Community of St John Baptist
The Community of St. John the Baptist (CSJB), also known as the Sisters of Mercy, is an Anglican religious order of Augustinian nuns.
The community was founded in England in 1852 by Harriet Monsell (the first Superior), a clergy widow, and Thomas Thelluson Carter, a priest at Windsor. The purpose of the order was to help marginalised women - mainly the homeless and sex trade workers - by providing them shelter and teaching them a trade. The work of the sisters expanded to include administering and working in orphanages, schools, convalescent hospitals, soup kitchens, and women's hostels. The present priory is located in Kidlington, Oxford. The order expanded to the United States in 1874, eventually establishing a priory at Mendham, New Jersey.
Apart from ministries of social aid and assistance, members of the order live a life of prayer, and operate retreat facilities as well as providing retreats and spiritual direction. In these endeavours, they are guided by the Augustinian Rule's emphasis on community spirit.
References
- Anglican Religious Communities Yearbook: 2004-2005. Norwich: Canterbury Press, 2003.