UPDATES FROM THE SISTERS - Pentecost 2024

Daily companions in your earthly sojourning,

some with you journeyed in Judea and Galilee.

When your Ascension from their eyes had taken you,

Others you summoned, through the Spirit sending them.
​
-- from the Vespers hymn for
feasts of the Apostles
​in the CSJB office book

Amaryllis blooming in the convent library

​FIRE IN OUR HEARTS

Sisters in the chapel at daily Eucharist with CSJB Associate and organist Margaret Erath.

At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples and ignited their hearts to spread the Gospel throughout the world. Two thousand years later, that same spirit burns within all of us who still carry the faith. 

Sister Margaret Helena speaking on Commemoration Day, 1979

Canon T.T. Carter’s memoir of our Mother Foundress, Harriet Monsell, says of her: “as the work went on, and more and more sisters were drawn to her side, it was given to her to impart a tone and a character, peculiarly its own, to the growing Community, and to infuse a spirit which lives on, to be transmitted to succeeding generations.” We Sisters carry the spirit of our foundress who inherited it from generations of believers before her, and in everything we do we seek to pass along that spirit to those who come after us. As our patron saint John the Baptist did, we point the way to our savior, Jesus Christ.

We are all are looking forward to the celebration of 150 years of ministry in the United States at our special Commemoration Day on June 15. Many of you have already RSVP’d to the event, and we thank you for your support of our Capital Campaign to repair and preserve our sacred space.

If you’d like to attend and have not yet RSVP’d please email Sister Pamela at
​[email protected]. 

Luncheon on the cloister on St. John Baptist Day in the 1900s

THE MENDHAM FAITH LEADERS –
​SUMMER COMMUNITY WORSHIP

CSJB is part of the Mendham Faith Leaders – a group of Mendham churches from many denominations. Each year the group plans activities for Lent, Thanksgiving, Holy Week, and other occasions. This year's summer community worship will be June 9 at Lewis Morris Park, Sugarloaf, 270 Mendham Rd., Morristown, NJ 07960 at 10:00 AM. The event includes an ecumenical worship service followed by lunch and games for all ages. Sandwiches and drinks will be provided. If you are able, please bring a side dish or dessert to share. This event is free and open to individuals and families from all Christian traditions. Please go to https://www.hilltopchurch.org/interchurchevent for more details.

The Mendham Faith Leaders also have summer community worship scheduled for:

• August 4 – Grace Lutheran 65 E. Main St., Mendham 10:00 AM
• August 11 – St. Mark’s Episcopal 9 E. Main St. Mendham 10:00 AM
• August 18 – Mendham United Methodist Church 8 E. Main St. Mendham 10:00 AM
• August 25 – Hilltop Presbyterian Church 20 Hilltop Rd. Mendham 10:00 AM
• September 1 – Brookside United Church of Christ 8 E. Main St., Brookside 10:00 AM

CLICK HERE FOR A SUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULE TO PRINT

​
​THE GOOD SHEPHERD HOME IN CAMEROON, WEST AFRICA

The Sisters of CSJB helped Mother Jane Mankaa to found the Good Shepherd Home for children in 2003, and since then hundreds of orphaned children have been given a chance at a better life. Mother Jane’s commitment to education and spiritual formation for all the children at the Home has produced a new generation of outstanding young people who are carrying the vision of their “Mama Jane” into the future. 

The Home never makes the children available for adoption due to the risk of trafficking. Instead, every child who enters the Home is given a loving family for life. If you’d like to help out with current needs at the Good Shepherd Home, please email our Business Manager Darren Somerville at [email protected]. 

Children at the Good Shepherd Home

Dr. Akwa Gilberto with patients in Cameroon

You can also sponsor the Home for as little as $40 a month. Please email [email protected] if you’d like to find out more.
 
Aben Cistus, who grew up at the Good Shepherd Home, founded the ACT Foundation to teach computer and other technical skills to orphans. You can find out more about this important ministry at the ACT Foundation page on Facebook. Please consider following their account on TikTok by clicking HERE.
 
Check out the  Mother Jane Legacy Foundation at
https://www.mj-legacyfoundation.org/ and
https://www.facebook.com/MotherJaneLegacyfoundation, to see the many ways that Dr. Akwa Gilberto and his team bring medical care to the poorest of the poor. Dr. Gilberto was the first child ever to be received at the Good Shepherd Home.
​

THE PONY BOOK

Sister Margo Elizabeth’s book, not just an ordinary pony… has made a big impression on a little guy. Thomas, the three-year-old son of one of the physical therapists at Kessler Rehab in Mendham, is coloring in the Pony coloring book while his mom reads him the book about Pony’s 27-year ministry at CSJB. Sister Suzanne Elizabeth has been going to Kessler following her shoulder replacement surgery, and she gave the books to Thomas’ mom who says he absolutely loves them. 

Both the book and the coloring book make great gifts for both children and adults. If you’d like to order one or both, they are available at most online booksellers.

​CLICK HERE to purchase on Amazon.
Find out more at the Pony website here:
https://www.mecolman.com/

Thomas enjoying the story of Pony's ministry at CSJB

ST. MARGUERITE’S RETREAT HOUSE

Our Retreat House was especially busy in April and May. We welcomed the Church of the Good Shepherd from April 5-7, the Rest, Reflect, and Renew group April 12-14, the Episcopal Women’s History Project April 16-18, Maria Gillan’s Poetry Intensive Workshop April 19-21, St. Martin Men’s Group April 26-28, the Order of the Ascension April 29-May 3, St. Michael’s Women’s Group May 4-5, and Interweave May 18-19. Many thanks to Retreat House Manager Brad Kalos and his hardworking staff for providing outstanding hospitality to all these groups. 

CSJB Associate Marianna Klaiman (2nd from right) showing the ecclesiastical embroidery treasures of the CSJB church workroom to members of the Episcopal Women's History Project

Rest. Reflect, and Renew at St. Marguerite's

Poet Maria Gillan with Sr. Pamela at St. Marguerite's

If you’d like to book a group retreat at the Retreat House, please contact Brad Kalos at [email protected] or call 973-543-4582​. 

SISTER MONICA CLARE AT THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY

The Rev. John Beddingfield with Sr. Monica Clare at Holy Trinity

On April 14, Sister Monica Clare preached at the Church of the Holy Trinity in New York City, where our Community Pastor the Rev. John Beddingfield is rector. 

Holy Trinity is an architectural gem on East 88th Street in Manhattan with a garden that provides a lovely oasis in the midst of the city.

​The parish recently celebrated its 125th year of ministry.  Congratulations to Holy Trinity, and many blessings in the years to come.

After the Sunday service, Sr. Monica Clare led a discussion on the religious life with parishioners.

OUR BOY SCOUT TROOP

The CSJB Sisters chartered a new Boy Scout Troop 130 in 2022, and they are making great strides in Scouting.
 
From Troop 130 leader Lawrence Morris:
It is my pleasure to announce that Ian Braun earned the rank of Eagle Scout last Thursday and is Scouts BSA Troop 130’s third Eagle Scout in its recent history!!!

Ian is a highly involved and active Troop 130 Scout, serving as the Troop's first Senior Patrol Leader. To date, he has spent 58 nights camping; hiked 115 miles, and given 106 hours of his time in service of others. As a result, he earned the National Outdoor Award for Camping and Riding. Additionally, Ian was elected to the Order of the Arrow, Scouting's honor society, and achieved Brotherhood. 

Ian with his Eagle Scout trophy at St. Marguerite's

For Ian's Eagle Scout service project, he built and installed two picnic tables at Scott Farm in January 2024 for the benefit of Mendham Borough.
 
Ian looks forward to continuing to be a senior leader of Troop 130 as well as being President of Venturing Crew 130 plus going on more adventures with his fellow Scouts to places like Philmount. 
​

THE SPRING MARKETPLACE
​AT ST. MARK’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, MENDHAM

Our Sisters participated in the annual Spring Marketplace at St. Mark’s, Mendham, on May 4. The Marketplace features one-of-a-kind handmade goods from local artists and craftspeople.  We always enjoy sharing joyful fellowship with friends and new friends who stop by our Nun Better Gift Shop table to check out our handmade jewelry and crafts. The Marketplace takes place before Mother’s Day and before Christmas every year.
​If you’d like to participate in the next one, please contact Marketplace organizer Julie Maurer at [email protected]

Young Sharing Project volunteers at the spring marketplace

(L to R) St. Mark's parishioner Peter Bryan, Sr. Monica Clare, Sr. Deborah Francis, and CSJB Associate and rector of St. Mark's, Lorna Erixson at the spring marketplace

Sr. Pamela and Jennie at the spring marketplace

THE NEW COMMUNITY BROCHURE

We recently put together a much-needed update to our official community brochure, which was last designed way back in 2014. We have many printed copies of the new brochure at the Convent, but if you’d like to see it, CLICK HERE for a PDF. Many thanks to Tom and Dawn Delaney and the staff at Minisink Press for doing such a great job on all our printed materials.

CLICK HERE to see a PDF of the new brochure

BIRDS OF CSJB

One of the ravens at CSJB. Photo by Chris Neff

Local wildlife photographer Chris Neff, who serves as Director of Communications for New Jersey Audubon, enjoys taking photos of the many birds on our property.
​He recently spotted some ravens nesting at our school property, and he sent us this information about them:

“From the 1920s to the 1990s there were no documented nesting birds in NJ. Seeing a raven was about as rare as seeing an eagle, maybe more so. ​

They are slowly making their way back and this raven was nesting so I did not stay long. Ravens are predators and extremely smart. They can hunt in pairs with one distracting a bird guarding a nest while the 2nd raids it. They can mimic other bird calls. They can even distinguish human-made sounds like a hunter's gunshot which might lead them to a carcass to feed on or a car alarm which does not mean food. Black-like crows but larger, almost as large as a red-tailed hawk, and often solo. Crows flap wings when flying and ravens can glide.”
​

There are several large ravens, along with some smaller juveniles, on the CSJB property.
​Photo by Chris Neff

OUR KNITTING MINISTRY

It’s never too early to help with our knitting ministry! Even in the spring and summer, we knit hats, scarves, socks, and mittens for people experiencing homelessness. If you’d like to help, we can provide the yarn. Use any patterns you like. We love to see your creations.
 
Please email Sister Monica Clare at [email protected] for more info.

Knitted items from our wonderful volunteers.

COMMUNITY TO ATTEND NEW JERSEY HISTORY AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION CONFERENCE REVISITING THE PAST TO PLAN FOR THE FUTURE:  RECONCILIATION IN ACTION
By CSJB Associate Julie Crawford

This year the Community will be represented at the New Jersey History and Historic Preservation Conference in Jersey City on June 5-6. Sponsored by Friends of New Jersey Preservation, New Jersey Historic Trust, and the New Jersey Historical Commission, the conference provides networking opportunities for fundraising and grants. Sister Linda Clare, CSJB Foundation Redevelopment Board Member Myles Varley, and CSJB Associate Julie Crawford will be present for the 2-day event to host a CSBJ table and to attend workshops.
 
The Sisters have had a strong presence in Jersey City with missionary outreach programs at Grace Church Van Vorst and at St Christopher's House from its inception in New Jersey.  In 2023 CSJB was identified as one of the Top Ten Endangered Sites in New Jersey
 
The Sisters are pleased to be the workshop sponsor for Paved Paradise: Returning Dignity to Lost Graves at Inwood.  The workshop will feature the history of ‘Inwood's The Knoll’, long known as the site of African burials and Lenape ceremonies, in Manhattan’s Inwood neighborhood (211th Street @ 10th Ave).  The Knoll was leveled in 1903 with no regard for the 36 sets of remains unearthed. A commission is working with representatives of the Lenape community and veterans of the African Burial Ground National Monument with a clear-eyed goal: to create “more than a marker” to speak for the history of the site. The site is slated for development by the Bowery Residents’ Committee as a planned homeless shelter.
 
The theme of this year’s Conference is To and From: Connecting History by Road, Rail, and River.  The conference will be held June 5th at the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal and June 6th at the NJIT campus.  The Conference Welcoming Event features Darley Newman, author, and media figure whose work in creating compelling series, including her Emmy Award-winning productions on PBS, "Travels with Darley" and "Equitrekking," has solidified her status as a leading voice in the industry. Darley's recent architectural and historical series, "Look Up with Darley," earned an Emmy nomination, further highlighting her versatility.
Learn More About the Conference and How to Register  
Learn More About Dozens of  the Keynote Speakers
 
Prayer for Social Justice 
Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart [and especially the hearts of the people of this land], that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  BCP Prayer 27, p. 823
 

ASSOCIATES AND OBLATES

As we approach our special Commemoration Day celebration for the 150th Anniversary of ministry in the United States, we’d like to remind everyone of the meaning of Commemoration Day:
The purpose of the day here in the USA has always been to celebrate with our Associates, Oblates, and friends and to receive new Associates. Commemoration Day began at the Convent of St. John Baptist in England in the early twentieth century and was for the purpose of honoring the members of the boards of trustees who served the Community in its mission works around England and abroad. The date was chosen to be near June 24, the Feast of St. John the Baptist. As the years passed, groups from parishes where the Sisters served were also invited. ​

CSJB Associate the Rev. John Rollins is one of many priests who generously give of their time to celebrate mass at the Convent.

In the United States, the first Commemoration Day was held shortly after Sister Margaret Helena became Superior in 1949. She told us that eleven people came to the first one, and the Sisters were pleased at the great turnout! 

​If you are interested in becoming an Associate, please email the Superior Sister Monica Clare at [email protected].
 
Some news of Sister Eleanor Francis, the former head of the Associate/Oblate program: She is doing very well living at Brighton Gardens assisted living in Florham Park and is helping out at parishes which currently have no priest. In May, she is scheduled to help at St. John's Episcopal Church in Boonton and at the Church of the Redeemer in Morristown. 

ST. JOHN BAPTIST SCHOOL ALUMNAE

SJBS alum Rev. Monica Giordano sent us this lovely message for our 150th:
 
“Recalling the first time I walked through the front door of St John Baptist School; it was precisely at that moment an unseen Presence embraced me and…still remains within me.
Thank God for the Community of St John Baptist Sisters, priests, staff, alumnae, Oblates and Associates, and pets who unfailingly continue to welcome, nurture, teach, and educate human beings they embrace worldwide. We know so little of the magnitude Love offers us.  Yet, the inspiration of the CSJB sisters who embody, “He must increase.  I must decrease.” and assure us of the effectiveness, continuity, and eternal Love of God.”

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.
​
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

CENTERING PRAYER
Every Thursday from 7:00 to 7:45
On Zoom
Our Centering Prayer group has been meeting for many years and it is one of our most popular ministries. Guests can gather on Zoom. Please email Sister Monica Clare at [email protected] if you are interested in joining.

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

CLASS: WHEN BAD THINGS HAPPEN
​TO GOOD PEOPLE
​Every Friday morning  - On Zoom
The Friday morning “Jewish Jesus” class is now reading  When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Harold Kushner. The class continues to include 50% Christian and 50% Jewish participants. 50% are men and 50% are women. We have an interesting mix! 

If anyone is interested in learning more about the class, please contact Sr. Eleanor Francis at [email protected].

PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR

• All who have been affected by COVID
• All who have suffered from gun violence
• All people affected by military conflict.
• All victims of human trafficking.
• All who are suffering grief and illness.
• For peace in the Middle East, peace in Sudan, and peace in Ukraine,
• For refugees throughout the world,
• For our Searchers who are discerning a call to the Religious life, and

Sister Suzanne Elizabeth and Jennie. Photo by Sister Margo Elizabeth

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

J​arad and Monica
​Jason
Jay
Jean
Jeanette
Jeff and his children
Jennifer
Jess
Jessica and Brendan
Jim
​Jimmy
Joanna
Joseph
John
John and Family
Jon
Joyce
Judith
Juli and family
Julian
Kamala
​Kasenia
Kathleen
​Kathy
Karen
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
Sheila
Sister Barbara Jean
The Somerville Family
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

Sister Deborah Francis celebrating her 30th anniversary of Life Profession on April 25th

• 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 Famil

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. Elizabeth Ivell and the people of the Church of the Messiah
The Rev. Victoria McGrath and the people of All Saints Millington
The Rev. Anne C. Thatcher and the people of St. Peters Morristown​
​

TO SUPPORT OUR GENERAL FUND

(L to R) Sister Laura Katharine, Sister Victoria Michelle, the Rev. James Ross Smith, and Sister Linda Clare in the sacristy. Father Smith led our Long Retreat in April.

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.
​

YOUR LEGACY FOR CSJB

The majority of our buildings, chapel furnishings, Convent and Retreat House furnishings, and ongoing ministry funds were made possible through legacies.

​It is mainly through the kindness of legacy donors who believed in our mission that we have carried forward the plans of the Holy Spirit for our Community from 1852 to the present time. The restoration of the Convent in 1960 was made possible by a legacy gift. Before that gift, the Sisters lived at St. Marguerite's for ten years because the Convent repairs were too expensive to undertake.

Many thanks to all the kind people who have expressed interest in being CSJB Legacy donors. Our promise to you is that your legacy will continue God's work.

CLICK HERE for information about becoming a Legacy donor.

The Convent from a different perspective. Photo by Sister Margo Elizabeth

SPRINGTIME AT CSJB

Please enjoy the slideshow below of spring beauty at the Convent