program was presented by the New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking, and we learned about ways to recognize trafficking victims and how to report possible crimes.

The speakers for the workshop were LA Senior Lynch, who is a member of the Board of Trustees, Legislative Committee, Speakers Bureau, and Operating Council for the New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking and Keyla Munoz, a Victim Specialist with the FBI Newark Division who has been on duty with the FBI for 21 years.
Picture
LA Senior Lynch giving a presentation at St. Peter's Church Oct. 22
Picture
CLICK HERE to arrange a NJ Coalition Against Human Trafficking presentation at your church or business.
​
Many thanks to our CSJB Associates the Rev. Nate Darville and Eloise Hiris for making this event possible. ​Visit the NJ Coalition against Human Trafficking website at www.safernj.org
​

HOW YOU CAN HELP:
Report any signs of trafficking to:
National Human Trafficking Hotline
Call (888) 3737-888
or Text "HELP" or "INFO" to BE FREE (233733)
New Jersey Human Trafficking Hotline
Call (855) END-NJ-HT (855-363-6548)
Our Sisters in England, along with the Rt. Rev. Alastair Redfern, founded the Clewer Initiative, an anti-trafficking program in the Church of England:
CLICK HERE to sign up for the Clewer Initiative newsletter to learn more.

ST. MARGUERITE’S RETREAT HOUSE
Our Retreat House is having a busy October. This month we welcomed ACOA from October 6-8, W66 from October 13-15, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church of Manasquan from October 20-22, and St. Martin’s Men’s Group from October 27-29. 

Sadly, we also had to say goodbye to one of the favorite members of the St. Marguerite’s staff – Buddy the friendly dog. Buddy was Retreat House Manager Brad Kalos’ dog for many years, and he crossed the Rainbow Bridge after a long and happy life. We miss seeing him on his daily walks, and we know that the guests will miss him as well. Thank you, Buddy, for your ministry. ​
Picture
Buddy the Retreat House dog was gentle, shy, and sweet.
ONE HOME
Picture
Sr Eleanor Francis, Sr Linda Clare, and Sr Monica Clare display the Convent Banner from OneHomeOneFuture which was shared with St Marks in Mendham to kick off an educational campaign within the region.
"For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him." Colossians 1:16
 
On October 4th 2023 OneHomeOne Future hosted a national webinar to roll out their resources for groups to share.  In a historic moment, 31 US denominations and faith organizations including The Episcopal Church joined together to launch this multi-faith campaign to strengthen vitality, relevance, and community connection across generations – to care for our shared home – in local congregations nationwide.
One Home One Future is a campaign that educates, activates, and supports clergy, congregants, youth, and all spiritual people in meaningful and just solutions locally, regionally, and nationally in ways that are accessible and positive.
 
One Home One Future offers you several inspiring pathways to engage, to meet you where you are and help your congregation.  You can explore the pathways below:
  • Build Thriving Congregations
  • Support Leaders and Youth
  • Engage & Strengthen Local Communities
  • Work Toward Justice
  • Restore Healthy Creation
  • Strengthen Preparedness
  • Allocate for Climate
Picture
Picture
Messiah Members Sue Underwood and Jackie Mallard display the OneHomeOneFuture banner which will be circulated church by church throughout the Harriet Tubman Regional Network
St. Stephen's, Millburn where Sr. Monica is interning for the ordination process.
One keynote speaker, The Rev. Melanie Mullen who serves as Director of Reconciliation, Justice and Creation Care for the National Church will be providing a webinar in November for the Diocese of Newark.  Choosing God's Way: Baptismal Promises, Discernment and Justice

​
Any group or individual who is interested in joining a study group based on the pathways can contact Sr Linda Clare at [email protected] or Associate Julie Crawford [email protected]

​SERMONS BY THE SISTERS
Picture
Sister Deborah Francis preaching at St. Mark's in Mendham
The Sisters of CSJB often preach in the Convent chapel and at local parishes. Here are some of the recent sermons:
CLICK HERE to read Sister Deborah Francis' sermon for Proper 22 = October 8
CLICK HERE to read Sister Monica Clare's sermon at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine from October 29.
CLICK HERE for a video of the Cathedral service.

​ASSOCIATES AND OBLATES
Calling all volunteers! We are looking for Oblates and Associates to help us at our Monastery in Mendham event on September 28, 2024. This day is part of our year-long series of events to commemorate 150 years of the Community of St. John Baptist in the U.S. Volunteers would help with greeting guests, leading groups through the Convent, and helping them with any questions. Please email Sister Monica Clare at [email protected] if you are interested. The event will be co-sponsored by our friends at the Mendham Township Historic Preservation Committee. ​
​
Picture
ST. JOHN BAPTIST SCHOOL ALUMNAE
Please enjoy this slideshow of vintage photos of St. John Baptist School girls at work and play:

​CSJB BOOKS
Picture

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.

​
Picture
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

​
Picture
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.
​
The second printing of the book is now available. The Holocaust Center has also produced a free Online version, which is available on the Drew University Holocaust/Genocide Center website. ​
LOOKING AHEAD
Picture
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 Eleanor Francis at [email protected] if you are interested in joining.

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

Picture
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
.
 
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
The Rev. John Mennell and his family
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.

Peace in the Middle East, peace in Sudan, 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:
Picture
Our Convent kitchen garden is still producing.
Alison
​Andy
​Anna

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
Marjory

​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
Rebecca and her family
​Richard and Ginger

River
Rob
Ronald
​Ryan

Salma
Sam and her children
Sarah

Shane
​Shaun and family

Sheila
Sister Barbara Jean
Stefani

Stephanie
​Sue

Sully
Susan and family
Suzanne
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
Picture
Sr. Victoria with fellow volunteers at Homeless Solutions
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.
Picture
Monk's Hood flowers in the Convent kitchen garden

​YOUR LEGACY FOR CSJB
Picture
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.
​​
Picture
Autumn leaves along the driveway at CSJB
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    April 2025
    February 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    September 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020

    CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW FOR:

    COVID-19 Resources from the Diocese of Newark

    COVID-19 Information from the Centers for Disease Control

    ANTI-RACISM
    ​Dialogue from the Diocese of Newark

    ​
    THE CLEWER INITIATIVE
    ANTI-TRAFFICKING
    PROGRAM
    founded by our Sisters in England
     and the Rt. Rev. Alastair Redfern

    If you'd like to find out what's going on at other Episcopal Religious Communities, go to: www.caroa.net

Location

​82 West Main Street Mendham, NJ 07945

community of saint john baptist

By centering our lives in prayer and worship, we seek to:
  •  Build community among ourselves
  •  Live by the Vows of Poverty, Chastity and
     Obedience
  •  Prepare a place where hearts may be open  to receive God's love
  •  Use our gifts individually and corporately to  minister  to the needs of God's world.

"He must increase, I must decrease"
(John 3:30)

Contact Us

PO Box 240 
Mendham, New Jersey 07945
​
   • 973 543-4641

   • superior@csjb.org
Picture
Picture
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Service Schedule
    • Events and Programs
    • Our Work/Outreach
    • History of CSJB
    • Sermons
    • Becoming a Sister
    • The Search Program
    • Celtic Journeys
    • Our Sisters in England
  • Spiritual Direction
  • Newsletter
  • Retreats/Guests
    • St. Marguerite's Retreat House
    • Individual Guests
    • Day Groups
  • Donate
    • Supporting CSJB
    • Our Capital Campaign
    • The Nun Better Cookbook
    • Legacy Program
  • Get Involved
    • Associates/Oblates
    • Volunteering
  • Contact
    • Contact CSJB
    • Links
  • DIRECTIONS
    • Driving Directions by Car
    • Public Transportation to the Convent