Community Notes - Community of St. John Baptist

Community
Notes
News of the Community of St. John Baptist
Fall 2014
Vol. XVI, No. 2
______________________________________________________________
In this Issue:
Page 2
The First-ever Golf Outing is
planned for April 27, 2015
Page 4
Sister Victoria Michelle Makes
First Vows on June 10
Page 6
Joyce McGirr, Associate and Alumna,
is ordained as a Deacon
Also Featured: News of the Sisters, Recent Events, Calendar, and Pets!
The Community of St. John Baptist, Box 240, Mendham, NJ 07945
973-543-4641 www.csjb.org
SAVE THE DATE! Monday, April 27th, 2015
OUR FIRST GOLF OUTING
This date will mark 100 years of the Sisters moving into the Convent.
As you all may know by now, we can almost always find a reason to
celebrate!
Our Nun Better Golf Outing will be held at Spring Brook Country
Club in Morristown. It is a beautiful golf course in the valley, which
runs parallel to Mount Kemble Road on Rt. 202. We have already been
promised a Rolex Watch and a Lexus car for Hole-In-One prizes!
If this event is successful, we shall no doubt be holding more Golf
Outings.
For you who remember dates, this will fall two years after Cornerstone
Day, which was held on April 27th, 2013, when we celebrated not only
100 years of the laying of the Convent Cornerstone, but also 100 years
of the Sisters being on the hilltop in Mendham.
The first Nun Better Golf Outing is dedicated to the Preservation
of:

the buildings of the Community of St. John Baptist in Mendham

the continuing ministry of St. Marguerite’s Retreat House

the continued operation of Daytop NJ on the CSJB grounds

the sacred space itself
Come, partake in the fun, friendship and the chance to meet new people who are all interested in CSJB and
golf! Please join us at Spring Brook as we “tee off” for another 100 years in our buildings and grounds,
where there is so much ministry is in the heart of Mendham. We can hazard a guess that there will be Nun
Better than this!
For more information please contact Sister Pamela on 973-543-4641 X 9 or email: sr-pamela@csjb.org
or visit our website www.csjb.org
If you would like to donate a gift toward the Raffle or Silent Auction or even make a donation, please make
checks payable to SAINT JOHN BAPTIST FOUNDATION and send to:
The Nun Better Golf Outing
Community of St John Baptist
P.O.Box 240
82 West Main Street
Mendham, NJ 07945
You will receive a tax deductible letter in return.
Thank you in advance for your support,
The Golf Outing Committee
2
Renewing
Our
Ministry
Capital Campaign Report
Brick Pavers Soon to be Installed
The brick pavers that have been
ordered by over 140 people are
soon to be installed!
We
apologize for the long delay, but
the order is on its way. The path
will be in front of St. Marguerite’s
House, and will be lined with
pavers. Additional bricks may be
engraved at any time in the future.
Cemetery Restoration Project
Progress is being made on the plans for cemetery restoration. An
architect and contractor are being chosen by the Construction
Committee. The 100-year-old walls must be rebuilt and restored to
their original beauty. Our Preservation Plan estimates that the wall
repair will include site work, concrete footings, metal reinforcements,
and rebuilding of the masonry walls. Our unique cemetery is a work
of art and an architectural masterpiece, designed by the Convent
architect, William Cordingly.
Funding for this project is to come from grants, donations and monies
raised by the 2015 Golf Outing.
Remember the Community of St. John Baptist

Planned giving is the means by which persons may make use of their resources by supporting the Community through
Bequests, Life Income gifts, Life Insurance, A Life Estate, or Appreciated Property. Income from an Endowment
Fund will be available for programs of retreat, worship, education, or special projects, as well as the future support of
the Sisters.
office@csjb.org
For further information, please contact Sr. Barbara Jean at 973-543-4641 ext. 1.
Obituaries
Walter Calvin Douglas entered into rest on May 25, 2014, aged 85. He had been an Associate for 35
years and served for many years on the Community’s Foundation Board. He was also an active member of
St. Paul’s Church in Westfield, NJ. At one time he had been real estate manager for Trinity Church, Wall
Street. He and his wife Sue were frequent visitors at the Convent. He is survived by his wife Sue, a
daughter, Robyn Kilpatrick, and several grandchildren. May he rest in peace.
Jean Allan Moore departed this life on April 19, 2014. She had been an Alumna of St. John Baptist
School and an Associate since 1943. She was 88. She was born in Wales, UK and was evacuated from
London to the US due to the bombing during World War II. She was one of several British girls who came
in those years for their safety. She and her husband, Tim and their children lived on Mercer Island near
Seattle, where they were members of Emmanuel Episcopal Church for 30 years. She is survived by her
husband and children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. May she rest in peace.
3
COMMUNITY NEWS
Sr. Victoria Michelle Makes First Vows
On June 10, our Bishop Visitor, the Rt. Rev. Prince Singh, received
the First Vows of Sr. Victoria at a festive Eucharist in the Main
Chapel. About 100 people were present. First Vows is a step toward
Final Vows, which she hopes to make in the future.
During her time in Community, Sr. Victoria has assisted at St.
Mark’s in Mendham and the Church of the Messiah in Chester,
where she presently serves on the Altar Guild and teaches Sunday
School. At the Convent she works in the sacristy and makes jewelry
for the Nun Better Shop. She also offers hospitality at St.
Marguerite’s Retreat House .
Celtic Journeys
Sr. Margo led a group of sixteen people to Ireland
in May. The group visited Dublin, Glendalough,
Kildare, Clonmacnoise, the Aran Islands, the Cliffs
of Moher, and the Dingle Peninsula. In September
another group traveled to Wales and Northumbria.
Some places of interest included Lindisfarne,
Durham, Whitby, York Minster, Snowdonia,
Anglesey, and Cardiff. Those who go on the Celtic
Journeys travel in groups of around 15-18 and visit
places of beauty and historic significance. Our
Associate, Margaret Johnson (farthest left) assists
Sr. Margo and often travels with the groups. For
information on the 2015 Journeys, see page 11.
The September group in Wales at the Pentre Ifan Dolmen
The Community Garden
Through the Community Garden, we are able to contribute
directly to the Morris County Interfaith Food Pantry, a muchneeded outreach program at this time of hardship for many. Sr.
Linda Clare and Donna MacKenzie spend many hours
cultivating and gathering vegetables to deliver to the Food
Pantry. So far, 200 pounds of vegetables have been donated and
there are more to be harvested.
Vacation Bible School
Sr. Victoria Michelle (second from left) led a
class at the Vacation Bible School run by the
Church of the Messiah in Chester. She taught
crafts to all ages and assisted with recreation. Sr.
Victoria also participates in a Women’s Bible
study at Grace Lutheran Church in Mendham.
4
Conference of Anglican Religious
Orders in the Americas
Sisters Eleanor Francis and Barbara Jean
attended the annual meeting of leaders of
Religious Orders and Christian Communities
in Toronto in May. This meeting gives the
members of the orders the opportunity to share
ideas and experiences, and to offer mutual
support. Sr. Eleanor Francis: Back row far
right; Sr. Barbara Jean: front row, middle.
Daytop Graduation
Sr. Suzanne Elizabeth offered the invocation
at the Daytop graduation ceremony.
Twenty-seven students graduated from high
school, nine of whom were from the
Pittsgrove facility in Salem County. Some
of the students qualified for a diploma from
their high school at home. Some received a
diploma from the Joseph H. Hennen
Preparatory School at Daytop, and some
earned a certificate for completing the GED requirements.
Commemoration Day
Commemoration Day this year was held on June 21. Over 100 people attended the Eucharist and
luncheon. The Celebrant and preacher was the Rt. Rev. William (Chip) Stokes, Bishop of New Jersey. Six
new Associates were received.
The Search Program
Two women attended our August Search Program, a 12-day
“live-in” with the Sisters. The program is for persons seeking a
direction for their lives and the possibility of a calling in the
Church, be it ordination, the mission field, or the Religious Life.
During their visit, they had classes, tours, visits and prayer time
with the Sisters. Laurie Ljubojevic and Suzanne Love are
pictured here with Sr. Deborah Francis at the Church of St. Mary
the Virgin in New York City, where they and Sr. Barbara Jean
spent the day.
5
Joyce McGirr is Ordained as a Deacon
Joyce McGirr, Associate of the Community and Alumna of St. John
Baptist School, was ordained to the Transitional Diaconate (a step in the
process toward ordination to the Priesthood) at Trinity and St. Philip’s
Cathedral in Newark on June 14. Several Sisters were present for the
occasion, and Sr. Barbara Jean participated as a presenter. Joyce earned
her Certificate in Spiritual Direction and her Master of Divinity degree at
General Theological Seminary in New York. She serves as Deacon at the
Church of the Atonement in Tenafly, preaching on a monthly basis and
assisting in the Church’s many outreach ministries. She also participates
in the Interfaith Women's Initiative. This organization is a part of the Interfaith Center of New York,
founded by our Associate the Rev. James Parks Morton.
Sr. Suzanne Elizabeth Leads Altar Guild Workshops
Sr. Suzanne Elizabeth attended the third annual Province Eight
Altar Guild workshop in Phoenix, AZ and conducted sessions on
“Prayer Beads as a Focal Point for Prayer” and “The Making of
Cinctures, Padded Hangers and Stole Protectors.” The keynote
speaker, Canon Carmen Guerrero, spoke of the importance of
welcoming and hospitality of altar guild members, especially in
multi-cultural parishes. Sr. Suzanne Elizabeth’s work with Altar
Guilds over many years mainly has been with the guild
organization and care of the precious articles we use in our
worship and liturgy. She says, “I believe we need to focus less on
‘things’ and more on attitudes and behaviors that show love and
respect.”
Oblates Renew Promises
Front: Sr. Eleanor Francis, Pat McKenzie, John Negrotto, Kit Rockwell, Lily Altamura,
Carolyn Dunham, Doug McKenzie. Back: Susan Negrotto, Barbara Harriman, Jean Marie
Duhamel, Cathy Brunson, Jane Jibson, Cathy Harris, Janet Thomas.
On September 13 at Noonday Prayer,
Six Oblates (front row) renewed their
annual Promises. The Promise of an
Oblate is to live by a Rule of Life for
one year. Each person plans his or her
own Rule with the Oblate Sister. The
Rule includes Attendance at the
Eucharist, at least one short Office
(prayer service) a day, a plan for
spiritual growth, meeting with a
spiritual director, and an annual retreat.
A Chance Meeting
On the day of the Oblate meeting, Charlyn Crandall Heidenreich
SJBS ’52 was visiting here with her husband Bob. During a break in
the meeting, Sr. Barbara Jean was able to introduce her to Kit King
Rockwell’41. They greeted each other like old friends, and
reminisced about their school days with Sr. Mary Barbara, Sister
Superior of the school until her death in 1971. “In Thy love and
service, unite us heart to heart.” – The School Hymn
6
SJBS Alumnae News
1943
Frances Shaffer McClelland is a chalice bearer, altar guild member and acolyte in her church, St. Andrew’s in Ojai, CA.
She sends greetings to classmates Kit King Rockwell and Marjorie (Sr. Marjorie Raphael) Wysong.
1950
Valerie Bradt Hymes phoned to say that she has recovered well after open heart surgery in the spring. She is editor of
Prismanet.org, a Criminal justice reform blog. Val has devoted her retirement years to working with prisoners.
1952
Charlyn Crandall Heidenreich emailed to say that she and her husband, Bob expect to visit the Convent in the near
future. She and Bob sail on their boat off the coast of Duxbury, MA.
1961
Joyce Beardon McGirr was ordained as a Deacon in the Episcopal Church on June 14, at Trinity and St. Philip’s
Cathedral in Newark, NJ. Her classmates Mary Ann Lewis Renn and Marian Shilstone and the Sisters attended the
service.
1964
Jennifer Keith Huitson sent greetings from England, where she and her husband, a retired priest, reside.
1965
Lynn Wilder Mullin attended the Alumnae picnic. She is an administrative assistant at Novartis in East Hanover, NJ and
is secretary of the Capital Campaign Committee at the Convent. She also serves on the SJBS Corporation Board. In her
spare time she enjoys being with her grandchildren and connecting with members of her SJBS class.
1969
Pamela Finn Nelon was sorry to miss the reunion this year. Her children and her partner Sue are doing well. She is a fulltime home health nurse.
1971
Carmen Bowser attended the Alumnae picnic.
1972
Stephanie Napoliello Hendry attended the Alumnae picnic. She has two
daughters in their 20’s. She is the organist at Sacred Heart RC Church in
Dover, NJ.
1972
Chris Brodeur MacClellan attended the Alumnae Picnic. She has stepped
down from being Warden (lay leader) at Christ Church in Budd Lake. Her
mother has recently moved near her from Arizona, and has needed much
help.
1974
Leslie Haulenbeek LaGrenade has now completed her third college degree,
with an Associate’s degree in nursing. After 20 years as a state trooper and
five years as a college professor, she hopes to be a nurse at a local hospital.
She thanks St. John’s for her education.
1975
Cathy Cleminshaw attended the Alumnae picnic on June 28 with her partner
Rachel. She is an office manager in Manhattan and is studying to be a
horticultural therapist.
1976
Alicia Brown attended the Alumnae picnic with a friend. She is Director of
Scheduling Events & Conferences at Christopher Newport University in VA.
She has a daughter Felicia, named in memory of her older sister, Felicia
Brown D’Onofria ’66.
Non Grads The following former students also attended the picnic.
Nancy Johnston Lanko has a granddaughter 13 months old. She has been
married 33 years. Her husband also attended the picnic.
Sandy Van Vorhees Closter is married and works in sports marketing.
Heidi Folkes has been married for 14 years. She is a retired horse trainer
and owns three horses in north Georgia.
Angelica Cascone lives in Wood Ridge and has retired from the restaurant
business. She has three children: 9 year old twins and a ten-year-old.
Sheree Harden attended Fairleigh Dickenson and has an Associate Degree in fine arts. She has lived all over the world,
and is now helping her mother in Trenton.
Sandy Stenner has moved from Connecticut back to NJ. She works for a consumer products company. She is married
and has two children aged 8 and 5.
Jane Howard Jibson (9th grade in 1964-65) has reconnected with the Convent and become an Associate. She attended
a recent meeting for Oblates and hopes to join this group. She has three children and several grandchildren.
Faculty:
Father Ed Cromey and his wife Pam came for their first visit back since the early 1980’s. After leaving here, he was rector
of St. Mary’s in Tuxedo, NY until his retirement.
Barbara Knox has recently retired from her position as social worker at Holly Manor, a residence in Mendham for the
elderly. She was received as an Associate of the Community in January.
Photos: Top: Mary Ann Lewis Renn, Marian Shilstone, Sr. Barbara Jean, Joyce Beardon McGirr. Middle: Top row: Nancy Johnston Lanko and
husband, Sandy Van Vorhees, Heidi Folkes, Cathy Cleminshaw and partner Rachel. Sitting: Alicia Brown, Angelica Cascone, Sr. Barbara .Jean.
Bottom: Fr. Ed Cromey and Pam.
7
Good Shepherd Home News
Sister Jane sends greetings and many thanks to all who have helped her and the Sisters to
care for the children at the two Good Shepherd Homes. The main home is in Abangoh, a
section of the city of Bamenda, and the smaller annex is in Batibo, some distance away.
The children are presently returning to school. The younger ones in Abangoh attend
nursery through fifth grade at the Redeemer School on the Good Shepherd Home campus.
The older children walk long distances to various schools. Those in university are also
returning. In Batibo, all of the children walk to school.
The Grace Bakery is up and running. It had been under reconstruction for some time, but
now is fully operational There is a new baker who is called “Uncle Bobo.”
Four new babies have recently come to the Home. All are under a month old, and they are
doing well.
The Roberto Revere Clinic is almost finished. All of the floor tiling is now in. Funding for a new bathroom is urgently
needed: $5,000 to purchase the land and build the room.
The Good Shepherd Academy Association, headed by the Rev. Canon Elizabeth Geitz in the USA, is receiving and
investing funds in preparation for the groundbreaking of Good Shepherd Academy next year in Bafut, an hour’s drive
from Bamenda. Land has already been purchased and leveled. The Academy will be a residential secondary high
school for 400 students.
The care of all the children in the Home would not be possible without the Sisters. At present there are five: Sr. Jane,
Sr. Mary Ruth, Sr. Benedict, Sr. Mary Lawrence, and Sidonie.
Sr.Mary Ruth
Sr. Benedict
Sr. Mary Lawrence
Sidonie
Sr. Mary Ruth has been in the USA since last January, visiting churches and
learning computer skills and Religious Life at the Convent of St. John Baptist. She
spent six weeks in August and September with the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual
Adoration in Clyde, MO.
NEWS FLASH! Christian Njinwa has been accepted
for training for the national football (soccer) team!
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
News from St. Mary the Virgin in New York
Summers are the most quiet-time at St. Mary’s. Many parishioners are away;
MP and EP are said on Sundays and the choir is away until the first Sunday in
October. Times Square, however, is bustling with tourists and visitors.
Between people and on-going construction walking can be onerous. Usually,
several times a day visitors come into St. Mary’s to look around and take
pictures, or sit for some quiet in the side chapels. Sometimes they may
participate in Morning or Evening Prayer, or Noonday Eucharist. It is an
opportunity to meet and worship with people from all over, not only from this state, but worldwide. This summer, people came from Northern Ireland, Brazil, India, the Philippines, Canada, England, and Asia.
I had a very moving conversation with an elderly Muslim man, a refugee from Iraq. He expressed his acceptance
of all people who love God and are people of prayer. He asked me to pray for him. Often people will stop us on the
street asking for prayers.
Sr. Laura Katharine continues with the various aspects of Sacristy work, and filling-in when I am away with
household needs. I continue to offer spiritual direction, and I work at St. Clement’s Food Pantry. Hope you had a
blessed summer as well.
Sr. Deborah Francis, CSJB
8
A Sermon for August 29,
The Martyrdom of John the Baptist
By Sister Suzanne Elizabeth
In the Song of Zechariah, the Benedictus in the Gospel of Luke, Zechariah prophesies about
this son John, that he is to go before the Messiah to prepare others to meet the Lord, and that
way of preparation was through confession and the forgiveness of their sins by the tender
compassion of God that will guide them into the way of peace. Reflecting on this mission
God assigned to John the Baptist brought my attention to the mission of the Sisters and all who
claim John as their patron.
Mother Harriet, in Leaves, shared her thoughts that the Sisters see themselves having patience in times of unanswered
prayers, misunderstandings, unkindness, failure and ridicule; in humility – in taking the lower place, as pointing others
to God’s glory, not our own; in forgiveness – of others, as well as receiving God’s forgiveness. - in pointing others to
Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the Life, as well as believing and walking in that way ourselves. May we allow this
Patronal Feast Day of ours to be an opportunity to remind us of our Patron who gave his life to bearing Truth to the
God of Truth, and ask God for grace and strength to bear witness to Jesus, the Lamb of God that takes away our sin,
forgives all, and is our Light, our Truth and our Way.
John recognized Jesus as the promised Messiah by what John saw and heard– so we too will see Jesus as our Savior,
our Way, our Truth, our Life only as we look to see Jesus for light in our darkness, and assurance of comfort and
peace. John preached about repentance needed for all to be set free. To be set free from what – our outward
oppressors? Our inward imperfections? Yes, as well as all that separates us from God, as well as from one another. It
is fear that has displaced love in our hearts, even fear of our God who is all Love, and has created us to be as God is –
all love.
This is why we must keep looking to Jesus – who always looked to God the Father and for the joy Jesus saw before
him – God’s glory, goodness, compassion, creation, magnificence. Jesus endured all pain and suffering and even
death. This was Jesus’ source of strength and peace. This was John’s source of strength and peace – when he looked
at what Jesus did, healing, teaching, forgiving, recognizing God in Jesus, the Messiah who came to set them free.
In the beginning of our Rule we quote Colossians 3:12-15: “Put on compassion, kindness, lowliness, patience,
forbearing one another and forgiving each other, but above all, put on love which binds all together and as St.
Augustine says, “The single aim is to be of one mind and heart, on the way to God.” In our Collect for this day we
pray for grace so we may boldly resist corruptions and vice – that we may receive a crown of glory.
Honestly, I would not claim to see much corruption and vice particularly that I feel in the need of grace to resist. So
what are the corruption and vice that, no doubt, are all around that I need to be aware of? How I may resist them, that I
may receive that crown of glory? Perhaps the corruption is in my speaking in how I share my story about others and
what they are up to, speaking in a demeaning way, as also I may speak of myself that is false humility – they as well as
I am not really that awful nor that great, just human, as God created me with gifts and weaknesses simply not being
used to God’s glory.
So am I corrupting another’s personhood or belittling myself in thought, word or deed? Is this a vice around me that I
use to promote myself as one greater than another, or falsely worse than another so I may be excused from
responsibility? Let us let go of that which clings so closely, let us ask God for mercy and grace as God frees us in
forgiveness and understanding. As we open ourselves to receive this forgiveness, so may we release our brothers and
sisters, perhaps our parents and others afflicted with corruption and vice that has affected us. I’m sure in practicing
this virtue of forgiveness, we will see the Light, the Truth and Way that will bring us into peace and may bring peace
to all. As St. Augustine bade his brothers and sisters so may we make this our single aim, to be of one heart and mind
on the way to God.
As John was a mirror of penitence, humility and purity, may we sense Jesus to say of us, that we are a burning and a
shining light. May we go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Amen.
9
Our Furry Friends
Hello Everyone,
I hope you have all had a good summer? I know I have! I celebrated my 3 rd
Birthday on July 7th with my best friend, Boz. He is black and white, just like
me. Well my Sisters made party hats for us to wear and doggie ice cream for
the two of us to eat – that was really my Birthday cake. Here you see me with
mine. Boz demolished his in two chomps – I was a little more lady-like! We had
much fun and many pictures were taken.
Bob, the cat, on the other hand has to stay indoors (he is supposed to be an
indoor cat due to all the vicious critters around our grounds). Needless to say
he has kept me busy too, as occasionally he has managed to get out and I have had the task of rounding him up. I
just put my paw on him to hold him down while I wait for someone to pick him up. I think he really likes me to
chase him! I am now looking forward to Fall and cooler weather! With love and licks,
Jennie
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hello: from Kookie, the New York Cat!
When one of the Sisters goes on vacation, I make sure I get lots of
attention form the other. I follow her from room to room and insist on
much cuddling. Sometimes, both are away at the same time. Then Marie
comes over to check in and feed me, usually on her lunch hour. Often, she
finds me curled up in my most favorite box in the living room. [Hence: the
picture.] I barely fit and by now after several years it is rather out of shape
& beaten up. The Sisters are thinking it is time for a new box; I’m not so
sure I want it. I’m so comfortable in this battered one, that I can’t imagine
cat-napping in a new one. My Sisters say that they have the same problem
with change. Hope your summer was good and pleasant. Love, Kookie
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
From Bob, the Convent Cat
Hello Everyone I've been here in my new home for just a little over six months now.....and I turned a
year old in August. I am very happy! Jennie is a great friend and there are so many
Sisters to spoil me. Even the dog Sisters can't resist saying hello when I'm watching
birdies in the sitting room! This is a BIG building and so much to explore. I found
myself in the basement one day in the underground tunnel and one of the Sisters'
had to rescue me. I have also slipped out the door and gone OUTSIDE which is a nono. I am supposed to be an indoor only cat, but curiosity got the better of me. The
air smells really good "out there"! One evening I got out and all the Sisters were very
worried. Search parties were formed and Sisters were sent to the main chapel and
the basement and outside around the cloister and the parking areas. I heard them
calling and calling......and I was a bit frightened as it was dark. I huddled near the
back door and finally a Sister found me! I was immediately brought in and carried to
the fourth floor. I heard later how upset and frightened the Sisters had been. Later
that week I was taken to the Vet for my outdoor vaccinations and a "Home Again
micro-chip". I also received a firm talking to about being an indoor kitty and not
scaring the Sisters. I am doing my best to behave......BOB
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Pony’s Point of View
Once again, the time of year is here when the days and nights grow cooler and the
leaves fall gently from the trees. And yes, as often as I write this, it is truly a miracle…
the changing of the seasons. It is such an honor to be able to witness the rhythm of the
seasons each year. My life is quite simple really. I have the opportunity to listen and to
watch life’s gentle cycle as it unfolds. Very uncomplicated. And so very holy…
My wish for you all is to take the time also to pay attention to the subtle changes each
day.
Life is so precious.
Love,
10
pOnY
Coming Events
CONVENT OF ST. JOHN BAPTIST: Fall 2014
82 West Main Street, Box 240, Mendham, NJ 07945
973-543-4641 csjb@csjb.org
www.csjb.org
CENTERING PRAYER Thursdays 7:15 - 8:15 p.m.
Join us for a quiet hour and learn a new way to
pray. Centering Prayer is a method of silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer,
prayer in which we experience God's presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than
consciousness itself. For info, call Sr. Barbara Jean 973-543-4641 ext. 1 or srbj@csjb.org.
LABYRINTH WALKS
Saturdays 2-4 p.m. Oct. 4, 25; Nov. 1, 15, 29; Dec. 13; Jan. 10, 24; Feb.
7,21; March 7, 21. Walk our labyrinth and learn about this ancient way of prayer. Phone Sr. Barbara Jean or email srbj@csjb.org Meet at the white Convent Building. Winter walks in Main Chapel.
FABRIC OF FAITH 1st and 3rd Thursdays, 10-3.
Learn about ecclesiastical embroidery and the
preservation of church vestments. $10 includes lunch. Contact Sr. Suzanne Elizabeth at srse@csjb.org or 973543-4641 x 5.
YOGA AT THE CONVENT
at St. Marguerite’s Retreat House. Join us Mondays from 4:45 - 6:00
p.m. For gentle Yoga. Experience how Yoga can benefit your overall well-being. (In the fall, we will offer Levels 1
/ 2 from 6:15 to 7:30) Suggested donation: $10.00 per class ~ Please bring a Yoga mat~ Classes are subject to
change. Send us your email address and we will add you to the class update list.Contact: Jean Marie at 908-8506475
ORISON: THE MANY FACES OF DEEP PRAYER
3rd Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the
Convent. Sept. 20, Oct. 18. Nov. 15, Dec. 20, Jan. 17-18 retreat, Feb. 21, Mar. 28, Apr. 18, May 16.
Tuition $1300 (includes lunch). Prayer arises instinctively in the human life….We will explore prayer (in different
cultures and traditions) “as a potent instrument of action” and a path to the union of the soul” with its divine
Source.” A training course with the Rev, Robert Corin Morris. Register 908-277-2120.
ASSOCIATES’ DAY
at the Convent, Oct. 11, 2014. 9:30-1:30. Group sharing, reflection time, prayer
time, time with Sisters. Contact: Sr. Eleanor Francis. Ph. 973-543-4641 ex.3 or sref@csjb.org.
ICON WRITING RETREAT
Oct. 22-24 With Patricia Miranda at St. Marguerite’s Retreat House. Cost:
$330 full board, $270 (Day only) & all meals.
or sr-pamela@csjb.org
For more information, call Sister Pamela, CSJB 973-543-4641 ext 9
AN EXPLORATION OF GRATEFULNESS
at St. Marguerite’s House, Sun. Nov. 2, 2:00-5:00.
Rabbi Shefa Gold, a leader in Jewish Renewal. Composer and author of three books. Register at Interweave.org or
call 908-277-2120
CONCERT: THE AMERICANA TROUPE
Sunday, November 16 at 4 p.m.
Everyone is invited for refreshments with the performers after the concert. All proceeds are for the Convent’s
renovation fund. Info: sr-pamela@csjb.org or 973-543-4641ex 9
THE EPIPHANY PARTY!
Sunday, January 4, 5:00 p.m. This event is for old and new friends of the
Community. Enjoy an evening of music and fellowship with the Sisters. Vespers and Reception of Associates -4
p.m. Informal Supper and Musical Evening at 5. Bring hors d’oeurves, veggie platter, finger food or dessert
Come when you can!
WINTER SEARCH PROGRAM For those seeking God’s Call in their lives.
February 13-16, 2015. A Live-in with the Sisters to experience the Religious Life. and the opportunity to learn
about any vocation in the Church. Write or e-mail Sr. Barbara Jean 973-543-4641 ext. 1 or srbj@csjb.org
ASSOCIATES’ RETREAT Sat. Feb. 28, 2015. SAVE THE DATE!
Celtic Journeys 2015
Ireland
May 12-22
Cornwall & SW England
Sept. 8-17
with Sr. Margo 973-543-4641 ext. 4
Contact webmaster@celticjourneys.org for details
Community of St. John Baptist
P.O. Box 240 – 82 W. Main St.
Mendham, NJ 07945
NON PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
CHESTER, NJ 07930
PERMIT # 296
Address Service Requested
www.csjb.org
csjb@csjb.org
FALL 2014
NEWSLETTER
We have gone Green and wish to go greener!
Please let us know if you would prefer to have the Newsletter sent to you by email.
Please respond to: office@csjb.org
Gentle Yoga at the Convent
Mondays 4:45-6 p.m. $10.00. Bring a mat.
The Many Faces of Deep Prayer
3rd Saturdays With the Rev. Robert Corin Morris
9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Full info inside
Icon Writing Retreat
Oct. 22-24. No art experience needed. Info inside.
An Exploration of Gratefulness
Nov. 2, 2-5 p.m., with Rabbi Shefa Gold. Food for thought
and inspiring music. Info inside.
Concert: The Americana Troupe
“The Old Time Way”
Nov. 16 at 4 p.m. Info inside.