Community of St John Baptist facts for kids
The Community of St John Baptist (CSJB) is a group of Anglican nuns. They are also known as the Sisters of Mercy. These nuns follow the teachings of Saint Augustine.
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History of the Sisters
The Community of St John Baptist started in England in 1852. It was founded by Harriet Monsell, who was a clergy widow, and Thomas Thellusson Carter, a priest. They began the order in Clewer, Windsor.
The main goal of the Sisters was to help people who were struggling. This included single mothers and those without homes. They offered them shelter and taught them useful skills. Over time, the Sisters' work grew. They also ran orphanages, schools, hospitals, soup kitchens, and places for women to stay.
The Community grew very quickly after it started. By 1901, there were about 300 Sisters. At its busiest time, the Community had around 45 different houses and locations.
CSJB in the United Kingdom
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The Sisters' main home in the UK used to be a large Victorian convent in Clewer, Windsor. This building had a beautiful chapel and lots of space for the Sisters and guests. It also provided shelter for women in need.
As the number of Sisters became smaller, they used less of the big building. So, in 2001, they moved to Oxfordshire. The original convent building has since been turned into apartments.
The Sisters lived in Begbroke for several years. Then, in 2013, they moved into their new home, Harriet Monsell House. This new convent is on the campus of Ripon College Cuddesdon. This college is a place where people study to become priests for the Church of England.
The Sisters also helped build a new chapel for the college, called Bishop Edward King Chapel. This chapel has won several awards for its design. It will be a lasting gift from the Community to the Church.
Today, the Community helps fund The Clewer Initiative. This project from the Church of England fights against modern slavery. It continues the Sisters' long tradition of protecting people who are vulnerable.
Since 1996, Sisters from another group, the Community of the Companions of Jesus the Good Shepherd, have lived with the CSJB Sisters. They share their home and daily life, but they are still two separate groups.
CSJB in the United States
The Community of St John Baptist came to the United States in 1874. This happened after a family donated property to them. The Sisters first worked in New York City, helping German immigrants.
Later, the main American home for the Sisters was set up in Mendham, New Jersey. Their work in New York ended in 1976. However, in 2007, the Sisters returned to Manhattan. They opened a small house at the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin. In 2018, they moved back to their main home in Mendham.
The main convent in Mendham includes a retreat house for visitors. It also has the Community's historic church. All of this is set on more than 20 acres of land. The convent building was built in 1913. The Sisters moved there permanently in 1915.
The convent building was added to the American National Register of Historic Places in 2007. This means it is an important historical site. St Marguerite's Retreat House in Mendham was built in 1908. It used to be a home and school for girls. Now, it is a place where people of all faiths can come for quiet reflection.
CSJB in India
The Community no longer works in India. However, in the past, the CSJB Sisters had houses and missions there.
What the Sisters Do
Besides helping people in society, the Sisters live a life of prayer. They also run places where people can go for spiritual retreats. They offer guidance to people seeking spiritual direction. In all their work, they follow the Augustinian Rule. This rule teaches them to focus on community spirit and living together.
