UPDATES FROM THE SISTERS - September 2021

Jennie, thoroughly enjoying herself with Sister Pamela in the Mendham Labor Day Parade September 6.

“Always,
   we begin again.”
​
     St. Benedict
​

The Community of St. John Baptist founded and ran the St. John Baptist School for girls from 1880 until 1983, and so our year is still structured much like the school year. This means that September feels like a new year for us – a time for new beginnings. 

​On Monday, September 6, three of our Sisters and Jennie marched in the Labor Day Parade in Mendham, which was themed “Celebrating Volunteerism.” Sister Eleanor Francis, Sister Pamela and Sister Monica Clare joined members of Grace Lutheran Church to represent the Mendham Interchurch Committee in the parade. The weather was perfect, we saw many friends, and Jennie had a great time. We look forward to working with Mendham Interchurch to provide more exciting programs for the surrounding community in the coming year.

ST. MARGUERITE’S RETREAT HOUSE MAKES A NEW START OCTOBER 1, 2021

Vanguard cleaning staff, working hard in the parlor

We are still looking for volunteer help with:

Steam cleaning furniture
Furniture repair
Helping to move furniture

If you would like to help with St. Marguerite’s reopening, please email [email protected]  to find out how to donate or volunteer. 

After 18 months of being temporarily closed due to the pandemic, St. Marguerite’s Retreat House is nearly ready to welcome guests on October 1. Thanks to a grant from an anonymous donor, as well as individual donations from our CSJB supporters, we’ve been able to hire professionals to make repairs and upgrades – some of which had been delayed for decades due to lack of funds. 

 Retreat House Manager Brad Kalos, his son Richard, and their friend Russ Sonnier have been putting in long hours making sure all the rooms in the house are comfortable and well-furnished. Vanguard Cleaning Service is doing a deep clean of the entire house. Dun-Rite Home Improvements has upgraded the 2nd floor bathrooms, put new screens on the windows, and done numerous other repairs, and S&G Painting has repainted the kitchen, bathrooms, and pantry areas. Sister Linda Clare has helped coordinate the renovations and she and staff member Ana Antunez are laundering all the linens and  towels.  It will lift all our spirits to welcome groups back to St. Marguerite’s, where an average of 2,000 visitors a year have come for peace, quiet, and spiritual refreshment since 1960. 

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Sneak peek of a newly renovated bathroom at the retreat house
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THE PONY BOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE!

An illustration from Sister Margo's book "Not Just an Ordinary Pony"

An illustration from Sister Margo's book "Not Just an Ordinary Pony"

​The incredible story of Pony's 27-year ministry of presence at CSJB, written by Sister Margo Elizabeth, is now available to order online. Filled with countless illustrations and photographs, the pony’s story will hopefully give you hours of enjoyment.

​As part of a fundraiser for our community, we hope you will order the book directly from the distributor. The total price, including shipping and handling, is more than we anticipated, but the publisher gets 50% the total sales price, and then the other 50% will go towards our ministries.

​To place your order directly from the distributor, please click on the link here:
https://store.bookbaby.com/book/not-just-an-ordinary-pony
If you’ve already ordered the book, please feel free to forward the order link to any friends and family who might also enjoy it.

Sister Margo is also working on a coloring book based on the story of Pony. That book will available in the Nun Better Gift shop soon!
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THE GOOD SHEPHERD HOME IN CAMEROON

​The children of the Good Shepherd Home have started school, and they want to extend a huge THANK YOU to all the generous people who have contributed to their school costs.
​
This month we held our first meeting of the new Good Shepherd Home fundraising committee. We are so grateful that so many dedicated, hardworking people from all over the U.S. have joined our committee, and we’re thrilled that committee members have already taken on several projects to raise support for the Home.

Children of the Good Shepherd Home at school.

Sister Mary Lawrence, of the Sisters of Bethany, helps to run the Home

​Our committee’s first goal is to find 100 new sponsors to support the Good Shepherd Home. Sponsorship costs only $40 a month, and since CSJB provides administrative services for free, 100% of the monthly contribution goes to the Home.

If you’re interested in becoming a GSH sponsor, or in sponsoring a child’s college education, please email [email protected] or go to www.goodshepherdhome.org
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THE GARDEN OF HOPE

From CSJB Associate Julie Crawford:

Activity continues to abound at the Garden of Hope as we move into the fall season.  Members of the Sharing Project and Brookside Community Church continue to harvest and have planted some fall crops. Members of the Church of Messiah constructed some additional raised tregs to make access easier for older participants.  Fresh mulch has been moved to cover pathways to prepare for further restoration.   Upcoming plot preparation for winter crop cover is on-going.

Young volunteers from the Sharing Project and UCC Brookside in the Garden of Hope

Volunteers and Sisters at the Garden of Hope.

While the earth remains,
Seedtime and harvest,
And cold and heat,
And summer and winter,
And day and night
Shall not cease.
Genesis 8:22

The Convent provided bins and baskets for the peach tree gleaning efforts of The Sharing Project.  The tradition of gleaning is presented throughout the Old Testament, and the following passages suggest three grounds for the gleaning laws. Generosity toward the poor was first a prerequisite to God blessing the work of peoples’ hands (Deuteronomy 24:19); second was to be driven by the memory of Israel’s experience under cruel and abusive slave-masters in Egypt (Deuteronomy 24:22a); and third is a matter of obedience to the will of God (Deuteronomy 24:22b).  Similarly, in the New Testament in the Book of Ruth, the benefit of gleaning wheat provided Boaz with an opportunity to assist Ruth and Naomi which was sustainable.  

A bountiful harvest for the Food Bank

The Garden of Hope will benefit from the efforts of Life Scout Bret Kiefer of Boy Scout Troop 1 (yes Boy Scouts originated in Mendham).  Bret will be honoring the garden as his service project.  His project will include construction of the greenhouse and its foundation, installation of 2 large beds with higher reach access, fence and gate repair, relocation of the compost beds, and placement of a sealed tumbler compost bin. 

Photos courtesy of The Sharing Project 
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DANCES OF UNIVERSAL PEACE AND A LABYRINTH WALK

The Dances of Universal Peace outdoors at CSJB

On September 11, we welcomed members of Interweave to our outdoor labyrinth as they held a remembrance for 9/11.

​Later that afternoon, a large group of people from New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and Washington DC gathered next to our Garden of Hope for the first Dances of Universal Peace event in nearly two years. ​

The Dances have always been held in our main chapel, but this year it was decided that it would be safest to hold the event outdoors. Luckily the weather was perfect, and we were overjoyed to see so many people attended. Many thanks to Janet Maulbeck, Interweave, and Andre Bernard for bringing these wonderful events to our campus.
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ANGLICAN PRAYER BEAD WORKSHOP ON ZOOM 

There’s still time to register for Sister Victoria Michelle’s Anglican prayer bead workshop on Zoom October 23 from 10AM to noon.

During her extremely popular bead workshops, Sister Victoria Michelle provides instruction on how to make your own wooden Anglican prayer beads along with meditations and scripture reflections. 

Sister Victoria explaining the Anglican Rosary on Zoom .

​To register, contact Jan Paxton at [email protected]
Please place the words “Anglican Prayer Bead Workshop” in the email subject line. 
Please note: The cutoff date for ordering beads is October 15

WARBLERS AT THE CONVENT

American Redstart Warbler at the Convent

Our friend Chris Neff, who is Director of Communications at the New Jersey Audubon Society, visited the Convent recently to photograph the warblers who are passing through New Jersey on their way to their Central and South American winter homes. The recent heavy rains have contributed to an increased number of bugs, which the warblers love. Chris caught some of these beautiful birds on camera – which is not easy to do since they are small, shy, and constantly in motion. 

He also captured our resident hawk, and a little wood duck at the pond. Since our property provides a safe haven for so many species of birds and other wildlife, CSJB will be partnering with the New Jersey Audubon Society for bird walks and nature programs in the coming months.

Please enjoy the slideshow of Chris' photos of the birds at CSJB above.

You can see more of Chris’ great photographs on his Instagram account at www.instagram.com/neffisms

IN MEMORY OF SHERYL TREE (1951-2021)

Sheryl Tree, a longtime friend of CSJB, died at her home in Mendham on September 10, 2021. Sister Victoria Michelle was particularly close to Sheryl because as a Certified Nursing Assistant, Sister Victoria Michelle cared for her and helped her with household tasks during the final years of her illness. She visited Sheryl throughout hospice care, brought flowers and books to her, and was with her almost to the end. 

Sister Victoria Michelle (center) with Sheryl Tree seated to her left at the CSJB Epiphany Party in Jan. 2020.

We all give thanks for Sheryl’s friendship and for her life of service.
You may read Sheryl’s obituary here:
https://www.dailyrecord.com/obituaries/asb269265
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ST. JOHN BAPTIST SCHOOL ALUMNAE

Sister Victoria Michelle with Sister Barbara Jean at Holly Manor

ALUMS, SISTER BARBARA JEAN WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU
Sister Barbara Jean is doing very well at Holly Manor center.

She always loves to hear from SJBS alumnae. 
If you'd like to write or send a card, her address is:
​
84 Cold Hill Rd,
Mendham, NJ 07945
973-543-8712. 

FROM CELIA KALTENBACH-CROTTEAU:
Class of 1972: Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of our high school graduation.

​Chris Brodeur-MacClellan has kindly offered to host a get-together of 1972ers (grads and non-grads) at her home in Port Murray on October 9th, a Sunday.

Please go to the St. John Baptist School Alumnae Facebook page for more info.:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/334420496671​
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Celia in the 1972 St. John Baptist yearbook

CSJB OBLATES AND ASSOCIATES

Photo by Sister Victoria Michelle

CSJB Associate the Rev. Margaret Otterburn, in the photo at left, held worship outdoors at the Church of the Messiah in Chester and joyfully baptized the baby of a parishioner on Sunday, September 26. 

Many clergy in the Diocese of Newark are CSJB Oblates and Associates, and we are always grateful for their supportive presence in our CSJB family.

CSJB Oblate Susan Negrotto,'s mother Helen M. Giagiari passed away on September 24 at the age of 94. Please join us in praying for God's comfort and strength to Susan and her family.

Helen's obituary can be found here:
https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/22464736/helen-m-giagiari/manchester/new-jersey/oliverie-funeral-home

Helen M. Giagiari ​

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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 Monica at [email protected] if you are interested in joining.

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

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JOIN US FOR PRAYER ON ZOOM
Friday October 8
​10:15 AM - 11:00 AM Eastern time.
​ALL ARE WELCOME

Join us on the 2nd Friday of each month for informal intercessory prayers to give us strength and hope during these trying times.  We begin with a check-in time of 10:15am Eastern and praying starts at 10:30am. A special thanks to Interweave for the use of their online platform.

Please email Oblate Pat McKenzie for the Zoom info. at:
[email protected]

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FALL INTERFAITH SERIES​
Facilitated by Rabbi Deb Smith, Sr. Eleanor Francis, and Dr. Shabiha Sheikh

Wednesday, October 13:  “Humility.”
Wednesday, October 27: “Forgiveness”
Wednesday, November 10: “Overcoming Evil.”

All programs run from 7:30- to 9:00 p.m.
Suggested minimum donation for each:  $18.

If you think you would be interested in this program, please contact Sr. Eleanor Francis at [email protected] or 973-543-4641 ex. 3. I will see that you get registered.

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ANGLICAN BEAD WORKSHOP
​CSJB Retreat – Saturday October 23, 2021
10am-12noon
As the search to know about prayer continues, we find ways to meet the Divine and express our gratitude. Join us in making Anglican Prayer Beads to be used in your quiet time with God.
 
Retreat led by Sr. Victoria Michelle
Please send your full mailing address with a $25.00 fee to CSJB – P.O.Box 240 Mendham, NJ 07945. Payment may be made by check or PayPal.
All participants are asked to please bring a pair of pointed edged scissors and a sectioned plate to empty prayer beads onto.
​
 To register, Contact Jan Paxton at [email protected]
Please place the words “Anglican Prayer Bead Workshop” in the email subject line
The cut off date for ordering beads for the retreat is October 15.

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Catching our Breath:
​An Advent Retreat for CSJB Associates
Saturday, December 4, 2021
10:00 AM to 11:30 AM (on Zoom)
Leader: The Rev. John Beddingfield, Associate, CSJB
 
What sustains us when we are running low? How do we reconnect with God when we need a second spiritual wind? Join us for an online retreat with the Rev. John F. Beddingfield as he leads us in an exploration of biblical and theological images around breath. We will be invited to practice several ways of noticing our breath in prayer and opening ourselves more deeply to God’s Spirit.
 
Suggested Donation: (Pay what you can): $50.
Check or Paypal: Make out to Community of St. John Baptist, Attn: Sr. Eleanor Francis
After we have received your donation, we will send you a link.

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CELTIC JOURNEYS
Due to the pandemic, many of our 2021 Celtic Journeys were cancelled, but please see our trips for 2022!
​
https://www.celticjourneys.org/copy-of-ireland
https://www.celticjourneys.org/cornwall

For more information, contact Sister Margo Elizabeth:
Phone:973 543 4641 ext 4                      
Email: [email protected]

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

Our Labyrinth is still available for socially-distanced walks, with all participants wearing masks and keeping 6-foot distances between non-household/family members.

To schedule an individual or a group labyrinth walk, email Sister Monica Clare at [email protected]

PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR

All who are suffering from COVID, for all who have died from COVID, and for all who have lost loved ones to COVID,
 
For the civilians and military personnel in Afghanistan and all regions affected by war.

​All those affected by mass shootings,
 
Peace in the Middle East,
 
For all healthcare workers and other essential workers,
 
For our Searchers who are discerning a call to the Religious life,

Sister Deborah Francis and Clara in the sitting room. Photo by Sister Margo Elizabeth

Amber
Andy
Annette
Anthony
Barbara
Bill and Carol
Brandon
Carolyn and Bruce
Chase
​Cheryl
Chris
The Clewer Initiative
Sam and her children
Claire
​Dana
Daniel,
Dean
Diane
Doug
​Ellen
Erin
Geri and family
Greg and Pat,
​Gretchen
Heather
Honor
Hugh
India
Ingrid
Jack Grier’s family
James

Janet
​Jarad 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 Gil
Julian
Kamala
Kathleen
Kia
Lana
Larry and his daughter
Lee
Linda and Paul
Linda Lee
​Margaret
Maureen

Margaret and family
​Maria
​Matthew
Maxton
Maureen and Donald
McGrath family
Michael
Michelle,
Myles
Myram,
Nicole
Norman
Patrick
Patty
Phoebe
Rebecca and her family
Shane
Sheila
The Singh family
Sister Barbara Jean
​Stephanie
Sully
​Susan and family
Suzanne
The family of Mary Flood
Tiffany
Tommy
Virginia
Warren
William Benefield, Sr.

We pray especially for the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed.
 
We would be honored to pray for you. Please email [email protected] with any prayer requests. If you have requested prayers and don't see the requested name on our list, we offer our apologies. Please email the Superior and we will add the name here. ​

OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO

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

All who have contributed time, talent, and donations to help reopen our retreat house.
 
Our many helpers, volunteers, and those who encourage us
 
All our CSJB Oblates, Associates, Alumnae, and friends, and:
​

Sister Victoria Michelle doing dishes with Sister Mary Lynne in the background

Magdalena Aders
Peter J. Arney and George W. Jordan III
Donna Aubel
Barbara Barbeau
Joe Boney
Christine Brodeur
Chris Chrystal and Myram Borders
Julie Crawford
Rosemary DaCuna
Hans Dekker and the Hyde and Watson Foundation
Rosina B. Dixon
Margaret Dohnalek
Mary Donovan
Gerrie Dressler
Lorraine Emanuel
Kay & Frank Failla
Joanne Foster
Susan Fuller and family
Mayor Christine Glassner
Bill and Gay Grier
The Rev. Deacon Cathy Brunson

Elizabeth S. Halpin
Jane Hayden
Father Joe Hennen
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
Jack and Penny Rohrbach
Ed Roworth
Juli Towell
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. 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

Sister Laura Katharine (L) and Sister Suzanne Elizabeth cleaning up in the refectory after dinner.

We Sisters of CSJB look forward to the day when we can reopen our ministry of hospitality and welcome hundreds of people per year to our Retreat House and the Convent as we have always done in the past. Until then, like many nonprofits, we are having a very difficult time covering our monthly operating costs after 17 months with no income.
 
If you'd like to help us continue our ministries, please consider making a gift to our general fund through our new online Paypal portal:
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/CommunityofStJohnBap

WOULD YOU LIKE TO INCLUDE CSJB IN YOUR ESTATE PLANNING?

​If you’d like information on how to arrange a legacy gift, please email Sister Monica Clare at [email protected] or call 973-543-4641 ext. 2.
 
The majority of our buildings, chapel furnishings, Convent and Retreat House furnishings, and ongoing ministry funds were made possible through legacies. It is mainly through the kindness of legacy donors who believed in our mission that we have carried forward the plans of the Holy Spirit for our Community from 1852 to the present time.
 
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.

One of the windows in the Chapter Room

Your planned giving would help to ensure that the dreams of our Mother Foundress, to continually address "the needs of the day," will live on into the future. We welcome gifts for specific purposes and ministries, for our Capital Campaign to restore and repair our sacred space, or for the general operating fund of the Convent and Retreat House where we welcome an average of 2,000 visitors per year.

Sunset over the cloister at CSJB

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