What's Happening

March 20, 2026, Adrian, Michigan – In a Black History Month presentation, Black Firsts: the Present, Sisters, Associates, and community members of Adrian heard of the experience of four Black professionals from Jackson, Michigan, who are the first Black person in their role. 

“The program is about our Black Firsts – how we celebrate when our Black leaders accomplish those high-achieving goals,” said Mykayla Giles, Director of the Congregation’s Office of Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion while introducing the program. “It’s such a monumental event, but we seldom hear from them about their experience.” 

Mykayla introduced the panelists, who are also her mentors. Serving on the panel were Christopher Simpson, Jackson Chief of Police; Kelly Crum, Executive Director of School Climate and Curriculum for Jackson Public Schools; Daniel Mahoney, Jackson Mayor; and John Willis, Jackson Chief Equity Officer. 

As moderator, Mykayla’s questions to the panel focused on the various challenges that they faced as they took on their roles, including what inspired them, their reaction when they realized they were breaking new ground, how they navigated spaces in which they were the only Black person, and the systematic changes they believe still need to be made. 

Watch a recording of Black Firsts: The Present.

Caption for above feature photo: Panelists for Black Firsts: The Present are, from left, Christopher Simpson; Kelly Crum; Mykayla Giles, moderator; Daniel Mahoney; and John Willis.  

March 9, 2026, Adrian, Michigan – Radiance, the ability to see beneath the surface of matter to its heart, is the hallmark of a true contemplative. During an in-person retreat, Growing in Radiance with Teilhard de Chardin, Sister Kathleen Duffy, SSJ, draws on some of the beautiful, mystical essays of the Jesuit paleontologist to explore the inner glow that Teilhard experienced in his encounters with Christ in matter.

The retreat begins at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Weber Retreat and Conference Center and concludes at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2026. 

Sister Kathleen, Professor Emerita of Physics and Director of the Institute for Religion and Science at Chestnut Hill College, is President of the American Teilhard Association. Her research focuses on the religious essays of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin and the relationship of his synthesis to modern developments in science.

The cost is $125 for commuters (includes lunches), and $225 per person double occupancy and $325 single occupancy (includes all meals). Registration is required. Visit www.webercenter.org and click on “programs,” call 517-266-4000, or email [email protected]. Limited scholarships are available.

Weber Center is located on the campus of the Adrian Dominican Sisters Motherhouse, Adrian, Michigan. On East Siena Heights Drive, turn into the driveway between Adrian Rea Literacy Center and the solar panel-covered carport. Follow the signs to Weber Center. For information, call the Weber Center at 517-266-4000.