CommunityNotes

News of the Community of St. John Baptist Fall 2014Vol. XVI, No. 2______________________________________________________________

In this Issue:

Page 2 The First-ever Golf Outing isplanned for April 27, 2015

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 07945973-543-4641 www.csjb.org

Page 4 Sister Victoria Michelle MakesFirst Vows on June 10

SAVE THE DATE! Monday, April 27th, 2015

OUR FIRST GOLF OUTINGThis 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 tocelebrate!

Our Nun Better Golf Outing will be held at Spring Brook CountryClub in Morristown. It is a beautiful golf course in the valley, whichruns parallel to Mount Kemble Road on Rt. 202. We have already beenpromised a Rolex Watch and a Lexus car for Hole-In-One prizes!

If this event is successful, we shall no doubt be holding more GolfOutings.

For you who remember dates, this will fall two years after CornerstoneDay, which was held on April 27th, 2013, when we celebrated not only100 years of the laying of the Convent Cornerstone, but also 100 yearsof the Sisters being on the hilltop in Mendham.

The first Nun Better Golf Outing is dedicated to the Preservationof:

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 andgolf! 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 NunBetter than this!

For more information please contact Sister Pamela on 973-543-4641 X 9 or email: sr-pamela@csjb.orgor 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 makechecks payable to SAINT JOHN BAPTIST FOUNDATION and send to:

The Nun Better Golf OutingCommunity of St John BaptistP.O.Box 24082 West Main StreetMendham, NJ 07945

You will receive a tax deductible letter in return.

Thank you in advance for your support,

The Golf Outing Committee

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Brick Pavers Soon to be Installed

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 throughBequests, Life Income gifts, Life Insurance, A Life Estate, or Appreciated Property. Income from an EndowmentFund will be available for programs of retreat, worship, education, or special projects, as well as the future support ofthe Sisters.

office@csjb.orgFor 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 35years and served for many years on the Community’s Foundation Board. He was also an active member ofSt. Paul’s Church in Westfield, NJ. At one time he had been real estate manager for Trinity Church, WallStreet. He and his wife Sue were frequent visitors at the Convent. He is survived by his wife Sue, adaughter, 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 BaptistSchool and an Associate since 1943. She was 88. She was born in Wales, UK and was evacuated fromLondon to the US due to the bombing during World War II. She was one of several British girls who camein those years for their safety. She and her husband, Tim and their children lived on Mercer Island nearSeattle, where they were members of Emmanuel Episcopal Church for 30 years. She is survived by herhusband and children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. May she rest in peace.

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RenewingOur

MinistryCapital Campaign Report

The brick pavers that have beenordered by over 140 people aresoon to be installed! Weapologize for the long delay, butthe order is on its way. The pathwill be in front of St. Marguerite’sHouse, and will be lined withpavers. Additional bricks may beengraved at any time in the future.

Cemetery Restoration ProjectProgress is being made on the plans for cemetery restoration. Anarchitect and contractor are being chosen by the ConstructionCommittee. The 100-year-old walls must be rebuilt and restored totheir original beauty. Our Preservation Plan estimates that the wallrepair will include site work, concrete footings, metal reinforcements,and rebuilding of the masonry walls. Our unique cemetery is a workof art and an architectural masterpiece, designed by the Conventarchitect, William Cordingly.

Funding for this project is to come from grants, donations and moniesraised by the 2015 Golf Outing.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Sr. Victoria Michelle Makes First VowsOn June 10, our Bishop Visitor, the Rt. Rev. Prince Singh, receivedthe First Vows of Sr. Victoria at a festive Eucharist in the MainChapel. About 100 people were present. First Vows is a step towardFinal 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 SundaySchool. At the Convent she works in the sacristy and makes jewelryfor the Nun Better Shop. She also offers hospitality at St.Marguerite’s Retreat House .

Celtic JourneysSr. Margo led a group of sixteen people to Irelandin May. The group visited Dublin, Glendalough,Kildare, Clonmacnoise, the Aran Islands, the Cliffsof Moher, and the Dingle Peninsula. In Septemberanother 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 CelticJourneys travel in groups of around 15-18 and visitplaces of beauty and historic significance. OurAssociate, Margaret Johnson (farthest left) assistsSr. Margo and often travels with the groups. Forinformation on the 2015 Journeys, see page 11.

The September group in Wales at the Pentre Ifan Dolmen

The Community GardenThrough the Community Garden, we are able to contributedirectly to the Morris County Interfaith Food Pantry, a much-needed outreach program at this time of hardship for many. Sr.Linda Clare and Donna MacKenzie spend many hourscultivating and gathering vegetables to deliver to the FoodPantry. So far, 200 pounds of vegetables have been donated andthere are more to be harvested.

Vacation Bible SchoolSr. Victoria Michelle (second from left) led aclass at the Vacation Bible School run by theChurch of the Messiah in Chester. She taughtcrafts to all ages and assisted with recreation. Sr.Victoria also participates in a Women’s Biblestudy at Grace Lutheran Church in Mendham.

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Conference of Anglican ReligiousOrders in the Americas

Sisters Eleanor Francis and Barbara Jeanattended the annual meeting of leaders ofReligious Orders and Christian Communitiesin Toronto in May. This meeting gives themembers of the orders the opportunity to shareideas and experiences, and to offer mutualsupport. Sr. Eleanor Francis: Back row farright; Sr. Barbara Jean: front row, middle.

Daytop GraduationSr. Suzanne Elizabeth offered the invocationat the Daytop graduation ceremony.Twenty-seven students graduated from highschool, nine of whom were from thePittsgrove facility in Salem County. Someof the students qualified for a diploma fromtheir high school at home. Some received adiploma from the Joseph H. HennenPreparatory School at Daytop, and someearned a certificate for completing the GED requirements.

Commemoration Day

Commemoration Day this year was held on June 21. Over 100 people attended the Eucharist andluncheon. The Celebrant and preacher was the Rt. Rev. William (Chip) Stokes, Bishop of New Jersey. Sixnew Associates were received.

The Search ProgramTwo women attended our August Search Program, a 12-day“live-in” with the Sisters. The program is for persons seeking adirection for their lives and the possibility of a calling in theChurch, be it ordination, the mission field, or the Religious Life.During their visit, they had classes, tours, visits and prayer timewith the Sisters. Laurie Ljubojevic and Suzanne Love arepictured here with Sr. Deborah Francis at the Church of St. Marythe Virgin in New York City, where they and Sr. Barbara Jeanspent the day.

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Joyce McGirr is Ordained as a DeaconJoyce McGirr, Associate of the Community and Alumna of St. JohnBaptist School, was ordained to the Transitional Diaconate (a step in theprocess toward ordination to the Priesthood) at Trinity and St. Philip’sCathedral in Newark on June 14. Several Sisters were present for theoccasion, and Sr. Barbara Jean participated as a presenter. Joyce earnedher Certificate in Spiritual Direction and her Master of Divinity degree atGeneral Theological Seminary in New York. She serves as Deacon at theChurch of the Atonement in Tenafly, preaching on a monthly basis andassisting 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 WorkshopsSr. Suzanne Elizabeth attended the third annual Province EightAltar Guild workshop in Phoenix, AZ and conducted sessions on“Prayer Beads as a Focal Point for Prayer” and “The Making ofCinctures, Padded Hangers and Stole Protectors.” The keynotespeaker, Canon Carmen Guerrero, spoke of the importance ofwelcoming and hospitality of altar guild members, especially inmulti-cultural parishes. Sr. Suzanne Elizabeth’s work with AltarGuilds over many years mainly has been with the guildorganization and care of the precious articles we use in ourworship and liturgy. She says, “I believe we need to focus less on‘things’ and more on attitudes and behaviors that show love andrespect.”

Oblates Renew PromisesOn September 13 at Noonday Prayer,Six Oblates (front row) renewed theirannual Promises. The Promise of anOblate is to live by a Rule of Life forone year. Each person plans his or herown Rule with the Oblate Sister. TheRule includes Attendance at theEucharist, at least one short Office(prayer service) a day, a plan forspiritual growth, meeting with aspiritual director, and an annual retreat.

A Chance MeetingOn the day of the Oblate meeting, Charlyn Crandall HeidenreichSJBS ’52 was visiting here with her husband Bob. During a break inthe meeting, Sr. Barbara Jean was able to introduce her to Kit KingRockwell’41. They greeted each other like old friends, andreminisced about their school days with Sr. Mary Barbara, SisterSuperior of the school until her death in 1971. “In Thy love andservice, unite us heart to heart.” – The School Hymn

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Front: Sr. Eleanor Francis, Pat McKenzie, John Negrotto, Kit Rockwell, Lily Altamura,Carolyn Dunham, Doug McKenzie. Back: Susan Negrotto, Barbara Harriman, Jean MarieDuhamel, Cathy Brunson, Jane Jibson, Cathy Harris, Janet Thomas.

SJBS Alumnae News1943 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 ofPrismanet.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 nearfuture. 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’sCathedral in Newark, NJ. Her classmates Mary Ann Lewis Renn and Marian Shilstone and the Sisters attended theservice.

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 andis secretary of the Capital Campaign Committee at the Convent. She also serves on the SJBS Corporation Board. In herspare 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 full-time home health nurse.

1971 Carmen Bowser attended the Alumnae picnic.

1972 Stephanie Napoliello Hendry attended the Alumnae picnic. She has twodaughters in their 20’s. She is the organist at Sacred Heart RC Church inDover, NJ.

1972 Chris Brodeur MacClellan attended the Alumnae Picnic. She has steppeddown from being Warden (lay leader) at Christ Church in Budd Lake. Hermother has recently moved near her from Arizona, and has needed muchhelp.

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 andfive 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 partnerRachel. She is an office manager in Manhattan and is studying to be ahorticultural therapist.

1976 Alicia Brown attended the Alumnae picnic with a friend. She is Director ofScheduling Events & Conferences at Christopher Newport University in VA.She has a daughter Felicia, named in memory of her older sister, FeliciaBrown D’Onofria ’66.

Non Grads The following former students also attended the picnic.

Nancy Johnston Lanko has a granddaughter 13 months old. She has beenmarried 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 trainerand owns three horses in north Georgia.

Angelica Cascone lives in Wood Ridge and has retired from the restaurantbusiness. 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 marriedand 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 attendeda 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 rectorof 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 theelderly. 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 andhusband, Sandy Van Vorhees, Heidi Folkes, Cathy Cleminshaw and partner Rachel. Sitting: Alicia Brown, Angelica Cascone, Sr. Barbara .Jean.Bottom: Fr. Ed Cromey and Pam.

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Good Shepherd Home NewsSister Jane sends greetings and many thanks to all who have helped her and the Sisters tocare for the children at the two Good Shepherd Homes. The main home is in Abangoh, asection 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 attendnursery 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 alsoreturning. In Batibo, all of the children walk to school.

The Grace Bakery is up and running. It had been under reconstruction for some time, butnow 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 aredoing well.

The Roberto Revere Clinic is almost finished. All of the floor tiling is now in. Funding for a new bathroom is urgentlyneeded: $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 andinvesting funds in preparation for the groundbreaking of Good Shepherd Academy next year in Bafut, an hour’s drivefrom Bamenda. Land has already been purchased and leveled. The Academy will be a residential secondary highschool 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 andlearning computer skills and Religious Life at the Convent of St. John Baptist. Shespent six weeks in August and September with the Benedictine Sisters of PerpetualAdoration in Clyde, MO.

NEWS FLASH! Christian Njinwa has been acceptedfor training for the national football (soccer) team!

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News from St. Mary the Virgin in New YorkSummers 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 inOctober. 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 takepictures, or sit for some quiet in the side chapels. Sometimes they mayparticipate in Morning or Evening Prayer, or Noonday Eucharist. It is anopportunity to meet and worship with people from all over, not only from this state, but world-

wide. 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 thestreet asking for prayers.

Sr. Laura Katharine continues with the various aspects of Sacristy work, and filling-in when I am away withhousehold needs. I continue to offer spiritual direction, and I work at St. Clement’s Food Pantry. Hope you had ablessed summer as well. Sr. Deborah Francis, CSJB

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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 aboutthis son John, that he is to go before the Messiah to prepare others to meet the Lord, and thatway of preparation was through confession and the forgiveness of their sins by the tendercompassion of God that will guide them into the way of peace. Reflecting on this missionGod assigned to John the Baptist brought my attention to the mission of the Sisters and all whoclaim John as their patron.

Mother Harriet, in Leaves, shared her thoughts that the Sisters see themselves having patience in times of unansweredprayers, misunderstandings, unkindness, failure and ridicule; in humility – in taking the lower place, as pointing othersto God’s glory, not our own; in forgiveness – of others, as well as receiving God’s forgiveness. - in pointing others toJesus as the Way, the Truth and the Life, as well as believing and walking in that way ourselves. May we allow thisPatronal Feast Day of ours to be an opportunity to remind us of our Patron who gave his life to bearing Truth to theGod 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 andpeace. John preached about repentance needed for all to be set free. To be set free from what – our outwardoppressors? Our inward imperfections? Yes, as well as all that separates us from God, as well as from one another. Itis 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 beforehim – God’s glory, goodness, compassion, creation, magnificence. Jesus endured all pain and suffering and evendeath. This was Jesus’ source of strength and peace. This was John’s source of strength and peace – when he lookedat 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 wepray 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. Sowhat are the corruption and vice that, no doubt, are all around that I need to be aware of? How I may resist them, that Imay receive that crown of glory? Perhaps the corruption is in my speaking in how I share my story about others andwhat they are up to, speaking in a demeaning way, as also I may speak of myself that is false humility – they as well asI am not really that awful nor that great, just human, as God created me with gifts and weaknesses simply not beingused 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 Iuse to promote myself as one greater than another, or falsely worse than another so I may be excused fromresponsibility? Let us let go of that which clings so closely, let us ask God for mercy and grace as God frees us inforgiveness and understanding. As we open ourselves to receive this forgiveness, so may we release our brothers andsisters, perhaps our parents and others afflicted with corruption and vice that has affected us. I’m sure in practicingthis virtue of forgiveness, we will see the Light, the Truth and Way that will bring us into peace and may bring peaceto all. As St. Augustine bade his brothers and sisters so may we make this our single aim, to be of one heart and mindon 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 ashining light. May we go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Amen.

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Our Furry FriendsHello Everyone,

I hope you have all had a good summer? I know I have! I celebrated my 3rd

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 ofattention form the other. I follow her from room to room and insist onmuch cuddling. Sometimes, both are away at the same time. Then Mariecomes over to check in and feed me, usually on her lunch hour. Often, shefinds me curled up in my most favorite box in the living room. [Hence: thepicture.] 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 sosure I want it. I’m so comfortable in this battered one, that I can’t imaginecat-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 CatHello Everyone -I've been here in my new home for just a little over six months now.....and I turned ayear old in August. I am very happy! Jennie is a great friend and there are so manySisters to spoil me. Even the dog Sisters can't resist saying hello when I'm watchingbirdies in the sitting room! This is a BIG building and so much to explore. I foundmyself 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 no-no. I am supposed to be an indoor only cat, but curiosity got the better of me. Theair smells really good "out there"! One evening I got out and all the Sisters were veryworried. Search parties were formed and Sisters were sent to the main chapel andthe basement and outside around the cloister and the parking areas. I heard themcalling and calling......and I was a bit frightened as it was dark. I huddled near theback door and finally a Sister found me! I was immediately brought in and carried tothe fourth floor. I heard later how upset and frightened the Sisters had been. Laterthat week I was taken to the Vet for my outdoor vaccinations and a "Home Againmicro-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 ViewOnce again, the time of year is here when the days and nights grow cooler and theleaves 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 theseasons each year. My life is quite simple really. I have the opportunity to listen and towatch 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, pOnY

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Coming EventsCONVENT 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 thanconsciousness 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 e-mail 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 973-543-4641 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 tochange. Send us your email address and we will add you to the class update list.Contact: Jean Marie at 908-850-6475

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 differentcultures and traditions) “as a potent instrument of action” and a path to the union of the soul” with its divineSource.” 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. For more information, call Sister Pamela, CSJB 973-543-4641 ext 9

or sr-pamela@csjb.org

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 orcall 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’srenovation 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 -4p.m. Informal Supper and Musical Evening at 5. Bring hors d’oeurves, veggie platter, finger food or dessertCome 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 learnabout 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 2015Ireland Cornwall & SW England

May 12-22 Sept. 8-17with Sr. Margo 973-543-4641 ext. 4

Contact webmaster@celticjourneys.org for details

Community of St. John Baptist NON PROFIT ORGP.O. Box 240 – 82 W. Main St. US POSTAGE PAIDMendham, NJ 07945 CHESTER, NJ 07930

PERMIT # 296Address Service Requested

www.csjb.org FALL 2014csjb@csjb.org NEWSLETTER

Gentle Yoga at the Convent

The Many Faces of Deep Prayer

Icon Writing Retreat

An Exploration of Gratefulness

Concert: The Americana Troupe

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

Mondays 4:45-6 p.m. $10.00. Bring a mat.

Oct. 22-24. No art experience needed. Info inside.

Nov. 2, 2-5 p.m., with Rabbi Shefa Gold. Food for thoughtand inspiring music. Info inside.

“The Old Time Way” Nov. 16 at 4 p.m. Info inside.

3rd Saturdays With the Rev. Robert Corin Morris9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Full info inside