What's Happening

September 6, 2024, Detroit – Sister Janet Schaeffler, OP, an author long involved in adult faith formation, recently published two books that offer support and encouragement to parish catechists, those who teach religious education to the children in their parish.

Guided by the Directory for Catechesis: Transforming the Vision and Practice of Parish Catechesis provides a guide and offers suggestions to catechists on how they should apply the 2020 Directory for Catechesis to the circumstances of their parish. The guidebook challenges and encourages catechists in their ministry of providing effective and lifelong faith formation for parishioners of all ages. Sister Janet co-wrote this book with Catherine LaVecchia and John Roberto.

As the Holy Year of 2025, Pilgrims of Hope, approaches, Sister Janet’s latest book, Catechists as Pilgrims of Hope: Reflections and Prayers for the Jubilee Year offers reflections on the hope lived out by catechists in their ministry. The booklet, based on Scripture, offers encouragement and suggestions to catechists as they strive to live out their ministry of sharing the hope and the joy of the Gospel.

An Adrian Dominican Sister, retreat leader, and consultant for catechists and adult faith formation leaders, Sister Janet once served as Director of Adult Faith Formation for the Archdiocese of Detroit. She received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership (NCCL). 

Sister Janet has written numerous catechist books and resources, including Spirituality for Catechists and The Creed: A Catechist’s Guide. She also writes annual Advent reflection booklets.

The books are available through Twenty-Third Publications or from the Weber Center Shop at Weber Retreat and Conference Center. The Weber Center Shop is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. The shop is closed for lunch from noon to 12:45 p.m. The book can also be ordered by calling 517-266-4035 or emailing [email protected].  
 

September 6, 2024, Adrian, Michigan – Do you find it hard to be at peace during a time of pressure and stress? Carol Blotter leads participants in Finding Stillness in a Frantic World: Pathways to Achieving Inner Quiet. The workshop is from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Weber Retreat and Conference Center.

Carol draws her meditation practice from her Quaker and Buddhist roots. She leads workshop participants in a gentle day, learning to identify their triggers and practice finding the sense of peace they seek. She teaches techniques for keeping your heart open to all the experiences of life, adding calm to your life and our world. She has been teaching insight meditation since 1999, leading more than 70 retreats across the United States.

The cost is $35, which includes lunch. 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 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.